In Loving Memory of Leo

Our little rescued pit pup, Leo, died Nov 5, 2010 from the dreaded Parvo virus. For those who may not know the story, Kim's friend David had found this teenie little pup behind an AC unit at the apt complex he works for one freezing morning- Oct 4th to be exact. It was unusually cold that night. How smart was it of that little pup to find that warm place to be!

I wish all of you could have known Leo. He was so much fun! Everyone who met him loved him. Johnny adored and doted on him. I was TOTALLY in love with him. Shot straight in the heart by Cupid's Arrow the second I laid eyes on him. He was the cutest, smartest, happiest, most personable little puppy. No bigger than a termite when found, maybe 4 weeks old, and not a fear in the world. How amazing what an impact such a tiny pup can have on a person, or in his case, persons.

Just before he got sick, Leo had spent Sat and Sun afternoon with me here at my house. He was so good. Even my husband had to admit "That is a cute puppy". He was the first rescue Rick had let me bring to our home in about five years. I had been wearing him out, telling him he had to see this puppy, until finally, for some reason, he said I could bring Leo over. I'm so glad I got to spend that special time with him. The next day, Monday, Leo was having a blast playing with 'Petey' (pit) at Kim's. Sue got several hilarious videos of them playing. There were no indications what-so-ever of what was to come. But Tuesday morning Leo just wasn't himself. I called Micah and she said I should take him to the vet right away. He tested positive very quickly. Total shock.

Leo spent the next few days at VetMed. Dr. Gables sent him home with me on Friday afternoon, saying there was nothing more they could do, and that if I wanted, I could take him home and try to keep him hydrated. He died here at my home about midnight, with Kim, Debbie, and me curled around him in front of the fireplace. Kim was keeping the sub-Q fluids going. I guess little Leo just couldn't take it in, he just ran out of fight. He was so tiny and frail by then. We loved him so. Our hearts were broken.

He's buried right out my front door, just the other side of the walk. I can look out there anytime and think of him. No matter how much I cry, it just doesn't seem to be enough. There is a big,empty, aching hole in my chest where my heart used to be. Right now it feels like it will never go away. I blame myself. I wonder why. I want the world to know how special he was. I want for answers, an explanation, to make some sense of it. But in the end, it won't change a thing. All I can do for him now is miss him and remember him, and I always will.

Sibbie