Name/Age: Leo - 9 y/o & Joey - 4 y/o
Family Members: Heather-Mom; McKenzie-8; Peanut (cat)-6; Merlin (cat)- 7
How long have Leo & Joey been with the family? Leo for 1.5 years & Joey for 1 year
Profession: Sonographer
Location: Acworth, GA.
Nicknames: Leo: Grump dog, Grumpy, Grumpmiester, Lei Lei, Leonardo
Joey: Blind Joey, Joe Joe, Joseph
Leo
Joey
5 words/phrases that best describe Leo & Joey:
Leo:
Grumpy
Pouty
Brat
Kind of the RBF
Stage 5 Clinger
Joey:
Loving
Chill
Silly
Goofy
Resilient
What makes Leo & Joey unique? Leo has 3 legs. missing the back left but he does not let that slow him down. He really does have the grumpiest face but deep down he loves me. Even though Joey is blind and used to be skittish, he has become very confident and does not let anything stop him
Leo and his Elvis impression.
Silly Sweet Joey!
Rescue Stories: In February of 2019 Fulton County Animal Services was under construction. Leo had recently been found hit by a car (they assumed) and had his leg amputated. He was healing in the offices but they were having to move to trailers where dogs were not allowed. They made a desperate plea on the Friends to the Forlorn foster page for someone to let him crash somewhere for 6 weeks. I had space so I went to get him. Elle said to me don’t worry he always looks that grumpy. I thought he hated me for weeks, he will grow on you. For weeks I thought he was miserable...then one day I saw a little smile. I love his personality but not many people would. Plus he is black, older, 3 legged and looks like a junkyard dog. I knew he would never get adopted with his RBF so I decided to keep him; he is my grumpy spirit animal. I DNA tested him he is 37.5% American Staffordshire terrier.
Few days in his new home & he already calls Shotgun!
Joey was turned into Fulton County as a stray with a chain and padlock around his neck in February 2017. He was blind and heartworm positive…and he was a black Pit bull. The Rivera family with Friends to the Forlorn stepped up to foster him. He was seen by Dr. King the ophthalmologist who diagnosed him with Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), which means he was born with sight, but his retinas have deteriorated over time. It is very rare in Pit bulls. He stayed with the Rivera family and even though he recovered from heartworm treatment he was picky about his dog friends and never passed a meet and greet. In July of 2019, The Rivera’s went on a needed vacation. As a foster I offered to watch Morty and Joey (their two fosters). They warned me that Joey was aloof and did his own thing and not to be offended. From the first night Joey was in my lap loving on me. He was my bestie for a week, everyone was shocked. He chose me to be his mom. Due to him being selective with his dog friends, I had a trainer come in and introduce Leo and Joey to ensure they could live together. Since then Joey has welcomed Andy to our pact and several foster dogs. (Side note: Andy passed away just before our photo shoot with the family)
I choose this Mommy!
What is your favorite pastime as a family? Leo loves car rides; he will trip you to get to go on a car ride. He also likes to sleep in the bed with you. Joey loves to curl up on the couch or bed with you and snuggle. He is a snuggle bug!
What is life like since you rescued Leo & Joey? Leo is living the life, he has gained a ‘little’ bit of weight and is treated like a king. His only complaint is he wishes he was an only dog. For me, he is my velcro dog that always makes me laugh no matter how tough life is. Joey is a joy and brings so much happiness to our lives. He greets you with pure happiness every time you come home. Joey spends his days chewing bones, guarding the front door and ‘hunting’ cats.
Social Media: Instagram: 3leggedgrumpdog (Leo)
Photographers Note: When you pull up to a volunteers home that has a 3-legged dog & a blind dog, you know this is a special family. So many of these special needs dogs get over looked in shelters/rescue because people see them as “broken” or they are too much work. I think this family is a fantastic example that these dogs are just like any other dog and if a little more work is needed its all worth it.
Leo’s description is spot on , he does have the grumpiest expression and when you pair him with Joey who is just pure happiness and joy, they make quite the odd couple. Joey is just the silliest boy and he makes a very good dog model. He was all about the posing and almost seemed to know when I had the camera on him and would hold his pose. One could say he was showing off a little…… He may be blind but all of his other senses work just fine, as he quickly figured out I was on the ground and belly crawled his way for my lap at one point. It’s interesting how special needs dogs have to face stigma’s just like pit bulls and can prevent them from finding forever homes. So next time you are looking to add to your family , take a chance on a dog that may have a few more needs because they love just as fiercely and are just as loyal as any other dog out there