Three-legged rescue dog works toward therapy certification after miraculous recovery
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - A three-legged Great Pyrenees rescued in May 2024 is working toward therapy dog certification after surviving severe injuries from a car accident.
According to his owner, Robyn Howard, “Leo was hit by a car, was drug down the road probably for a pretty good distance, and then left on the side of the road for three days”.
When animal control finally found Leo they took him straight to a veterinarian, Howard recalling the extent of his injuries.
“He had a broken leg, he had a wound on his neck that a human hand could fit inside, he had a wound on his back leg, and he had a whole body infection,” Howard said.
Recovery and adoption
But despite the severity of his condition Leo survived the infection and recovered from the amputation of his front leg and other injuries.
“I didn’t think he could survive the infection but… man he did,” Howard shared.
Leo ended up staying with the Texas Great Pyrenees Rescue for over a year. Howard took him in after he was adopted and then brough back.
“He was with me for probably 10 to 14 days in the transition, and by that time he was my dog,” she said.
Leo joined Howard’s three other dogs, one of which is a certified therapy dog. Howard says she quickly realized that Leo would make an amazing therapy dog as well.
“I recognized in him some of those same qualities. He likes all people, he’s calm, and very gentle,” Howard said.
Therapy dog training
Leo is now taking classes to become a therapy dog and completed his first class this month. He was also fitted for a wheelchair to improve his mobility.
“He gets around, but he falls a lot and he is slow,” Howard explained, “he needs to be more mobile”.
She expects Leo to be certified as a therapy dog in late spring or summer. She plans to work with him at children’s hospitals to inspire disabled children.
“He has been through a lot... and made it! He’s amazing,” Howard shared.
If you are interested in helping cover the cost of Leo’s wheelchair and future therapy certification classes a link to his GoFundMe can be found here.
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