Becoming a service dog isn’t easy, and this video proves just that. Only the most focused, obedient, and even-tempered pups make the cut. After all, their work is life-changing. However, for every canine that graduates, there’s one who just couldn’t stick to the syllabus.
Still, a “dropout” doesn’t mean failure. Sometimes, it simply means discovering a different path. One Labrador who didn’t quite make it as a service dog is proving that heart, humor, and a few misplaced household items can still make a big difference.
Owner shares conversations with ‘dog that dropped out of service dog school’
Leo, a Labrador Retriever, might not have completed his service dog training, but he’s certainly found a new calling. His mom, Samantha Welborn, shared a clip on Instagram that gives a glimpse into their everyday life together. The video begins with the line: “What my morning conversations are like after adopting a dog that dropped out of service dog school.”
In the Instagram Reel, Leo proudly brings Welborn a random assortment of items, ranging from a dirty sports bra to a roll of wrapping paper, some lotion, snacks, and even a single shoe. While none of the items were particularly needed, she went along with his efforts, thanking him each time and joking that it’s exactly what she was looking for.
Toward the end of the video, Leo gently nudged his nose against Welborn’s knee, a behavior common in service dogs to signal something important. But in Leo’s case, it’s a cue that he might need a snack. The pet parent asked, “Is your blood sugar a little low Leo?” before giving him a snack and praising him with a heartfelt, “Thank you so much for helping, you good boy.”
Many viewers appreciated Leo’s earnest efforts despite his “confused” deliveries. “He’s a little confused. But he’s doing his best,” one person wrote. Another added, “His little eyes say, ‘did I do good mom?’”
Several viewers playfully acknowledged Leo’s breed traits, joking that as a Labrador Retriever, he’s simply living up to his name. One thoughtful viewer summed it up by saying Leo’s unique approach to helping is what makes him so lovable and perfect in his own way.
