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My Special Sponsor: John Butler
Leo: Male 12 years old
Leo is an especially sweet golden oldie! His owner sadly had to give him up...they were out of the home many hours a day. Leo has a “receding hairline” due to a low thyroid and someone commented that he has a Homer Simpson hairdo with only a few whispies on top! He is on inexpensive meds to correct his thyroid levels. Leo loves company and will lay by your side as you read the paper or watch TV. He’s a gentle soul that will light up you day!
Foster Update 2-02-2009:
Leo is an affectionate and peaceful Golden who loves to be hugged and sweet-talked to. Leo is adjusting well to his new surroundings, but occasionally looks into your eyes as to say; “Thank you for your hospitality, but I’d like to go home now.” It breaks your heart. Having a full checkup from a veterinarian; Leo is in relatively good health. He currently has a hyperactive thyroid and an ear infection, but is on medication to correct these issues. Because of the thyroid’s instability, Leo has partially lost his coat on his head and neck, but the coat will grow back but after the thyroid readjusts to normal. Currently, Leo resides with one cat and 3 dogs. They all get along very well with the resident dogs being very respectful of Leo’s senior standing. As a matter of fact, they tend to go out of their way to make him feel at home. Leo is house broken and trainable. He understands basic commands and does well on a leash.
Foster Update 02-16-2009:
It has been two weeks now since Leo was placed into our foster home. He is now feeling pretty much at home, but occasionally suffers from short bouts of separation anxiety. As trust is developed, we are confident Leo will feel completely comfortable within his new environment. Leo is such a loving Golden. He is well mannered and easily understands basic commands. We have not noted any temperament issues with Leo. He gets along extremely well with our three dogs and feline. Leo tends to crave the attention of a female over that of a male; often “hanging out” with my wife when she is home. Leo climbs stairs with no problem, enjoys water, plays and runs well, and overall – is in pretty good shape for a Golden his age. He is such a sweet senior!
Foster Update 03-23-2009:
Much to our chagrin, Leo has been diagnosed with low-grade Lymphoma. It is unfortunate that this sweet animal, one that consistently fills our hearts with joy, is now faced with limited options. As an example to an animal’s keen insight; Leo has been graciously welcomed into our home by our four pets. Each of them respectfully yields to Leo’s senior standing and appear to be aware of his illness and limitations. In spite of his cancer, Leo’s sprit remains high. He is active, has a good appetite, and otherwise appears to be in good health. Fostering this senior has been a celebrated experience for my wife and me. Although Leo’s life expectancy may be cut short; he never fails to fill our life with delight. He is so grateful for the care his receives, the companionship of our pets, and the unconditional love we all collectively share. Mankind could stand to learn from a Golden named "Leo" and fostering and/or adopting a senior will touch your heart more than you can ever imagine.
Foster Update 07-24-09:
We are happy to report that Leo is doing well. With help from his daily medications, food supplements, and Leo’s very positive outlook; he is coping with his ongoing illnesses. Although Leo’s cancer will never leave him, he remains positive and continues to be an extremely loving and affectionate Golden.Since Leo’s Thyroid has stabilized, his hair has grown back on his head. His Lymphoma medication has increased his appetite; thereby increasing his weight from 57 lbs. to 72 lbs.This year my wife and I placed a fountain in our shade garden. It did not take long for us to find out how irresistible the flowing water was to Leo. He will do anything to get to the fountain – including jumping over a two-foot high fence - not a bad feat for a fourteen year old Golden. To protect Leo from injury, we have provided a path of access to the fountain. This allows Leo to enjoy “his fountain” while preserving the health of our garden’s flowers. Leo is so elated with the fountain that he has now taught our other three dogs how to enjoy its soothing sound and tasteful bounty. It is so nice of him to share. What’ a guy..!
Foster update 10-04-2009:
Leo continues to do well. His medications, exercise routine, and interaction with our K9s have gone far toward stabilizing his medical condition. Leo has recently begun to experience a bit of arthritis in his hind-quarters; however, he is otherwise active and alert for a senior. Special thanks to Leo’s sponsor, Mr. John Butler. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Foster Update 02-10-2010:
Leo continues to do well and as all good Goldens…always wants to please. For his age, he has good and bad days, but his sprit is strong and his smile is constant. He is looking forward to the spring and the return of his beloved shade garden water fountain.
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