Our Beloved German Shepherd Leo

Tor and I are dedicating this page in memory of our beloved dog Leo. We got Leo when he was about 8 weeks old. We got him on the day after our anniversary which was February 9th. We moved into to our home on January 27, 2000. We decided to get a puppy a little while later. So we drove to Florence, SC and pick him up on February 9th, 2000. Leo was born on November 19th, 1999. As you will see below he was a very cute puppy and so adorable. It didn’t take  him long to get house trained. With a little tender loving care and some training he became part of our pack. He was part of our family. He was loving, gentle and protective at the same time. He was a wonderful dog. As he grew up he just was so full of energy. Over the years you will see in the pictures how he changed and grew up. As he got older he started to have some trouble getting up and down. It is very hard to make a decision about ending the life of someone you love so much. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Tor and I could not let him suffer any longer. So on May 5th, 2011 we had him euthanized. I held him in my arms and was right there with him. I told him that Tor and I loved him so much and that we would miss him. We brought him home and buried him under a tree near our home. We have a memorial marker at his grave site. We keep flowers out there for him also.  I go out ever so often and tell him how much we miss him. Leo and our other dog Lady, have filled our lives with so much happiness. Lady is still with us, and she is getting old also. She will be 11 years old this December 8th. She misses Leo also. Leo was a very special dog and his pack members sure did love him and sure do miss him. He was an awesome dog.

 

This is Leo’s first bath on the day we pick him up from the breeder. He didn’t really like the water too much.

He didn’t like this to much.

Leo at 8 weeks. He loved laying on the stoop of our car port.

Leo in our kitchen, playing with his chew toy.

Leo with his daddy. They bonded together right off.

Leo and his mom. Love at first sight.

Leo loved lying on the coach. That was his spot.

Leo at around 4 months. Growing fast!

About a year old here. He took up most of the coach.

This is Leo with his daddy and his new companion Lady.

This is Leo and his mom and Lady.

Sound asleep.

Just relaxing and enjoying life.

Throwing the Frisbee around.

Guarding the back yard.

Lying in the drive just looking around.

Both posing for a picture. I just love this one!

Leo and mom cuddling on the coach.

Ready to go for a ride.

Leo and Lady lying in the hallway. Both are getting older.

Leo about 10 years old here.

Leo loved the snow. He loved eating it.

This is the last picture of Leo. This was taken in January of this year. Tor took this photo of Leo. I just love this one. I have it as a 8×10 on my desk. He was a beautiful dog and is surely missed by his entire pack/family! Below is a poem I wanted to share.

Mags looking……

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

Author unknown…