Our Featured Leo

Perfect Stranger Vom Welland  ( “Balki” )

I sometimes think the larger the dog, the bigger the void in our life when they leave us.  It was with a heavy heart that I started looking for another male puppy after my beloved Toby passed away.  My friend and breeder in Germany, Sabine Klippel of Vom Welland kennels, knew I was searching for a very special puppy.  It is such a privilege to own a Leonberger and I enjoy sharing my dogs through volunteer and therapy work.  I wanted a Leo who would continue in this work. 

Sabine was planning a litter with her Fiona and Jokull, two dogs I had done a lot of research on.  Both future parents were champions in their own right and had kind and gentle dispositions.  On February 20th 2009  thirteen puppies were born, 8 males and 5 females !  At four weeks the photos of the males started arriving and from these, and in consultation with Sabine, we narrowed it down to three little boys.  One of the reasons I picked Balki was his expression.  He had a "soft" and thoughtful demeanour in all of his photos.
 
Once we arrived home he started going, unofficially, to nursing homes and schools at the tender age of nine weeks.  It was a mutual love affair !  He always seemed to know when puppy exuberance was appreciated and when he had to “submit” to sessions of just being petted.  He thrived on all the attention.  His natural balanced attitude and inherent kindness won over all he met.  He continues to amaze me with his patience and understanding. 
 
Exactly two days after his first birthday Balki passed his St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog testing with flying colours.  Two weeks after that he received his R.E.A.D. (Reading Educational Assistant Dog) status.  Balki  enjoys donning his neckerchiefs and doing his work in the community.  There is always an obligatory trip to Tim Horton's drive through for timbits following each session.

In his spare time Balki enjoys swimming, romping on the farm with his Leo buddies, and the occasional session of mousing in the field.  Next year, if all health screenings are passed, Balki will enjoy taking his relationships to the "next level" with the lovely CR Leo ladies !  Balki is a source of both pleasure and pride.  We all love him so much!

- Cindy Hunt -

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Page Last Updated

April 21, 2010

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