FAREWELL SWEET LEO

 In 2007, Leo was a thin dog at a shelter.   He was full of parasites and worms, and definitely nutritionally in need. 

 He was so sick, but he was able to heal and become a beautiful healthy boy.

 His best friend was Pandy, died in August three years ago.   She was a cantankerous little thing, but oh, she loved my daughter.

 Leo also loved his kids-- Beach Bit and Leo were looking out the front door one day. 

 Pandy and Leo took many walks together.

 He was so loved and so good with the kids-- just an amazing dog.

We didn't know how old he was when they got him, but we think he was about 2, which would have made him about 14 when he passed away.

 He loved his family and would always stay closet to my daughter.   He was a Mama's boy for sure.

 He celebrated birthdays with others.

 He would come to our house to explore or hang out when his family was out of town.   He did great with the Pekes.

 

 Several weeks ago, I was taking care of Leo while my daughter was gone.  We knew he was declining.   He was having trouble walking, and I was using a sling to help him get to the yard. 

 We gave him medicine for pain, but he was getting worse.  But, we kept on so that my  daughter could see him one more time. 

 Callie was here, too, and she watched over him.

 When my daughter returned, she realized Leo was telling her it was time, but saying good-bye to an old friend is so very hard. 

 He was let go with us there, my daughter holding on to him with her face buried in his hair.   He was safe and loved as he left us.

He is "home" now and we know he's out of pain, no longer having a hard time getting around.  He was so loved-- he was one of the truly great dogs our family has had.  (Pi was the other.)   We were all so lucky to have him for the time God lent him to us.  Run free now, Leo.  We love you.