Leonberger Life

Leonberger Club of America

Esther’s writing prompt: October 1st : Club

Just a few minutes before I saw Esther Chilton’s writing prompt “club” I received my annual invoice for our family membership in the Leonberger Club of America. What a great reminder to pay my bill and create a post about the Leonberger Club of America. We haven’t had a Leonberger since the summer of 2020 when our Leonberger Bronco, or Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle passed away. However, we’ve kept our membership because I love their LeoLetter magazine, I know some people, I have this blog, and I wrote a book about our Leonberger and the Leonberger breed after the passing of Bronco (see the side bar on the right or click here for more information).

The Leonberger Club of America

I can add that the Leonberger Club of America, LCA for short, is the official national parent club for the Leonberger breed in the United States (and Canada). It was founded in 1985. Its mission is to preserve and promote the health, temperament, and original type of the Leonberger through education, events, performance programs, and social engagement. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the LCA as the official Leonberger breed club in the United States.

The Leonberger Club of America make sure that the Leonberger dogs are protected. You are about as likely to find a Leonberger at Petland/Puppy-Mill as you are finding an Elephant for sale there. You typically buy/get a Leonberger dog from an LCA certified Leonberger breeder or from the Leonberger Rescue Pals, and if you don’t that might be a problem. Leonberger breeders interview prospective Leonberger owners and make sure they are a good fit. If you are found to have mistreated a dog in the past, turned one into a shelter, or sold one on an auction, you cannot buy a Leonberger. The breeders are also required to take back the dog if it does not work out. To see the transcript from our Leonberger interview, click here.

Our three months old Leonberger Bronco wearing a red scarf. He is looking straight into the camera. — We bought our Leonberger Bronco (Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle) in 2007 from Julie Schaffert, a certified LCA breeder since 1992. This is a photo of him at three months old.

There are only about 3,000 Leonbergers in North America and about 2,000 Leonbergers in the United States but the Leonberger Club of America has more than 1,000 members. They publish the Leo-Letter, a quarterly Leonberger magazine. So, the Leonberger Club of America has a very prominent place among Leonberger owners. Click here to see a summary of the Leonberger Breed Standard.

A majestic Leonberger in standing on a podium and receiving an award. There are two people in picture, judge and handler. — Photo of a Leonberger from the LCA website

Other clubs associated with the Leonberger Club of America are New Jersey Leonberger Club, Great Lakes Leonberger Club, Greater Bluegrass Leonberger Club, Mid-Atlantic Leonberger Club Of Virginia, Tarheel Leonberger Club, AKC Licensed Specialty Club, The Frontier Leonberger Club Of The Southwest, Leonberger Club Of The Northwest, Northern California Leonberger Club, and the Surf And Sand Leonberger Club Of Southern California. I am a member of The Frontier Leonberger Club Of The Southwest. Other Leonberger clubs are the Leonberger University, Leonberger Health Foundation International, and the Worldwide Independent Leonberger Database. You can learn more about the Worldwide Independent Leonberger Database by clicking here.

The History of the Leonberger Club of America

Leonbergers have a long history in North America and the United States—despite the fact that until 1985, there were only seventeen Leonbergers known to be living in the United States. See: Lusby, Leonberger, page 15.

Front cover of the book Leonberger, Special Rare-Breed Edition, A Comprehensive Owners Guide, Madeline Lusby. It features a photo of an adult Leonberger and a puppy Leonberger. — Leonberger, Special Rare-Breed Edition, A Comprehensive Owners Guide, Madeline Lusby

In the 1870s, Leonbergers were brought to Newfoundland to invigorate the stock of Newfoundland dogs. Around the same time, two Leonbergers named Caesar and Sultan were purchased from Heinrich Essig’s kennel (founder of the Leonberger breed) and transported across the ocean to join the Wellesley-Sterling theater company in the United States as the stars of their productions. Then in 1879, Caesar and Sultan visited President Ulysses S. Grant, who called them the largest and most magnificent dogs he had ever seen and presented them with gold medals. During the years between World War I and World War II, a New Jersey family, the Wolfs, opened their home as a temporary refuge for Jews fleeing Germany: they also imported Leonbergers. Unfortunately, this introduction of the breed into the United States did not last, and it would be another fifty years before the Leonberger appeared in America again.

See: Bliss-Isberg, Leonberger, page 60, page 64, page 101

Front cover of the book Leonberger, A comprehensive guide to the lion king of breeds, by Caroline Bliss-Isberg. It features the face of a large Leonberger. — Leonberger, A comprehensive guide to the lion king of breeds, Caroline Bliss-Isberg

During the late 1970s and the 1980s, a few families—Waltraut and Klaus Zieher, Brian Peters, Manfred and Sylvia Kaufmann, Keri Campbell and Melanie Brown, and Mary and Reiner Decher brought Leonbergers to the United States. The Dechers had started a breeding program and were looking for a mate for their first dam, Viona. By chance their neighbor discovered through a newsletter that there was another Leonberger in the United States, and that led to the families’ finding and connecting with one another. I should add that the Dechers were careful to conform to the German breeding regulations and performed hip X-rays that they then submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Viona became the first OFA-certified Leonberger in America.

See: Bliss-Isberg, Leonberger, page 152.

On Saturday, November 2, 1985, eight of these Leonberger enthusiasts met at a hotel in Denver, Colorado, to found the Leonberger Club of America (LCA). This group of founders, which has since been dubbed the Denver Eight, appointed a registrar, formulated a breeding acceptability checklist, and instituted various policies, including the requirement that OFA certification is mandatory for breeding. LCA membership grew: it held social gatherings, began publishing LeoLetter, and imported an increasing number of dogs. Now the LCA has thousands of members across the country, and Leonbergers receive high ratings on health tests relative to other large breeds. For example, in 2000, the OFA reported that only 14.6 percent of Leonbergers tested positive for hip dysplasia, compared to 47 percent of Saint Bernards.

See: Bliss-Isberg, Leonberger, page 154, page 176.

Founding of the Leonberger Health Foundation International

Another important historical event was the founding of the Leonberger Health Foundation International (LHFI), in 2000 (it was just called the Leonberger Health Foundation back then). According to its website, the organization was founded by Waltraut Zieher and other memers of the LCA’s health, education, and research committee to “facilitate the solicitation and distribution of donations given to support health related breed-specific research.” The LHFI also administers a program that collects DNA samples from Leonbergers to share with universities and research institutions, and of course it administers the Grey Muzzle Award (long living Leonbergers). Our Leonberger Bronco was a recipient of the Grey Muzzle Award, and we provided them with his DNA.

The Grey Muzzle Award diploma features a photo of Bronco and contains the text “The Grey Muzzle Award. For Leonberger Longevity is Presented with Gratitude By The Leonberger Health Foundation International To Bronco, for offering hope and longer lives for Leonbergers throughout the World.” — Bronco’s Grey Muzzle Award, which he received for being an unusually long lived Leonberger.

LHFI’s global biobank contains DNA samples from more than nine thousand Leonbergers. Among the organization’s notable achievements are the eradication of Addison’s disease among Leonbergers and the raising of nearly half a million dollars for research into conditions that affect canine health, including osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, glaucoma, cardiac diseases, thyroid diseases, and neurological disorders. Its research also supports healthful longevity and aging as well as population diversity. Another success is the fact that since 2011, no Leonbergers with two copies of the LPN1 gene mutation (which causes Leonberger polyneuropathy) have been recorded in LHFI’s biobank. LHFI is one of my favorite charities.

The Dog Wars of America

The end of the twentieth century marked not only the end of the Cold War but also the beginning of what I call the Dog Wars of America. In 1985, the American Kennel Club (AKC) registry comprised one-third of the world’s known dog breeds. But the AKC had recognized only a few new breeds since 1887—a period of ninety-eight years. So, the organization decided to change that policy, but this did not always go smoothly. The members of rare-breed clubs often did not want to be part of the AKC. For example, the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) was very reluctant to join, so a relatively small splinter group, the United States Australian Shepherd Association, was formed and designated the official member club of the AKC, which was not welcome news to the ASCA. The border collie is another example. Charles Krauthammer, the late political columnist, called the AKC the politburo of American dog breeding.

See: Bliss-Isberg, Leonberger, page 159.

Similarly, in 2003, a new Leonberger club was formed—the Leonberger Club of the United States—with the goal of becoming the Leonberger member club of the AKC. This essentially forced the LCA’s hand, so they applied for membership in the AKC, a process that took years to complete. But ultimately the AKC approved the LCA as members in 2010: Leonbergers would officially become part of the Working Group. Fortunately, 90 percent of LCA breeders agreed to continue following LCA regulations regardless of whether the club would remain independent or become part of the AKC. Also fortunately, AKC membership afforded more opportunities for Leonbergers to participate in dog shows, which is important to many owners.

See: Bliss-Isberg, Leonberger, page 187

For more information on the history of the Leonberger starting in 1830’s click here.

On the left there is a color photo of our Leonberger as a puppy. He is wearing a scarf. On the right he is big, old and gray and lying in the grass looking into the camera. — On the left our Leonberger Bronco at three months old. On the right Bronco as an unusually old Leonberger at almost 13.

Bronco is standing on our red leather sofa giving me hug and a kiss. — Bronco our Leonberger is giving me a kiss. He is about one year old and not yet fully grown.

Seven Leonbergers lying or sitting on the sand on a beach. — Seven Leonbergers by the beach. Photo by Jen O’Keefe.

A Dogs Prayer

This is going to be a short blog post. First, I would like to make an announcement. My wife and I became grandparents for the first time a little bit less than a week ago. The baby’s name is Jack.

This post is about a dog’s prayer, which I with permission is borrowing from fellow blogger pensitivity101. This post is also related to one of my previous posts : Promises To My Dog.

A Dog’s Prayer

I am typing out the prayer in case it is hard to read the text in the picture.

Before humans die, they write their last Will & Testament, give their home & all they have, to those they leave behind. If, with my paws, I could do the same, this is what I’d ask…

To a poor and lonely stray I’d give:

My happy home
My bowl & cozy bed, soft pillows and all my toys
The lap, which I loved so much
The hand that stroked my fur & the sweet voice which spoke my name

I’d Will to the sad, scared shelter dog, the place I had in my human’s loving heart, of which there seemed no bounds.

So, when I die, please do not say, “I will never have a pet again, for the loss and pain is more than I can stand”.

Instead, go find an unloved dog, one whose life has held no joy or hope and give MY place to HIM.

This is the only thing I can give…

The love I left behind

Author Unknown

Poetry Wisdom Love and Happiness

This is a Leonberger blog, but I also post about other topics including book reviews of books that I love and want to promote. With this post I would like to promote a beautiful poetry book full of wisdom, Celebrating Poetry by Cindy Georgakas.

Below is an overview of the two formats of Celebrating Poetry by Cindy Georgakas

Paperback – Publisher : Literary Revelations LLC (November 16, 2024), ASIN : B0DNCRS8W8, ISBN-13 : 979-8991332538, 183 pages, Item Weight : 11.8 ounces, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.42 x 9 inches, it cost $6.99 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
Kindle – Publisher : Literary Revelations LLC (November 15, 2024), ASIN : B0DNBPC4GP, ISBN-13 : 979-8991332521, 183 pages. It is currently $0.99 on Amazon.com. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.

A colorful beach with grass, blue water and a stone wall. The front page also includes the title, “Celebrating Poetry”, the author’s name, and the text “A companion guide to recreate and celebrate.” — Front cover of Celebrating Poetry by Cindy Georgakas. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback version of the book.

Amazon’s Description of Celebrating Poetry by Cindy Georgakas

Cindy Georgakas is not just a wellness therapist; she is a beacon of hope and creativity through her exceptional poetry. Celebrating the profound impact of her written words, we find that her beautiful verses resonate deeply with those who seek to overcome obstacles in their lives. Each poem serves as a reminder that it’s possible to celebrate success, regain trust in yourself, and ultimately embrace love and happiness. The spirituality of the book is of a religious quality.

In a world where many feel lost or disconnected, Cindy Georgakas offers not only words but also a chance for readers to reconnect with their inner selves and rediscover joy amidst adversity. Embrace the opportunity to explore her work; you may find that within each line lies the key to your own healing journey.

This book is a must read.

This is my Amazon five-star Amazon review of Celebrating Poetry

The Poetic Book of Wisdom

This book is best read as a companion guide to another book by the author; Re-Create and Celebrate. However, as I understand this collection of conversational poems can easily be read stand-alone, which is what I did (the paperback). The book is a collection of motivational poems grouped into 4 steps; Trusting your path, From darkness to light, Ignite insight, and Celebrate. Each step features an introduction of words of wisdom related to life and explaining the purpose of the section.

The poems express thoughts, reflections, wisdom, personal experiences, love, and life lessons. The poems are beautiful and offer hope, comfort, encouragement and deeper meaning. They celebrate nature and the beauty of life. The book is also well organized and offers a flowing and delightful reading experience. The book features thousands of pearls but I would like to mention a couple.

On page 123: I place my shells on my bedside with the ashes and small bones of my grandmother and remember her crooked teeth, her one blue eye and one brown, her wrinkles and I smile, remembering it never mattered how she looked but how she made me feel.

On page 169: I guess we’ll all have to take that chance and see because no matter how much I care and love you, I just must be me and so do you.

An overview of the book, a photo of the author and an introduction to the author. — Back cover of Celebrating Poetry by Cindy Georgakas. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the Kindle version of the book.

About the Author of Celebrating Poetry

Cindy is a San Francisco native and currently lives nestled in the trees in a small community with her husband. She is a health and wellness professional, a certified life coach, personal trainer, yoga/meditation teacher, and bodyworker. She draws inspiration from her clients, friends, four children, 4 legged furry kids and nature.

Her new book Celebrating Poetry is a #1 New Top Release on Amazon. It is a companion guide to her book, Re-Create & Celebrate: 7 Steps to Live the Life of Your Dreams, has over 41 5 Star Reviews. She was voted Author of the Month on Spillwords Press in April 2023 and Publication of the Month on Spillwords in October 2022.

She is a co-author of #1 Amazon Bestseller, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women, #1 Best Seller of Hidden In Childhood: A Poetry Anthology and is also a Treasured Contributor to MastecadoresUsa.

You can read more of Cindy’s work at Unique Times by Cindy Georgakas

Click here to visit Unique Times

Promises To My Dog

Esther’s writing prompt: 17th September : Promises

Click here or here to join in.

Dogs are domesticated wolves. To survive in our human society, they need to be taken care of. We often get them as puppies and all they know is how to live with people. When you get a dog, this is a lifetime commitment. Despite this fact a lot of people buying puppies bring them to shelters and many irresponsible breeders bring unsold puppies to shelters. In addition, 7% to 20% of dogs adopted from shelters are returned to the shelters, mostly due to behavioral issues or owners’ unrealistic expectations. Dogs who were returned for behavioral issues were also more likely to be euthanized.

Some dog owners don’t even bother to turn their dog into a shelter, they just abandon them. In the U.S., approximately 3.1 million dogs enter shelters each year. Many of these are abandoned, the offspring of abandoned dogs, or lost pets. In the U.S., about 60% of dogs entering shelters are strays. As a side note, abandoning a dog is illegal in almost every US state, including Texas where I live. We dog owners need to do better. We have responsibilities towards our dogs, to feed them, raise them, train them, exercise them, take care of them, and continue to shelter them when they get old and sick.

The Leonberger community has taken significant steps towards protecting Leonberger dogs from abuse and abandonment. First, the Leonberger Club of America certifies responsible breeders and work to prevent dogs from ending up with backyard breeders and puppy mills. Breeders are required to take back and care for a dog if it does not work out. All prospective Leonberger owners are interviewed and must sign a contract dictating how they should treat the dog. If they find out that you have mistreated a dog or failed to take care of a dog you cannot buy a Leonberger. To see the transcript for our Leonberger interview click here.

12 Promises to my Dog

Dear fur angel, I promise to feed you properly.
Dear fur angel, I promise to protect you from toxic foods such as raisins, grapes, chocolate, xylitol, birch sugar, onion and garlic.
Dear fur angel, I promise to protect you from toxic plants, dangerous household items and animals.
Dear fur angel, I promise to keep one or more water bowls always filled with fresh and clean water for you.
Dear fur angel, I promise to comfortably shelter you.
Dear fur angel, I promise to train you and care for your physical and emotional needs.
Dear fur angel, I promise to walk you every day (on days when this is possible).
Dear fur angel, I promise to take care of all your veterinary needs.
Dear fur angel, I promise to play with you, pet you, and throw balls.
Dear fur angel, I promise to never abandon you.
Dear fur angel, I promise to be there for you when you cross the rainbow bridge.
Dear fur angel, I promise to love you forever.

Puppy Versus Old Dog Photos

Below are some photos of our dogs. Except for the first photo, which is a photo of our Labrador Baylor and German Shepherd Baby at an advanced age, the photos are arranged so that the first is photo of the dog as a puppy followed by a photo of the same dog at an advanced age. I should say that we got Baylor and Baby when they already were adults and we don’t have puppy photos of them. What happened was that family members of ours had got them from a shelter and when those family members later needed to move, we offered to take care of them.

Both dogs are laying on their stomach. Baylor, a yellow Labrador, is on the left and Baby a brown and black German Shepherd is on the right. — Our Labrador Baylor, left, and our German Shepherd Baby, right. Both dogs are at an advanced age. I should add that Baylor was partially a mix. He was three quarters Labrador and one quarter Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Our Leonberger Bronco Puppy is sitting looking into the camera and wearing a red scarf. — Our Leonberger Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle at three months old.

Our Leonberger Puppy is sitting looking into the camera and wearing a scarf. It is a black and white picture. — Our Leonberger Bronco at three months old.

Our Leonberger is standing on the left. My wife is standing on the right and holding the Grey Muzzle Award diploma. — Our Leonberger Bronco received the Grey Muzzle Award for longevity at age 12. Leonbergers typically live 8-10 years. It was the Leonberger Health foundation International that gave him the award. My wife is holding the Grey Muzzle Award diploma.

Our soon 13 year old Leonberger Bronco is lying on the lawn in front of our house. He is looking into the camera. — Our soon 13 year old Leonberger Bronco.

Ryu our Japanese Chin is dancing with our daughter. He is looking into the camera. It looks like he is laughing. — Our Japanese Chin puppy Ryu loved to sing and dance when. Well, howl and dance.

Ryu our Japanese Chin is sitting and looking serious. — Ryu is old in this picture. He has an illness, and he is more serious.

Daisy, our pug, is in our son’s arms. He is wearing a red shirt. — Our pug Daisy in our younger son’s arms. She is a puppy in this picture. People typically assumed that Ryu was the female and Daisy the male, but it was the other way around.

Our pug Daisy, is wearing a pink party hat and she is eating a Pup Cake. — Daisy’s 15^th birthday. She is getting old. She is having a Pup Cake.

Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo puppy is looking into the camera. He is white and dark brown. — Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo as a puppy.

Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo is sitting in a black and pink pet stroller. — Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo is grown up but not yet old. Here he is sitting in Daisy’s stroller. Strange noises such as ducks quacking used to scare him and then he wanted to sit in her stroller.

Dog Poems of Love and Grief

This is a Leonberger blog, but I also post about other topics including book reviews of books that I love and want to promote. With this post I would like to promote a beautiful and touching poetry book that is about a Labrador called Copper: King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry by Lauren Scott.

Below is an overview of the two formats of King Copper by Lauren Scott

Paperback – Publisher : Baydreamer Writes (August 6, 2025), ASIN : B0FK21KS3T, ISBN-13 : 979-8349341014, 66 pages, Item Weight : 3.53 ounces, dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.14 x 9 inches, it cost $14.99 on US Amazon. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.
Kindle – Publisher : Baydreamer Writes (August 6, 2025), ASIN : B0FJJ3VWJ6, 70 pages. It is currently $5.99 on Amazon.com. Click here to order it from Amazon.com.

The front cover features the title and author, a big photo of Copper and a pumpkin. — Front cover of King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry by Lauren Scott. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the paperback version of the book.

Amazon’s Description of King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry by Lauren Scott

When I knelt down to Copper’s level, my heart melted. His amber, soul-searching eyes told me all I needed to know.

I recalled sitting at the table, perusing a Labrador rescue website. A lab sporting a copper-colored coat stood out like a citrine crystal in a bowl of black diamonds. I had to meet the handsome fellow.

So, on a late winter March day in 2012, my family drove to Oakland to meet Copper. A woman was fostering him in her small apartment. He had a gentle demeanor, and after a walk around the block and some play time, I was ready to take him home. My son and I were excited to welcome Copper into our lives. But my husband and daughter were hesitant to adopt another dog so soon. Would we be replacing Lucky Girl, our black lab mix, who passed just four months earlier?

Despite telling the woman we needed time to make a decision, only three days later, we found ourselves signing the adoption papers. Copper effortlessly jumped into the back of our car for a ride to his new home. We heard that the best way to get past the grief of losing a pet is to get a new one, and that’s what we did. Lucky Girl would always be in our hearts. But after many conversations, we felt the timing was right. I, especially, couldn’t shake the feeling that Copper was meant to be our next canine friend.

From the hugs, cuddles, and games of fetch, Copper learned to trust us. And so, he became family. For thirteen years, he gave us unconditional love. He crossed over the rainbow bridge this past March. It is serendipitous to know that he came into our lives in March and left our earthly world also in March – the month of new beginnings. He was a bright light in our lives that will shine eternally. This is the power of our dogs or any pet. They leave a positive, long-lasting imprint on our souls.

This is my Amazon five-star Amazon review of King Copper

The Life of a Dog named Copper

Copper, a rescue Chocolate Lab, was picked up from a foster home in March of 2012 by a loving family and in return they received 13 years of unconditional love from Copper, who turned out to be a quite remarkable dog. This touching and beautiful book recounts his life in the form of poetry. What better way to tell the life of a dog, than through poetry. Some of the poems are from Copper’s perspective and some of them are from the author’s perspective. Some of the poems are fun, some speak of love, and some speak of grief. I think that everyone who’s ever owned dogs will recognize themselves in this book. I certainly did.

Dogs have personalities, they can express themselves, they are innocent, they are fun, they are loving, they can sense your mood and feelings, and they want to comfort you when you are sad. They love you and they can do amazing things, and they are part of the family. All of this is beautifully expressed in this book. This is a heartwarming book that will leave no heart untouched.

There are also a lot of great color photos in the book. I thought it was fun to look at the various photos of Copper and the people he interacted with. There is also explanatory background information. The book is well written and well laid out and the author is obviously a great poet. I highly recommend this book to all dog lovers. Actually, I recommend it to everyone.

An overview of the book and a tilted photo of Copper, on a dark-brown background. The text says: “A poetic account of the joy that arises when a lovable chocolate lab walks into your life and changes it forever. And the eventual heartache you feel when he crosses the rainbow bridge thirteen years later and still too soon.” — Back cover of King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry by Lauren Scott. Click on the image to go to the Amazon page for the Kindle version of the book.

About the Author of King Copper

Lauren Scott is a poet and writer of fiction, memoir, and children’s books. She has authored three collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013), Finding a Balance (2015), and Ever So Gently (2023). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee, and in 2024, Cora’s Quest, her first children’s book was published. Lauren’s poetry and stories have been published on Spillwords Press, a literary Ezine where she was voted Author of the Month in May 2023.

She is a contributing author in the anthologies, Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships (2022), This is How We Grow (2023), Petals of Haiku (2024), and Tranquility: An Anthology of Haiku (2025). Her poems are shared monthly on the online literary site, Gobblers and Masticadores. Writing inspiration comes from her love of family, spending time in the great outdoors, and finding joy in the simple things.

Click here to visit the author’s website

Rollo Comforted Me

Something amazing happened this evening. I was watching a movie, Lion, about an Indian boy, Saroo who gets lost far away from home. He and his brother were riding trains, and they got separated. He is unable to get back home and ends up in an orphanage and is eventually adopted by a loving Australian family. However, once he becomes a successful adult in Australia, he sets out to find his biological family in India, a sort of mission impossible. I know it is not something parents of adopted children are thrilled about, but he has their blessing to go and try to find them anyway. It is a beautiful movie based on a true story and it is one of the most emotive and touching movies I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen the movie before, but it is difficult, even for me, not to get a bit emotional towards the end of the movie. I highly recommend the movie if you have not seen it. But you may need a tissue box.

I am sitting in the sofa, being a bit emotional, but I don’t think I was very emotional. I don’t think it was obvious. Rollo, our mini-Australian Shepherd is sitting in the same sofa, a few feet away. I look over at him and I see his big round sad eyes staring at me as he is tilting his head. I can see the love and concern in his eyes. He slowly comes over to me, lays his paw on my leg for a bit while looking into my eyes. Then he lays down next to me and pushes his body towards my leg as if to comfort me. It just felt exactly as if that was what he was doing. He was trying to comfort me. I wasn’t really sad, but the movie was touching my heart. So, I guess my feeling was pretty close to sadness.

Rollo our dark brown and white mini-Australian Shepherd is standing in the kitchen looking sad — This is Rollo. I don’t have a photo of him from today’s experience. This photo is from a different occasion when Rollo did not look happy because we told him we are leaving.

Can dogs sense when we are sad?

It is not just Rollo. Our Leonberger Bronco, our pug Daisy and our other dogs showed on several occasions that they could sense our feelings. When one of us was sad they tried to comfort. Especially Bronco was very sensitive to people’s feelings, and he tried to comfort. When our Japanese Chin Ryu died, we were sad, and Bronco and Daisy were sad, and I believe they could sense our sadness. The whole house was in mourning, including the dogs.

I can add that Leonbergers are known to be loving dogs and are especially in tune with people’s feelings. That is why they are very often used as therapy dogs. Dogs can even use their amazing sense of smell to detect emotions in people. “Can Dogs Sense Human Emotions?” is is an excellent article from “the Vets” on the topic. Check out the section under “Can dogs sense when we are sad? ”. I think you can recognize what just happened with Rollo. This is another interesting article from VCA Animal Hospitals. This post features a video about a therapy Leonberger called Scout.

Our Leonberger is standing on the large red leather sofa giving me a kiss. — Me and our Leonberger Bronco when he was young. He is giving me a hug.

Dogs can sense and detect a lot of things, our emotions, mood, fear, whether you are pregnant or not, illness, cancer, diabetes, whether you are a negative person, whether you are about to have a seizure, the weather, and they have an amazing sense of smell. You can read more about that here.

Recently Rollo impressed me with his amazing sense of smell. You can read about that here. Guess who had a truly amazing sense of smell? That was Bronco our Leonberger. You can read about that in the same post.

Corneal Ulcers in Pets

The veterinary Amelia Baker sent me another blog post she wanted me to publish. So, this is a second guest blog. This time the topic is not geared towards only Leonberger dogs but dogs and pets in general. The topic is Corneal Ulcers in Pets (Symptoms, Causes & Care). I should say that we have been lucky. None of our dogs have had corneal ulcers. Check out her article below.

Article by Amelia Baker

Learn the signs of corneal ulcers in dogs, cats, and horses. Spot early symptoms, discover causes, and explore treatment options to protect pet vision.

Corneal Ulcers in Pets (Symptoms, Causes & Care)

What if that cute little wink your dog gives isn’t really a wink? What if your cat’s sudden sensitivity to sunlight is more than just moodiness? These small changes could be the beginning of a painful corneal ulcer in pets. Every day you wait makes it worse.

The tricky part is that the pets can’t tell that their eyes hurt. At times, a small scratch can turn into a corneal ulcer emergency for dogs. Similarly, a slight tear in the cornea can leave cats with corneal ulcers hiding in plain sight. Horses can also suffer from this medical condition.

That’s why understanding corneal symptoms in dogs or spotting a corneal ulcer in cats can make all the difference.

As a pet owner or a veterinarian, you might have wondered how to tell if it’s just a scratch or something more serious. In this article, we will discover how to recognize, treat, and prevent corneal ulcers in pets of various species. By the end, you’ll feel more confident in protecting your canine, feline, or even equine vision.

Before we get into treatment, let’s first understand what a corneal ulcer really is.

What Exactly Is a Corneal Ulcer?

The cornea is the transparent, protective layer at the front of the eye. When it gets damaged from trauma, infection, or any disease, the wound is known as a corneal ulcer.

In dogs, you’ll often hear terms like dog eye corneal ulcer or canine corneal ulcer. It is a common occurrence in dogs to suffer from this condition. They mostly occur as a result of trauma or injury. However, in cats, viral causes and infections lead to corneal ulcers.

As for horses, especially for performance breeds, corneal ulcers are a common issue due to their outdoor lifestyle and their exposure to dust.

While the condition varies among the species, the basic problem is consistent. A break in the corneal surface can become more serious if it is not treated in time.

Now that you know what it is, the next step is identifying the symptoms in pets.

Recognizing Symptoms Before It’s Too Late

So, how can you spot a corneal ulcer? The signs are often clear if you know what to look out for.

Constant blinking or squinting
Red or watery eyes
Pawning or rubbing at their faces
Cloudiness in the cornea
Sudden sensitivity to light

A dog with a corneal ulcer might not want to play fetch. A cat with a corneal ulcer may avoid sunny and bright windows. Horses could leave one eye half-closed and act strangely during training. These subtle signs may indicate that the body needs help.

Spotting symptoms is just the start. What really matters is how quickly you act. If left untreated, corneal ulcers can lead to serious complications, including permanent blindness.

So, what causes the corneal ulcer in the first place?

Common Causes of Corneal Ulcers in Pets

The triggers are varied and are sometimes preventable.

Physical trauma, such as scratches from claws, grass seeds, or foreign objects, can cause issues.
Infections can also be a factor, including bacterial, viral, or fungal ones.
Certain breeds are more likely to develop problems, especially flat-faced breeds that tend to get dry eyes.
Underlying eye diseases like entropion or keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

For cats, viral infections like feline herpesvirus are common causes. In dogs, especially brachycephalic breeds, the shape of the eye and incomplete eyelid closure play a role. Horses, on the other hand, face daily exposure to dust and outdoor particles.

Knowing the cause helps guide treatment. It also highlights why education is important. Veterinarians can stay ahead by watching a Veterinary Ophthalmology webinar, which explores diagnosis and treatment techniques in detail.

This leads us to the next question every pet owner asks: What happens if my pet is diagnosed with a corneal ulcer?

Treatment and Care Options

Thankfully, most ulcers can be treated if they are caught early. Treatment often depends on the severity of the condition.

Mild ulcers: antibiotic drops, artificial tears, pain relief.
Complicated ulcers: surgical intervention, such as conjunctival grafts.
Supportive care: Elizabethan collars to prevent rubbing.

In equine and canine patients, timely intervention is important to prevent progression into a melting ulcer. It is possible with the right veterinary knowledge and care.

For veterinarians, staying informed through free webinars on veterinary continuing education helps them keep up with the latest surgical techniques and medications. For pet owners, the message is clear: never delay a vet visit if your pet shows signs of eye discomfort.

But beyond treatment, prevention and awareness are equally important.

Prevention: Protecting Vision Before It’s Lost

Prevention often relies on being watchful and taking steps to care for your adorable pet. Regular eye checks, safe spaces without sharp objects, and quick vet visits at the first sight of discomfort can lower all risks.

To elevate your knowledge, consider joining a pet eye health webinar or reading preventive tips. At the same time, veterinarians who attend online vet CE sessions and pet webinars on corneal ulcers can learn to manage cases with the confidence that comes from updated knowledge.

After all, protecting an eye is easier than trying to restore sight once it’s lost.

Final Thoughts

Your pet’s eyes aren’t just organs. They are windows into how they see, play, and connect with you. When a dog with a corneal ulcer avoids his favorite game, or when a cat with a corneal ulcer retreats into darkness, it becomes more than a medical issue. It also affects their quality of life.

The good news is that with awareness, quick action, and the proper care, most pets recover. Free sponsored webinars on corneal ulcers in pets can improve your veterinary knowledge by offering the latest techniques and insights to manage complex cases.

So, the next time you see watery eyes, constant blinking, or strange behavior, don’t ignore them. They can point to something bigger: a corneal ulcer. Acting today can save your pet’s sight in the future.

When it comes to the eye health of pets, staying alert is not optional. It’s a commitment we make to the animals who rely on us.

FAQs

Q: What is the 3-2-1 rule for corneal ulcers?

The 3-2-1 rule helps determine when urgent care is necessary. If an ulcer doesn’t improve within 3 days, hasn’t healed in 2 weeks, or gets worse after just one day, it’s a warning sign. This straightforward rule helps determine both owners and vets that seeking help early is essential for protecting a pet’s vision.

Q: Can corneal ulcers heal on their own in pets?

No, corneal ulcers never heal properly without treatment. Even small ulcers can deepen and get infected over time. This can lead to vision loss. Pets need veterinary care to prevent the problem from becoming severe.

Q: What would cause an ulcer in a pet’s eye?

Several factors can cause an ulcer in your pet’s eyes. The trauma caused to the eyes, debris and dirt, and several diseases can lead to an ulcer. Moreover, breed-related problems such as dry eye or entropion also increase the risk.

Q: What is the best treatment for corneal ulcers?

Treatment depends on the severity and species. Mild ulcers usually respond to antibiotic drops, lubricants, and pain relief. In more advanced cases, surgery may be the only possible solution. Collaborating with a veterinarian helps create the right care plan to protect the vision of your pet.

To visit Amanda Baker’s previous post Vet Approved Leonberger Diet Tips for Health click here

Vet Approved Leonberger Diet Tips for Health

A veterinary by the name Amelia Baker contacted me about publishing diet tips for Leonbergers on my Leonberger blog, and I said yes. So, this is a guest blog. She is not selling anything. It is just her way of trying to improve the diet of Leonbergers. As some of you know, Leonbergers are big, but we succeeded in overfeeding him anyway at one point. Our Leonberger Bronco was 167lbs and we needed to get him back down to 140lbs, his idea weight, and that was not easy. Check out her article below.

This photo tile includes a photo of our Leonberger Bronco when he was three months old, a friend’s funny Leonberger photo (by Jen O’Keefe) and a shutter stock photo of ten Leonberger puppies with mama Shutterstock-ID: 561107650 by Akbudak Rimma.

Article by Amelia Baker

Vet-Approved Leonberger Diet Tips for Puppies, Adults & Seniors

Get essential Leonberger diet advice from vets. Find out what to feed Leonberger puppies, adults, and seniors to support strong joints and a healthy weight.

In this article, we’ll discuss Leonberger diet tips for puppies, adults, and seniors, address common health concerns, and offer practical feeding strategies. There is a gracious reserve to the Leonberger, the sort of dog that will not beg for attention but will not be denied it.

With their monumental height, sensitive eyes, and calmness, they bring comfort to families and respect to any clinic that understands how to treat them. But size, as we are used to, has its drawbacks.

For Leonbergers, much of that baggage manifests in joints, stomachs, and pounds. Their dietary needs are not just special; they’re critical. As a veterinarian, it is our duty to create nutrition not just for their size but also for the Leonberger’s life stage, health risks, and individual metabolic quirks.

So, let’s explore a few veterinarian-recommended Leonberger diet tips one by one.

Feeding Leonberger Puppies

A Leonberger puppy may look like a bear cub in a dog suit, but inside that fluff is a musculoskeletal system working overtime to keep up with its own growth. Veterinarians can see it happen too often: pet parents overfeed because they think a big dog means more food.

But with Leonbergers, slow feeding is always a good option. Undoubtedly, fast feeding to a Leonberger is a one-way ticket to early-onset hip dysplasia and elbow instability.

Leonberger Diet Tips And Guidelines

Stick to large-breed puppy food only. It will maintain calcium and phosphorus levels to avoid uneven bone growth.
Watch calories closely. Plan for consistent, not rapid, growth.
Include DHA and omega-3 fatty acids to promote early brain development.
Take 3 to 4 small meals daily for six months and taper off to twice a day by 12 months.
Skip supplements unless advised by a doctor. Too much calcium is as bad as too little.

The Leonberger diet for the puppy stage must sound more prescriptive than advisory. Don’t simply suggest a product; discuss why each ingredient is important, from joint maintenance to digestive protection.

Keep Up Feeding Adult Leonbergers Without Excess

By 18 to 24 months, most Leonbergers reach their adult size, and that’s when the feeding approach needs to shift from build to maintain. But diet balance isn’t as simple as it sounds, especially when you’re dealing with a breed that’s prone to weight gain, bloat, and early joint degeneration.

What to Focus On in Adult Leonbergers

Moderate fat and high-quality protein. Use lean meats like turkey and fish. Steer clear of fatty food items.

Select joint-friendly foods that contain glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3s.
Monitor portion sizes. Consider feeding guides by ideal weight, not actual weight.
Don’t free-feed. Feed two times daily to reduce potential bloat.
Supplement with digestive enzymes or probiotics if needed to improve digestion.

By this stage, Leonberger meals should have functional components, and thus, food now starts to act as a tool to avert aging-induced degeneration. Older Leonbergers may continue to have the temperament of a puppy but not the speed.

Rigidness in joints, loss of appetite, or the development of cognitive decline make nutrition the key to ensuring quality of life.

Diet Changes for Senior Leonberger

Choose senior canine foods with low fat but high fiber.
Add antioxidants (vitamins C and E) for immunity and neurological function.
Add fish oil for inflammation purposes.
Reduce the digestive load with soaked kibble or lightly cooked meals.
Manage monthly and monitor accordingly.

For seniors, in particular, Leonberger dietary tips extend beyond food; they are about comfort, longevity, and not placing undue stress on aging systems.

Should You Suggest a Leonberger Raw Food Diet?

You’ve probably had clients ask about it. Raw feeding continues to gain popularity, particularly among owners of large-breed dogs. While there are some anecdotal benefits, the Leonberger raw food diet is only safe when meticulously balanced and well-planned.

Pros of Raw Diet for Leonberger

Better coat condition
Fewer processed ingredients
Improved appetite in picky eaters

Cons and Cautions

Nutritional imbalances without veterinary formulation
Higher risk of bacterial contamination
Inconsistent results in dogs with sensitive digestion

When your clients insist on a raw diet, refer them to commercially formulated, AAFCO-formulated (Association of American Feed Control Officials) raw foods or advise a veterinary nutritionist. Never let a giant breed test diet on its own.

Controlling the Risks Leonbergers Encounter

The proper diet not only nourishes a Leonberger, but it also guards them. These three conditions are the most diet-sensitive in the breed:

1. Joint Issues (Hip/Elbow Dysplasia)

Start a joint-sensitive diet from the start (puppy stage).
Achieve and sustain an ideal weight to reduce hip and elbow pressure.
Recommend diets rich in glucosamine, MSM, and omega-3 fatty acids.

2. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)

Prevent single large meals.
Use slow-feeding bowls or puzzle feeders, if needed.
Do not feed before and after extreme exercise.
Select kibbles with less fat content and no fermentation ingredients.

3. Obesity

Preventing caloric overfeeding, even 10 additional pounds is a joint risk factor.
Recommend calorie-restricted, high-protein/low-fat formulas.
Add healthy, low-calorie treats such as carrots or green beans.

As a veterinarian, you’re Leonberger’s nutritional gatekeeper. Don’t just recommend a food bag; design a plan that aligns with Leonberger’s medical history, risk profile, and lifestyle. For veterinarians specializing in canine nutrition or offering breed-specific dietary consultations, being aware of market trends and vet-industry opportunities is crucial.

Platforms such as VetRep Finder assist professionals by uniting them with changing veterinary sales representative opportunities and enabling them to remain active with the tools and products that define veterinary care nationwide.

Whether therapeutic diets or supplements, remaining current works in the best interests of both your practice and your patients.

Conclusion

In practice, prescribing a Leonberger-specific diet is more than handing out a standard feeding sheet for the average dog. These gentle giants need expert, proactive nutritional planning from puppyhood to the golden age.

As a veterinarian, you can take direct control of longevity by influencing longevity, joint health, and digestive stability, all through diet.

If you’re enthusiastic about maintaining contact with veterinary sales careers or assisting in veterinary learning resources that influence clients and colleagues alike, VetRep Finder provides important avenues for professional development.

FAQs

How frequently should a Leonberger be fed?

Adults and senior dogs should be fed twice a day. Puppies might require 3 to 4 meals a day to avoid energy crashes and digestive stress.

What is the safest protein for Leonbergers with sensitivities?

Fish and turkey are quite well-digested and provide anti-inflammatory advantages. Steer clear of beef or lamb if you suffer from a history of gastrointestinal disease or skin allergy.

Are grain-free diets a good fit for Leonbergers?

Only when there is a medical symptom present are some grain-free diets associated with DCM, so always examine the whole nutrient picture and consult with a veterinary nutritionist.

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

Today is Rainbow Bridge Day or Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day. We remember the dogs, or the pets that we’ve owned that passed over the rainbow bridge. I made a Rainbow Bridge post exactly one year ago today and since we have not lost any dogs since last year, I’ve decided to just reblog last year’s post. I am also adding illustrations of our lost pets.

Rainbow Bridge Day and the Dogs We Lost

The illustration shows a Labrador crossing a wooden bridge that has a rainbow over it. He is looking back a little bit. The text says “You were our favorite HELLO and our hardest GOODBYE”. — We lost our wonderful and brave Labrador-Rhodesian-Ridgeback mix under very tragic and unexpected circumstances. His untimely and cruel death has left us with a sorrow and regret that we will never overcome. Illustration by Naomi Rosenblatt.

The picture shows a brown-black German Shepherd looking up at a star. The text says, “You have left our lives, but you will never leave our heart.”. — Our German Shepherd Baby was like a mother to our Leonberger Bronco. She played with him, protected him fiercely, and care for him. She passed in 2009.

A black and white Japanese Chin is sitting at the bottom of stairways going up into the clouds where Baylor and Baby us waiting for him. The text says “Little fur angel at the Rainbow Bridge, we will always love you. Run and play little one.” — Our happy, lively and energetic Japanese Chin Ryu was a great singer/howler. He left us in February 2018. Illustration by Naomi Rosenblatt.

Painting showing our Leonberger Bronco’s face. Like all Leonbergers he has a black mask and fluffy hair. — This is a portrait of our Leonberger Bronco who passed on June 16 2020. The portrait was drawn by Veniceme at Etsy (Natasha Dall’Ara) and it is based on one of our photos.

Our Leonberger Bronco is sitting in the middle of the illustration. To his left is Ryu and to his right is Daisy. Ryu says, “they are still talking about you”. Bronco responds, “I know”. — Our Leonberger Bronco lived a long life for a Leonberger, almost 13 years. He was a kind, brave, and friendly dog who loved and protected our other dogs. This blog and the book I write was started as a tribute to Bronco. Illustration by Naomi Rosenblatt.

Daisy our beige pug is laying in the grass and there are some flowers. — A painting of our late pug Daisy who passed away last April. It is based on one of our photos and created by Etsy. I believe by the same woman who made Bronco’s portrait (see above).

The Rainbow Bridge

According to an article in the Washington Post, the Rainbow Bridge is “a mythical overpass said to connect heaven and earth—and, more to the point, a spot where grieving pet owners reunite for good with their departed furry friends.” According to the article, it’s also a poem of unknown origin that spawned a pet-bereavement movement and even a worldwide Pet Remembrance Day, August 28. However, the part about unknown origin may not be entirely correct. Here is an article that tells us about the origin of the poem . The poem in its entirety follows.

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

National Dog Day

This illustration, cartoon feature nine dogs in two rows. In the top row is a Dalmatian, Dachshund, Pug, and Jack Russel. The next row features a Chihuahua, Corgi, Great Dane, German Shepherd and a Pomeranian. — Cartoon dog pets with happy muzzles. Shutterstock Asset id: 2497974643 by Foxy Fox.

Today is National Dog Day. According to this website “Every year on August 26, National Dog Day celebrates the bond between humans and dogs while spotlighting the many dogs still in need of a loving home.”. It was Jacqui Murray who alerted me to the existence of National Dog Day. As a family we’ve owned six dogs including two rescues. They were:

Baylor our funny and brave Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback mix.
Baby our nurturing and motherly German Shepherd.
Bronco our funny and loving Leonberger. He is the focus of this blog.
Ryu our Japanese Chin and energetic little opera singer (howling).
Daisy our calm and easy pug.
Rollo our rambunctious but loving mini-Australian Shepherd.

I should say we’ve been around many other dogs and owned other dogs further back in time. To celebrate National Dog Day, I decided to show photos of our dogs as well as dogs owned by friends and a few stock photos of dogs. A lot of the dog photos are of Leonbergers since this is a Leonberger blog. However, I would like to point out that we are celebrating all dogs, pure bred, as well as mixed breeds.

The illustration features four rows with five dogs each. Top Row: Komondor, Kooikerhondje, Korean Jondo, Korean Mastiff, and Korean Yellow Spitz. Second Row : Kromfohrlander, Kuchi Dog, Kunming Wolfdog, Kuvasz, and Kyrgyz Sighthound. Third Row: Labrador Retriever, Laekenois Belgian Shepherd, Lagotto Romagnolo, Lai Dog, and Lakeland Terrier. Bottom Row: Lancashire Heeler, Landseer, Lapponian Herder, Large Munsterlander, and finally the Leonberger. — Cartoon illustration of 20 dog breeds including the Leonberger. Shutterstock Asset id: 2658034883 by A7880S

Below are some of my previous Leonberger photo posts:

Miscellaneous Dog Photos

Ten Leonberger puppies sitting on a sofa. They are brown with black face masks. An adult Leonberger is lying in front of them. — Ten Leonberger puppies with mama. Shutterstock-ID: 561107650 by Akbudak Rimma.

Six Leonbergers with celebration hats are looking straight into the camera. — Six Leonbergers celebrating a birthday celebration. Photo by Jen O’Keefe.

A photo of a Leonberger puppy wearing a red scarf. — This is a photo of our Leonberger Bronco when he was three months old.

A photo of a Leonberger puppy wearing a scarf. He has his tongue out. — This is a black and white photo of our Leonberger Bronco when he was three months old.

Our Leonberger dog Bronco is standing in front of me and looking straight into the camera. I am sitting in the sofa. — Our Leonberger dog Bronco as an adult. He is coming up to me. He wants my attention.

Our Labrador mix Baylor is lying down looking into the camera. He is on the left. Our German Shepherd Baby is lying down and looking into the camera. She is on the right. — Baylor our Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback mix on the left and our German Shepherd Baby on the right. They were both old in this photo.

Close up photo of Baylor our Labrador Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. He is looking into the camera. — Baylor is younger in this photo. The photo is from around 2005 or 2006. Baylor had a smile that would warm the coldest hearts.

Baylor our Labrador mix is seen swimming in big pool with clear water. — Baylor loved to swim in Claudia’s parents’ pool. Claudia is my wife.

Photo of our German Shepherd Baby at the dog park. — Our German Shepherd Baby was always a little wary at the dog park.

The photo shows a black dog on the left and our brown-black German Shepherd Baby on the right. — Our German Shepherd Baby is reluctantly playing with another dog at White Rock Lake dog park near Dallas, Texas.

Our daughter 9 years old is holding the paws of our Japanese Chin Ryu. Ryu is standing on his back legs, and it looks like he is laughing. — Our Japanese Chin Ryu with our daughter who was 9 years old at the time.

Our Japanese Chin Ryu is sitting on the wood floor. — Our Japanese Chin Ryu.

Our Japanese Chin is sitting on the left in suitcase and our pug on the right. — Our Japanese Chin Ryu and our Pug Daisy are protesting our travel by sitting in our suitcase. They want to come with us.

Our pug Daisy is lying on her back on the gravel. There is also a toy duck. — Our pug Daisy loved to sunbath even when it was hot. Here she is catching some rays while lying on our old backyard porch, which had gravel.

Two Leonbergers standing next to each other and wearing party headwear typical for a carnival. — Digory and Obi are two Leonbergers. Digory was a very brave Leonberger who fought cancer. He was featured in the Leo-Letter a Leonberger Magazine Photo by Jen O’Keefe. Jen is a friend in the Leonberger community.

Photo of seven Leonbergers on the sand on a beach. — Digory with Leonbergers friends on the beach. Photo by Jen O’Keefe.

A Leonberger is lying on the floor, and my book is leaning against the dog. — Hachi is a Canadian Leonberger. Here he is featured with my book. The owner and photographers are Brenda Saito and her husband.

Photo of a Leonberger lying on a leather sofa with my book leaning towards his chest. — A Canadian Leonberger called Mak with my book. Photo by Debbie Ireland.

Our pug Daisy is on the lawn on the left. Our Leonberger Bronco is standing on the right. — Our Leonberger Bronco and our Pug Daisy

Rollo as a puppy peering out from behind a sofa chair. — Who is peeking out behind the sofa? The answer is Rollo our mini-Australian Shepherd.

Our Leonberger Bronco is lying on the floor. Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo is lying on his side wanting to be petted. — Our Leonberger Bronco and our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo.

Rollo holding a soccer ball with his paw. — Rollo loves rolling and chasing balls.

Rollo our mini-Australian Shepherd is sitting in a pink stroller. — Rollo is anxious and easily frightened. Daisy’s stroller is a good thing to sit in for such occasions.

Bronco is lying in green grass. Our house and brick wall are in the background. — Our Leonberger Bronco is in the front yard.

Rachel kneeling on the floor and petting our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo who is on the left as well as our pug Daisy who is on the right. — Our daughter with our pug Daisy and our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo.

Our Pug Daisy has a pink party hat on. My wife is feeding her a piece of cake. — This is a photo I took. It was Daisy’s 15^th birthday. I can add that this photo was stolen by the administrators of several Pug groups on Facebook and posted as if it was their own photo. Sometimes her name was Daisy but sometimes they made up new names for her including male names. They also used the approval feature to prevent you from complaining. This was very common. I was unable to find an honest Pug group on Facebook. Posting dog photos on a blog is much more rewarding.

Dog Books to Check Out

I wrote a book about our amazing and funny Leonberger . The book also features tips for care and training of Leonbergers and other large dogs, as well as a resource guide. The title of the book is The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle: Stories and Tips from Thirteen Years with a Leonberger. You can buy the paperback version here or the Kindle version here. You can buy it on Canadian Amazon here. To find out more about the book and where else to buy it click here.

I would also like to recommend a great dog book, Sam: A Shaggy Dog Story by Sally Cronin. To read my review for the book click here.

Another recommendation I have is The Good Dog: A Novella by Laura Stamps. To read my review for the book click here.

I am also looking forward to receiving a new promising poetry dog book, King Copper: Our dog’s life in poetry by Lauren Scott.