Leo

My story

Meet Leonardo Da Vinci, or “Leo” as his foster family lovingly calls him—a larger-than-life personality wrapped up in a fluffy, 7–8-year-old Pomeranian body. Leo was rescued after being found alone in an empty parking lot in Lake Station, Indiana, in the middle of winter. Despite his stunning looks, no one came forward to claim him. But this little guy’s journey was just beginning. When Leo came into rescue, he was battling a stubborn fungal infection that left him with alopecia and a strong odor—a common issue among Poms. Thanks to dedicated vet care, a nutrient-rich diet, weekly medicated baths, and plenty of love, Leo has made an incredible transformation. His coat is growing back, his skin is healing, and the odor is gone—but keeping his skin healthy will require lifelong maintenance. Leo’s early days in foster care weren’t easy. He was scared, defensive, and quick to growl or bite. Who could blame him? We don’t know what he endured before rescue. Thankfully, with time and trust, his foster family helped him feel safe. While he may still growl if he feels threatened or overwhelmed, Leo no longer bites. He will need a guardian who is patient, experienced, and in tune with dog body language—someone who will reassure him without pushing his boundaries. Because of his sensitivity, Leo cannot be placed in a home with children. Here’s what Leo does love: *Potty time: Leo is house-trained and will let you know when he needs to go out. He’s not pee pad trained, but loves his walks and marking the world (not your home—he doesn’t mark indoors!). *Personal space: Leo has his own room, complete with three beds (yes, three), including a cozy, roofed cat bed. He enjoys lounging in sunbeams and watching the world from a safe spot. *His own company: Leo isn’t a fan of other dogs. He prefers being the only pet and has shown he’ll fiercely defend his space. A solo dog home is non-negotiable. *Routine and respect: Leo likes affection on his terms. He’s not a cuddler and doesn’t like being held, but will accept love in short bursts—just listen for his signals. Leo is vocal and will bark (loudly) if his needs aren't met quickly, so a home with a fenced yard is required, and apartments or shared-wall living are not a good match. This little lion-hearted guy is full of spunk, charm, and character. He just needs the right human(s) who see past his tough exterior and appreciate his bold spirit. In return, Leo promises a lifetime of companionship, laughs, and loyalty—on his own terms. Leo is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, de-wormed, and microchipped. Ready to welcome this pint-sized powerhouse into your life? If you're interested in adopting, please fill out an application here: https://tinyurl.com/4u3tuy5c Due to the high volume of applications, our Adoption Coordinator will only contact the applicant that best meets the needs of the pet. If selected, we require a phone interview, virtual house check, and meet and greet with your entire family. Please consider donating to help with medical costs or gifting something from our Amazon Wishlist! -Zelle: petprofilerescue@gmail.com -Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/Petprofilerescue_OFFICIAL -Paypal: paypal.com/ncp/payment/X4YK4D5VZLYPE -Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1PIG0Y2YAZ2MP

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Leo, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.