JFigurines from your favorite games and movies, such as “Dungeons & Dragons,” “Star Wars,” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” alongside colorful backpacks adorned with iconic characters, such as Barbie and Harry Potter, awaken your inner child as you gaze through the windows of Saddog Hobbies & Games. This isn’t just a toy shop — it’s a haven for collectors, hobbyists, self-proclaimed nerds, and tabletop gamers.
As you enter through the door, the atmosphere is abuzz with strangers connecting over shared passions. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, the thrill of meeting others who love what you love is exhilarating. Everyone shares tips, stories, and the anticipation of finding that elusive piece to complete their private collection.
Shayne LeMaster, the owner, is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a dedicated mother of four. Having moved from Murfreesboro to Shelbyville in 2005, Shayne and her husband of over 25 years have embraced this town as their home, raising their children — Allison, Gage, Declan, and Owen — here.
LeMaster’s youngest son, Owen, cleverly coined the name S.A.D.D.O.G as an acronym for their family members’ names: Shayne, Allison, Declan, David (her husband), Owen, and Gage. Their French bulldog, Minnie Pearl, inspired the store’s logo and added a playful and personal touch to their brand. Plus, she regularly visits the store and often receives the title of “Employee of the Month.”
Following a career setback when the company she worked for closed abruptly, LeMaster decided to channel her skills and experiences into her own venture. Leveraging her expertise in distribution, e-commerce, and the toy market, she built a store that reflects her dedication to her family and community. The flexibility of running her own business has allowed her to be present for her children’s important moments, from sports games to family trips.
Saddog opened in the winter of 2022 near Walmart, but since then, LeMaster’s vision for the store has evolved with the community’s needs, leading her to include trading card games, like Pokemon and Magic: The Gathering. Despite having little knowledge of these games, she saw the need for a safe and inviting space for local enthusiasts to gather and play. Today, the store boasts a busy schedule of leagues and events almost every night of the week.
“Saddog was started with initial plans to be a place for collectors and hobbyists to shop. We had toyed with the idea of model trains, high-end RC cars, books, and collectibles, as there aren’t many options to pick up a ‘toy’ in town. After some nudging from the community, we expanded into tabletop games. We started with one game, then on to the next, and so on and so on. I am proud to offer a place where people want to be. They enjoy coming to see their friends or make new ones, and they can add to their collection or start another,” said LeMaster.
Because she listened to the “nudging” of friends and added tabletop gaming, the Game Manufacturers Association recently awarded Saddog with the 2025 GAMA Horizon’s Fellowship, an accolade created by GAMA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to support underrepresented communities in the tabletop industry — one of only six retailers from the United States and Canada to be chosen. The fellowship will provide LeMaster with networking opportunities, a one-year complimentary GAMA membership, mentorship, grants, and resources that will strengthen her footprint within the gaming community.
While planning to move to a larger location, LeMaster was faced with a gut-wrenching decision.
“I was hospitalized, and the store was packed up, waiting for a new location, and the one I thought I had secured fell through at no fault of my own. I considered hanging it all up and going back to a ‘real job.’ But I had put so much into this that I hated to give up on myself and the people who enjoy having a place to play their games and be themselves.”
After the hospital discharged LeMaster, she began searching.
“I was fortunate to find one, but I had to wait for renovations to be completed. So, my next hurdle was, ‘Do I wait possibly months or find somewhere to operate short term?’ I was lucky enough to find another business in town willing to work with me while I waited for my forever home.”
LeMaster is now located at 119 E. Depot St. beside the Capri Theatre and Shovel Pizza. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a curious newcomer, Saddog Hobbies & Games offers a welcoming environment to connect with others, explore new hobbies, and become part of a thriving community. Drop in to say hello, meet Shayne and Minnie Pearl, and see what makes this store a cherished local gem.
Regular events include Pokemon League on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., Disney Lorcana on Fridays at 7 p.m., and casual Magic: The Gathering on Saturdays starting at 2 p.m. GN
