Monday, December 7, 2020

Meet Levi!

 Hi everyone!! Last week we did a formal introduction of our crazy Roary and today we are pleased to introduce you to the woofie in our family, Levi!!!


Levi joined our family on November 21st, 2020, this week he will be 12 weeks old!!! 

The decision to bring both Roary and Levi into our family wasn't an easy one. After Cody passed in June and Dakota passed in July our hearts were broken. Receiving a double blow like that was something that very few are prepared for. The pain was immeasurable. 

Lenny and I found ourselves missing the clicking of nails on the floor, the daily routine of caring for a pet, we missed LOVING pets, we missed it all. We knew our home wouldn't be without pets for too long, but we also didn't want to rush into bringing just any pets into our home.  Adopting Roary, was far harder for me than when Levi joined our family, because while you are NEVER prepared for the passing of a pet, we knew when Dakota was diagnosed with cancer in June, that he wouldn't be with us long. When Cody passed there was no warning. I seriously doubted I would ever have a cat again. That's a post for another day, back to sweet Levi.


Lenny and I knew we wanted another Shetland Sheepdog. They are known to be great with cats, and while I always loved the breed, after having shared my life with Dakota for 13 years, I knew I wanted another Sheltie. We also decided, as we did with Dakota to go through a breeder. 

We had found a couple of breeders in Michigan that for one reason or another were not good fits, then we found a wonderful woman in Ohio who when I contacted her was waiting for a litter to be born in just a matter of days. When it's meant to be it just works!

Levi was born on September 17th, 2020. When Dakota joined our family he was 8 months old and I always felt I missed out on the early puppy days. This time around I knew I wanted the puppy experience, (crazy lady that I am), and when Levi was born we enjoyed updates on the breeder's website as well as via text.


When we went to pick up Levi we had the honor of meeting his Mom (Myka) and his Dad, (Rambo). Myka was an extremely devoted Mama and Rambo took a particular liking to me when he met me.


Levi was a champ on the ride home. He slept in a basket (wonderful advice from the breeder) and never made a peep. He was kissing us and loving on us from the moment we all met!

Even Roary! When Roary first met Levi he hissed once, (Cody did the same thing when Dakota arrived). After that first hiss where it was established just WHO the boss really is around here, it took less than a couple of hours for them to be doing this.


Levi is a wonderful puppy. He has an incredible disposition, he isn't fearful, he is loaded with personality and chutzpah and boy oh boy he is a big boy!!! He was 9 and a half weeks old when he went to the Vet for the first time and he was already 10 lbs!! "Dr.Smiley" had said he expected a puppy the size of a guinea pig to come in....then...in came Levi! Ready to take on the world!!!!

Levi met Sylvia
at Bloomfield Pet Grooming
(which is part of DePorre Veterinary Hospital)
when he gets bigger he will be a frequent customer!
Photo Courtesy of DePorre Veterinary Hospital

He met "Dr.Smiley" himself!
Shhh, don't tell him he's getting
a shot there soon!!!!
(Maybe that is why Levi has a rather "concerned" expression on his face?)


Of course he had to flirt with
Jessica, who is "Dr.Smiley's" assistant




Levi was excellent at the Vet and we hope that he continues to be that way!

We are proud with the progress that Levi is making with housetraining. It isn't as easy for him as it might be for some other dogs because we live on second floor. That means MANY trips up and down the stairs (Levi isn't able to do the stairs yet so Lenny, who is the primary person taking him on his multitude of trips outside, carries him). As is to be expected there have been TONS of accidents, but yesterday he pooped outside for the first time and has pretty consistently been peeing outside for a few days now.

Levi, is super fun and playful. With a puppy there is NEVER a dull moment!


Levi channeling his inner cat
in the Neko Napper
that used to be one of Cody's favorites




He knows the word "dinner" and waits at the gate


He has a special love affair with Lenny


Levi has already developed a close relationship with Roary. For Roary, Levi is just what the doctor ordered! Roary has an extremely strong play drive and is super trainable and intelligent. Levi's arrival has given him a new playmate partner in crime, and they are already causing quite a bit of mischief for Mom and Dad together!


I am excited because while Cody and Dakota had an extremely close relationship, they never ever slept near each other. Yesterday, Lenny took this darling photo of Levi and Roary that leads me to think they are going to have one extremely bonded relationship as well, and just might sleep together often!


While we still have the loss of Cody and Dakota weighing heavily on our hearts and minds, Roary and Levi have helped our healing more than we could ever have imagined. Our Cody and Dakota will never, ever be replaced, nor are we trying to. But as "Dr.Smiley" told me 13 years ago when we added Cody to our family after Bobo passed, "you aren't replacing one pet with another, you are making NEW memories with a NEW pet".   While Lenny and I will ALWAYS have Cody and Dakota in our thoughts and our hearts, we look hopefully and happily to the future anticipating what we hope are many, many happy memories yet to come!!!!!

42 comments:

  1. it's so great to see how this two heal your broken hearts... it never heals up completely, but we are able to smile and to enjoy the time we have ... and we know that they need us, that brings a lot of power and trust back... how great that Levi is a virgo... that means he is extra extra smart ;O)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha!!! I wonder why? I do agree with you though, Virgos ARE super smart!!!!

      Delete
  2. My human's parents had Shelties, and they are SUCH special dogs, she says (I wouldn't know, I've never met one!). How awesome that Roary made pals so fast!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hooray! Levi has officially arrived at your blog...he is in for a ton of love from all the other woofies and kitties!!
    He is so cute and adorable:)

    I am so glad he and Roary are such good buddies already.

    Benji & Dalton woof hello and add lots of puppy kisses, too:)

    ReplyDelete
  4. They look absolutely adorable curled up sleeping next to each other. It seems to me that the two new Partners in Crime are going to have a wonderful relationship - with each other, and with you and Lenny.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Levi is a sweetie. It was good getting two babies so close to each other so they will have a bond for life.
    I miss Eric and Flynn so much and wish we had adopted an older cat I could give my love to, but with my health issues and not knowing what the future would bring or even how much future I had we decided against it. I am still here nearly 4 years later though and will confound my doctor with at least another 4 years!

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a wonderful story! Levi's tale is such a sweet read for first thing this morning. All of the photos were a joy, but the handful with both Levi and Roary together are absolutely priceless. Dad says he knows all about the not replacing pets thing as he says his old Orbit and Isaac can never be replaced. What great joy these two characters will bring to you and Lenny, and it is obvious they are both in the best hands they ever could be. Wonderful post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ((((hugs))) and thank you!! We have to take Levi to the Vet this morning for microchipping and another vaccine, will catch up with the blogs hopefully later today or tomorrow!!!!

      Delete
  7. Levi is just so adorable that I could chew him up (in a manner of speaking)! I'm so happy they've both come into your life, Caren. The power of love to heal is amazing. ❤️

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. (((hugs)))) He definitely is beefy enough to "chew" up! Plenty of HIM to go around! lol

      Delete
  8. Levi is simply adorable - and what a sweet pair of darlings you have now with Roary and Levi already "besties" ! No we never replace a pet - they are all irreplaceable....but we do find our hearts are so full of love that it "runneth over" and giving a home to other pets is just the ticket. Those boys of yours are so lucky to have you and Lenny taking care of them.........forever.

    Hugs, Pam and Teddy too

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. (((hugs)))) dear friend!!!!!! Let's pray they don't wear us out first, we're exhausted! lol

      Delete
  9. Hi cutie Levi!! Oh you are adorable and growing so fast!! WoW. I'm even surprised how much Roary has grown since your last post! Oh I'm so happy for you and Lenny that both of these furballs could bring new loving memories in the house. And yes, you never forget Cody or Dakota, you just ADD to the love that exists. I love those T-shirts by the way too. Very cute. You all stay blessed and enjoy this stage...they are a handful (of cuteness)!! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you!! We love those shirts too! We ARE enjoying this stage but I'm not gonna lie, it's exhausting!!!! xoxo

      Delete
  10. Levi is such a cutie and it sure makes our hearts smile when we see them sleeping together, it's a friendship sent from heaven, no doubt about it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Levi. We are so happy that you finally have your own blog and we can't wait to read about your new adventures. Keep being a cutie pie! ❤️❤️❤️

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a lovely post about Levi and Roary. I'm so glad you chose to expand your heart even more after your tragic losses. We never forget those who came before. X

    ReplyDelete
  13. Your family is complete again. Dr. Smiley is a wise vet- wishing you many happy new memories! Cody and Dakota would approve.
    Love,
    Maggie

    ReplyDelete
  14. Levi is so cute, sounds like he'll be a big boy just like my Liam. It's so wonderful that he and Roary hit it off so well. They do help us heal, but the ones at the Bridge will always have a place in our hearts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes he is definitely going to be big, around 40 lbs! How big is Liam?

      Delete
  15. What an adorable puppy! How marvelous that he and Roary are such pals already!

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a sweet little pup you are Levi! Glad to meet you.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Levi looks like a wonderful pup and they will have so much fun together. We are so happy for you to have these two in your home to love and get love from. There is room in your heart for all your dear pets here and up in heaven.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Awww, so precious. I'm so happy for the both of you.

    I linked this post to Awww Mondays.

    Have a fabulous day and week. Scritches to the babies. ♥

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'm so happy for you! I've learned that there is always room for new pets in your heart, without ever forgetting the ones who have passed.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Trying to leave a comment. Paws crossed it works. Love Levi and you know I’m not a dog person!

    ReplyDelete
  21. This is a very heartwarming story. Levi looks like a very handsome fellow and already he is bringing joy to the family.

    ReplyDelete
  22. We are so happy that you have adopted both Roary and Levi! While they can’t replace Cody or Dakota, they will help heal your broken heart. Levi is adorable...and it’s great that he and Roary are becoming fast friends.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks so much!! Have to be honest though, Levi wasn't adopted....Roary was but not Levi!

      Delete
  23. Look at all that floofyness...I just want to cuddle that big ball of fluff,xx Rachel

    ReplyDelete
  24. Welcome Levi! Such a cutie and I love that he and Roary are buddies. Thanks for the kind words you left for me on the loss of Jinx. XO

    ReplyDelete
  25. Levi is adorable, and so fuzzy! I'm looking forward to seeing all the fun and mischief these two will get into.

    ReplyDelete
  26. He's beautiful. I'm so happy for all of you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Abundacat Thanks Signora Caren for showing us your doggone new family members! I sure loves hearing their tails (goops I mean their tales) and cannot wait to be following their doggone meowvalous stories of togetherness!

    ReplyDelete
  28. We are so happy to learn more about adorable Levi, and grateful that he and Roary have brought some well-deserved joy and healing into your lives. Love to you all. XO

    ReplyDelete
  29. New memories with new fur kids! That's what life is about. I can't wait to read about Levi and Roary's escapades! Great names. I have a cousin Roary who's son is named Levi.
    Ciao
    Barb

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. a human cousin named "Roary?" OMG! Our Roary is named after the Detroit Lions mascot. And...your Roary has a SON named Levi? Now that's freaky!!!

      Delete
  30. Levi is so adorable! I'm happy that you have two perfect boys to fill your heart.

    ReplyDelete
  31. He is SO adorable and it's obvious he and Roary are going to be the best of friends forever.

    ReplyDelete