The life of a shelter dog can be wild. Some dogs get immediately adopted because they have the right “features” and are a popular breed while others sit around and wait for a family that may never come. For older dogs, it is often even harder because most people want puppies.
One dog waited for a forever home for 900 days.
Dogs Forever is a rescue shelter in Iowa. One of the residents at this particular rescue shelter is a dog named Leo. Leo has one amazing story that may bring some to tears! Leo is a wonderful dog who had a rough spot of luck earlier in his life. Thankfully, someone thought he was worth the battle.
Leo was almost euthanized at his previous shelter.
The ethics of euthanasia are murky at best, with many places using it as a method to clear room for new dogs. Dogs that are most at risk are those that have serious health concerns that are too expensive to fix and dogs that are too old to be adopted.
Due to his past, Leo was a difficult case for adoption.
Some dogs have some special needs that are taken into consideration when they are up for adoption. Leo is incredibly loving but needed a special home with no kids, small animals, other cats or dogs, and a large fenced in yard.
Since Leo wasn’t a puppy and had some special needs, euthanasia was a consideration for him.
Thankfully, he found a savior. Linda Reynolds worked at Dogs Forever and knew that Leo needed a second chance. Even though he had some special needs, she was certain that there was a forever home for him.
Taking him to the new shelter, people fell in love with him on social media.
When Linda posted videos of Leo progressing with training and having a blast, people started to notice! He had a great following of people on the internet who loved to see him succeed! After more than a year, Leo still wasn’t closer to having a home, though.
After 900 days, something big happened.
Living in the shelter for over 900 days, the first chance at a potential home happened! That chance was named Daniel Evens, and he had a story himself. When Daniel saw the picture of Leo online, he knew that he had a connection. When he got to the shelter, they explained Leo’s special needs. Daniel was more than happy to make it work!
“He said he was willing to put a fence in, he was willing to put the kennel inside,” said Reynolds. “We asked him to work with Mike, our trainer, for a month. He worked with him for three months.”
Daniels’s dedication was obvious.
Taking the time to bond with Leo, Daniel spent a ton of time building a relationship with his furry friend. After three months, it was finally time! Leo was going to go home with someone who cared about him!
Coming off of a fresh breakup, Daniel had some heartbreak of his own.
It seems like the two were made perfect for one another. They both needed time to heal and someone to heal with. Some matches truly are wonderful! The story is a wonderful reminder that everyone has a place for them in the world. Leo waited a long time for his best friend and was rewarded for it!
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Source: I Heart Dogs, KCRG
