The Sodemanns’ dog Leo is a rescue and such a sweet dog that before he came to live with them in Club Forest he was used to calm other canines. “At night, they would put him in kennels with the other dogs who were really scared,” says Kristen Sodemann. “Lyndon [Leo’s name at the time] would comfort the other dogs.”

The 13-year-old mixed breed was a Christmas gift to the Sodemann children (Jack, Beau, and Lawton), who were young at the time. The family chose not to keep Leo’s original name but was having a hard time choosing something else. Name after name was thrown out on their drive home with the pup. “[Then] Jack, our oldest, suggested Leo, and at that moment, we all knew … he was the perfect Leo,” she notes.

Kristen says Leo is incredibly social. “He has always wanted to know everyone and be the center of attention,” she notes. “He acts like he is the mayor of the neighborhood!”

The two frequently walk around Club Forest and Historic Brookhaven. You might see Leo off leash at times, which Kristen says often turns into a jaunt where Leo is walking her and “carrying his leash in his mouth while I follow behind.”

Kristen and Leo are quite close. The Sodemanns recently moved into a new house. Leo will jump on the dining room table to look out the window for Kristen to come home. His new nickname is “table dog.” 

Leo is an old soul who often acts like a person and has his own doggy purr language in response to Kristen. “I really think he understands everything I say,” she notes. 

The Sodemanns say Leo is spoiled. He sleeps anywhere he wants, including on their bed pillows.

They cannot imagine a more loving, devoted dog. “Leo has been an amazing part of our family and we all love him so much,” Kristen says. “He has brought more happiness and joy to our family than I thought was possible.”