Leo always wants to know what his person is doing. (Image: Kathryn Reed)
Leo is a lover.
Lover of walks. Lover of cuddles and belly rubs. Lover of the water. Lover of not listening to his Auntie Kae.
Leo is my sister, Pam’s, 1-year-old Cavalier King Charles.
He spent a few days with me and mom this month, and will be back for a longer stint in November.
Leo has no problem adapting to a queen-size bed. (Image: Kathryn Reed)
What fun it was to have a four-legged living with us since Mylo passed earlier this year and AJ in 2022. I have been getting my dog fix by walking the canines at Butte Humane Society.
Having a dog in the house full time is something else entirely. Since our home was new to Leo I was on high alert when he wasn’t by my side. (He had adopted me as his person while his parents were away.)
He learned which door to sit at when he needed to go out. He quickly knew it didn’t take much convincing for me to put him in my bed. If he wanted to play, I got off the couch and onto his level. It was all about Leo, and that was fine by me.
Leo takes in the views along the Pacific Crest Trail in Butte County. (Image: Kathryn Reed)
We went on walks, did a little ball throwing/chasing at a park, swam, hiked and went through a car wash. He really didn’t know what to make of the car wash. Pretty sure he didn’t like it, though he never made a peep.
The funny, well not that funny, thing was when he wanted to chase cars and bikes. Good thing I had a solid grip on the leash. My sister says the bike thing was new and hasn’t happened since he’s returned home. So, really not sure what that was about.
What impressed me is how good his ears are. Leo heard the vehicles before he saw them. In fact when we were in the park he probably never saw the vehicles through the trees. Still, he stopped, turned his head to where the sound was coming from—hearing the cars before I did—and then went a bit berserk.
Pam says this behavior is sporadic. We’re hoping he outgrows it.
Going through a car wash is not Leo’s favorite activity. (Image: Kathryn Reed)
I was pretty sure I had undone all the training Pam had worked so hard on. After all, aunties are supposed to be fun, not super disciplinarians. I did work with him on walking on the leash, but when hiking that went out the window.
Apparently, though, his vacation with me wasn’t totally destructive. This week he passed his therapy dog test. This means he can visit patients in hospitals, the VA and other places.
He is a big lover after all, so I know he will do great.
I am smiling as I read and look at the pictures. Leo is definitely welcome any time.
Getting your doggie time always a joy. My sister had two Cavaliers, Aloha and Duke. Always a joy to be on call to be Auntie care sitter and having my love bucket filled.
Pups are such a joy! When we adopted Foxy, we realized it had been 20 years since we had a puppy – so glad to have a partner as this wild one became a family member.
One year old is impressive to pass the therapy dog test! He is legal to read with kids in the library, too.
Cute story, hi Leo! I’m glad I took that year and a half off after Tuco passed and gave time to the deserving animals at the NV SPCA. After 12.5 years with my boy I was really afraid of adopting Tuco 2.0 and having unfair expectations that a new puppy would be just like him. I couldn’t be happier with my unique Juanita who isn’t very much like Tuco at all. But each day she gives me a chance to appreciate how every animal is so wonderfully different and fun in their own way!
Cute little clip. And yes, nothing like the love of a dog.
How precious!
We broke down and got another Aussie girl. We love Ms. Stevie! She is hilarious and loves people and to play with other dogs. Our hearts are happy! 🐾🐾
Great Story Kae! He loves his Auntie Kae!
🐾🐾❤️❤️
Love this. Yup, pups fill us with love and laughter…Leo sounds like a character.
oh so wonderful. lucky dog and lucky you !