MY STORY -
I was picked up by Animal Control wandering the downtown mean streets of Houston, TX. My head was too big for my body and it was clear that I’d had a rough time. Some nice people rescued me and I went to a lady’s house where there were other dogs and even cats. I stayed there for a couple of months and then I ended up at Highland Lakes SPCA in Marble Falls, TX. The vets said don’t exp
ect too much. They said I probably survived a serious disease, suspecting Parvo, which stunted my growth. The nice people at HLSPCA took care of me as best they could. I got neutered (not fun) and got my vaccinations, and some good food. Remarkably, in the four months since Houston, I added 20 pounds. I didn’t want to play or go for walks like the other dogs did. One day, a nice man from HLSPCA named Matt took me for a ride. I didn’t know where we were going. Seemed like every time I got in a car, I got left somewhere else. So, when the car stopped, I didn’t want to get out. But he made me. He took me into a nice house where I met two very nice ladies. They loved all over me and showed me some toys and they had a nice yard. Still, I wasn’t sure why I was here. And then, Matt left! About a month later, the lady and I went on long road trip. We visited a family with a little boy and two big dogs, Kronos and Athena. The lady said the man was her son and the little boy was her grandson. We had a great time. I thought she was going to leave me here. But she didn’t. After a couple of weeks, we got back in the car for another long road trip. When we finally got to where we were going, it was the SAME house she lived in! I couldn’t believe it. We came back! And the lady told me this was my home now and I was never going be left anywhere or live anywhere else again! She said she was my mommy now and we belonged together. Let me tell you about my Mom. She is about the coolest thing on the planet. She buys me all kinds of toys and treats. I have my very own big bed to sleep on (I let her sleep there too) and my very own couch. My Nana wasn’t so sure of me at first, but now she buys me treats too. My cat sister, Chelsea, didn’t want anything to do with me at first, but she’s coming around. She even came to hang out with me and Mom in the big bed the other night! My Mom and I go lots of fun places together! We’ve been to visit her son and his family 3 times! We go to the dog park and for walks around the neighborhood. She even took me to this place in town where they served food and there were other dogs and Mom got up on stage and sang. She sings a lot at home. I don’t mind. Last year, in March, Mom took me to Highland Lakes SPCA‘s “Walk-A-Dog-A-Thon” fundraiser. Events like this can sometimes become intimidating with all the activity, people, and strange dogs. I stayed right by my Mom's side. The volunteers were continuously surveying crowds ensuring children’s safety. For some kiddos, it’s the first time in their precious little lives they are eye-to-eye with us four-legged wonders and many want to poke, prod, grab and squeeze any dog crossing their paths. I LOVE kids! I’m good with it. But, regrettably, some people bring reactive dogs to events. The HLSPCA volunteers are the watchdogs. I understand! But why are were looking at ME so intently? I had no idea. It became uncomfortable as they stared at us …
The laser-focused attention of the volunteers completely befuddled me and my Mom. Fortunately, it was abruptly broken as one volunteer asked another, “Have you seen Leo?” “No, where?” “Over there!” They were pointing at ME! Wait, Leo, who is ….. oh yeah, they used to call ME Leo! After the light bulbs went on, we were engulfed in squeals of disbelief and congratulations and hugs. I was the “talk of the town” that day, and for many days after. If it weren’t for the nice people who rescued me and the nice people at HLSPCA taking care of me and posting me on Petfinder, my Mom might never have found me.
