Age: 7 years
Gender: Male
Breed: Golden Retriever
Weight: 89 lbs.
Status: Not Ready For Adoption
We believe Leo came to us from a puppy mill and needs a very special family to provide a new “leash” on life. Their forever family must have unconditional patience working at the dog’s pace to build their trust and gain confidence being a dog. As their self-assurance grows, these formerly terrified puppy mill dogs can approach new situations and life with a positive outlook rather than fear. To meet the needs of these dogs, GRRMF requires the home life conditions of their forever home to have a secure fenced in backyard, regardless of the age of the dog, a calm and chill pal mentor dog and a quiet residence with an adult who is at home most of the day each day.
He’s a little bit shy, he’s a little bit scared but who wouldn’t be if you spent all your life isolated and away from the real world. The amazing thing is that this seven year old youngster is a sweet boy who just wants to be comforted and loved.
Life is looking up for Leo to have a new beginning, GRRMF will see to that! What a change this must be for him to get to roll in the grass, to have doggy toys, and to see other animals wandering around. His curiosity is peeked when he sees the cat approaching or the ducks at the pond waddling by; he watches but doesn’t chase.
Leo has been getting along well with his furry foster brother and they are forming a nice relationship. The only bone of contention in their new found friendship has been Leo’s crate napping. He loves being in the 
crate as it provides comfort and security in this scary world with lots of new, loud and unusual noises to him. Leo needs the companionship of another dog, but he also needs his own crate that he doesn’t have to share with anyone else.
Like Linus, from the Peanuts family cartoon, who showed the world that carrying a security 
blanket isn’t so strange. Leo mimics that behavior by carrying a toy in his mouth, it’s his security blanket as he navigates his new surroundings and freedoms. He also finds great joy and comfort in being petted and brushed, a handsome boy, always wanting to look his best. Leo enjoys quiet walks, playing ball and cuddling in his crate with his toys. Since he hasn’t been use to riding in a car, he’s a bit nervous and will need slow introductions with a crate or harness while riding.
Leo’s foster family is patiently introducing him to the great outdoors, house training is coming along but he is apprehensive to go outdoors and often needs additional coaching and motivation to go out for a potty break. Time, patience, love and training will help Leo advance and overcome his fears.
This handsome and sweet boy needs a quiet home with another dog and an adult who is at home most of the time. He is currently enjoying the company of a teenager in his foster home who is respecting his need for comfortable surroundings that won’t startle him as he adapts to his new life. Leo will make someone a loyal and wonderful companion, he has lots of love to offer that special family that can give him the patience and love he deserves. 
“If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.” James Herriot, All Creatures Great and Small.
If you will open your home and heart to embrace this special boy, please consider adopting Leo at https://www.grrmf.org/how-to-adopt/.
