Leo, A Much-Loved Favorite At Popcorn Park, Passes Away

FORKED RIVER, NJ - Leo, the big red-haired, fun-loving Tibetan Mastiff who had been through so much before he came to the Associated Humane Societies Popcorn Park Shelter in January 2016, died on Wednesday.

Leo had been purchased as a puppy by a man neglected him terribly. He had multiple infections and skin and eye problems. Popcorn Park employees spent months helping him heal, taking him for multiple surgeries and giving many, many medicated baths.

"Not long after Leo arrived, he was feeling better and went out for a walk in the snow," according to a post on the shelter' Facebook page. "He absolutely came alive, jumping and dancing around, eating as much snow as he could stuff in those giant jowls of his. Even through all Leo's medical problems, he never, ever let anything get him down."

Leo died too young on Wednesday, when the snow started to fall.

Here is the rest of the Park's beautiful tribute to this sweet dog.

"He bonded immediately with two people in particular, the "moms" that care for some of our special needs animals. As is common with his breed, he became very protective of both of them but still made friends with so many others. Bob, the person that initially brought Leo to us, became a good friend to Leo, as did one of the "moms" husbands, Ziggy, and many others as well. To be Leo's friend meant that you would see the smart, funny, outrageously witty side of him that not everyone was lucky enough to see. If you have watched any of Leo's videos, then you'll know what we mean.

About a year ago, we received the devastating news that Leo was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, a very aggressive form of cancer. Since that time, one of the "moms", Tiffany, and her husband, Ziggy, opened their home to Leo, so that he could rest and relax in comfort, and know what it was like to be in a home and part of a family.

In the last year, Leo has had the time of his life. He made so many canine friends, including Rebel, who became his best buddy and playing partner. Leo continued to visit his Popcorn Park family and go on outings with his two favorite people, go for walks in the cornfields near his home, go swimming in the lake, and have a wonderful, comfortable life where he could not have asked for anything more.

It is with great, great sadness that we must let you all know that Leo's young life came to an end today. His cancer progressed rapidly and spread to his other vital organs. So as the rain outside turned to snow, Leo surrounded himself with his family, and left this world for a better place. A place where he can run back and forth through the tall grass, play with puppies, eat as much snow as he pleases, and never be in pain again.

We want to thank all of you immensely for the love and support that you have shown Leo over the last two years. Without you all, we would not have been able to get him feeling well and give him the wonderful, loving life that he had and was so deserving of.

We also want to thank his foster parents for giving Leo that home that he finally knew. Without them, Leo would have never known what it was like to lay on the couch, bark at the mailman, play in the backyard, and be part of a family that truly loved him.

Leo will always be in our hearts and there will never be another like him. We wish his life were longer, but we are so privileged to have been a part of his life, if only for a couple of years. We will carry his memories with us always, and love him forever. Rest easy Leo...."

Video, photo and post courtesy of Associated Humane Popcorn Park Shelter