Every August, National Dog Month is celebrated to acknowledge the joy dogs bring to our lives. At Buffalo Creek, we joined the fun with our first annual “Cutest Dog in the Neighborhood” contest, judged by the HOA Board. With so many adorable entries, choosing a winner wasn’t easy. After much deliberation, the title went to Ranger, an English Cream Retriever belonging to Dianne and Randy Leake on Morrish Lane.

 

Ranger was just 8 weeks old and weighed 11 lbs. when Dianne and Randy Leake brought him home on October 29, 2023—just one month after Randy’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Though they’d previously owned dogs, several Schnauzers and a Border Collie, the Leakes had been without a fur-baby for a few years and Randy was ready for another four-legged companion. While unfamiliar with the English Cream Retriever breed, they instantly fell in love with Ranger when they met him through Texas English Breeders, owned by Ray and Mary Courtin. It was love at first sight—Ranger found his forever home on Morrish Lane.

 

Ranger turned two on September 1. Now full-grown at 90 lbs., he still thinks he is a lap dog despite his size. Ranger is named after the Texas Rangers baseball team. The Leakes’ son-in-law, a former MLB player, spent a few seasons with the Rangers. The Rangers were in the midst of the World Series when the Leakes brought their puppy home so it seemed like the perfect fit—especially after the Rangers championship win!

 

Ranger completed puppy boot camp twice—first at 16 weeks, then again at 12 months for a refresher course after being neutered. Dianne credits his trainers for teaching him the basics and more, as well as offering valuable tips to reinforce good behavior throughout Ranger’s development. Today, Ranger is known for being sweet, smart, and affectionate. Though Randy can no longer take him on his neighborhood walks, Ranger remains loyally by his side, whether at his chair or bedside.

 

Ranger loves a good backyard chase—though squirrels always escape up a tree. He's especially fascinated by lizards and geckos, often spotting ones nearly invisible to the human eye and staring at them until they vanish. Dianne even captured a photo of him on his hind legs, fixated on one clinging to the gutter. He also loves playing with water (though not in it), leaping and sprinting while Dianne sprays him with the hose during gardening. Ranger has a standing monthly grooming appointment but with his long, beautiful coat, he also needs frequent brushing. Instead of a brush, his new favorite grooming tool is a dog vacuum—he comes running the moment it turns on.  

 

True to his breed, Ranger is gentle with kids—the grandkids adore him—and friendly with other dogs, with many neighborhood pup pals. His expressive dark eyes and black snout contrast beautifully with his cream-colored coat, making him a stunning example of the English Cream Retriever. 

Congratulations to Ranger on being named this year’s Cutest Dog in the Neighborhood!

To learn more about how you can become a partner with Stroll Buffalo Creek please reach out to Teri Preas
teri.preas@n2co.com
https://linktr.ee/marketingsolutionsbyteri