On
March 6 1994, Montana came into my life. He was a 20 pound ball of grayish-brown
fur with a beautiful black face. Little did I know that my life was about to
be changed. Montana-Man by Nancy Abel
On
March 6 1994, Montana came into my life. He was a 20 pound ball of grayish-brown
fur with a beautiful black face. Little did I know that my life was about to
be changed.
The next evening I took him to visit a neighbor of mine who was in a nursing home. I placed Montana on Jim's bed and this little 9 week old puppy started to lick his hand. Jim petted him and then fell asleep. I gathered Montana in my arms and as I left, I began to realize what a special dog I had.
The bond between Montana and me has grown quite strong. I've never known any other living thing that had such love for or trust in me. Anyone that says, "He's just a dog.", has never experienced the special relationship that can develop between a Leo and their human.
He has proven to be the perfect ambassador for the breed. So many have said they want one "just like Montana." He has been to private homes, hotels, restaurants, and nursing homes. His happy face has been seen on many t-shirts and calendars. It's the first thing you see on the LeoWorld homepage. He has had his picture taken by more than a few tourists and he seems to know that he is indeed special. And he stands tall and looks at me with that special look as if to say, "I don't know what all the fuss is about, but if mom wants me to do this, I'll do anything for her."
He has the patience of a Saint. He more than proved it when I brought my second Leo puppy home. He allowed Tucker to chew on him, pull his fur, and take any toy or bone he wanted. He has also acted as mediator between adult dogs. He doesn't like any kind of altercation and will lick both dogs faces to try and bring about peace.
He'll never pass a BACL, or stand with the judge at the end of a show. Nor will there be a blue ribbon or silver bowl in our house. But, for a small guy with loose lips, light eyes, turned in hocks, and the most incredibly long, gorgeous coat, he will always be a champion in my heart. To those who would want one "just like Montana", I can't blame you. But, he's taken.