About

In the heart of Pike County, a legacy of love, courage, and hope is being nurtured. Welcome to Sadie’s Friends Kennel to Couch – an organization founded in memory of a little dog named Sadie and her friend Butterbean both left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew and loved them.

Sadie, a rust-colored teacup poodle, was rescued from a puppy mill when she was only 5 months old.  She was then fostered by a family who, while kind, kept her in a kennel most of the day with no interaction with other dogs and little interaction with the family. 

When Leann’s father passed away, she realized her mother needed a companion to help her fill some of the emptiness after 58 years of marriage.  Leann heard about Sadie from a dear friend she fell in love with her at first sight and new she was the perfect dog for her mom, Denise. Sadie and Denise were together for 5 years and Sadie was at her side when Denise took her last breath.  Sadie moved to Georgia with Leann where she lived for 6 months until she succumbed to an undiagnosed illness, Leann truly believes it was really heartbreak, Sadie was never really able to rebound after Denise’s death.

Butterbean was a brave soul who unlike Sadie tragically was not as fortunate as Sadie.  Butterbean spent her entire life in a horrific puppy mill having an estimated 150 or more puppies in the 9 years they believe she was trapped.  She had never been out of a cage and was covered in crate marks on her body, fatty tumors and back legs that were crippled since she was unable to move around at any point in her life.  She was abandoned at a local humane society tied to the door with a not to please destroy.  Butterbean was in terrible shape but the people at the shelter saw a spark in her and called Leann asking her to provide end-of-life comfort for this little yorkie.  As soon as Leann saw her, she named her Butterbean and was determined to give this sweet girl a few weeks of pure love and comfort.  Those few weeks turned into nearly 3 years of joy.  The veterinarian who had cared for her determined she had been living with some internal organ damage caused from her rough life.   She died peacefully in Leann’s arms at the veterinarian’s office.

The stories of Sadie and Butterbean were heartbreaking, but they were saved and their lives turned out well, so many other loving dogs aren’t so lucky. This reality sparked a beacon of change and resilience. These two souls were discovered and cherished by Leann and her family, whose love for them both grew into a purpose larger than life.

Leann founded Sadie’s Friends Kennel to Couch in Sadie’s honor to ensure no dog suffers the pain of abuse or neglect and that no dog gets left behind.

We work closely with local animal shelters, carrying on Sadie’s spirit by saving, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs in need. Our mission is not just to provide temporary shelter but to transform kennel dogs into beloved family pets, to transition them from cold concrete to cozy couches.

At Sadie’s Friends, we believe in the power of second chances and the extraordinary bond between humans and dogs. We are devoted to the welfare of these innocent lives, striving to bring out the loving pet in every dog and offering them the life of love and safety they deserve.

Sadie’s legacy is one of strength, bravery, and love. Inspired by her, we fight each day for those without a voice. Join us in this journey as we continue to turn tears of sadness into wagging tails of joy. Welcome to Sadie’s Friends Kennel to Couch – where the spirit of Sadie and her little friend Butterbean lives on.