A very HAPPY Day!!!!!!!!!!!

Today, Leo and I went through our morning routine for the last time. It was bittersweet. I have become attached to his aura of sweet, baby like innocence. I have poured my heart into his healing journey. We have seen milestones that should have been months away. I am so proud of him. I am thankful he will be close. I could not be more elated with his adopters. I will miss him. We spent a lot of quality time together. He is a puppy so many people care about. I cannot express enough how incredibly "worth it" that this journey has been. He is a precious one. Leo will always remain in my heart. I will always be there for him.
For the past 10 days he has been bonding with his new Sister, Phoebe the Boxer as they awaited the return of their parents from holiday. Leo was perfect for his bath and very good during the short ride to his new home. He definately recognized his new Mom, Raqual as Phoebe led him into her house. He explored the house and yard with the happy enthusiasm he always displays. He devoured his lunch and started to fuss. It was nap time! He went into his crate, we covered him and he was out. Snoozing happily into dreamland. His comfort level was incredible. I received an email later in the day from Raqual saying what a sweet boy he was being. They are so thrilled to have Leo as a new addition to their family. Leo is very fortunate to have a whole family so dedicated to his complete happiness. Today was a really great day! ~Jewlz

2/15/08 Leo is past his surgery :)

Yesterday, Leo had his neuter operation. Everything went perfectly. He was pretty active when we arrived home. He wanted to roll in his toys and have cuddle time so we did. He was wiped out today. He went out to walk the yard with Gracie and then sat by the door. He slept most of the day. His appetite is right on point and he seems no worse for wear-just tired.

Thank you to everyone who thought of him yesterday. He has been through so much in his short life everyone's support has helped him through. ~Jewlz

Update~ 2/13/08~Leo finds LOVE

I have been fostering rescued dogs for over a decade now. Most of them have been Mastiff breeds. Last year, I started assisting with Cascade Bulldog Rescue/Rehome to try and help another breed I love. All of the dogs I have helped thus far have been dogs who were not overly difficult to place, they just needed a little time spent on them. When I agreed to foster/rehabilitate Leo, I was sure this was a process that would consume months of my life. I was ready for this and entered it willingly. (Have you seen that face???) I have a small boarding business where many of my clients are varying levels of special needs. One of my clients who has a lovely senior dog that his family nursed through brain surgery two years ago took a real interest in Leo. He was here to drop his dog off and when he returned to pick her up he brought his whole family. I had hoped to find a person or family with a serious level of commitment for their dogs to place Leo with. I had hoped this family was truly interested after hearing the details of their long journey with their dog. My biggest wish for Leo was to have an adopter who understands his current condition as well as, has the knowledge and ability to meet his future needs. In this family I not only found the level of dedication I was seeking but the genuine enthusiasm towards adding him as a member of their family and loving the stuffing out of him :) They have done their homework. They have had a ton of questions, all directly pertaining to Leo's health and well being. They truly plan on setting Leo up for success. After getting to know these people in many long conversations and visits I know in my heart, Leo's future will be very bright.

This evening, his new family was here visiting him again. They wanted to see him and cuddle with him before his big surgery tomorrow. They will be back on Saturday to see him afterwards. Before they left they took a picture with him so they could keep him with them :))))He totally adores them! He did not want them to go. Too cute!

Please keep Leo in your happiest thoughts tomorrow:) Many thanks ~Jewlz

UPDATE 02.11.08

My apologies for this taking so long...................

Leo is way ahead of the rehabilitation curve. I was told by the surgeon's assistant to not hope for progress in weeks but in months. Leo was obviously not listening when we were told this because he has surpassed my hopes for progress at this point. He is interacting beautifully with the other dogs here. He is a tireless girl chaser ;)

He has a little less energy than the other Bulldogs I have known. He trotting all around the yard and playing with his pals. He gets winded pretty easy and does rest. I am thankful for this so I do not have to be his "fun police" at playtime. He is barking to tell me when he has to go potty. He has not pooped in his crate for at least 6-7 days! He wears his boy band, aka his Insync with pride. LOL! He has three bands made of different fabrics and designs. He is great about keeping his band on and telling me when it is wet.

His world should improve even further after his neuter on the 14th. He has such a sunny outlook. He is happy and healthy and always ready to play. Please send him warm thoughts on Thurday for his surgery. I will update everyone when he is home and safe.

~Jewlz

Leo is making VAST improvements

On Wednesday I took him back to the surgery center for the evaluation of his penis which was not going back into the sheath at all, and had started a little bleeding. They examined him and lubed him up which I have been continuing. They said he should be neutered ASAP to help in his whole journey because being intact was making all of it harder on him. Lubing him and diapering him was the plan until I could get the surgeon to give me a neuter date. They do not do neuters at the surgery center so I will take him to my vet.

He does not love his Disney Cars diapers and usually squirms out of them. His poop is FINALLY firming up. He has dribbled pee at the post where every boy dog pees and I take that as a serious victory! He poops outside about 80% of the time now. Tonight I am going to bathe him, change out his whole bed and start with the belly band. He is walking beautifully with no failed steps or falling.

He is frisky and playful but I am adhering to the strict 2 weeks of no rowdiness :l His two week check will be on Thursday. His neuter is scheduled for Valentine's Day. The vet will use a laser and there will be no chance of swelling after-so this will help him with very little recovery time.

Leo demonstrates infantile antics by suckling everything from my fingers, my watch, his piggy toy and any girl dog who gets close enough ;) His constant humping has declined.

He loves laying on his side for his massage. He has been an outstanding patient. I do not know too many 9 month olds who would be this good in a crate with this little physical activity. He is lovable and affectionate. You cannot help but love him!

~Jewlz


Blowing Bubbles



Me & my tree



Me & my tree, again


I'm still handsome, shaved butt & all


YUM... SNOW! (you can still see my shaved arm from surgery)