Leia's Story

12/15/2025

This is the update you’ve been waiting for, and it’s also the one that feels the most challenging to write. ⁣
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I’ll begin by saying that this update is filled with amazing AND bittersweet news.⁣
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𝘛𝘏𝘌 𝘈𝘔𝘈𝘡𝘐𝘕𝘎 𝘕𝘌𝘞𝘚…⁣
Pancho’s Law was officially passed in September this year!⁣
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𝘛𝘏𝘌 𝘉𝘐𝘛𝘛𝘌𝘙𝘚𝘞𝘌𝘌𝘛 𝘕𝘌𝘞𝘚…⁣
Our three+ year legal journey has officially ended and we believe we know what happened to Leia.⁣
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As a recap, we were slapped with a $1M defamation lawsuit by the dog sitter and her sister, back in June 2023 – one year after Leia went missing. ⁣
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This happened shortly after we expressed our desire to drop our lawsuit because we had finally uncovered what we believe to be the truth about what happened to Leia, and the truth is all we ever wanted. ⁣
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Needless to say, we were shocked by this news. ⁣
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For the past 2+ years, we have been battling their lawsuit, not ours – defending ourselves while overwhelmed by additional legal bills. ⁣
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𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱. ⁣
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The missing piece to this story is something we have not been able to share due to the defamation lawsuit. ⁣
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But now that it’s over, we can finally share what we believe happened to Leia, based on the evidence and testimony we collected. ⁣
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🦋 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲:⁣
⁣https://leiasstory.com/ -update⁣
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🙏🏽 Please read the update in full. ⁣
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It’s long, but I wanted to include as much as possible to avoid any questions. ⁣
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This was a very emotional update to write and I ask for your grace and acceptance, knowing that we’ve been through hell these past few years and are finally able to move forward with our lives. ⁣
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🪽Rest easy, baby girl. ⁣
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You are so loved, by many. And your story has already helped many dogs and their families. ⁣
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With love and gratitude,⁣
Ruby, Kevin, Luke & Spirit ⁣
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10/14/2025

𝗟𝗘𝗜𝗔🪽 𝟭𝟭/𝟯/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 - 𝟲/𝟮𝟲/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮⁣
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Three years and almost four months later, Leia’s soul can finally rest in peace. ⁣
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Our legal journey is officially over, and although many of you won’t be satisfied with the outcome, we are satisfied, and that’s what matters.⁣
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Most dog owners have no idea how challenging it is to receive justice for something like this, and no one will ever understand the pain we endured — not just from her loss, but from the lies, harassment, and lawsuit that was slapped on us. ⁣
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All we wanted was the TRUTH, and thanks to the kindness of one human, we received that answer. ⁣
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As many of you know, we’ve been battling their defamation suit against us, since 2023. It’s been the absolute definition of gaslighting and manipulation. ⁣
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But it’s finally over. ⁣
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𝗪𝗲’𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗼𝗻, once the sense of shock subsides and we have had time to process. ⁣
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For now, please trust us when we say…⁣
𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗸. ⁣
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are with us, Leia’s become a Guardian Angel for our family, we know the truth, and we are ok. ⁣
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We just need time before we feel comfortable sharing more of our story. ⁣
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To our supporters, community, and friends… ⁣
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Thank you so much for being part of Leia’s journey. We are infinitely grateful for your prayers, love, support, and donations. ⁣
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🕯️𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗝𝗲𝗱𝗶 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹, 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿.⁣
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—⁣
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FYI: Any and ALL negative comments will be deleted, and those commenting negative things will be blocked. ⁣
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Let’s stay focused on what matters… ⁣
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Leia’s life helped change the laws in Texas. ⁣
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Her story has influenced countless dog owners to practice more discernment when choosing dog care providers.⁣
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𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙎 𝙄𝙎 𝙒𝙃𝘼𝙏 𝙈𝘼𝙏𝙏𝙀𝙍𝙎. ⁣
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We are NOT vengeful people, and we will not stand for that energy on Leia’s page.⁣
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𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯…⁣
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Please respect our space as we take some time to process and heal. ⁣
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🙏🏽🤍🌈✨⁣
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https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPzLuXSj_LY/?igsh=MWNxMmt2Y2JuMXhiOA==

07/04/2025

FYI: July 4th is the day where the most amount of pets go missing. PLEASE TAKE THE APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE!!

🇺🇸 Keep your pets indoors.

🇺🇸 Ensure that they are wearing their tags and that their chips are up-to-date, and trackers are fully charged.

🇺🇸 Use ambient sound to drown out the fireworks: TV, radio, &/or sound machines.

🇺🇸 For nervous dogs, give them CBD treats.

🇺🇸 Place them in a quieter room of the house, with cozy beds and blankets in addition to ambient sound.

🇺🇸 When going potty, use a harness AND a leash in case your pet gets spooked — it happens, even with the most trained dogs — after all, they are animals and will always return to their primal instincts when scared. They can easily slip out of collars which is why harnesses are best.

🇺🇸 And if you decide to use a pet sitter, please do so at your own risk. Share these tips with them, and ensure that they will stay home with them the entire night and will not leave them unattended.

Let’s keep our pets safe this Fourth of July!

06/26/2025

It's been three years since your death, and our lives will never be the same.
Leia, we love you. ❤️‍🩹

To our beloved community, please join us in prayer today...
Praying for a swift and honorable resolution to our legal journey. We pray for the freedom to move forward in peace.

[watch on IG] https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLXnFcIscqr/?igsh=MTY2enJqcmp5eXR4e

06/25/2025

Tomorrow is the 3 year anniversary of Leia’s death…

3 years of living this seemingly never ending nightmare.

But through this nightmare, we helped pass a bill that will support people like us and their pets so that they don’t end up in a similar situation… and that gets to be Leia’s Legacy.

My only prayer now is for the legal journey to come to a close. We deserve to move forward, in peace, no longer looking over our shoulders or waiting for another hit from those responsible. All I want is for our family to be free of this.

I truly believe in the power of prayer. If your intentions are genuine, I’d truly appreciate your prayers. Envision the ending of our legal journey, so we can move forward in peace.

🤍🌈🙏🏽

05/24/2025

HB 285, AKA “Pancho & Leia’s Law” has officially passed the Senate vote with a landslide 31 ‘yes’ to 0 ‘no’!!!⁣
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This bill will add criminal negligence to the existing animal cruelty statute, ensuring greater accountability from pet service businesses. ⁣
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WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? ⁣
Pet service businesses face no legal accountability for negligence—even in cases where they knowingly or intentionally harm or cause the death of an animal. Presently, a business can avoid liability simply by stating, "I didn't mean to." ⁣
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Pancho & Leia’s Law offers greater protection to Texas pets and their families! ⁣
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We’ve officially passed Stage 5 of the bill approval process—and with a landslide of support! ⁣
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✅ Stage 1: Filing the bill.⁣
✅ Stage 2: Out of House Committee.⁣
✅ Stage 3: Voted on by House.⁣
✅ Stage 4: Out of Senate Committee.⁣
✅ Stage 5: Voted on by Senate.⁣
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next… ⁣
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Stage 6: Governor action.⁣
Stage 7: Bill becomes law.⁣
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Thank you to all of our bill authors: ⁣
Rep. Claudia Ordaztx⁣
Rep. jeff Leach⁣
Rep. Morgan Meyer⁣
Rep. Joe Moody ⁣
Rep. David Cook⁣
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Thank you to all of those who support our bill in the House. ⁣
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And THANK YOU to Maria & Paul Mecca for courageously leading this bill after tragically losing their beloved dog, Pancho. ⁣
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We’re not yet at the finish line but we are getting close to getting Pancho & Leia’s Law passed in 2025!!⁣
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This is for , , , , , and so many other dogs and their families. ⁣
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𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗛𝗢’𝗦 𝗟𝗔𝗪 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗕𝗘 𝗟𝗔𝗪!!!⁣
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Office of the Governor Greg Abbott, THANK YOU in advance! We are holding the prayer for a safer future for Texas dogs and their families⁣ 🙏🏽🤍⁣
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04/30/2025

PANCHO & LEIA’S LAW (HB 285) is set for a House vote today and tomorrow (May1 & 2)!!
Please send out good energy and prayers for our bill to go through! 🙏🏽🤍🙏🏽

🥳 And just like that, HB 285 (aka Pancho & Leia’s Law) has now made it to the House floor!⁣
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We are set for an official House vote on Thursday, May 1, and Friday, May 2!!⁣
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We realize that many of you have questions so we wanted to take a moment to clarify the process of passing a bill. ⁣
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All proposed bills must pass through multiple stages… ⁣
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✅ Stage 1: Filing the bill.⁣
✅ Stage 2: Out of House Committee.⁣
🙏🏽 Stage 3: Voted on by House.⁣
Stage 4: Out of Senate Committee.⁣
Stage 5: Voted on by Senate.⁣
Stage 6: Governor action.⁣
Stage 7: Bill becomes law.⁣
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We are currently at stage 3 and are hopeful due to the amount of support we’ve received.⁣
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For those of you who aren’t familiar with Pancho & Leia’s Law…⁣
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HB 285 will add negligence to the current animal cruelty statute, which will help to ensure greater accountability from pet service businesses, protecting Texas pets and their families. See our last few posts for more details on this important bill.⁣
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Thank you so much for your continued love, support, and prayers. Keep it coming!! This is a HUGE week for Pancho & Leia’s Law!!⁣
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And stay tuned for more updates on possible ways to support our bill.⁣

This isn’t just for Pancho and Leia…
This is for ALL Texan pets and their families!
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🥹🙏🏽🥳⁣
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04/29/2025

🥳 And just like that, HB 285 (aka Pancho & Leia’s Law) has now made it to the House floor!⁣
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We are set for an official House vote on Thursday, May 1, and Friday, May 2!!⁣
⁣
We realize that many of you have questions so we wanted to take a moment to clarify the process of passing a bill. ⁣
⁣
All proposed bills must pass through multiple stages… ⁣
⁣
✅ Stage 1: Filing the bill.⁣
✅ Stage 2: Out of House Committee.⁣
🙏🏽 Stage 3: Voted on by House.⁣
Stage 4: Out of Senate Committee.⁣
Stage 5: Voted on by Senate.⁣
Stage 6: Governor action.⁣
Stage 7: Bill becomes law.⁣
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We are currently at stage 3 and are hopeful due to the amount of support we’ve received.⁣
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For those of you who aren’t familiar with Pancho & Leia’s Law…⁣
⁣
HB 285 will add negligence to the current animal cruelty statute, which will help to ensure greater accountability from pet service businesses, protecting Texas pets and their families. See our last few posts for more details on this important bill.⁣
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Thank you so much for your continued love, support, and prayers. Keep it coming!! This is a HUGE week for Pancho & Leia’s Law!!⁣
⁣
And stay tuned for more updates on possible ways to support our bill.⁣

This isn’t just for Pancho and Leia…
This is for ALL Texan pets and their families!
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🥹🙏🏽🥳⁣
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04/28/2025

🎉𝗔 𝗕𝗜𝗚 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗛𝗕 𝟮𝟴𝟱…⁣
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HB 285 passed with a unanimous vote in the criminal jurisprudence committee!⁣

This bill will add negligence to the current animal cruelty statute, which will help to ensure greater accountability from pet service businesses, protecting Texas consumers and their beloved pets.
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NEXT STOP 👉🏽 Calendars Committee, followed by the House floor.⁣
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For those of you asking how you can support…⁣
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Please know that right now, we are working internally with the House representatives to get this to the floor for a vote.⁣
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The best way to support us at this time is to continue spreading awareness of this issue and our bill! ⁣
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🥳 We’re getting so close…
Thank you for your continued love and support! ⁣
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