Today our good Leo turns 9 years old. Although, to be honest, it’s not really a happy birthday and not really a reason to celebrate. Because today he spends his ninth birthday again or still in our shelter in Calvia. And it’s neither his first, nor his second or third birthday with us – it’s already his sixth birthday here at the SOS Animal Shelter. Unbelievable – but unfortunately it was 😔.

Leo is one of those animal welfare dogs that are somehow always forgotten and overlooked – perhaps it’s simply because of this incredibly long time. Every single one of his caregivers loves and supports him. In the meantime, Leo has of course gotten on in years – he has become calmer and more relaxed – and has somehow come to terms with the situation at the shelter – because he had no other choice.

A first family who never really wanted him – passed on to other unsuitable people – given to the Perrera Natura Park – then the next short, completely unsuitable adoption – given to the Perrera Calvià – and then the change to us – that describes Leo’s life so far in a nutshell.

He had the chance to find a really good family with us a long time ago. There were many meetings at our place to get to know each other (and it worked out great) and then the move to the really dog-experienced couple on the island – accompanied by a trainer. But after a while, our impressive Leo decided that he only wanted the woman by his side – and no matter what we tried, it didn’t work. And so Leo had to come back to us from there too.

He needs calm, dog-experienced people at his side who will take him as he is, give him time and space, not have too high expectations of him and clearly accept his history and our many years of experience with him. A single person or a couple, but in any case without children, would be ideal. A lot of back and forth and excitement, e.g. due to lots of visitors, would not be for Leo. He should also be allowed to live as an only dog for the time being and in any case WITHOUT cats.

Leo is not generally incompatible with other dogs, but experience has shown that he simply needs his own space. With “his” people – including people he really trusts – he is a really great, extremely gentle and affectionate male dog who loves going for walks and spending time together and is also very easy to handle.

We think it would be best if Leo could stay on the island and potential adopters could get to know him and build trust by visiting him several times at the shelter.

Many other animal welfare stories have shown us that you should never give up.

And we will never do that for our LEO either.

Congratulations “big one” ❤ We are still looking for “your chance” 🙏