I am the most important member of my family! Without me, my Dad, who gets pretty nervous about being around other people, might never leave the house. But because of me he has structure in his life; he gets out to walk; and he even interacts with people who come over to pet me. I’m a cuteness magnet. Dad knows when my cuteness brings people over, I’m always there to support him. No judgements. I KNOW he’s the best! My grandma says I help him to be more independent.

That’s cool. But I’m just being me. My name is Leela, by the way. Of course, I always stick with my Dad. Of course, the sight of him makes me super happy and gives me propeller tail. I get so excited wagging back and forth isn’t enough. My tail goes around in circles for him. He’s my main man! The whole family laughs when they see that reaction but that’s cool too. I know I’m bringing everyone joy.

I felt awful when I stopped having the energy to even wag my tail. I was in so much pain. I thought it was my back. But the lady in the white coat told grandma it was my kidneys. Said I had a severe kidney infection. So they pumped in all these fluids. But that made me WORSE! I was in a place called the ICU and I heard them saying they didn’t think I was going to make it. But I had to get back to my Dad—somehow!