When Katie Snyder sent her dog Leia to stay with her parents back in April, it was meant to be a short visit — a little getaway where Leia could soak up some quiet time away from her two canine siblings.
Leia adored having Snyder’s parents all to herself, even if she didn’t always show it in obvious ways.
“Leia is not your typical cuddly dog,” Snyder told The Dodo. “She’s very independent and laid-back.”
Still, her love always shines through in her own subtle style.
“Leia loves all of her humans in her own way,” Snyder said. “Whether it’s lying nearby during movie night or waiting outside the bathroom door for you to finish.”
Snyder knew Leia enjoyed her stay, but she didn’t realize just how strong her bond with her dad had become — not until an unexpected scare revealed it.
While celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary, Snyder’s dad suddenly experienced complications from cancer and had to be hospitalized overnight. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, Snyder’s mom couldn’t stay with him.
When she returned home alone, Leia immediately sensed something was wrong. The normally easygoing dog walked straight to the front door, lowered her head and stood completely still — waiting.
Waiting for her dad to come home.
Snyder’s mom snapped a photo of Leia keeping vigil and sent it to her daughter.
“When she sent me that picture, I immediately burst into tears,” Snyder said. “It absolutely broke me. I could see how much Leia truly loved my dad and how much she was missing him.”
The next day, when Snyder’s dad finally came home, Leia’s entire body lit up — tail wagging, eyes bright, pure joy. The feeling was mutual.
Seeing Leia’s devotion left Snyder with a clear decision: her dad and Leia belonged together permanently.
“When it comes to loyalty, she is the true definition of a dog,” Snyder said. “He is her human now.”
And, as Snyder joked, “My mom has gotten used to having another female kiss him on the cheek.”
