Hey there, Patch readers. My name is Leo and I’m a soft, fluffy ball of sweetness with a very laid-back attitude. Mutts Matter thinks I’m a St. Bernard-mix, which makes sense given how tall and handsome I am. I have a soft and flowing creamy-white coat, and big, soulful brown eyes. I’m about four or five years old and weigh 85 pounds, but I could stand to put on some more weight due to the lack of care I received in my last home. Just because my last owner wasn’t good to me is no reason for me to hold a grudge against the rest of the world, so I stay positive and friendly with everyone I meet, no matter who they are.
I was rescued out of a shelter in rural South Carolina after being saved from my home by Animal Control. I was underweight and treated for heartworm, which I probably got from a mosquito, but if my owner had just given me a monthly heartworm preventative I could’ve avoided the whole ordeal. Fortunately this is a very treatable issue, especially in a resilient pup like me who believes in the power of positive thinking. I know I’m one of the lucky ones, and am well on the road to recovery.
I sincerely thank the good people from Animal Control for stepping in on my behalf to get me out of that bad situation. Now that I have a second chance to find a family that will love and take care of me, I’m going to be the most awesome dog I can.
Right now, I’m staying with my foster mom, Alana, in Leesburg. She has two dogs that live with her, and another Mutts Matter pup in the house who came up with me from the Palmetto State. She and I are pretty tight because we spent time in the shelter together, but I love my foster pup siblings too. I really like other dogs and love being part of a pack. I may be a big guy, but I’m very gentle and play appropriately with dogs of all sizes. I’m great around kids too, and have become quite the celebrity in our neighborhood. The neighbor kids stop by on a regular basis to take me on walks, and I really love all the attention and exercise. Who knew life could be so good?
My foster mom says I’ve come a long way in learning how to live in a loving home. When I first arrived, I was afraid to try new things. My foster mom would invite me up on the couch to watch TV, but I didn’t understand what she wanted because I hadn’t had much cuddling time before, so one day, she just picked me up and put me on the couch. We hung out together for the next few hours while I laid my head in her lap, and it was awesome. Now I’m a huge fan of this couch thing, and it’s probably the best place to find me if you need to get in touch with me during the day. What I want most in life is to be loved and to hang out with my people, and maybe work in a belly rub here and there.
I think I’m a pretty easy pup to add to your life. I’m laid back but social, calm but playful, and I’m not a clingy dog, but I am motivated by love and people. I’m potty-trained, love car rides, walk great on a leash, and as I mentioned before, I’m very good with kids and other dogs. I would make a great companion for a family, couple, or single owner.
If you’re looking for a gentle giant with a sweet soul who can fit in well with everyone, I’m your guy.
To learn more about Leo, go to the Mutts Matter Adoption Page and fill out an application, or you can contact Suzanne at suzanne@muttsmatterrescue.com
Follow Mutts Matter on Facebook to learn more about us and see new pups coming into the rescue!
