I am a survivor. I am no longer ‘Lost Leo’. I am Clifford.

Where do we begin? For all Clifford the Doberman Pinscher has been through since the start of 2020 his personality continues to shine bright. This grateful dog with loads of love to give to his future family or companion for life will never be forgotten or lost again.

We are especially thankful for the dedication of the volunteers and founder of Remi’s Pet Recovery. Without the efforts of their volunteers along side the many nameless neighbors and animal advocates caught up in the search for “Leo the Lost Doberman” Clifford may not be here today.

Remi’s Pet Recovery mission is to help alleviate the stray dog population by providing safe and humane capture, rehabilitation, medical care, behavioral support and safe placement. Remi’s Pet Recovery helps lost pets find their way back home by providing experienced hands-on advice, direct communication, surveillance that is monitored, traps/bait lead by our dedicated and passionate fonder Vanessa Petrosky.  Remi’s Pet Recovery is a registered nonprofit 501(c)3 based out of Cleveland, Ohio.

Leo, who we have since renamed Clifford, found himself running  away from the only home he knew after getting away from his owner on new years day.  He spent six long weeks traveling the cold and busy streets of the Cleveland Heights mainly in the Forest Hills community. Neighbors reported sightings of Leo along the way and made multiple attempts of catching him but he was too scared and resorted to a primal instinct of fleeing as many lost dogs do while running loose. Efforts increased and  social media assisted with playing a role in his remarkable recovery story when eventually Vanessa was contacted to provide guidance and on-the-ground assistance for his capture. Leading up to the glorious day Leo would finally be safe thankfully one local resident had seen and reported multiple sightings in a wooded area behind her property where wildlife tend to graze and relax. Some paw prints in the snow and dog feces were both clear indicators this is exactly where a humane trap filled with tasty vittles was  to be set up to hopefully lure Leo in.

On February 10, 2020 at 10:00 AM the trap was set up and by 2:00 PM Leo was safe in the confines of a wire trap lined with a fleece blanket.

His owners were immediately contacted by phone and much to their surprise given the news by phone which was received with shock. There were immediate concerns for his health, including severe weight loss, a possible injury to his back end all of which were relayed to his owners before heading to a veterinary clinic for a necessary medical assessment. Unable to care for his medical needs the volunteers  encouraged his owners to ’respect the dog’ and surrender him so he gets the medical attention he needs along with a home equipped to take care of him regardless of his injuries and condition after his recovery. They agreed it was the best decision under the circumstances.

Leo was rushed to Gateway Animal Clinic and while in route we were contacted asking for our assistance to step up for his care. Without hesitation we agreed and met Leo for the first time a couple of hours later. His initial medical assessment determined he was extremely underweight and Xrays confirmed a broken pelvis. Dr. Liz believes the injury happened roughly four weeks prior as healing properties were present with an estimated additional four weeks of healing time to go. Our assumption is Leo must have been hit by a car during his travels further spiraling his mental condition to “flight mode” as he scavenged the streets for food avoiding people along the way. This dog is truly a survivor.

Using funds from The Extra Mile’s On The Mend funds we will see to it Clifford gets any additional care he needs including examination by a specialist if that is what is determined is best for him. In the meantime, he is taking it all in a wobbly stride acting as though nothing is wrong. Long term we are unable to make any confirmations about his future needs related to his broken pelvis. Once we have additional information what we do learn about his needs we will share and pass along. Donations collected for Clifford’s care through The Extra Mile program will be set aside for Clifford and future dogs who are in our care, on the mend and in need of our services. Donations for Clifford are welcome in any amount. Click here to make a donation today. 

Although a verbal surrender was given to Remi’s from his former owners to release Leo into our care after many attempts to reach the family for their signature on the surrender agreement sadly our attempts were ignored. Now named Clifford he was held in legal limbo for a ten-day owner hold period to pass until we could share his story insuring we have followed the law leading us to today with the warm welcome and introduction he is officially a Secondhand Mutt. Welcome home Clifford!

The partnership Remi’s Pet Recovery shares with the local animal rescue community are vital to their work when there are unfortunate circumstances that leave a dog without an owner for whatever those reasons may be.  After sharing a picture of Clifford on our social media outlets asking for donations of Bil-Jac frozen dog food to supplement his diet with an enriched food and strict meal plan to help him safely gain weight we were overwhelmed with donations. We are so very grateful to everyone who heard his story and followed his story which lead him to Secondhand Mutts. If you would like to directly support Remi’s Pet Recovery click here to make a donation.

Clifford had a short respite with our founder and director in her home last weekend enjoying an overnight in the comfort of a home adorned with other dogs, warm blankets, a soft pink sweater (who says boys can’t wear pink?) and a big soft bed. In the morning he met and headed to the place he’ll call home for awhile with one of our dedicated foster providers where he will gain weight, socialize with other dogs, enjoy being spoiled and be safe.

We are in no rush to place Clifford however we are reviewing applications we have on file with the hopes of finding a wonderful match to place him into a home when the time is right and the right person or family can be chosen to be there for him forever. Each applicant will be screened and made aware of his possible medical challenges and budget that accompanies carrying for a dog who may have lifelong special needs.

Clifford is to date on his vaccines, he has a microchip and when he is up to 60# or so we will neuter him.

FOSTER HOME REPORT: