Leia is one seriously adorable and loyal German Shepherd. And like most dogs, she loves two things most of all – her family and her routine.

Laid-back Leia

Back in April of 2020, Katie Snyder needed to send Leia to her parents’ house for a while. It was just a temporary situation.

Leia doesn’t necessarily love the other dogs in the house, and while she’s not a clingy lovebug of a dog, it’s clear that being around her grandparents (and having them all to herself) is important to her.

She took a strong liking to Snyder’s dad in particular.

“Leia is not your typical cuddly dog,” Snyder told The Dodo. “She’s very independent and laid-back.”

But despite playing hard to get from time to time, her family knows she depends on them for company and comfort.

“Leia loves all of her humans in her own way,” she added. “Whether it be by laying near you during movie night or sitting outside of the bathroom door waiting for you to finish.”

A change in the routine

Leia proved one day, however, that she wasn’t as laid-back as everyone imagined. In fact, her bond had grown so deep with Snyder’s dad that it made the dog owner reconsider where Leia should live!

Snyder got to see lots of photos of Leia from her parents just to check in and make sure she was adjusting ok. But one photo simply broke her heart.

It happened after Snyder’s parents went out to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Her dad – who has cancer – had to go to the hospital and stay overnight. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, her mom couldn’t stay there with him.

So she came home – alone.

It was anxiety-inducing for everyone. One person was mysteriously missing and the other was no doubt worried. If you have a pet you know that they pick up on those things easily. And they all have their own way of responding.

However, Leia’s response nearly brought a tear to our eye.

Waiting for dad

The German Shepherd missed Snyder’s dad so much that she waited for him to come home all night. She sat with her head bowed at the closed front door.

The photo her mom snapped and texted to her was enough to make Snyder reconsider some things as she saw Leia standing vigil.

“When she sent me that picture, I immediately burst into tears. It absolutely killed me,” Snyder said. “I was able to see how much [Leia] truly loved my dad and that she was missing him.”

Together forever

Luckily, Snyder’s dad was ok and got to return home the very next day. He and Leia were thrilled and relieved to be reunited.

That’s when the dog owner made a tough choice – but one that she thought was best for everyone. Leia will remain with Snyder’s parents.

“When it comes to loyalty, she is the true definition of a dog,” Snyder said. “He is her human now.”

Sometimes we simply can’t predict who a dog will bond with. But in this case, it was clear. Now the only person getting used to a new routine is Snyder’s mom.

“My mom has gotten used to having another female kiss him on the cheek,” she added

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Source: The Dodo, Facebook – Katie Snyder