When I first met Leonis, he was pressed so flat against the floor of his kennel it looked like he was trying to melt into the concrete. His ears were up, radar locked, but his whole body screamed “don’t notice me, maybe I’ll disappear.” If you’ve ever walked a shelter row, you know—that’s the kind of sight that breaks your heart. (Watch Video Above)
But I also knew: this wasn’t the whole story. This wasn’t who Leonis was. This was survival mode. And my job was to help him find his way back.
First Impressions: A Freeze That Wasn’t Really Freeze
Most people think of fight or flight when they picture fear. But there’s another response—freeze. Dogs like Leonis sometimes take it a step further, into what I call “form.” It’s almost a performance: If I act small enough, compliant enough, maybe the world will leave me alone.
His breathing was heavy, his paws—giant puppy mittens—shook under him. But those alert herding-dog eyes told me he wasn’t checked out. He was paying attention, just terrified.
Who Is Leonis? A Border Collie Mix With a Big Backstory
Once I got his file, the pieces started falling into place. Leonis is about three years old and likely a Border Collie mix, maybe with Australian Shepherd or even Husky in the blend. His striking bandit mask and piercing eyes certainly point that way…