NOW PLAYING: TRUCKIN'

Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip it's been.

LEROY AT HOME WITH BILL 25 MAY 2017
	Bill writes: I'm so pleased that there has been so much attention paid to this guy who is obviously a mix (wait till you see the size of this guy!), but stole the heart of CRUSA and was rescued in the nick of time before he was to be euthanized. Many thanks to everyone involved in getting Leroy from the most awful of shelter situations to his current spot at the Hotel Andersonville right here in sunny Chicago. His saga started out with some major disappointment, but has thankfully stabilized and for now, has had a happy result. Leroy & Lorenzo
You probably already know that I flew out to LAX on Sunday to pick up Leroy and fly him back to Chicago. Thanks to Judith for bringing him to LAX on very short notice!
	Unfortunately, I knew the moment I saw him that he was much too large for my carrier. The folks at Southwest would have surely turned me away at the desk for having a dog that would not fit the parameters of a cabin dog. I would not have attempted it under any circumstances; to have a dog the size of Leroy stuffed under a seat for a 3.5-hour flight would be additional stress and pain that I simply couldn't put him through.
Thanks to some quick work by Shell Lewis and additional support from Will in California, Leroy boarded a United Airlines PetSafe flight to Chicago. When he landed, he was most definitely ready for his next chapter, barking and scraping on the carrier as if to say, "LET ME OUT" He went right for the doggie area outside of United PetSafe (a really great idea on their part) and did his business before we got in the car and headed to my house.
	It took a little time for him to settle in; he had been through a lot over the past few days. He ate his dinner (it is apparent that he is undernourished; he definitely eats like he hasn't eaten properly in a while) and to my amazement, found some of Rosie's rubber squeak toys that she never plays with and immediately started tossing them around, squawking and growling as he played.
Took him a while to settle down; I finally relented and let him sleep in the bed with me. After some coaxing, he settled down and slept soundly through the night. In fact, he didn't want to get up with me this morning! He is wonderful with pottying; no accidents at all. We'll keep him on the same schedule as my Rosie (who, in true Rosie fashion, isn't crazy about an interloper!) and we believe he'll continue to do great at staying housebroken. Leroy looks into his new future . . . As I write this, he is playing with rubber balls, chewing, growling and having a good time. He seems content and calm now. He's a lover puppy, very affectionate and very good with other dogs. During our walk this afternoon, the kids at the school across the street (who know Rosie well) were delighted to have a new buddy to pet, and he did great with them as well. Please rest assured that he's safe, comfortable, well-taken-care-of, and already loved. For a dog who's been through what this guy has endured, he's a testament to the amazing spirit of dogs and the relentless work of so many people to bring them to this point. He's a bit camera-shy right now and doesn't like to sit still for photos, but I promise I'll have more as he gets settled in and relaxes a bit. NEAL SKRENES: What a wonderful story. How could anyone read it and not be touched. Kudos to everyone who participated in yet another successful rescue.  CATHY BEIRSACK: Love it!  JEAN LAWSON: Way to go, Leroy!  BOB SHIRE: Super report, Bill. And he's a big 'un, alright.  ELAINE ALGER: Phil Alger, a CRUSA dog, is so glad LeRoy has landed safely. Hoorah to LeRoy and all those who have made this all possible. The little guy has special angels on his side and watching over him. We are sending him sunny days and plenty of space to run and feel the wind in his face. Shell is indeed special and so glad the little guy has her watching out for him.

LEROY GOES TO THE VET HERE