Longlease Bernese Mountain Dogs, Histio Roll Call

Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!

In Loving Memory of

Leo

Maryfrancis’ Lionheart

February 19th 2004 to July 17th 2012

So much loved and so sadly missed by Karen Harris and family

On Tuesday, 17 July 2012, the world became a little darker when Leo left it.

He was diagnosed with histiocytic sarcoma (0% 1-year survival rate) in the Spring of 2009. Apparently, he wasn’t much for statistics.

I can’t imagine a more fun dog. One look at him and I just had to smile back. Eyes twinkling and tail wagging, Leo was always up for an adventure and was especially fond of water, bounding through snow, running like the wind, thrashing on his back in the wet morning grass, power napping, and rolling in mud puddles. He was the life of any party, quickly making new friends and schmoozing with old ones. To him, every day was the very best day. My best days were spent in his company, coming home after playing somewhere and curling up with him, my head going up and down with each breath he took.

Above all, Leo was exceptionally kind and gentle, and he lived up to his name…he truly did have the heart of a lion, unfailingly strong and holding boundless love. HIs heart and spirit were strong to the end.

I am heartbroken, but I feel so incredibly lucky to have had the privilege of sharing my life with him. My house, and, in fact, my life, seem strangely empty.

I owe a special debt of gratitude to Dr. K. Ann Jeglum and the staff at Veterinary Oncology Services and Research Center in West Chester. Their expertise and caring gave me more than three years post-diagnosis with my Leo. They were there for him, and for me, until the end, showing that they also live up to the lionhearted label.

With incredible sadness,

Karen, with Leo forever in my heart