Leo the Lionhearted – a Very Lucky Dog (Update with sad news HERE)

Leo and his “sister” were found by a landscaper in a pen in the backyard.  They called us, and our Humane Law Enforcement Division responded.  They found that Leo's "sister, also a Chow, had died of starvation and dehydration.  Leo himself was close to death, extremely emaciated.  Dr. Turk and his staff from 4 Paws Animal Hospital cared for Leo, providing him with fluids and nutrients, giving him antibiotics, cleaning his infected ears, and shaving his terribly matted hair down to the skin.  They warned the MCSPCA that Leo might not survive.

<-Leo at the MCSPCA

Leo went to a foster home with an MCSPCA volunteer, where he gradually gained a little weight.  Leo is 16 years old, almost deaf, and walks with a severe limp.  However, he has finally learned that life can be pretty good for a dog.  He likes other dogs and over time began to come to his foster parents for pets and affection.  He didn’t know much affection in his previous life. Here he is with one of his pals at his foster home ->

Leo’s family was issued a summons by our Humane Law Enforcement Division for animal cruelty and they pled guilty in Marlboro to avoid criminal charges.  They paid a fine to the MCSPCA, paid Leo’s medical bills, and paid a fine to the town of Marlboro.  They said that the dogs were happy outside, and that they didn’t give them up to a shelter when they no longer wanted them because they were afraid that the dogs would be euthanized there.  The dogs were dumped on them by a relative, and spent the last 9 or so years in the pen, with little attention or care.

<- Here Leo is still terribly skinny but recovering at his foster home.

Leo stayed in his foster home for almost 2 months, where he continued to improve.  Then a local woman who had been involved in Chow rescue for many years saw his photo on the MCSPCA website. A volunteer had taken his photo wearing a Santa hat, and she knew immediately that he would have a home with her.  Leo now has a Chow “sister” and a mom who spoils him rotten. 



<-Leo and his new mom Barb Adoption Day! 

He gets special home-cooked meals and treats (including home-baked cookies).  He wags his tail a lot now, and likes to play with his sister.  His hair is growing back in, he continues to gain weight, and he sees a chiropractor for his shoulder and neck.  Dr. Turk felt that Leo was in good enough shape to have his teeth cleaned, and he’s now a new man with a nice clean mouth.

Leo is one happy dog who is finally learning that a dog’s life can be wonderful.  He celebrated what was probably his first Christmas, and he even traveled to Ocean City MD with his mom for a motorcycle rally.  He rides in a wagon if the walk is too long for him.

                      
           Leo at the Beach                        Leo's First Christmas           Leo in his wagon, sleeping!


                                                                
                                                                Leo’s dreams were answered            

Barb, his new mom, said , “I cannot thank everyone enough that was involved in saving his life, and there were many, many people - from the landscapers who discovered him near death in his pen, to the MCSPCA Humane Law Officer who rushed him to the vet, the vet and his staff who worked to keep him alive, to the MCSPCA - all the staff and volunteers there who cared for him and his foster Mom Debbie and his foster Dad Fred who gave him love and more love and lots and lots of care until that "special" force in the universe would finally bring Leo and me together.  ….  With all he has had to endure over his 16 years of neglect, he still loves humans, and there is not an evil bone in his body.  He is a kind, gentle, sweet, loving chow.  Yes, Leo is one lucky dog, but April and I feel we are even luckier.  Leo has lifted my spirits, given me hope and love.  No matter how much time Leo may have left, I am one lucky person to be able to share that time with him.  I just pray that God will give him lots of time with us.”

The Monmouth County SPCA follows each animal in its care from the point of neglect all the way to adoption.  Unfortunately, pets like Leo come in every day, requiring all divisions at the MCSPCA – our Humane Law Enforcement officers, veterinary technicians, kennel technicians, foster families and adoption staff.  We work hard not only to rescue animals but to ensure that those causing animal suffering are brought to justice. 
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JUNE 13, 2007 - We are sad to report that Leo passed away. Here is a letter from his mom, Barbara-

It is with heavy heart and tearful eyes that I bring you this very sad news. Today, Tuesday, June 12, 2007, Lucky Leo the Lion Hearted, "Leo", was gently sent to a better place. The advanced arthritis in his spine from the neglect he suffered for so many years was the toll that took his life.

Because of caring people like the landscapers who found Leo's dying body the end of October 2006 behind his owners million dollar plus house, the caring staff of the Monmouth County SPCA, the vet staff at Four Paws Vet Hospital, all the love his foster Mom Debbie Elsinger gave him in his first months of rescue, the caring staff at my vet hospital, Tiechurst Animal Hospital, and his chiropractor Dr. Andy Daniele who helped him so much- they all gave me the opportunity to love Leo.

From the moment I saw his picture on the adoption site of the MCSPCA I knew our lives were destined to be joined. The moment I met him at his foster home our hearts were bonded. My only regret of opening my heart to him is that our time together was not long enough for me to completely show Leo how wonderful a dogs life could be. He was showered with love and devotion for the six months we had together. I tried to show him all the pleasures of life and he in turn showered me with love and devotion that will stay forever in my heart and soul. Because of the care he received he got to experience the wonders of the world, the wonderful colors of fall, winter's pleasures, April showers bringing May's flowers, and as summer approached he got to see how pretty and enjoyable summer could be, all this in the comfort of a home as a family member, never being wet, cold or hot, always feeling just right. Having all he wanted to eat and drink, special treats like home cooked meals and home baked cookies, he was a very loved family member. Leo was the most wonderful chow I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and loving, he was sweet and a gentle man, he had a loving nature, he loved everyone and everything. Everyone who met him fell in love with him. To the left is a photo of Leo with almost all his fur grown back, he was such a handsome boy!

I wish he had survived long enough to attend an event being done in his honor; "Gimme Shelter" something we hope will become an annual event. Leo is the spokesdog for the need of proper shelter for all dogs. Though I feel and believe all pets should live in the home as a member of the family, those pets who cannot, should have proper shelter. "Gimme Shelter" is an event where dog houses are going to be built and made available to families who cannot afford to purchase proper shelter for their pets. If Leo had proper shelter, perhaps his life could have been very different. My life was greatly enriched by Leo and I will miss him so very much.

A very special force in the universe brought us together and I am grateful for every moment we had to share together, April and I will be forever missing Leo's love, his spirit will live on.

Forever Leo's Mom, Barbara

Make a donation in Leo's memory to support Gimme Shelter and help dogs like him-

Please choose "anywhere most needed" and "in memory of"- In the box below that
put "For Leo the chow and Gimme Shelter"


Acknowledgments can be sent to his forever mom Barbara Malone.


Thank you.