Leia’s story is heartbreaking, but it’s not just about one dog. It’s about the urgent need for better protocols and second opinions when someone offers to step in and save a dog’s life.

I am a certified dog behaviorist who personally saw Leia in public viewing at the Waukesha County Humane Society. I immediately reached out to offer my professional guidance and volunteer help to give Leia a second chance. But the stories HAWS shared didn’t add up. Confusing details, mixed messages, then, they started ignoring me entirely.

I posted Leia’s story on TikTok, offering free training to anyone who adopts her. To my shock, I was advised she’s “privately owned” and that I “shouldn’t have even seen her” as if that were my fault.

Apparently that was a lie. They had custody of her since she was surrendered back.

Leia’s story exploded on TikTok with over 25,000 views and counting. The community’s support is overwhelming. She was held on a 10-day bite quarantine after an incident involving another dog and human intervention. She attacked a smaller dog, which some called “unprovoked,” but science shows behavior is never truly unprovoked.

I place no blame on the owner. What’s unacceptable is that HAWS has legal custody of Leia and after the 10-day bite hold, they have decided to euthanize her despite my offers of free training, fostering, and assuming full legal and financial responsibility with guarantees to public safety.

Leia deserves a chance to live and be rehabilitated. I guarantee she poses no public threat under my care.

Why Your Signature Matters:
Help us raise awareness of Leia’s story and the urgent need to change shelter policies.
Support a call for better protocols that allow experienced individuals or rescues to intervene and save dogs facing euthanasia.

Advocate for laws and policies that prioritize rehabilitation over immediate euthanasia when a certified rescue or individual volunteers to help.
Even if we cannot save Leia, we can work to save countless other dogs in her place. As of today, July 17 2025, she may only have a few days left.

Please sign and share Leia’s story. Together, we can give her and many others a second chance at life.