Leroy is looking for his forever home.
Leroy is 12 and lives at Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary in King City, about an hour’s drive north of Toronto.
From our newsroom to your inbox at noon, the latest headlines, stories, opinion and photos from the Toronto Sun.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox.
He’s been there for seven years.
He’s a big dog, a shepherd mix, and he was brought here from an overcrowded shelter in Miami, Florida.
Leroy’s situation is unusual enough that he was featured recently in People Magazine.
Stephanie Munro, a dog handler with Dog Tales, described to that publication some of Leroy’s issues.
Still, Dog Tales is confident the right home is out there for this canine companion.
Munro told People, “Leroy is a laid-back old man. His walks are slower but filled with lots of sniffing. He enjoys the occasional game of fetch at his own pace. Food is his favourite thing, and he will do anything for a treat.”
He needs a patient owner.
Since Leroy was featured in People, Dog Tales has had many calls about him — but he needs a particular owner for all parties to be happy with the arrangement.
In an interview Wednesday, Munro said in a statement that Leroy has some behavioural challenges and they will be a consideration for anyone thinking about adopting him.
“Leroy struggles when given too much affection and if overwhelmed with some trying to hug or cuddle him in those scenarios he may try to bite. So Leroy will require an adult-only home who will respect his boundaries.”
Leroy does, she added, like the occasional head, ear and neck scratches from someone once he feels comfortable with them.
If Leroy is eating, chewing a bone or using a favourite toy, he does not want to be touched or have these items taken away. (He has had training to help with situations when you may need to take something away from him safely.)
Leroy will be happiest in a house with no other pets or children and no stairs.
Said Munro: “He enjoys the simple things, good food and snacks, a soft, cool place to lay his head and a quiet place to sleep.”
Any potential adopters would need to go to Dog Tales for many visits beforehand to get to know Leroy, and allow him to get to know you.
During these visits, Dog Tales staff will go over some training skills to help ensure a successful, comfortable and happy arrangement for all.
If you think Leroy could be a good fit for your household, visit dogtales.ca.
