Leo

My story

PWRESCUE.ORG Special needs - dominate personality, need experienced owner.*PHOENIX METRO AREA ONLY* - PLEASE COMPLETELY READ LEO's BIO: Meet Leo, a distinguished 8-year-old, 22-pound Lhasa/Poodle mix with a dignified presence and a heart full of loyalty. Leo came to us when his previous owner could no longer care for him, and now he’s searching for a special home where his unique personality can truly shine. Leo embodies the strong-willed and independent spirit typical of the  Lhasa Apso  — it’s said, “when a Lhasa Apso looks in the mirror, he sees a lion.” To truly thrive, Leo needs owners who appreciate this confident, assertive nature and can build a relationship based on mutual respect and consistency. Patience will be key as Leo adjusts to a new environment. It may take a few weeks for him to feel fully settled, but once he does, his loyalty runs deep. While he’s not a typical or constant cuddler, he absolutely enjoys being near his people. He prefers sitting close by, curling up in his own cozy bed, or resting on a soft blanket nearby. Leo gets excited when it’s time for a walk — he happily puts on his harness and grabs the leash, even if it’s just for a short stroll. He is very well behaved: house trained, not a marker, and not destructive. He does well with mellow, neutral, non-competitive dogs and would be comfortable with another calm, submissive companion. Leo does exhibit some resource guarding and mild anxiety, especially around change or separation. He can be vocal — talking and alert barking are normal traits for his breed. The good news is that he responds well to encouragement and will quiet down once his excitement settles. He may growl to express his opinions, but this is communication rather than aggression. He has never bitten anyone, though understanding and respecting his vocal cues is important. Leo enjoys walks, backyard playtime, and curling up near his human at bedtime. He responds best to strong yet gentle leadership. A home with confident, calm adults who can provide consistency and respectful boundaries will help him feel secure and balanced. Leo would be happiest in an adult-only home, or possibly with another older, submissive dog (not a young or high-energy one). Because of his independent personality, he is not likely to be a good fit for a home with young children. With patience and understanding, Leo will reward his new family with unwavering loyalty and quiet devotion. Leo is up-to-date on vaccinations, neutered, and microchipped. His adoption fee is $280. If you’re ready to provide Leo with the loving, structured home he deserves, please visit https://pwrescue.org and click on the “Adopt” button to complete an application. Pathways Home Animal Rescue March 4, 2026, 8:51 pm

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.