In Loving Memory of Leo

Hello everyone, we're reaching out to you today on behalf of a very special member of our community: Leonidas, or Leo as many of us know him. Leo isn't just any dog; he's the beloved gym dog at Band of Barbells and a friendly face to countless individuals in our local gym and across the powerlifting community.

Recently, Leo unexpectedly began showing concerning signs, including a lack of bowel movements. Dan and Mae, his incredibly caring owners, noticed his constipation, low energy levels, and uncharacteristic low mood, prompting them to rush him to the veterinary hospital. There, they received devastating news: Leo had a severely infected colon requiring immediate and critical surgery. The medical team advised Dan and Mae that without this emergency intervention, Leo would not have survived.

Despite the significant risk (it was a 50/50 chance), Dan and Mae didn't hesitate to give Leo his best chance at life. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, but it has left them with a substantial financial burden, totaling approximately $20,000 in vet bills so far, with ongoing medication costs expected.

Following his surgery, Leo showed promising signs of recovery. He made it through the critical 3-day post-op period, and there was hope that he was on the path to healing. However, just a few days later, Leo’s condition sadly took a turn for the worse, and he ultimately passed away.

Leo was a young and vibrant dog, full of life and love, who was taken far too soon at only 5 years old. Dan and Mae did everything in their power to help him heal, sparing no effort or expense to give him the chance he deserved.

On that note, we're launching this GoFundMe to help Dan and Mae recover from this financial predicament. Your generous donations will directly contribute to:

Covering all Medical Bills and Hospital Expenses (including crucial post-operative care)

Past medications bought

Every donation—no matter the amount—makes a meaningful difference in helping Dan and Mae shoulder the financial burden of doing everything they could to save Leo’s life. Whether it’s $50, $20, $5, or any other amount, your support truly matters. If you’re unable to contribute financially, simply sharing this campaign with your network would mean the world to us and help us reach others who may be able to help.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and support for Leo and his wonderful owners, Dan and Mae.