Sophie was our
first leonberger and she was not only our household joy,
but also a proud ambassador for her breed.
From "Miss Hooligan," the white stockinged puppy, she grew
into a regal "Princess". There were no people nor any animals that she didn't shower with love (unless it was those pesky little
squeakers in her woods). Sophie enjoyed sharing
kisses and hugs through Therapy work for many
years until the heat of the hospitals and nursing
homes got to be too much for her.
A nice cold winter day in the teens was her favorite season. So living in Maine
was ideal. She loved all walks, especially in the snow, and gave her 'brother' Milos a run for his money on the chipmunk and squirrel hunts right up to the end.
Sophie was the most intelligent dog I have ever met.
You
could carry on a conversation with her in plain English and I swear that
she answered - if not verbally, with her eyes, ears, tail
and wookie noises. She was our rock and our
joy. Sophie embedded herself in my heart and although it will heal with time, there will always be a scar.
