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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSaddog opened in the winter of 2022 near Walmart, but since then, LeMaster\u2019s vision for the store has evolved with the community\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSaddog 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\u2019t many options to pick up a \u2018toy\u2019 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,\u201d said LeMaster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because she listened to the \u201cnudging\u201d of friends and added tabletop gaming, the Game Manufacturers Association recently awarded Saddog with the 2025 GAMA Horizon\u2019s Fellowship, an accolade created by GAMA\u2019s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to support underrepresented communities in the tabletop industry \u2014 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While planning to move to a larger location, LeMaster was faced with a gut-wrenching decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI 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 \u2018real job.\u2019 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the hospital discharged LeMaster, she began searching. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI was fortunate to find one, but I had to wait for renovations to be completed. So, my next hurdle was, \u2018Do I wait possibly months or find somewhere to operate short term?\u2019 I was lucky enough to find another business in town willing to work with me while I waited for my forever home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n LeMaster is now located at 119 E. Depot St. beside the Capri Theatre and Shovel Pizza. Whether you\u2019re 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" JFigurines from your favorite games and movies, such as \u201cDungeons & Dragons,\u201d \u201cStar Wars,\u201d and \u201cFive Nights at Freddy\u2019s,\u201d 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\u2019t just a toy shop \u2014 it\u2019s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":23584,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23576","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/1-3-1024x683.png\")
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