Maxx the Rescue Leonberger

Traveling to California for the 2003 Leonberger specialty was very special to us. Our intention was to see a lot of the West Coat Leos we have read about, do some volunteer work, attend a few of the seminars and watch the various competitions. While reviewing the assorted posted information I asked my wife, Jan, if we were signed up with LeoRescue. Jan responded that she thought we were listed as transporters. We decided to sign up as possible adoptive parents as well as transporters.

Shortly after getting back to the east coast we were contacted by LeoRescue about a possible placement - a dog we had just met at one of our Northeast get togethers. Both of our heads were spinning, we never thought that a dog would become available so quickly. We have two grown Leos, Crusher. then 6 years old. and Timber. almost 5 years old. When Jan got the call to see if we would be interested in a third Leo, she asked me and I said without hesitation, YES!

This is how Maxx (5 years old) entered our home and our hearts. Maxx had been with a family in PA for almost 5 years. After a divorce and some other circumstances, it was necessary to find Maxx a new home. LeoRescue group had placed Maxx with a couple who owned a bed & breakfast in Virginia. With a new home, people coming and going, cats and an Akita, this was not a good fit for Maxx, so back he went to a foster home. Fostering Maxx with lots of love and affection was Laura & Tim of New Jersey. From Pennsylvania to Virginia to New Jersey, Maxx was well traveled in a relatively short period of time.

It was Memorial Day weekend and we were away visiting some friends in PA. We stopped on our way back home and picked up Maxx. Laura was sobbing when we left. (I could not be a foster parent. I admire those who can, but I could not endure the separation.) Our intention once we got home was to have our other two dogs come outside and meet Maxx one on one. Of course the best laid plans …. It was pouring rain when we got home so I backed our car out of the garage and made it the neutral grounds. Maxx, being the tallest and being male, thought he would show these other two Leos that he was in charge. Timber, our 155 pound love bug mush of a male said, "Yeah, sure, anything you want". Crusher, our alpha female was something else. In short order Crusher, 6 inches shorter than Maxx, had him on his back asking for mercy (not really) but she made her point and Maxx realized that being number 2 was not so bad.

Maxx had a few issues. He was very possessive of his things, toys, water bowl etc. People entering our home would be welcomed by a nip. We were so worried that this would be on ongoing problem that we took Maxx to a dog behaviorist. She quickly pointed out a few things we were doing wrong. With helpful neighbors, a dedicated sister and lots of work, we had Maxx pointed back on the right path for a former Therapy dog and gentle giant. A visit to the vet revealed that Maxx also had a thyroid problem. With medication the nipping and attitude has gone by the wayside.

Crusher and Maxx now tear up the backyard playing - their dance of dodging, jumping and spit head choreographed to perfection. Maxx and Timber are best buds, with Maxx still looking to Timber to let him know if this new treat or game is a good thing.

I am a very hands on dog lover (I hate the word owner especially since if anyone would be the "owner", it would be the dog owning us.) Leos being large dogs are ideal for a hands-on person. Roughhousing is one of my favorite things to do with dogs but momma Jan reminds us "not in the house, take it outside." Playing ball with the Leos is also great fun. The first time I threw a ball at Maxx it hit him in the head. I realized Maxx did not know how to play ball or anything else. Maxx was a certified Therapy Dog, so I guess he worked and nothing else. How sad! The good news is that Maxx is now one of "the guys". He plays, he barks, he lines up for his treats and more importantly he smiles. That has been of the most rewarding things for us to see this sad, displaced dog turn into a fun loving pet.