Leo German Shorthaired Pointer Ingleside, IL

PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Leo is good with children and walks nicely on leash with 12-year-old. Lives in foster home as only dog so unsure how he will be around dogs and/or cats. Fenced yard recommended if possible.

LEO’S STORY:

Leo is 8 years old and came to ISR after staying in a shelter for a while after his dad died. He’s a big fella and weighs about 84 pounds but is definitely a “gentle giant.” He has adapted very well in his foster home and loves everybody of all ages. Since he isn’t homed with other pets, we’re unsure how he’ll be when exposed to another dog; however, his foster mom says when he sees other dogs outside, he just watches them as they pass by…without much interest. He did try to chase a cat once when he was in the back yard, but stopped when his foster mom called his name.

Leo loves children! His foster’s 12-year-old granddaughter routinely takes him on leash walks and he’s such a gentleman the entire time. His big and not overly graceful but since he’s so laid back his size doesn’t create any problems when he’s around children. He stands still while they put a leash on him and also lets them feed him his supper and treats. He may unintentionally knock a toddler over, but it wouldn’t be with any intent on his part. It would just be because he’s a little bit of an oaf.

Currently Leo is on a very long lead when he is in the backyard and does well with that restriction; however, it is preferred he have a fenced yard so he can get extra exercise and the pleasure of exploring and walking around on his own. Leo is considered to have medium prey drive. When he’s inside the house and spots critters and prey outside, he gets excited and will “cry” and point. Just think of the fun he’d have in a fenced yard pointing and giving chase; doing what GSPs are bred to do. This old gentleman might actually have a few tricks up his sleeve for those pesky squirrels and birds.

Leo has a low to medium energy level and will do well with a family who is willing and has the time to go on leash walks with him. While on leash walks…which he LOVES… his energy picks up a tad and you can tell he’s happy to be out exploring. He hasn’t been crate-trained by his foster family because it hasn’t been necessary. He was potty-trained when he went to his fosters and easily spends 4-5 hours alone without creating any messes or bothering anything he shouldn’t. Leo has great manners and doesn’t exhibit any signs of separation anxiety.

Leo isn’t interested in playing with dog toys; he’d much rather get belly rubs…lots of them…and spend his time following his people around, anywhere, and everywhere they go. He loves sleeping on the bed with his foster parents and will curl up at the foot of the bed against one of them or will sleep on the floor next to the bed. As long as he’s with his people he’s happy.

Like other great dogs of this breed, Leo is smart and wants to please his people. He already knows several commands. He knows sit, stop, come here, and easy. His foster mom thinks he knows a lot of “plain English;” He responds to “do you need to potty”, “do you want a treat?”

In astrology, Leos are known to be “dedicated friends who put their hearts into every relationship.” This short phrase sums up our Leo. He loves being with his humans. We always ask our foster families about the problems with their foster dogs so we can portray our rescues in an honest manner; however, Leo’s foster mom stated that Leo “doesn’t have any problems.”

Additional comments from his foster family are so sweet and positive. They said, “Leo is just a very good boy that gets into routine easily. He sits/lays and looks at you when he wants to go to bed or go out to potty. When you ask him what he wants, he gets excited and goes in the direction of what he wants. He comes in from potty and looks at you, like I am ready for my treat now! He gets all wiggly when his people pull in the driveway or walk up to the door. When Leo first hears loud noises (thunder, fireworks) he will bark, but then lays down and ignores the ruckus.”

Leo’s ideal placement will be with just about any family. He’s great with kids, easy to take on leash walks, is potty-trained, and knows several commands. Basically, he just wants a family to love him as much as he’ll love them.

If you’re ready to have a GSP who has a sweet personality and a lot of love to give, please complete our Online Adoption Application at www.shorthairrescue.com. It’s the quickest and best way for us to learn of your interest.