Vegas Shelter Call Reunites Man With Dog He Saved From Snowstorm 12 Years Ago

On a freezing January night in 2014, stand-up comedian Aaron Foster never expected his life to change while walking through a Colorado snowstorm.

But there, alone in the bitter cold, was a trembling German shorthaired pointer with no collar, no tags, and nowhere to go.

Foster couldn’t walk away. He brought her inside, warmed her up, and named her Sadie. For a brief but meaningful moment, they became a family.

Twelve years later, on January 7, 2026, Foster’s phone rang in Las Vegas.

On the other end was The Animal Foundation, telling him they had found a dog with his name on her microchip. The dog’s name was Sadie.

The remarkable reunion, first reported by Newsweek, has since struck a chord with readers across the country.

A Snowstorm Rescue That Started It All

Back in 2014, Foster was living in Boulder when he came across the young dog shivering in the snow. Sadie was timid and unsure, clearly frightened by the storm and her surroundings.

Once inside, though, her demeanor shifted. As soon as she realized she was safe, she curled up close, desperate for warmth and comfort.

For many people, that night would have marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment. But Foster was facing a difficult reality.

@aaroncharlesfoster

I’m on my way, sweet girl.

♬ original sound – First Motors

He was preparing to spend the next year traveling, and he knew he couldn’t give Sadie the stability, routine, and daily presence she needed.

Rather than risk failing her, he made the painful decision to contact a reputable rescue organization in Arizona and place her in their care.

Sadie was adopted later that year. Foster moved forward with his life, trusting that he had done the right thing and hoping the dog he saved would thrive in her new home.

A Dog That Never Quite Left His Mind

Over the next dozen years, Foster built a life in Las Vegas, continued his comedy career, and in 2019 adopted another dog, Bodie, who became his constant companion.

Still, Sadie lingered quietly in the back of his mind. He wondered where she ended up, whether she was happy, and if she remembered that snowy night.

It was a familiar ache for anyone who has loved a pet, even briefly. Some bonds form fast and never fully disappear, no matter how much time passes or how many chapters follow.

The Call That Reopened Everything

When the call came from The Animal Foundation, Foster was initially confused.

Bodie was safe at home. But as staff explained that the microchip information dated back to 2014, the truth sank in.

Sadie had been found wandering Las Vegas with no collar or identification, and the chip — never updated — still listed Foster as her contact.

As detailed in the Newsweek report, the realization brought a surge of conflicting emotions.

There was relief that she was alive, joy at the possibility of seeing her again, and worry about how she had ended up alone after so many years.

Whether she had recently become lost or had been rehomed again was unclear. What mattered was that she had been found.

There was no hesitation. Foster told the shelter he was coming.

A Reunion Twelve Years In The Making

When Foster arrived at the shelter, recognition was immediate. Sadie was older now, her face marked by time, but her presence was unmistakable.

At approximately 13 years old, she was officially a senior dog, yet the connection between them resurfaced instantly.

The reunion, captured in a short TikTok video with the caption “I’m on my way, sweet girl,” quickly resonated with viewers online and helped propel the story far beyond Las Vegas.

The drive home was cautious and quiet. Sadie was nervous after her time as a stray, unsure of what came next.

But once inside Foster’s home, something shifted. After meeting Bodie and settling into a familiar rhythm, the anxiety faded.

For the first time in twelve years, Sadie was home again.

Giving A Senior Dog The Ending She Deserves

Foster’s goal now is simple and deeply personal: to give Sadie the best possible final chapter.

Despite her age, she is in good health, suggesting she was cared for at some point along the way.

Foster’s parents have already stepped in to help dog-sit both Sadie and Bodie, making sure stability and consistency are never an issue.

This time, there are no doubts about where she belongs.

The Quiet Lessons Behind Sadie’s Journey

Sadie’s story is heartwarming, but it also carries important reminders for pet owners. Her microchip, implanted back in 2014, was the sole reason she was reunited with Foster.

Without it, her past would have remained a mystery. Yet the story also highlights a critical oversight: the chip was never updated by her adopting family.

Keeping microchip information current is often the difference between a reunion and a permanent loss.

The absence of a collar and ID tag also played a role. While microchips are invaluable, they require a shelter or veterinary scan.

A simple tag with a phone number could have shortened Sadie’s time as a stray dramatically, sparing her stress and uncertainty.

Her age adds another layer of heartbreak. Senior dogs are especially vulnerable when displaced, less able to cope with stress, exposure, and sudden change. Sadie was lucky. Many older dogs are not.

A Second Chance, Finally Fulfilled

In the end, Sadie’s story is one of second chances and long arcs of responsibility.

Foster saved her once on a snowy Colorado night. Twelve years later, as first reported by Newsweek, a phone call gave him the chance to do it again.

This time, there is no goodbye.