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Leo - Froyd 5031

January 25, 2010 – April 24, 2021

It was a beautiful day.  Quiet, unassuming, seemingly like any other day.  Yet, special and amazing beyond imagining that would remain always special.  Who knew one could ever love or learn so much from a humble creature, an animal, a dog, we named Leo.  Turns out he was a “Great” like his patron of whom he took his name, St. Leo The Great.

We are forever grateful to God, Herbert (Leo’s Foster Dad), and Virginia German Shepherd Rescue for this amazing gift that we received in Leo and the awesome journey we shared that touched our hearts and changed our lives.  A most unexpected surprise that lit up our lives and taught us how to live and love gracefully every moment to the fullest even until the last, that life is short, to enjoy the journey and to not be afraid. 

The journey actually began before we even found Leo.  I had been hearing from my husband since we met about how he was going to get a German Shepherd and take him everywhere with him, along with all the places and plans; to the mountains, the beach, parks, trails, adventures, travels, everywhere.  And he was going to call him “Leo”.  That was going to be his name, and he wanted to get him a chew toy elephant.  I had never ever heard of a dog toy elephant, so wished him good luck with that one!  Several years went by and I was still hearing the same stories about this German Shepherd he was going to get and take everywhere and buy a toy elephant.  Then one day, what do ya know, we are in a clothing store and come across a small home décor and ever so small pet dog section that had several rope dog toys and there it was; the toy elephant!  In faith, of course, we had to get it, because what are the chances!  There are no coincidences, only divine providence!  It would be for our German Shepherd. 

It would be another year before we met our Leo!  Then the day came, he showed up on the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue website, all bright eyed and smiling like anything in his mug shot!  He was the one! Seems it was love at first sight, my husband assured me he was the one.  His name at the time with the Rescue was Froyd.  Being an animal lover and having grown up with several dogs, cats and even a rabbit, I had known my share of heartbreak in having outlived them all and at some point decided I didn’t want to go through that grief again and somewhat detached, really did not want another pet.  However, as days and weeks went by and finally after several months, at seeing my husband’s desire to have a German Shepherd, we embarked on the trip to meet “Froyd” AKA Leo.

He was a BIG boy!  About 95 pounds at the time, he was strong, and a bit stubborn. He’d just ignore you if he wasn’t interested in what you had to say or where you wanted to go. Lol!  He was quiet and laidback unless annoyed, and very independent / autonomous; just wanted to be left alone, do his own thing and chill.  That was all appealing to us but I was very intimidated by his sheer size and strength.  But he was always a smooth operator even without trying and a head turner; handsome and beautiful at the same time! So, we went to visit him again and ended up bringing him home for sort of an impromptu trial visit.  Being pretty unprepared and uncertain at taking on the big new responsibility we took him back the next day.  Well, too late, he had already made a big impression on us.  I cried when we had to drop him off and part, and my husband and I were both lost without him and begged to get him back and adopt him.  The blessing at a second chance cleared any doubts, and we knew he was the one and that we were ready to commit!  And what a tremendous blessing indeed!  We spent every day together thereafter! 

Leo adapted very well and we took him everywhere with us; vacations, day and weekend trips, family visits, everywhere.  If it wasn’t a dog friendly atmosphere or kind of place Leo would feel most comfortable in, we didn’t go.  He LOVED car rides and road trips!!!  He loved his dog car seat cover that created a hammock like cradle for him in the whole back seat; with blanket and pillow, he was all set.  In his later days, when he wasn’t able to take walks, we would take him out just for a ride and he loved it!  He loved open fields and trips to the park as well as the Shenandoah Mountains, Big Meadows and the beach.  He loved a routine which adapted with the weather and changing seasons.  We all looked forward to meals and even daily tea time together which was for him, usually his favorite (peanut butter and frozen green beans).  He was very punctual as well and would remind me if I was late for tea time! He was a foodie with allergies so fit in perfectly with us.  He got special cooked meals and treats since he couldn’t enjoy many of the treats that other dogs do.  Leo had a chronic ear infection since he was a puppy it seems which hurt him all the time in varying degrees.  He endured daily ear drops and rounds of medicines but was a champ about it and always pressed on, no matter how he felt and always made the best of it.  He was overjoyed with the littlest things, be it a treat, trip to the park, or car ride.  He was such a gentleman and very early on, always turned around to wait for me “mom”, if I was more than a few steps behind.  He liked his pack to always be together! He was exceptionally well behaved in the house and with us and so quickly earned free range to the whole house, earning his own spot on the sofa and eventually even on the bed.  Since Leo had an ear condition, he didn’t seem to hear well and excelled at reading subtleties, facial expressions and hand signals.  As our bond grew, we could communicate without words.  He was truly gifted.  Besides all the great times and joy he brought us, he was right there through all the tough times and proved to be a tremendous source of consolation and comfort also, especially during my mom’s decline from dementia/Alzheimer’s and her passing last year.  So, whether it was fun time on a road trip, playing ball (fetch), galloping in the snow or just home time, Leo knew how to enjoy every moment.  He was a true contemplative and seemed to equally love just chilling on the sofa and staring out the window or sitting in the park field enjoying the sunshine or a cool breeze, especially at sunrise and sunset.  Oh, and although he acquired quite a few toys, his favorite was “Elephante” the blue rope chew toy Elephant!

Leo was 8 years old when we adopted him and so as time passed and with the extra toll on Leo from his ear pain and chronic ear condition, he started to slow down but he continued to do his best to carry on all the things he loved as much as he possibly could, even when it was clear he didn’t feel well and had ear pain.  He showed us great love and joy in the short time we had together, just 2 months short of 3 years but we will be forever grateful for the tremendous time we had and especially thankful to Herbert, Leo’s foster dad, whom he had a special bond with, who entrusted him to us, and everyone at Virginia German Shepherd Rescue who are so dedicated to making such an experience possible. 

Leo woke unusually early one Saturday morning, April 24th, at 4:20 AM and seemed especially restless and weary.  I will always remember the look in his eyes, one of love and exhaustive but peaceful resignation or acceptance and in his way of communicating seemed to say, “it’s time”.  I did not realize it would be 7 hours later.  After a peanut butter snack he slept for a while, and then had his breakfast with a little help getting started and then sat on the sofa seeming a bit more upbeat.  So, I packed his treats and water bottle, which he knew meant a trip to the park IF he wanted to go.  When we asked if he wanted to go to the park and approached the door, he hopped down with interest and wanted to go.  So, off we went.  He was excited as always when we turned into the park and eager to get out of the car, to head to the big open field.  With just a few steps from the car, Leo stepped onto the grass from where he could see the field he loved so much, and he just collapsed.  It seems his heart just stopped and within a few seconds, he was on to “lie down in the green pasture” he loved so much, but this time the eternal one.  Even though we rushed him to the vet, it seems he passed in the park.  While it is so hard to let him go, we are comforted that we were both with him in his favorite place where he could see the field he loved so much, and it was on the Eve of Good Shepherd Sunday. 

Leo showed us how to love and live life to the fullest every moment even until the last.  We miss him so much but he lives on in our hearts in that love.   Seems there’s a paw print there now.  I believe wholeheartedly, as Anatole France put it so beautifully, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”  As well as, Alfred Loyd Tennyson’s, “I hold it true, what’er befall; I feel it when I sorrow most, ‘tis better to have loved and lost, Than never to have loved at all.”   Leo showed us how every day…. “it’s a Beautiful day, don’t let it get away” and our paw-printed hearts overflow with love and gratitude for the gift of him.  

Psalm 23 “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I lack.
In green pastures he makes me lie down;
to still waters he leads me”…

In loving memory of Leo




Leonides 5072
6/14/2021  It is with deep sadness that we share that our sweet dog Leo has passed. We fell in love with him instantly after Herbert introduced us. We bought our first house so that Leo would have a big backyard to chase wildlife and roam about. When we brought our newborn son home, he was very curious and loving and remained a protective and patient big brother. Not to mention all the food Braden would inadvertently treat Leo to over the years! He was a force in our home and adored by our friends and family for his demeanor and regalness. Seldom did we go anywhere without him. We moved from Virginia to Washington state last year, and he enjoyed every minute of that car ride (way more than we did!). He lost his hearing during his latter years, but that didn't change his quality of life.  He still loved hiking and being near the water.  As much as he loved exploring, he also loved lounging on the couch, periodically poking his head up to make sure we were still nearby. His look back at us is something we will never forget. We wish he was still here, but we will be forever grateful to VGSR for bringing Leo into our lives.      Joy & Brian Hickey



Logan 2523

1/19/08 - 7/10/19

Logan was adopted 10 years before from VGSR and his beloved owner passed away, leaving Logan looking for a new home at age 11. Logan had a gimpy hip, but his new foster mom thought he was a very good boy and quite handsome, big at 100 lbs., goofy and chatty. He loved going to dog parks to get petted by everyone, but he really was a man's dog and the greatest of helpers. Logan passed away in foster care due to cancer, but was loved to the very end. 




Lucia

RIP Lucia 11/10/23.  It is with a very heavy heart I share with you that Lucia passed away at age 8 1/2 at home on the morning of November 10th. She succumbed to a recent diagnosis of cancer. The Vet gave her 24 hours, but sweet Lucia knew I needed more time. She lived close to 8 more weeks, peppy and so sweet until the end. I am so grateful for that time together. Her passing came a little over 7 years from the day I rescued her (though we all know that our dogs rescue us.) It is only fitting that Lucia left us on the day before Veterans Day. Visiting veterans and military families as a therapy dog were her greatest joy. She loved her visits to Ft Belvoir and greeting Honor Flights at Reagan National airport. That along with countless other visits to schools, nursing homes, or wherever she was needed got her tail wagging wildly. 


Lucia, always a puppy at heart, had soulful eyes, a sweet disposition, and only wanted to be loved and petted--definitely petted! She lived for belly rubs, her Purple Piggie, greenies and her family. She loved meeting people and even being swarmed by the young and old alike. She knew how to turn on the charm to get you to pet her, leaving you thinking it was your idea! Then she would melt into you and only leave if you stopped petting her (she could be a princess too).

On walks we were constantly stopped by people saying what a beautiful dog and she was. I know she was devoted to me...I barely could leave a room without her following. I was proud and oh so lucky to have her in my life. I will miss her forever.

If you want to honor Lucia, please give your dog and any one in the neighborhood a big pet for us. Any other tributes can be made in the form of a donation to Puppies Behind Bars or any veteran organization of your choice.

Thank you for reading this rather long tribute...it is so hard to not go on and on… missing you dear Lucia   -Yvonne




Lucinda 3821

RIP 3/11/13 - 10-29-13
Lucinda came into rescue 10/26/13, but lost her short life quickly from Parvo.



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