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your CO-OP PAGE 8  AUGUST 2011


MEET LEONITIS. F


or Chad Sargent it was love at first sight—which is better than love at first bite—particularly when the object of Sargent’s affection is a 140 pound canine with an anvil-sized head and chops to match.


The dog that so captured Sargent’s attention is a cane corso. Pronounced “Ka-nay Kor-so,” the mastiff breed originated in Italy where they were used to protect livestock and hunt wild boar and bears.


Chad met his first cane corso in 1999 when he was visiting a brother- in-law who owned two dogs. ”The minute I saw them I said, “I’m getting one,’” he recalls. “I fell in love with everything about them.”


Today, Chad and wife, Masheli, own and raise cane corso’s at their Broken Bow home. It’s their prize stud dog, Leonitis, however, that steals the show.


“We purchased Leonitis in 2008 after our first male died of a brain tumor,“ Chad said. “That was the year everything changed.”


The young pup soon lived up to his regal name. “He was just phenomenal,” Chad said. From his conformation and disposition to the confident way he carried himself, Leonitis was obviously bound for glory. At 16 months of age, Chad and Masheli decided to put Leo on the dog show circuit. Almost immediately, he began winning.


In 2010, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the corso breed, giving Leonitis the opportunity to score enough points —claiming three Best in Show titles along the way—to receive a formal invitation to show at the prestigious Westminster Dog Show at Madison Square Garden. Once again, Leonitis claimed the “Best in Breed” title.


After his impressive debut, Leonitis returned home to Broken Bow in April to enjoy ‘semi-retirement,’ which Chad says is somewhat like


Broken Bow’s blue ribbon canine is one stud dog.


Above, Leonitis and his professional handler compete at the 2011 Westminster Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City. “Leo” won Best in Breed at the world-renowned event.


Left, Leonitis relaxes at home with Cayden Sar- gent, son of Masheli and Chad Sargent of Broken Bow. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHAD SARGENT


the PGA Masters. Leonitis may step back into the ring from time to time but for the most part he’ll enjoy his fine reputation, sire a few litters and relax with his family, who are quite happy to have him back. As Sargent pointed out, corso’s are terrific family dogs. “They can be intimidating but when it comes to family and kids, they are wonderful.”


Always watchful, Leo takes turns sleeping with the kids. When Chad is away from home, the jumbo dog stays near the front door. Visitors to the Sargent household meet Leo first. “He won’t let strangers in until I tell him it’s okay,” Chad says.


Way to go, Leo!


Chad Sargent works as a chef at Abendigo’s Restaurant near Hochatown. To visit with him about his dogs, please call 580-236-0671.


CEC


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