Tag: Leonbergers

This category is for posts that describe Leonbergers, the breed standards, Leonberger history, how to care for and train Leonbergers, and other interesting information about Leonbergers.

Designing a Stylish and Durable Dog Friendly Home

A professional content writer by the name of Ryan Goodchild contacted me about me posting an  article he had written on designing a stylish and durable dog friendly home. The title of the article is “How to Design a Stylish and Durable Dog-Friendly Home That Lasts”  it is below. Ryan wrote the article and I provided pictures.

Our Labrador Baylor and German Shepherd Baby. Bronco wearing a soft cone and accidentally clearing a table. Our Leonberger dog Bronco sleeps on our big leather sofa. Young Bronco is giving me a hug. Our Japanese Chin Ryu is licking our Pug Daisy’s ear. Our Leonberger dog Bronco is sitting in my wife’s lap. Bronco and our Pug Daisy are eating a gingerbread house in the kitchen. Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo biting Bronco’s tail.

How to Design a Stylish and Durable Dog-Friendly Home That Lasts

For design-minded dog owners and busy households with pups underfoot, home should feel welcoming without looking worn down. The real challenge is balancing pet needs and aesthetics when muddy paws, shedding, scratching, and daily mess collide with a polished space. Dog-friendly home design isn’t about sacrificing style; it’s about choosing durable home materials and stylish pet accommodations that hold up to real life. With the right mindset, long-term home functionality becomes a design feature, not a compromise.

Bronco is standing by the entrance to the kitchen with little Rollo right in front of him.
Our Leonberger dog Bronco and our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo when he was a puppy.

Upgrade Room by Room: 8 Dog-Proof, Design-Forward Ideas

A dog-friendly home doesn’t have to look like a kennel, or feel like you’re “settling.” Start with the rooms you use most, choose finishes that hide real life, and upgrade in layers so your style stays front-and-center.

The German Shepherd is lying on the floor and the Leonberger puppy is on his back.
Our German Shepherd Baby playing with our 4 months old Leonberger Bronco.
  1. Start at the entry with a “dirt-control” landing zone: Put a washable runner (or indoor/outdoor-style rug) right inside the door and add wall hooks plus a closed bin for leashes, towels, and paw wipes. This keeps grit from traveling to your nicer surfaces and makes departures less chaotic. If you can, add a low bench so you can wipe paws without wrestling.
  2. Choose scratch-resistant flooring where claws hit hardest: In high-traffic paths, entry, hallway, kitchen, prioritize tough, easy-clean surfaces and keep area rugs for warmth and style. If replacing floors, ask for samples and do a real test: drag a key lightly, spill water, and see if it shows. If full replacement isn’t in the budget, a long runner in the “zoomie lane” protects what you already have.
  3. Upgrade to easy-clean fabrics (and make them work harder): For sofas and dining chairs, look for tightly woven performance fabrics or removable, washable covers in mid-tone colors that hide fur and smudges. The right pet-friendly upholstery fabric can cut daily maintenance and keep your room looking “done” longer. Add a throw you don’t baby to your dog’s favorite spot so you’re laundering one layer, not deep-cleaning cushions.
  4. Build a feeding station that’s neat by design: Convert a lower cabinet, nook, or mudroom corner into a built-in feeding station with a wipeable surface and a pull-out bin for food. Add a washable mat under bowls and mount a small hook for the scoop so it’s never on the counter. This keeps crumbs contained, reduces slipping bowls, and makes the area look intentional instead of temporary.
  5. Dog-proof storage with small hardware changes: Use lidded cans, add simple childproof latches to low cabinets, and keep tempting items behind closed doors. A few minutes spent removing personal items from reach prevents chewed shoes, shredded mail, and unsafe snacking. Aim for one “dog-safe” basket in each main room so clutter has a place without becoming a hazard.
  6. Create a durable “rest zone” that protects your layout: Give your dog a defined spot, bed, crate, or mat, near where you actually hang out, not tucked away. Place it on a washable rug or low-pile mat to protect flooring and help anchor the room’s arrangement. When your dog has a predictable place to settle, you’ll see less pacing, less furniture-hopping, and fewer dirty paw prints on upholstery.
  7. Make your yard a secure outdoor dog space, not a stress zone: Check fence gaps, latch reliability, and sightlines at gates, then add a double-latch or self-closing hinge if you’ve had close calls. Define one “dig/zoom” area with mulch or gravel and keep the rest landscaped for looks. A shaded water spot and a clear path back to the door reduce tracking mud through the house.
  8. Choose pet-safe landscaping that still looks polished: Skip plants known to be toxic to pets and avoid cocoa mulch; use sturdy groundcovers and hardscaping borders that won’t splinter or poke paws. Create a rinse-off station with a hose and spray nozzle near the door so muddy days don’t wreck your floors. These aesthetic home upgrades let the outdoors feel curated while staying practical.
Six Leonbergers with celebration hats are looking straight into the camera.
Six Leonbergers and a birthday celebration. Photo by friend Jen O’Keefe.

If You’re Building New: Ask These Warranty Questions at Closing

After you’ve planned dog-tough finishes and built-ins, it’s worth protecting the structure those upgrades depend on. When you’re closing on a new build, ask your builder whether a structural warranty (or similar long-term protection) is included, and what it covers if defects show up after you move in. This kind of coverage can help safeguard the home’s integrity, which matters when you’ve invested in pet-friendly choices like durable flooring or built-in features that are meant to perform for years. Getting clarity up front on coverage expectations, and whether a third-party, insurance-backed option like a builder-backed warranty for new homes is part of the package, can add peace of mind as your dog settles in. Next, we’ll tackle the practical questions homeowners ask most about odors, stains, fences, and resale value.

A two story house with six dogs in front. From the left to right, a Leonberger dog, a Labrador, a German Shepherd, a Pug, a Japanese Chin, and finally a mini-Australian Shepherd.
A dog friendly house. Generated with the help of ChatGPT.

Dog-Friendly Home Design: Common Questions Answered

Q: What actually keeps dog odor under control without making the house smell like chemicals?
A: Start with what holds odor: washable covers, low-pile rugs, and sealed floors that do not absorb. Use a HEPA vacuum weekly, launder soft goods often, and run a carbon air purifier in the main hangout zone. If odors persist, an enzyme cleaner beats masking sprays because it breaks down the source.

Q: How do I remove urine stains from floors or carpets without ruining the finish?
A: Blot first, then apply an enzyme-based cleaner and give it enough dwell time before rinsing or blotting again. Avoid steam cleaners on fresh urine since heat can set stains and odors. Test any product in a hidden spot, especially on hardwood sealants.

Q: What fence type and height works best for most dogs?
A: A solid, climb-resistant fence with minimal horizontal rails is a reliable choice for many homes. Many installers consider the ideal fence height 4 to 6 feet, with 6 feet as the industry standard for containment. Match the design to your dog’s jumping and digging habits, then add a buried edge or kick plate if needed.

Bronco is standing in a blue kiddie pool. He is getting washed.
Our Leonberger dog Bronco and fence you cannot dig holes under. Leonbergers are expert diggers.

Q: Can I keep resale appeal if I choose dog-proof materials?
A: Yes, when choices read “durable and neutral,” not “pet-only.” Stick to classic colors, consistent hardware finishes, and quality flooring that any buyer would see as an upgrade. The best pet-friendly features look like smart maintenance, not a special-purpose remodel.

Q: How do I reduce everyday wear and tear from paws, nails, and outdoor mud?
A: Create a simple entry drop zone with a washable runner, hooks, and a closed bin for towels and wipes. Keep nails trimmed and place scratch-friendly surfaces like washable mats near doors and feeding stations. Outside, use hardy groundcover or gravel in the main run path to limit dead grass and tracked-in dirt.

On the hooks there is a dog leash, a jacket and a bag.
Leonberger dog at the entrance of a house standing on a washable runner. There are hooks and a bin for towels. Generated with the help of ChatGPT.

Finish-Strong Dog-Friendly Home Checklist

This checklist turns good ideas into repeatable habits, so your home stays stylish while handling real life with dogs. Use it to decide what to upgrade now, what to schedule, and what to maintain each week.

✔ Choose sealed, non-absorbent floors for high-traffic zones

✔ Add washable slipcovers and throws to the main seating

✔ Place low-pile, easy-clean rugs where paws land most

✔ Run a HEPA vacuum on a weekly calendar reminder

✔ Keep an enzyme cleaner stocked for fast accident response

✔ Set an entry drop zone with towels, wipes, and a closed bin

✔ Inspect fencing for gaps, dig spots, and climb points monthly.
Check these off once, then protect them with routine.

Backyard, relax and portrait of dog on grass for obedience, support and fun in leaves in sunshine. Nature, foliage and Labrador with tongue out in garden by fence.
Labrador in front of fence in the backyard. This is good fence but has a potential dig spot. Shutterstock asset id: 2485564001 by PeopleImages
Bronco is laying on the ground facing the broken fence. He has a plastic bag around his bandage.
The fence needs to be fixed after a tornado went through the neighborhood. Bronco had just had a toe amputation.

Make Style Last With Dog-Ready Materials and Layouts

Living with dogs can feel like a constant trade-off between a home that looks pulled together and one that can take daily wear. The steadier path is designing for real life: choose materials supporting pet durability, use layouts for pet and people, and keep integrating pet features in ways that maintain home style with dogs. Design for the dog you have, and your style will last longer. Pick one high-impact change from the checklist this week, swap in a tougher surface, protect a high-traffic zone, or refine a room flow, then build from there. Long-lasting pet-friendly design protects comfort now and creates a calmer, more resilient home for everyone.

Daily Health Habits for Dog Owners

A professional content writer by the name of Ryan Goodchild contacted me about me posting an  article he had written on daily health habits for busy dog owners. The title of the article is “Simple Daily Health Habits for Busy Dog Owners to Boost Well-Being”  and you can see the article below. Ryan wrote the article and I provided pictures.

Hachi a Canadian Leonberger with my book. The owner and photographers are Brenda Saito and her husband. Mak another Canadian Leonberger with my book. Photo by Debbie Ireland. Black and white photo of our Leonberger Bronco when he was three months old. Baylor our Labrador. Baby our German Shepherd. Ryu our Japanese Chin. Daisy our Pug. Rollo our mini-Australian Shepherd.

Simple Daily Health Habits for Busy Dog Owners to Boost Well-Being

Ten Leonberger puppies sitting on a sofa. They are brown with black face masks. An adult Leonberger is lying in front of them.
Are you a busy dog owner? Shutterstock-ID: 561107650 by Akbudak Rimma.

For busy dog owners balancing work, family, and constant pet needs, personal health often gets squeezed into whatever time is left. The pet owner lifestyle brings common health challenges, irregular sleep, skipped meals, nagging aches from walking and lifting, and stress that builds quietly across the day. Daily health routines that focus on simple, consistent head-to-toe care help turn scattered self-care into a steady baseline for energy, mood, and recovery. The payoff is holistic well-being that holds up even when the dog’s schedule runs the day.

Build a Simple Day Routine Around Dog Care

This day structure helps you care for your body from morning to night without adding extra “projects” to your schedule. It matters because small routines done consistently are easier to keep even when your dog’s needs interrupt your plans.

A woman in black stretch pants, white top and gym shoes is stretching.
Start the day with stretching Pexels free photo by Maksim Goncharenok
  1. Start with a 3-minute morning stretch reset
    Start right after your first dog outing with a quick sequence: neck rolls, shoulder circles, gentle hip hinges, and calf stretches while the coffee brews. Focus on slow breathing and comfortable range of motion, not intensity. This is a simple way to reduce stiffness from sleep and make walks and lifting feel easier.
  2. Choose a 60-second mindfulness “pause point”
    Pick one reliable cue you already have, like clipping the leash, washing your hands, or opening your laptop. Do one minute of box breathing or a quick body scan from jaw to shoulders to hands, then relax what you notice is tense. This tiny reset can lower stress spillover before it snowballs into the rest of your day.
  3. Pair your hydration with your dog’s water routine
    Each time you refill your dog’s bowl, drink a full glass yourself and keep a bottle where you feed them. Learning the signs of dehydration in pets like dry gums and lethargy also helps you stay alert to your own needs, since busy days often mask thirst as fatigue. The goal is steady sipping, not chugging at night.
  4. Lock in oral hygiene with two “anchors”
    Tie brushing to two non-negotiable moments: after your first meal and after your final dog walk. Follow the simple rule to brush your teeth twice a day so it becomes automatic instead of optional. This protects your mouth and supports overall health with almost no scheduling friction.
  5. Use a dog-friendly bedtime routine that protects sleep
    Set a fixed “last call” window: final potty break, dim lights, prep tomorrow’s leash and poop bags, then phone on charger outside the bed. If your dog wakes you, keep it boring and brief with low light and no scrolling, then return to bed immediately. Consistency trains both of you to settle faster.
Photo of seven Leonbergers on the sand on a beach.
Digory with Leonbergers friends on the beach. Photo by friend Jen O’Keefe.

Keep Your Mind Sharp With Lifelong Learning You Can Schedule

Lifelong learning keeps your mind active and engaged, which can strengthen mental well-being over time by promoting personal growth and building confidence. As you practice remembering and applying new information, you reinforce memory retention and create a steady sense of progress that can reduce stress and make busy weeks feel more manageable. An online degree can deliver these benefits no matter what career track you’re on, because it offers a structured, self-paced path you can fit around dog walks, work, and home responsibilities. For example, a bachelor’s in information technology online can provide hands-on knowledge in networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data management, and systems administration, building practical skills alongside personal confidence.

Neural Networks. Black Hole Stock Illustration ID: 2476711459 by Vadim Sadovski. Malware, Shutterstock asset ID: 1916985977 by Sashkin. Artificial intelligence, Shutterstock Asset id: 2314449325 by Stock-Asso. Stock Illustration ID: 1372134458 by Boris Rabtsevich

Tiny Habits That Boost Health and Your Dog Bond

Small, repeatable actions work because they lower the friction of self-care on busy days. Give each habit time to stick, since 59-66 days is a realistic window for many routines to feel more automatic.

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.
One-Minute Skin Sweep
  • What it is: Notice new spots or irritation while brushing your teeth.
  • How often: Daily
  • Why it helps: Early awareness keeps you proactive and reduces health anxiety.
Gentle Face Cleanse
  • What it is: Wash with a mild cleanser after your last dog walk.
  • How often: Daily
  • Why it helps: It removes sweat and grime without overdrying skin.
Leash-Up Breathing Reset
  • What it is: Take six slow breaths while clipping on the leash.
  • How often: Daily
  • Why it helps: It downshifts stress before the next task.
Food-as-Training Microgame
  • What it is: Use a few kibble pieces to practice name and recall.
  • How often: Daily
  • Why it helps: It builds trust and mental stimulation in minutes.
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.

Common Questions Busy Dog Owners Ask

Q: How can dog care actually help my sleep quality?
A: Aim for a consistent last potty break, then keep lights low and screens off after you come back inside. A short, calm walk can reduce restlessness for your dog and help your body shift into wind-down mode. Many owners find that predictable evening cues lead to fewer middle-of-the-night wakeups.

Q: What are easy hydration tips when I forget to drink water?
A: Tie your water to your dog’s water: every time you refill their bowl, take 6 to 10 gulps from a bottle you keep nearby. If plain water feels boring, add ice or a squeeze of citrus and keep it visible on the counter. A “first drink before first scroll” rule also helps.

Q: When my routine gets interrupted, how do I keep up with oral care?
A: Use a two-minute minimum: brush once, even if you skip floss. If you truly cannot brush, rinse well with water and set your toothbrush out so it’s the first thing you see next time.

Q: Can a quick walk really count as self-care when I’m exhausted?
A: Yes, because movement and daylight can improve mood and energy without needing a full workout. Even long walks with your dog can support physical fitness for both of you when you have time.

Q: Should I feel guilty if I only manage one tiny habit a day?
A: No. Consistency beats intensity, especially on chaotic days. Pick the smallest action that keeps your identity as “someone who takes care of themselves” intact.

Paintings of our Pug Daisy and Leonberger Bronco.

Lock In One Week of Health Habits With Your Dog

Busy dog owners rarely struggle with knowing what’s healthy, it’s the constant handoffs between pet needs and personal needs that break consistency. The health strategy reinforcement here is simple: commit to health routines that are small, repeatable, and designed to survive imperfect days, so sustainable wellness habits become automatic rather than aspirational. Over time, that approach supports a balanced lifestyle for dog owners with better energy, steadier sleep, and fewer “start over Monday” cycles. Consistency beats intensity when life is crowded. Pick one one-week upgrade you can keep during your busiest days and do it daily. That ongoing self-care motivation builds resilience for both you and your dog, week after week.

When our Leonberger took a Car for a Test Drive

Esther’s writing prompt: August 5th : Test

Click here or here  to join in.

This AI generated picture shows two people sitting in the back seat of a car. A Leonberger is driving the car, and the man is holding a leash to the dog.
Photo of us taking a car for a test drive.

Today we started looking for a new car for our daughter, so we visited some dealerships and she test-drove some cars. This reminded me of when we bought our Subaru some years ago. We felt that it was very important that our Leonberger dog Bronco, or Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle, which was his full name, was happy with the car. So, we let him take the car for a test drive. My wife and I sat in the back seat. Naturally, we had him in a leash. There are leash laws here in Dallas and we are not crazy.

More recently the Texas Legislature passed HB64 and SB14, which made Texas the first US state to allow dogs to drive. Any dog of any breed is allowed to drive a car as long as they are two years or older and are facilitated by a DDAD, a dog drivers assistance device. The Texas legislature isn’t crazy after all.

A DDAD is a device that reads traffic signs for the dog and takes cues from the dog’s body language to turn the car and control it in other ways. DDAD utilizes a multi layered neural network (deep learning style neural network, like LLMs) that has been trained using several thousand dogs that included all of AKC’s approved dog breeds as well as 100’s of mixed breeds. Rollo, our mini-Australian Shepherd, passed his driver’s ed test and now he has a driving license. In the picture below he is coming back from a visit to grandma and grandpa. He drove there all by himself.

Rollo our mini-Australian Shepherd behind the wheel.
Rollo coming back from a visit to grandma and grandpa. He is driving our old Toyota Prius. We are not letting him drive our new car. We are not crazy after all.

The True Story

OK, I must confess, the stories above are not entirely true and the picture of the Leonberger driving a car, that is not a photo of us. That is a picture I generated with the help of ChatGPT. So, the top part of this post is not 100% truthiness. However, below is the true story of when we bought our Subaru and our Leonberger Bronco was part of the decision.

Do you remember the old joke about the man who heard a woman speak to her cat as if the cat understood her? He thought it was so funny that he went home and told his dogs about it, and they laughed and laughed. Well, it sorts of happened at the Subaru car dealership. We had our Leonberger dog Bronco with us. He was going to help us test cars. We wanted him to be comfortable in the back seat.

Well, the salesman at the dealership told us a story about a woman who kept talking to her dog as if he was a person. He was laughing and told us that she was probably crazy. He put his finger to his temple and twirled it in circles to underscore his point. But we didn’t think his story was funny. I mean, what dog owner doesn’t talk to their dogs?

Anyway, that day at the dealership, we let Bronco walk in and out of the various cars we were considering, and he sat in the back seats. The salesman didn’t seem to mind. But at the end we told him that Bronco had told us which car to buy. I mean in practice, you can say that it was Bronco who chose the car we bought. Maybe the salesman thought we were crazy too. Below are some photos of Bronco.

Our Leonberger dog is standing on a red sofa. He is stretching to give me a hug,
Very young Bronco is giving me a hug.
A big Leonberger head between the front car seats.
Bronco in the back seat. Going for a car ride. He is almost 13 years old.
A big Leonberger head between the front car seats.
Bronco in the back seat again. He is almost 13 years old.

My Other Responses to Esther’s Prompts

How to Launch a Mobile Pet Grooming Business

A professional content writer by the name of Ryan Goodchild contacted me about me posting an  article he had written on how to launch a mobile Pet Grooming Business. The title of the article is “A Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your Mobile Pet Grooming Business”  and you can see the article below. Ryan wrote the article and I provided pictures.

Our Leonberger dog getting washed in a kiddie pool. Our mini Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo with a brush. Our Pug Daisy getting a bath. Our Pug Daisy with a bath hat. Our Leonberger Bronco is hiding in the bushes. Amie a Swedish Leonberger standing on a bench. Fluffy black Newfoundland dog by Emma Johnson. Saint Bernard dog Stock Photo ID: 1713912484 by fred12. The photo of five Leonbergers wearing patriotic hats lying on grass by a lake was taken by Jen O’Keefe, (from left to right; Obi, Delfi, Aslan, Gryphon, Digory).

A Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your Mobile Pet Grooming Business

For service-minded workers, career changers, and local business owners who want a practical small business startup, a mobile pet grooming business can feel like a rare fit between steady demand and flexible operations. The core tension is real: pet care services must be consistent and safe, but most aspiring owners also need a model that can start lean and earn trust quickly. The mobile grooming market meets busy households where they are, turning convenience into repeat business and clear entrepreneurial opportunities. With the right expectations, this can become a reliable local service brand.

06-30-2022 Tulsa USA - Mobile Dog Wash and Grooming van parked in front of cute house in leafy neighborhood.
Mobile Dog Wash and Grooming van Shutterstock asset id: 2248201135 by Vineyard Perspective

Build and Launch Your Mobile Grooming Service

This simple sequence helps you turn a love of pets into a real mobile pet grooming business with a plan, the right gear, and repeatable daily operations. It matters because small early decisions, like what services you offer and how you schedule, can prevent costly surprises later.

Female groomer cutting French bulldog's nails at grooming salon.
Grooming French Bulldog. Shutterstock asset id: 1340980898 by hedgehog94.
  1. Start with a simple business plan
    Use start with a business plan to define your services, pricing, ideal customer, and what “success” looks like in the first 90 days. Keep it short: one page is fine if it clearly guides your next choices. A basic plan also makes it easier to estimate costs and avoid undercharging.
  2. Define your offer and your boundaries
    Decide what you will do on day one, such as baths, haircuts, nail trims, de-shedding, and what you will not handle yet, like severe matting or aggressive pets. Write down your service times, cancellation policy, and any add-on fees so you can explain them calmly to clients. Clear boundaries protect safety and keep your schedule realistic.
  3. Choose essentials and build a safe setup
    List the non-negotiables you need to groom hygienically and efficiently, such as clippers, blades, shears, combs, towels, cleaning supplies, and secure restraints. Buy for reliability first, then upgrade as revenue grows. Do a dry run in your workspace so you can reach tools quickly and reduce stress for the pet.
  4. Set up operations that run on repeat
    Create a weekly routine for booking, travel time, service time, cleanup, and restocking so your days do not spiral when you get busy. Use a simple intake checklist for allergies, coat condition, bite history, and owner preferences, then store notes for next time. Consistency is how you deliver safe grooms and earn referrals.
  5. Market locally and ask for the first bookings
    Choose two channels you can maintain, such as a Google Business Profile and a neighborhood social group, and post clear before and after photos with your services and prices. In your plan, include basics like your mission and target market because business plan outlines make marketing messages easier to write and repeat. Then invite every satisfied client to leave a review and refer one friend.
A so called undercoat rake is used to brush and penetrate deep into the coat of a double coated dog.
Brushing a double-coated dog close-up. Shutterstock Asset id: 2441132455 by Gayleen Froese.

Strengthen Your Business Skills Before You Scale Service

Once you’ve got the basics of launching and operating your mobile grooming setup in place, the next growth lever is often strengthening the business and marketing skills that turn steady bookings into a scalable service.

For some owners, going back to school for a business degree provides the structure to sharpen how you plan, position, and promote your services, especially as your route gets fuller and your choices carry bigger financial stakes. If you want a quick grounding, building those fundamentals can help you build confidence in core business and marketing concepts you’ll use every week.

A master’s in business administration equips you with skills in leadership, strategic planning, financial management, and data-driven decision-making to excel in diverse business environments. And because online degree programs are designed for flexibility, it’s often possible to keep running your business while you’re in school.

Photo of a Leonberger standing in snow. In the background there is snowy forest.
Well-groomed Leonberger standing in a snowy forest. Shutterstock-ID: 705193912 by Eric Isselee.

Plan → Groom → Follow Up → Improve

Your mobile grooming business grows faster when each day runs on a repeatable loop, not memory. This rhythm helps you protect pet care quality standards, reduce missed details, and keep your calendar predictable even as requests increase. It also builds trust so clients rebook without needing extra reminders, especially when many owners prefer scheduling sessions on a steady cadence.

Grooming cartoon pets with bathing equipment and salon accessories for animal spa service. Dogs and cats with brushes and towels, scissors, shampoo bottles and hair dryer. Playful hygiene collection.
Dogs and cats with brushes and towels, scissors, shampoo bottles and hair dryer. Shutterstock asset id: 2681547649 by myteamart.
StageActionGoal
Plan the routeConfirm addresses, time windows, services, add buffer timeFewer late arrivals and smoother drive time
Pre-visit prepSanitize tools, restock supplies, review pet notesSafe setup and consistent readiness
Intake and consentCheck coat condition, discuss goals, confirm pricing, document issuesClear expectations and fewer surprises
Groom to standardFollow checklist, monitor stress, take quick before and after photosConsistent results and pet comfort
Close and follow upShare care tips, collect payment, book next visit, request feedbackHigher satisfaction and repeat retention
Review and adjustLog time per service, update notes, refine pricing and buffersBetter margins and fewer bottlenecks

Because each stage feeds the next, small improvements compound: cleaner prep speeds the groom, clean intake reduces callbacks, and follow-up keeps your appointment scheduling system full. Over time, your customer satisfaction management becomes measurable, not guesswork.

Majestic Leonberger standing on grass and there is a forest in the background.
Healthy Leonberger posing in front of a forest. Shutterstock asset id: 1474761425 by AnetaZabranska.

Mobile Pet Grooming Startup Questions, Answered

Q: What licenses or permits do I need to groom pets from a van?
A: It depends on your area, but plan for a basic business license plus any mobile vending, zoning, or parking rules that apply to operating from a vehicle. If you collect sales tax on products, you may also need a sales tax permit. Call your city or county business office and ask for a checklist for mobile services so you do not miss a step.

Q: How much insurance should I carry, and what does it cover?
A: Many owners start with general liability and then add tools and equipment coverage, commercial auto, and care, custody, and control if offered. Budgeting is easier when you know that mobile pet groomers pay an average of $65 per month for general liability insurance. Ask an agent to quote the exact services you offer, like nail trims, de-shedding, or handling anxious dogs.

Q: How should I price services without undercharging?
A: Use a base price by size and coat type, then add clear line items for mats, heavy shedding, special handling, or extra brushing time. Track your true minutes per dog for two weeks so your prices reflect labor, drive time, supplies, and vehicle costs. If clients ask for discounts, offer a maintenance plan for repeat visits instead of lowering your standard rate.

Q: When should I require deposits or cancellation fees?
A: Deposits help protect your day when a no-show leaves an empty time slot you cannot fill. Keep it simple: a small deposit to book and a cancellation window that feels fair, like 24 to 48 hours. Put the policy in writing and confirm it at booking to avoid awkward conversations.

Q: How do I handle common grooming concerns like mats, fleas, or anxious pets?
A: Start with a quick coat check and explain what is safe and humane before you begin, especially if shaving is the kindest option for matting. For fleas, have a sanitation plan and be ready to reschedule if the infestation is severe. For anxiety, shorten the session, use breaks, and recommend a vet consult for medically appropriate calming support.

Leonberger dogs in field of purple flowers saying hello to each other.
Shutterstock Asset id: 450770140 by everydoghasastory.

Turn a Mobile Grooming Plan Into a Consistently Full Schedule

Starting a mobile pet grooming business can feel like juggling licensing, insurance, pricing, and pet safety while still needing clients on the calendar. The steadier path is a community-first, systems-minded approach: use the business launch recap to clarify your offer, follow through reliably, and let trust, not hustle, drive growth. Applied consistently, this builds entrepreneur motivation through visible progress, stronger customer loyalty building, and fewer preventable setbacks on the road to long-term business success. A full book comes from consistent service, clear communication, and repeatable operations.

Photo of a Leonberger swimming water and there is green tall grass in the background. The Leonberger has a ball in his mouth.
Leonberger swims with a ball. Stock Photo ID: 720242263 by Christian Mueller.
A majestic looking Leonberger is sitting on a green hill.
A majestic and well-groomed Leonberger on a grassy knoll. Shutterstock-ID: 731020957 by Peter Josto.

July third is Broncos Birthday and here is a Leonberger Book Promotion

Our late Leonberger Bronco’s birthday is today July 3rd and therefore I am holding a promotion. The price of the Kindle version of my book “The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle” is now only $2.99 and the price of the paperback version is 17.95 (normal prize is $19.95). I will keep that price until July 15th. The prices in all other countries, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Australia, etc., are lowered by the same amount. Below is some information about my book.

The gold and beige book cover features the face of our Leonberger Bronco and the text "The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle. Stories and Tips from Thirteen Years with a Leonberger."
This is the front cover of the book “The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle”. Click here<<Link-2>> or on the image to go to the United States Amazon location for the paperback version of the book.

Advance Praise for the book

A wonderful tribute to the author’s beloved Bronco. The stories are heartwarming as well as informative—a true glimpse into life with a Leonberger. The adorable illustrations are icing on the cake.” —D’Nae Wilson, President, Leonberger Health Foundation International

“A lovely tribute to Bronco, with lots of resources for general Leonberger information.” —Julie Schaffert, Leonberger Club of America breeder since 1992

Amazon’s description of : The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle: Stories and Tips from Thirteen Years with a Leonberger by Thomas Wikman

If you’re thinking of getting a Leonberger, or if you’ve already owned one and know how rewarding the experience can be, you’ll want to read the story of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle, called Bronco, who came into the lives of the Wikman family of Dallas, Texas, in 2007. Bronco, a recipient of the Leonberger Health Foundation International’s Grey Muzzle Award, lived an unusually long life for a Leonberger—almost thirteen years. His human family is convinced that what helped him exceed his breed’s normal life expectancy was his brave and loving heart.

Here you’ll read about some of Bronco’s amazing feats: the night he scared away a prowler; the day he performed a hamster search and rescue; the time he stumped the Geek Squad; and the late night he snuck into the kitchen and ate a two-pound bag of dog treats, a box of pastries, a loaf of bread, a grilled chicken, and a Key lime pie, all in one sitting. You’ll also read about his unflappable calm during a north Texas tornado and his stoicism as he endured health challenges in his later years.

In addition to entertaining stories, these pages contain a wealth of practical guidance, including

  • a history of the Leonberger breed;
  • advice for the care of very large dogs;
  • breed-specific health and genetic information;
  • training and feeding tips;
  • suggestions for finding a breeder;
  • the official breed standard; and
  • an extensive resource guide.

Bronco’s fearlessness, tolerance, and affectionate nature warmed the hearts of everyone who met him, and his sometimes uncanny adventures with his human and canine companions will bring a smile to the face of every dog lover.

The author is donating the proceeds from the sale of this book to the Leonberger Health Foundation International

The back cover in gold and beige features a photo of a Leonberger in a snowy forest and an introduction to the book.
This is the back cover of the book “The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle”. Click here or on the image to go to the Amazon.com location for the kindle version of the book.
The endorsements say “A wonderful tribute to the author's beloved Bronco. The stories are heartwarming as well as informative - a true glimpse into life with a Leonberger. D'Nae Wilson, President, Leonberger Health Foundation International.” and “A lovely tribute to Bronco, with lots of resources for general Leonberger information. Julie Schaffert, LCA breeder since 1992.”
Again, these are the endorsements for the book by some very prominent members of the Leonberger community. Click here or on the image to go to the Barnes and Noble location for the book.

Getting My Book in Other Places

You can also get my book in many other places including Amazon in every country where Amazon exists, for example Canada, and other bookstores such as Chapters Indigo, Apple, etc. To see a list of the options visit my Book Page by clicking here.

Managing Stress for Dog Owners

A professional content writer by the name of Ryan Goodchild contacted me about me posting an  article he had written on how to manage stress for dog owners. The title of the article is “How to Manage Stress Naturally with Simple Daily Habits”  and you can see the article below. Ryan wrote the article and I provided pictures.

Dogs can calm your nerves as well as cause some stress. Our mini Australian Shepherd Rollo chewing up my shoe. Our Leonberger dog Bronco clears tables with his cone. Our mini Australian Shepherd harassing our Leonberger dog and biting his tail. Our Leonberger and our Pug raiding the kitchen and eating the gingerbread house. Our Japanese Chin Ryu and Pug Daisy staging a protest against us travelling. Our Leonberger dog is trying to sit in my wife’s lap.

How to Manage Stress Naturally with Simple Daily Habits

Busy dog owners who are already juggling work, family schedules, and a million small decisions often find themselves struggling with stress management and hoping things will just calm down a bit. The hard part is that stress rarely comes from one big event; it builds from sources of stress like constant notifications, unresolved conflicts, money worries, or even a packed calendar that never resets. Without recognizing stress triggers, it’s easy to treat the noise instead of the cause, and the stress impact on wellbeing can show up as irritability, poor sleep, or feeling stuck in overdrive. Spotting what actually sets stress off turns a vague problem into something that can be handled.

A Leonberger dog with a powerful bite crushing a laptop could be one of many sources of stress. Illustration by Naomi Rosenblatt.

Try Gentle Stress-Relief Modalities

When you can name what’s contributing to your stress levels, it’s easier to choose the right tool for the moment.

  • Breathwork: slow, steady breathing practices that help your body downshift.
  • Mindfulness: simple attention training to reduce mental spirals.
  • Rhodiola rosea supplements: may help support energy levels, mental focus, and resilience to everyday stress and fatigue.
  • Essential oils: calming scents used through diffusion or a personal inhaler (skip skin use unless properly diluted).
  • THCa: a hemp-derived option some people explore; if you’re curious, you can read more about a THCa cartridge.
You can see the paws and bandaged legs of our Leonberger dog on the right. Our mini-Australian Shepherd is standing on the left.
Putting bandages on the legs of our injured Leonberger dog Bronco. This is a stressful situation, but our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo is calmly observing and learning.

Understanding Your Stress Response

Stress is your body’s built-in alert system, not a personal failure. The Cleveland Clinic calls it a natural reaction to changes or challenges, and it can show up in your thoughts, feelings, and actions. When you learn your early signals, you can separate “I’m stressed” from “something is wrong with me.”

This matters because stress patterns are often predictable. Spotting your common causes of stress and your most frequent symptoms helps you choose the right support faster and recover sooner. It also keeps you from treating every bad day like a character flaw.

Picture a typical morning: a late start, nonstop notifications, and a tense conversation. Your shoulders climb, your patience drops, and you reach for caffeine or scrolling. That’s your cue to connect the trigger and the response, then adjust. The same pattern recognition can help you notice stress signals in your pets, too.

On the left is a picture of a wolf. The text says “Canis Lupus, the grey wolf is a fearsome and courageous hunter in nature.” On the right is our mini-Australian Shepherd sitting in a stroller. The text says “Canis Lupus familiaris, the dog, a close relative of the grey wolf, is sometimes less brave. This specimen prefers to sit in a stroller when he hears strange sounds.”
Dogs get stressed out too. Our mini-Australian Shepherd get stressed out by strange sounds and when we had a stroller with us, he wanted to sit in the stroller when he heard strange sounds. Unfortunately, this is probably not an option for you.

Calm Together: Reduce Stress for You and Your Dog

Once you start noticing how stress shows up in your body and habits, it’s easier to see how it can ripple out to the beings around you, especially your dog. Dogs are keen observers, and a shift in your schedule, voice, or body language can register as “something’s off.” Calm, family-oriented breeds like Leonbergers often mirror the mood of the home, so when you’re rushed, inconsistent, or tense, they may become more clingy, withdrawn, restless, or reactive.

The good news is that the same steady routines that help you feel grounded can help your dog feel safe. Regular walks burn off nervous energy for both of you, and consistent feeding and sleep times make the day more predictable. Add a little quiet bonding time, sitting together, gentle attention, an unhurried presence, and create a calm space where your dog can settle when the house feels busy.

A pretty dark-haired Caucasian girl in a plaid shirt hugs her cute Leonberger dog, concept of friendship and loyalty
Calm, family-oriented breeds like Leonbergers often mirror the mood of the home. Shutter Stock Asset id: 1741753382 by Elena Podrezenko

Daily Stress-Soothing Habits You Can Repeat

These habits work because they are simple enough to repeat on busy days, which helps your nervous system learn what “safe and settled” feels like over time. Pick one or two, practice them consistently, and let the routine support both you and your home.

Two-Minute Breath Reset
  • What it is: Do six rounds of 30-second deep breathing while sitting comfortably.
  • How often: Daily, or before stressful moments.
  • Why it helps: Slow breathing lowers body tension and helps your mind re-center.
Light-and-Move Morning Start
  • What it is: Get daylight, drink water, and take a 10-minute easy walk.
  • How often: Most mornings.
  • Why it helps: Movement and light support energy, mood, and calmer focus.
Workday Boundary Check
  • What it is: Choose a clear stop time and do a 3-minute tidy reset.
  • How often: Weekdays.
  • Why it helps: A clean ending reduces rumination and protects your evening.
Stress-Smart Plate
  • What it is: Build meals with protein, fiber, and a color, then snack intentionally.
  • How often: Daily.
  • Why it helps: Stable blood sugar can reduce jitters and irritability.
Screen-Free Wind-Down
  • What it is: Put your phone away and do a short stretch or shower.
  • How often: Nightly, last 30 minutes.
  • Why it helps: Less stimulation helps your body shift toward sleep.
A big brown Leonberger dog lying on his back on a leather sofa.
When you are relaxed your dog can relax. This is our Leonberger dog Bronco splayed out on the leather sofa.

Stress-Relief Questions People Ask Most

Q: How do I choose a relaxation technique that actually works for me?
A: Pick the one you will realistically repeat, not the “perfect” method. Start with something low-friction like slow breathing, a short walk, or gentle stretching, then notice what changes first: sleep, irritability, or focus. If you hate a technique, it is okay to swap it.

Q: Why do I feel worse when I try to relax?
A: This is more common than people realize, especially if you have been running on adrenaline for a long time. Try a lighter version: shorter sessions, eyes open, or movement-based calming like walking. If panic spikes, pause and choose grounding actions like naming five things you see.

Q: When I miss a day, should I start over?
A: No, you are practicing a skill, not passing a test. Restart with the smallest version of your habit and anchor it to something you already do, like after brushing your teeth. Consistency over time matters more than streaks.

Q: When is professional support the safest next step?
A: Reach out if stress is affecting sleep for weeks, causing frequent panic, or leading you to rely on alcohol, drugs, or self-harm thoughts. A clinician can help you build a plan that protects both your body and mind. If you ever feel unsafe, seek urgent help right away.

This was a stressful situation. Our Leonberger dog Bronco, wearing a cast chased our neighbor and his Corgis down the street. He was limping badly but wanted a walk so we took him outside just for a little bit. We did not think he needed a leash in his condition, but it turned out he could run. He was not supposed to bump his cast and not chase neighbors either. Illustrations by Naomi Rosenblatt.

Small Habits, Lasting Calm

Managing stress naturally does not require a complete lifestyle overhaul. By learning to recognize your stress triggers, understanding how your body responds, and building a few simple, repeatable habits into your day, you can create more resilience and balance over time. Whether you find relief through breathwork, mindful routines, supportive supplements, or simply creating calmer rhythms for yourself and your family, consistency matters more than perfection. Small daily actions can add up to meaningful changes, helping you navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, energy, and peace of mind.

Launching A Pet Boarding Business

A professional content writer by the name of Ryan Goodchild contacted me about me posting an  article he had written on launching a pet boarding and pet daycare business. The title of the article is “A Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your Pet Boarding and Daycare Business”  and you can see the article below. Ryan wrote the article and I provided pictures.

Photos from Pexels.com by Nataliya Vaitkevich, Aishu gowda, Austin Briones, and Blue Bird. At the top left, me with our Leonberger dog Bronco.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your Pet Boarding and Daycare Business

For local business owners and new pet service entrepreneurs, a pet boarding business opportunity can feel obvious, until the local pet daycare market reveals crowded options in one area and unmet needs in another. The core challenge is separating real community pet care demand from friendly encouragement, so a small business startup in the pet industry doesn’t open to empty spots or unhappy neighbors. The upside is meaningful: reliable support for working families, safer care for pets, and a business built on trust and consistency. Clear demand and clear standards are what turn pet care into a lasting local service.

Ten Leonberger puppies sitting on a sofa. They are brown with black face masks.
Ten Leonberger puppies, about two months old. Shutterstock-ID:561107710 by Akbudak Rimma.

Build Your Pet Boarding Business From Plan to Opening

This roadmap helps you turn a pet boarding and daycare idea into a real opening day plan, with fewer legal, safety, and customer service surprises. It matters because most “small” gaps, like paperwork, intake rules, or staffing, are exactly what shape trust in your community.

  1. Confirm demand and define your offer
    Start with a simple business plan that names who you serve, what problems you solve, and how many pets you can safely handle per day. Talk to local vets, groomers, and pet parents to learn which hours, services, and price points are actually missing. Use what you hear to choose a clear niche, like small-dog daycare, senior pet boarding, or extended-hour drop-offs.
  2. Choose your structure and line up licensing
    Pick a legal setup, register your business, and get an EIN so you can open accounts and hire staff cleanly. A checklist like choosing a business structure can help you decide how to organize liability, taxes, and ownership from day one. Then contact your city or county to confirm permits, zoning, signage rules, and any kennel or animal care licensing requirements.
  3. Set up a safe, workable facility
    Choose a location and layout that supports calm movement, easy cleaning, and separation when needed, such as by size, temperament, or health status. Before you commit, visit the facility you plan to use so you can notice noise, odor control, drainage, entry security, and how pets would flow through the space. Build your setup around safety basics like double-door entry, secure fencing, sanitation stations, and clear emergency exits.
  4. Train your team and lock in operating standards
    Write simple, repeatable rules for supervision, playgroup grouping, feeding, medication, cleaning schedules, and incident reporting. Train staff on body language basics, de-escalation, and how to follow checklists, not memory, during busy rushes. Consistent standards reduce accidents and make your service feel dependable even as you grow.
  5. Create intake procedures and launch marketing
    Set an intake process that protects pets and sets expectations, including vaccination proof, temperament notes, emergency contacts, and a trial day for new clients. Then market what you can deliver consistently: capacity, hours, safety practices, and your booking process, not just cute photos. Ask early customers for reviews, and build referral partnerships with nearby pet professionals so your first month is not a guessing game.
Five Leonbergers lying in the grass. They are wearing hats showing the American flag.
Five Leonbergers including Digory on 4th of July 2023. Photo by my friend Jen O’Keefe.

Build the Business Skills That Keep Pet Care Profitable

Boosting your business acumen can be as practical as earning an online business degree, giving you structured training to support smarter choices as you grow. Earning a business management degree can help build skills in leadership, operations, and project management, the same capabilities you’ll lean on when you’re coordinating people, processes, and services. An online format can make it easier to learn on a flexible schedule while still applying what you study to your business in real time; for additional info, explore the program details.

Our mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo is playing with an orange volleyball on the green grass.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo playing with an orange ball.

Pet Boarding and Daycare Startup Questions

Q: What licenses or rules do I need before I take my first booking?
A: Start with your city or county business license, zoning approval, and any kennel or animal care permits your state requires. Ask specifically about occupancy limits, noise rules, waste disposal, and vaccination requirements. Create a simple compliance binder with permits, inspection notes, and written policies so you can prove you are operating responsibly.

Q: How much insurance do I really need, and what should it cover?
A: Look for liability coverage that includes animal bailee or care, custody, and control, plus protection for bites, escapes, and property damage. Many sitters benchmark options by noting 78% of members in a major industry survey used one insurer, but the right choice depends on your services and facility. Get quotes from at least three providers and confirm exclusions in writing.

Q: How do I set prices without scaring off new clients?
A: Price around your true costs first: staffing, cleaning, rent, insurance, and supplies, then add a profit margin. A practical reference point is the pricing range $25-$65/day for day boarding, adjusted for your local demand and service level. Offer clear add-ons like medication, late pickup, or enrichment instead of discounting your base care.

Q: Should I hire staff right away, or start solo?
A: Many owners start lean, then hire when supervision and cleaning tasks begin to compete with customer service and sales. If you do hire, prioritize reliability and calm handling skills over pet ownership alone. Use paid working interviews and require proof of any claimed certifications.

Q: How can I prevent fights, illness, or mix-ups between pets?
A: Use temperament screenings, separate play groups by size and energy, and set firm criteria for when a pet must be kenneled or isolated. Require vaccination records, a signed emergency authorization, and clear ID on every collar and kennel. Daily cleaning checklists and incident logs help you spot patterns before they become big problems.

An old lady at the hotel reception. She has a small dog.
From pexels.com cottonbro studio

Open-Ready Startup Checklist

This checklist keeps your launch organized so you can open confidently and care for pets safely. Use it to spot gaps early, avoid last minute scrambles, and create a smooth first impression.

✔ Confirm business license, zoning clearance, and required animal care permits

✔ File insurance policies and document coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions

✔ Set pricing sheet with add-ons, cancellation terms, and pickup windows

✔ Prepare intake packet with vaccine proof, emergency contacts, and behavior notes

✔ Stock supplies list for cleaning, enrichment, feeding, and first-aid essentials

✔ Create daily routines for sanitation, headcounts, and incident reporting

✔ Verify staff identities, references, and hands-on handling competence

✔ Launch local outreach with a simple website, reviews plan, and referral perk

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

Turn Your Pet Care Plan Into a Trusted Local Business

Starting a pet boarding and daycare business can feel overwhelming because pets’ safety, regulations, and expectations all land on day one. The path forward is a community-first mindset, use your open-ready checklist, stay consistent, and build trust through clear standards and a customer satisfaction focus. When those pieces are in place, entrepreneurial motivation turns into confidence building for new owners, steady referrals, and long-term growth strategies that make the operation resilient. A calm, prepared launch is the fastest way to earn trust and keep it.

A woman is grooming a small hairy dog.
From pexels.com by Tima Miroshnichenko

The Joy of Having a Pet

Esther’s writing prompt: June 3 : Pet

Click here or here  to join in.

I grew up not having any pets even though I really wanted a dog. However, both my parents were working, and my brother and I walked to and from school every day. We stayed by ourselves until our parents came back home. That is not a good situation for a dog or for many other kinds of pets. This all changed after I met my wife. She was used to having dogs and other pets. While we were still students we had an aquarium, hamsters, a rabbit, and a cat. Unfortunately, I was extremely allergic to the cat and I got very sick. Luckily, we found someone who could take care of the cat.

After we got married and had kids we had a couple of aquariums, a pet snake, a frilled lizard, hamsters, and eventually dogs. On one occasion we went fishing in a lake here in Texas. We used minnows for bait. My daughter wanted to take the leftover minnows home and put them in an aquarium. She named all of them Sally. Sally #1, Sally #2, Sally #3, Sally #4, Sally #5, Sally #6, etc. She was very young at the time and did not take care of her Sallys’ very well. She wanted them to have cranberry juice, so she poured cranberry juice in the aquarium. She wanted them to have a beautiful red aquarium, so she poured red paint in it. Well eventually the minnows died.

Freshwater fish Riffle minnow (Alburnoides bipunctatus) underwater photography. Minnow in clean water and nature habitat. Natural light. Lake and river habitat. Wild animal. Underwater photo of fish.
Sally #1 and Sally #2 Asset id: 1182854671 by Rostislav Stefanek

Our first dogs as a family were our Labrador Baylor and our German Shepherd Baby. To be precise, Baylor was a mix, one quarter Rhodesian Ridgeback and three quarters yellow Labrador. They were both rescues that were adopted by our niece (Baylor) and Claudia’s sister (Baby). They were both wonderful dogs. Baylor loved swimming and he was brave and very playful.

Our yellow Lab Baylor is sitting on the left. Our brown-black German Shepherd Baby is sitting on the right.
Our Labrador Baylor and German Shepherd Baby. They were both rescues.

Next, we got a Leonberger dog by the name Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle, or Le Bronco, or just Bronco for short. He was a big friendly goofball who saved our Pug Daisy’s life, probably saved Baylor’s life my smelling out an oncoming insulin shock, found and saved run away hamsters, and saved the entire neighborhood by chasing off a trespasser / intruder / peeping Tom. I wrote a book about him “The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle”.

A photo of our Leonberger as a puppy. He is wearing a red scarf.
Our Leonberger Dog Bronco at 3 months old
Our Leonberger Bronco is standing on our red sofa. He is giving me a hug.
Me with our Leonberger Bronco. He was not yet fully grown.
My wife is sitting on a red sofa. Our large Leonberger Bronco is sitting in her lap. He is big and heavy, and she is barely visible underneath him.
Our large but cuddly 167lb Leonberger Bronco is sitting in my wife Claudia’s lap.

Next, we got a Japanese Chin named Ryu and the Pug Daisy. Two little energetic and funny dogs. Ryu loved howling and he sounded like an opera singer. He loved the applause he got. Daisy was a funny girl, and she loved being around Ryu. They did not like it when we travelled and on one occasion they staged a protest. They defiantly sat down in one of the suitcases and refused to move.

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.

Finally, we got our little rascal, the mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo. He is an intelligent, curious, energetic, anxious and spoiled dog that is a chore. He probably understands several hundred words. When we still had Bronco, they were best buddies. He was pestering Bronco, biting his tail and even swinging in it. Luckily, Bronco was patient. When we leave for a little bit, he sits in the window and looks out into the street. When we say “Rollo, go look out the window” he runs to the window. He knows we are leaving. He is our most misbehaved dog, but he is full of life and full of joy.

Bronco is standing behind Rollo. Rollo is black and white and very small. They are standing in front of the kitchen.
Our Leonberger Bronco with our new puppy Rollo, a mini-Australian Shepherd.
our mini-Australian Shepherd on the left, is biting and pulling Bronco’s tail. Bronco is on the right.
Rollo, our mini-Australian Shepherd could be a pest. He loved biting Bronco’s tail and even swung in it as if it was a swing.
The joke in the photos is : Daisy says, “Rollo do you want to hear a joke”, Rollo says “OK”, Daisy says “knock! knock!”, then they both start barking “Woof! Woof! Woof!”, “Woof! Woof! Woof!”
Our Pug Daisy and our mini-Australian Shepherd barking at people passing by our house. Notice the joke.

The Joy of Having a Pet

Pets give you unconditional love, company, adventure, memorable moments, hilarious moments, protection, and lots of joy. Playing with them or taking a dog for a walk is good for your health, as this article from the Mayo clinic states.

My Other Responses to Esther’s Prompts

25 Sweet Leonberger and Dog Photos

Today is the third time I participate in Linda Hill’s streams of consciousness. To read about the rules and participate click here, or here. To read my two previous entries (prompt was pre) click here “Prediction Failures and My Lucky Day from Hell”, or here “Reindeer Hide Memories”.

The badge features a twig with rain drops and it says Stream of consciousness Saturday #SoCS
2019-2020 SoCS Badge by Shelley!

Today’s prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday May 16 is “sweet”. Use it way you’d like. The first rule is: there should be minimal planning and no editing except typos. 

The first thing that came to my mind was how sweet my dogs have been and how many sweet dog photos I have taken of Leonbergers and of our other dogs throughout the years. I’ve also downloaded many shutterstock photos of Leonbergers. I intend to pick just a few of those. So, my stream of consciousness is to randomly pick sweet dog photos from the thousands of photos that I have. I will select 25 photos, but I don’t know yet which photos that will be. Let’s see!

25 Sweet Leonberger and Dog Photos my Quick Picks

This is color photo of our Leonberger puppy Bronco at three months old. He is sitting and staring at the camera. He is wearing a silk scarf.
Our Leonberger Bronco at three months old.
Our yellow Labrador Baylor is on the left and our brown and black German Shepherd Baby is on the right.
Our Labrador Baylor and our German Shepherd Baby. Photo taken at the same time as the photo above. However, we couldn’t get Bronco sit still between Baylor and Baby.
Our black and white Japanese Shin Ryu is on our red sofa. You can see our pug Daisy in the upper left corner.
Our Japanese Shin Ryu when he was young.
Photo of our son David on the sofa holding a little pug puppy in his arms.
Our son David with our pug Daisy when she was a puppy.
The German Shepherd is lying on the floor and the Leonberger puppy is on his back.
Our German Shepherd Baby playing with our 4 months old Leonberger Bronco.
Bronco is standing on our red leather sofa giving me hug and a kiss.
Bronco our Leonberger is giving me a hug. He is about one year old and not yet fully grown.
Two brown Leonberger puppies lying on a wood floor.
Two Leonberger puppies. Shutter stock Photo ID: 2294202331 by Olga Shusters.
Ten Leonberger puppies sitting on a sofa. They are brown with black face masks.
Ten Leonberger puppies. My guess is that they are about two months old. Shutterstock-ID:561107710 by Akbudak Rimma.
Leonberger puppy running through green grass. The puppy has its mouth open, and he is looking straight into the camera.
Leonberger puppy. My guess is that he is around two months old. Shutterstock-ID: 629624396 by TOM KAROLA.
Two sand colored Leonberger puppies playing in the snow. The play seems to be a little bit rough. Like all Leonbergers they have a black facemask.
Two light colored Leonberger puppies playing. My guess is that they are three months old. Shutterstock-ID: 2141564415 by AnetaZabranska.
Six Leonbergers with celebration hats are looking straight into the camera.
Six Leonbergers and a birthday celebration. Photo by friend Jen O’Keefe.
Seven Leonbergers lying or sitting on the sand on a beach.
Seven Leonbergers by the beach. Photo by my friend Jen O’Keefe.
Five Leonbergers lying in the grass. They are wearing hats showing the American flag.
Five Leonbergers including Digory on 4th of July 2023. Photo by my friend Jen O’Keefe.
Our black and white Japanese Shin Ryu (left) sleeping next to our beige pug Daisy (right).
Our Japanese Shin Ryu sleeping next to our pug Daisy.
Our black and white Japanese Shin Ryu (right) licking our pug Daisy’s ear (left).
Our Japanese Shin Ryu licking our pug Daisy’s ear.
Photo shows a little mini-Australian Shepherd puppy on top. He is looking up at us. Right below him is an English Bulldog puppy.
The day we picked up our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo. He was nine weeks old. The other puppy is an English bulldog puppy.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo is lying on the grass.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo is lying on a blanket.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo.
The photo shows our pug Daisy on the right and our little mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo on the left. They are on the sofa.
Our pug Daisy and our mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo.
The photo shows our big Leonberger on the left and our little mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo on the right. They are in the backyard.
Bronco and our mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo.
The photo shows our big Leonberger standing behind our little mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo.
Bronco and our mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo.
The photo shows our daughter wearing a pajama and petting our Pug Daisy and mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo.
Our daughter with our Pug Daisy and mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo.
Little Rollo is lying in front of Bronco. Rollo is on the left. Bronco is on the right.
Bronco our Leonberger and Rollo our mini-Australian Shepherd.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo is playing with an orange volleyball on the green grass.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd puppy Rollo playing with an orange ball.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo (left) is biting Bronco’s tail and pulling on it.
Our mini-Australian Shepherd Rollo is playing with our Leonberger Bronco’s tail. Once he even dangled in it like a swing.

Finally, if you want to see other 25 sets of dog photos see below (this list I copied from another of my posts).