A Louisiana woman who came to the rescue of a dog she found on the street recalls the moment she realized he was hers for keeps.

Samantha Loren, a news reporter in Lafayette, was on assignment in a neighborhood that had been affected by storm damage when she came across a 2-year-old Yorkie by the name of Leo.

"I just saw this tiny dog roaming the street and felt an inclination to him immediately. I was drawn to how calm and friendly he was," Loren told Newsweek. "I picked him up, and he didn't try to run and cried while I held him in my arms. I felt like I could give him a better life rather than him living outside."

It's common for dogs to develop particularly strong attachments to their human companions. Sometimes a canine will follow the person from room to room and remain close to him or her.

It's not something to be concerned about, though. Veterinary surgeon Nick Horniman told Newsweek that it can be a firm indication of love. "This behavior shows that your dog feels comfortable and secure in your presence and prefers your company over being alone," he said.

What made Loren and Leo's bond so special was its seemingly instantaneous occurrence. It was keenly felt by both parties. Having decided she wanted to take Leo home, Loren approached one of his owners, who was willing to give up the dog, saying "they already had other dogs" and would be happy for her to take the Yorkie.

The moment that confirmed Leo's bond with Loren came when it was time to take him to his new home. "We couldn't find Leo," Loren said. "We were searching for him, and he was in my passenger seat just waiting to go home. Which made me cry even more."

That was the moment she knew he was hers forever. "I took him immediately, and ever since then he has been full of life, so loving and has no fears of the world," she said. "He truly thinks he is bigger than his size."

Loren quickly realized why Leo had been happy to leave his old life behind, as he was in a bad physical state. "When I got him, he was covered in fleas, he had tapeworms, and the vet said he was about 2 years old and 3 pounds underweight," she said.

Thankfully, he's now gained weight and is back to full health. Leo is Loren's first dog, and so far it's proving to be a match made in heaven. "His cuteness and calmness is what captured my heart," she said. "I have also always wanted this breed in my life, and I feel like we found each other."

Best of all, he's wasted little time in settling into his new life and making friends wherever he goes. "He is extremely loving and happy. He is very friendly and constantly stopped by people on the street because of how cute he is," Loren said. "He is now enjoying apartment living and loves to give lots of kisses and eat his treats, of course."

Loren believes that "fate" brought her and Leo together. "He came at a perfect time in my life, and I never knew what I was missing in life until I found him," she said. "I just hope I inspire someone to save a dog's life like I have."

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