As we say goodbye to one of our most dedicated team members, we’re honored to reflect on the heart, humor, and healing that Leanne P. has brought to the Best Friends Furever family— especially to our Assisted Canine Care (ACC) dogs.
Leanne first found BFFE through a vet assistant program at Harford Community College, and with CPR and massage certifications under her belt, she quickly became a cornerstone of our care team.
Since 2008, she’s done it all—handler, front desk, bather, and has been trained in all of the programs that we offer our four-legged guests. Her proudest moments? Supporting special needs dogs with compassion and patience.BFFE through a vet assistant program at Harford Community College, and with CPR and massage certifications under her belt, she quickly became a cornerstone of our care team.
Her proudest moments? Supporting special needs dogs with compassion and patience.
“We’ve changed a lot,” Leanne says. “Now we have more beds, more blankets, and we’ve created a space that truly works for the dogs. They always seem to tell us what they need.”
Some stories have stayed with her through the years—like Buddy, the golden retriever who playfully brought her a black bow barrette (which she still has), or the time Ginger’s mom brought her in saying, “They told me she’s a beagle”—only to discover she had a spirited pit bull instead. Leanne’s bond with dogs like Hope, Finn, and May runs deep, and so does the impact she’s had on their pet parents.
Whether she was putting 10,000 miles on her car during a summer of pet sitting, or volunteering at every event from Wag the Tail to the Irish Fest, Leanne’s dedication never wavered.
Her advice to new handlers? “Lead with patience and presence. Know when to offer comfort and when to provide clear direction. It’s not just playtime with puppies—it’s about showing up every day with your whole heart.”
Now, as Leanne moves to Alabama to spend more time with her son and two grandchildren— answering calls of “Grammy, when are you coming?”—she leaves behind a lasting legacy.
“This place has been my sanctuary. I was told I’d always have a place here—and I believe that. If I wasn’t moving, I’d still be here. This has been home.”
From all of us at Best Friends Fur Ever: thank you, Leanne.
