This Labrador “Failed” Service Dog School, But He’s Winning Hearts By Bringing His Owner Random Stuff (And Endless Joy)

It was like Leo had been sent with one mission: to heal her heart.

Stephanie

• Published in Animals
• November 7, 2025

When Samantha Welborn first heard about Leo, a Labrador who didn’t quite make the cut at service dog school, she wasn’t sure she was ready to open her heart again. She had just lost her beloved dog and was still deep in grief when a friend mentioned a goofy, golden bundle of energy who needed a home.

At first, she thought, “No way, it’s too soon.” But when she met Leo for the first time and he came bounding toward her like an over-caffeinated teddy bear, she knew her heart didn’t stand a chance.

It wasn’t just the wagging tail or the soulful brown eyes—it was the way he instantly made her laugh again. It was like Leo had been sent with one mission: to heal her heart, even if he had no idea how to do it properly.

Leo had originally been trained to assist people living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He knew how to sense emotional changes, stay calm during stressful moments, and provide comfort when needed.

Basically, Leo had all the makings of a superhero in a fur coat—except for one tiny detail. He was way, way too enthusiastic about literally everything.

His trainers soon realized that while he had the heart of a service dog, he had the energy of a toddler on espresso. His greetings weren’t exactly “calm reassurance”—they were more like a full-body tackle powered by love and chaos.

So, Leo flunked out of service school for being a little too happy to see everyone. And honestly? That “failure” turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to both him and Samantha.

From the day he moved in, Leo decided he was going to help Samantha in his own way—no certificates required. His version of “assisting” quickly became a daily comedy show.

You see, Leo has this habit of bringing Samantha random household items, like he’s the world’s most chaotic but well-intentioned butler. Sometimes it’s something useful, like a sock or the TV remote. Other times, it’s something so bizarre she can’t help but laugh.

One day, he proudly marched up with a bottle of foot powder clenched in his teeth, dropped it in front of her, and flopped onto his back—clearly waiting for her to “use” it. Another time, he unpacked her entire suitcase before a trip, then sat beside the open bag like a furry TSA agent waiting for approval.

Samantha says he’s delivered everything from makeup bags to ribbons to completely random receipts she didn’t even remember having. “He just grabs what he thinks I need,” she said, laughing. “Sometimes he’s right. Sometimes… not even close.”

But even when Leo’s “help” creates a mess, Samantha can’t stay mad at him. His heart is so pure it’s impossible to feel anything but joy in his presence.

And honestly, he’s got some professional-level persistence. If Samantha doesn’t immediately acknowledge his “gift,” Leo will gently nudge her arm—over and over—until she gives him a smile or a pat.

That nudge, as it turns out, is one of the few habits from his service training that stuck. He learned to use it to signal that someone might need attention or reassurance. Now, he uses it to say, “Hey, notice me!” or “You look sad, let me fix it with a shoe I found!”

Samantha says that even though he didn’t graduate service school, Leo still seems to understand emotions better than most humans. “He knows when I’m upset,” she explained. “He’ll bring me something, or just rest his head on my knee until I feel better.”

It’s not the kind of structured support he was trained for, but it’s the kind that comes straight from love—and honestly, that’s even better.

Leo had originally been trained to assist people living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

He knew how to sense emotional changes, stay calm during stressful moments, and provide comfort when needed.

He had all the makings of a superhero in a fur coat—except for one tiny detail. He was way, way too enthusiastic about literally everything.

The Healing Power of Pets

Dr. Patricia McConnell, an animal behaviorist, emphasizes the therapeutic effects of pets on human emotional health. She notes that animals can provide unconditional love, helping individuals cope with grief and loneliness.

McConnell states, “The bond between humans and dogs is unique; they sense our emotions and respond with empathy.” This connection can be incredibly healing, especially for those who have recently lost a beloved pet. Dogs like Leo can fill emotional voids and offer companionship, making the grieving process more manageable.

In conclusion, the bond between pets and their owners can significantly impact emotional health. As Dr. McConnell states, dogs like Leo can provide essential support in times of grief, helping owners navigate their emotions with love and companionship.

Moving forward, those seeking to adopt should prioritize finding a pet whose personality matches their emotional needs, ensuring a fulfilling relationship that promotes healing and joy.

His trainers soon realized that while he had the heart of a service dog, he had the energy of a toddler on espresso.

His greetings weren’t exactly “calm reassurance”—they were more like a full-body tackle powered by love and chaos.

So, Leo flunked out of service school for being a little too happy to see everyone. And honestly? That “failure” turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to both him and Samantha.

Research indicates that interacting with dogs can increase levels of oxytocin, the hormone associated with bonding and love. This increase can enhance feelings of joy and reduce anxiety, which is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with loss.

A study from the University of Missouri found that therapy dogs significantly improved mood and emotional well-being among grieving individuals. It's evident that the presence of pets can contribute positively to mental health, serving as both companions and emotional support systems.

From the day he moved in, Leo decided he was going to help Samantha in his own way—no certificates required.

His version of “assisting” quickly became a daily comedy show.

Leo has this habit of bringing Samantha random household items.

Choosing the Right Dog for Emotional Support

Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, a dog cognition researcher, encourages prospective pet owners to consider a dog's temperament when searching for emotional support. Some breeds, like Labradors, are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them ideal companions for those in need of emotional healing.

Horowitz suggests meeting multiple dogs before making a decision, as individual personalities can vary greatly even within the same breed. Understanding a dog's behavior and energy levels can lead to a better match for emotional support.

Sometimes it’s something useful, like a sock or the TV remote.

Other times, it’s something so bizarre she can’t help but laugh.

One day, he proudly marched up with a bottle of foot powder clenched in his teeth, dropped it in front of her, and flopped onto his back—clearly waiting for her to “use” it.

To further enhance the bond with pets like Leo, implementing structured routines can be beneficial. Consistency in feeding, walking, and playtime can help reduce anxiety for both the owner and the dog.

Experts recommend engaging in regular training sessions, which not only provide mental stimulation for the dog but also strengthen the bond between owner and pet. Positive reinforcement techniques can make these training sessions enjoyable and rewarding, fostering a deeper connection.

Another time, he unpacked her entire suitcase before a trip, then sat beside the open bag like a furry TSA agent waiting for approval.

Samantha says he’s delivered everything from makeup bags to ribbons to completely random receipts she didn’t even remember having.

“He just grabs what he thinks I need,” she said, laughing. “Sometimes he’s right. Sometimes… not even close.”

The Role of Dogs in Mental Health

Dr. Shawn Achor, a positive psychology researcher, highlights that pets can play a crucial role in improving mental health outcomes. He explains that dogs provide a unique form of companionship that promotes feelings of happiness and reduces feelings of isolation.

Achor’s research emphasizes that having a dog encourages more physical activity, which is linked to better mental health. Regular walks and playtime contribute to both the owner and the dog’s well-being, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.

But even when Leo’s “help” creates a mess, Samantha can’t stay mad at him.

His heart is so pure it’s impossible to feel anything but joy in his presence.

If Samantha doesn’t immediately acknowledge his “gift,” Leo will gently nudge her arm—over and over—until she gives him a smile or a pat.

Veterinary professionals also emphasize the importance of regular health check-ups for pets. Keeping dogs healthy ensures they can provide the emotional support their owners need without the concern of underlying health issues.

Regular vet visits can prevent potential health problems, ensuring that pets like Leo remain energetic and engaged. This proactive approach can enhance the overall quality of life for both the dog and its owner, reinforcing the bond between them.

That nudge, as it turns out, is one of the few habits from his service training that stuck.

He learned to use it to signal that someone might need attention or reassurance.

Now, he uses it to say, “Hey, notice me!” or “You look sad, let me fix it with a shoe I found!”

Training for Emotional Support

Dr. Temple Grandin, an expert in animal behavior, advises on the significance of training dogs for emotional support roles. She suggests that basic obedience training can enhance a dog's responsiveness and reliability, which is crucial for owners seeking companionship.

Grandin emphasizes using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors. This approach not only builds a strong bond but also helps the dog feel secure in their role as a support animal, ultimately benefiting the owner’s emotional well-being.

Leo seems to understand emotions better than most humans.

“He knows when I’m upset,” she explained. “He’ll bring me something, or just rest his head on my knee until I feel better.”

While he might not be guiding anyone through PTSD therapy sessions, Leo is absolutely guiding Samantha through everyday life with laughter, affection, and an unshakable bond. “He’s the most loyal, loving companion I’ve ever had,” she said. “And he still tries so hard to be helpful.”

These days, Samantha doesn’t see Leo’s failed certification as a loss. She sees it as fate giving her the perfect dog for her heart, not her resume.

Because when life knocks you down, sometimes what you really need isn’t a perfectly trained helper—it’s a clumsy, happy Labrador who brings you ribbons, foot powder, and unconditional love.

And if that’s what failure looks like, Leo is absolutely nailing it!

Clinical Perspective & Next Steps

Ultimately, the journey of healing through companionship with pets showcases the profound impact animals have on human lives. As highlighted by various experts, the emotional and psychological benefits of having a dog can be transformative, especially in times of loss.

By understanding the needs of both the pet and the owner, and through regular engagement and care, this bond can flourish. Investing time in training and nurturing these relationships can lead to a fulfilling partnership that supports emotional well-being for both parties.

Stephanie