Welcome Back Leigh

by Syd Sullins

For all of you who have been involved with The Ranch for many years, you will remember Leigh Sheardown. Leigh began volunteering at The Ranch in our early years and was always very active in our operations. When Gudrun Jones was unable to continue overseeing The Ranch, she asked Leigh and I to take the lead. Leigh was much more experienced than I, so I looked towards her for guidance almost constantly.

Five years ago Leigh made the decision to move back to Canada. She wanted to be near her daughter, who was planning on soon starting a family. For the past two years, Leigh has wanted to come back and visit, but Covid derailed her plans until this November.

We were so happy to see her in her Ranch tee shirt again, making the rounds of all the dogs. Leigh hadn’t lost her eye for detail. She would often be the first to point out something that might seem a little off about a dog. She also loved to spend time with the new arrivals who were still frightened and uncertain. But the dog that really benefited most from Leigh’s attention was our Yodi.

Yodi was undergoing treatment for TVT (transmissible venereal tumors) and needed to be kept isolated from other dogs until we knew for certain she was rid of the disease. Yodi is a super social dog and this was extremely difficult for her. Leigh’s long visits and walks were so helpful in getting her through her treatment.

While all the dogs have changed since Leigh’s time with us, she made a lot more friends while she was here.