One of my favorite memories with Leroy is when we do Halloween costumes.
He has always been such an amazing sport with all of them and it’s something I’ve always enjoyed doing with him.
The costumes that we do each year always have a meaning which is probably why I enjoy them so much.
I never knew that the very first, and my most favorite costume, would have such a profound meaning to me 7 years later.
Before the IBD took over and before I had figured Leroy out. Before we bonded and really got to know each, Leroy always reminded of the Scarecrow from the Wizard Oz.
An awkward creature that was uncoordinated and not very smooth.
Not at all what I had envisioned an adult Newfoundland to be.
At this point in time, I was having a hard time figuring out if Leroy had rocks in between his ears or if he was too smart for his own good.
He had an extremely short attention span and made very bad choices but he was a good problem solver.
As the years went on and we traveled the road of Newfie life we encountered hills, detours, traffic jams, and accidents.
Of course, there were flying monkies along the way and the amazing munchkins that helped us through.
During this time I realized that Leroy wasn’t lacking a brain, he had it all along, it just worked a little different than others.
I also realized that he had the heart of a tin man and the courage of a lion.
That’s why I thought that it would only be fitting that Leroy retires his Halloween career in the only way possible and where it all began.
Earning his degree in Newfology and retiring with dignity.
So now I have the pleasure of introducing you to the Scarecrow that had a brain all along.
And his new diploma from the University of Newfie.
He is now free to retire from Halloween costumes and live the rest of his life free from straw being stuffed down his shirt.
Although his shirt will be hard to fill, he passes the baton onto future Newfies.
Thank you for the lessons and laughs Leroy Brown.
I knew you had a brain all along. (wink wink)
Tails Around the Ranch
Monday 21st of October 2019
So gosh darn adorable! Of course he always had a brain. He just wanted YOU to realize it. ?
Jen
Tuesday 22nd of October 2019
So true <3
Melinda
Monday 21st of October 2019
This is an excellent observation. I continue to discover with my girl Faith that it is always me that is confused or unsure of what is going on. I am working to change and broaden my thought process to accommodate the way she learns. What you said reminds me of that. Thank you.
Katherine
Sunday 20th of October 2019
Thank you for sharing, Jen. I, too, am crying ugly tears but I am so happy that Leroy has you and your family and that you have him.
Jen
Sunday 20th of October 2019
Thank you Katherine. We are so very blessed with this special boy <3
Mary McConville
Sunday 20th of October 2019
Oh this is just perfect! Not gonna lie that I’m ugly crying but this just makes my heart so happy. What a beautiful journey!
Jen
Sunday 20th of October 2019
I was ugly crying when I hit this to publish. I was fine writing it and taking pictures but as soon as it was time to make it public it just hit my heart <3
Susan Brooks
Sunday 20th of October 2019
Dear Jen, Leroy is so much like my Henry “the Braveheart” who crossed the rainbow bridge at only 5 years old four years ago. Your post confirmed what I sensed, that Leroy is getting tired. I’ll be including you in my prayers. Much love, most sincerely, Susan
Jen
Sunday 20th of October 2019
Thank you Susan. He is getting tired but I do think that we have some wonderful days ahead. I just want him to be happy, comfortable and loved for all of those days <3
Melinda
Sunday 20th of October 2019
Those are enormous paw prints to fill, Odin. Pay really close attention to Sir Leroy. Thank you for this post, Jen. It is endearing, and teary eyed reading. BUT. You've helped me feel not alone with one of my special girls. I'm always so thankful for your posts.
Jen
Sunday 20th of October 2019
Thank you for the sweet words Melinda. It always feels so great to know that I'm not the only one that feels this way sometimes!