Happy 4th Birthday to our Crazy Levi!

 It's hard to believe that our giant Sheltie with the equally GIANT personality is turning 4 today!

Everything about Levi is giant-sized. He has, as mentioned above, a giant personality, he is beyond affectionate (which has saved him!) because he is definitely the most challenging dog that we could ever imagine that we would have. (We and his breeder joke saying that Dakota must be having a good laugh in Heaven when he sees the things that Levi does).

Levi LOVES people. Other dogs? Depends. He's super discerning (and rather snobby) about what dogs he chooses to associate with. He would much rather follow his favorite people EVERYWHERE than play with other dogs.

His other loves include his beloved bully sticks, hamburgers (that he only gets on his birthday and Gotcha Day and no he doesn't have a bun), his cheese filled KONG bone, the coaches (and other staff), at Canine College,

I took this photo
 while watching the camera
 at Canine College
a year or so ago

  Natalie, (our mail carrier), 

his Daddy, 

me (he especially loves taking walks with me),  and he has a love-hate relationship with his kitty brother Roary.

One of his favorite hobbies is knocking down the baby gate at least 5 times a day. He also let's US know when it is time for him to go to bed. (He's still sleeping in a crate at night because he isn't trustworthy enough to have the run of the place). 

Yes, Levi can be extremely challenging but the unconditional cuddling, his super affectionate nature and TONS of Sheltie kisses sure make up for it! His Dad and I have visibly aged A LOT since he has been with our family, but hey, what can you do?

HAPPY, HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY crazy, silly, and loving Levi! We wouldn't want you ANY other way! (fingers crossed behind my back when I said that lol!) 

National Dog Day and Long Overdue Playdate Photos!

 Hi everyone! Today is National Dog Day and Levi and I would like to take this time to wish all of our doggy friends a super happy day!!! (We wish the kitties a happy day too since every day is THEIR day lol)

Back at the end of June I had the pleasure of meeting a long time blogging friend in person, as well as her darling dog Penny!!!!! The lovely woman I met is Dawn King and I will link to her blog below!

Levi, and Dawn's beautiful Sheltie, Penny, had a play date back at the end of June. Both were hesitant at first (cause that's how Shelties roll), but soon adorable Penny and her mischievous ways got Levi to have some fun! Nearly all of the playdate photos were taken by Dawn who is a MUCH better photographer than I am!

The two photos on the bottom right of the collage above are not from that day.
The bottom collage has more playdate photos

(on the bottom right photo Levi is on the left, Penny is on the right)

Dawn did a MUCH more thorough (and adorable) blog post about this fun get-together on her blog and you can read that here! (There are more photos there as well!)

Enjoy!!

Dog/Pet Book Feature: Peace, Love, Paws; A Memoir By Elizabeth Parker

 

I have had the pleasure of reading a number of books by Elizabeth Parker. Sadly, ALL of those books were featured on Dakota's blog which no longer exists. You can find information about the MANY books Elizabeth has written by clicking here.

In honor of the fourth anniversary of our beloved Dakota's passing, (July 9th, 2020), when Elizabeth approached me about reading Peace, Love, Paws: A Memoir, I thought featuring it by the anniversary  of his crossing the bridge would be a wonderful way to honor him.

From Elizabeth Parker:

"Grieving a pet is just like grieving a person, except there's no ceremony celebrating their life. That doesn't mean you can't celebrate their life on your own or with loved ones.
Pets are a part of the family. And sometimes the pain of loss is overbearing. You have been their caregiver and they have been a loyal companion. Chances are you had a daily routine involving your pet, and now that routine has disappeared. At times, it's heartbreaking. But there will be a point when you can look back and smile, grateful that you had experienced the precious moments with your pet.
Peace, Love, Paws chronicles my time with Lola. My furry soulmate who taught me so much about life and how to keep enough love in my heart for other pups who need a home."

While Peace, Love, Paws: A Memoir is a book written exclusively about dogs, it is a book that ALL pet lovers can relate to.

When an individual brings a pet into their family whether through adoption/rescue or yes, even acquiring their pet from a breeder, they are signing on to hopefully many, many years of  creating happy memories. Sadly, with good also comes bad. Life happens. When one loves they also are setting themselves up for great hurt which is sadly what we all experience when we lose a pet. Sometimes the loss happens after many, many years together, sometimes, as unfair as it is to experience, the loss can happen in months, or just a short number of years.

"The heart loves in many ways :people, places, creatures of all kinds. The soul knows when it meets its mate. That kind of meeting is never forgotten or taken for granted."

When author Elizabeth Parker adopted her "heart dog" Lola, while she experienced more love with Lola than she could ever have hoped for, it all ended much too soon. This book shares her two years spent with Lola. It also conveys "who Lola was, what she could have been, and all she could have done."

QUOTES THAT RESONATED WITH ME:

"They never truly leave us. The memories are tattooed in our minds and our hearts."

"You don't realize just how much your dog is smiling until they are no longer smiling."

"Grief is not a one size fits all emotion. It's more than ok to grieve a pet in whatever way you see fit., and there's no time limit. However you deem appropriate to mourn them, is what you must do. What works for one person might not work for another."

"Time doesn't wait for us. If you have a pet, love it with all of your heart. Where there are paws, there is always peace and love."

Peace, Love, Paws: A Memoir by Elizabeth Parker is a worthwhile read for all who have ever given their heart and soul to their pet. To get your paws on a copy, see below:

TO PURCHASE VISIT:

www.elizabeth-parker.com

FTC Disclosure: I received no monetary compensation for featuring this book. I received a copy to read and feature on the blog.

Family Friday: Meet Levi's Talented Sister, Tango!

 Hi everyone! This is Levi and today I want to share a photo of my most talented FULL sister, Tango! (She was born in a litter approximately a couple of years after me, but we have the exact same parents!)

My first human Mom (Sue from Greyfyre Shelties), has trained Tango so well and Tango is soooo smart that she keeps winning TONS of obedience awards! Just look at her with her ribbons!

Photo Courtesy of Sue Sharp of Greyfyre Shelties

  

Isn't she beautiful? 

Here is something my first human Mom wrote about my sister Tango:

"This is Tango, a full sibling of Levi. She's my obedience partner and just two years old. We are showing in AKC Rally shows. She's very close to her Rally championship. She's smarter than me by far and does much better than I do as I make many mistakes in the ring! Tango and I go for daily walks when not going to training. I'm Sue, I bred both Tango and Levi's litter. Levi has the same demeanor and look as his wonderful mother, Myka, Here is their incredible mother, Myka, out playing with an infant Tango"

Levi's Mom, Myka with sister Tango
Photo Courtesy of Sue Sharp, Greyfyre Shelties

 Below is a photo of ME!!! (Levi!!) Don't I look like my Mama?

 In the photo below, my Doggie Dad Rambo is in front with his litter sister, Rogue, behind him.

Photo Courtesy of Sue Sharp
Greyfyre Shelties

Well, I hope you enjoyed meeting part of my family today!! I also have a littermate named Stormy who lives in Ohio. (We were buddies before we left to go to our human families), maybe one day you can meet him too!!

Love, Levi

Happy 3rd Gotcha Day Levi!!!!!!!! (He was "Gotted" November 21st, 2020)

 Happy 3rd Gotcha Day to our super smart, super loving, super BIG, super stubborn, super cuddly and super crazy Levi “Rowdy”!! We survived 3 years !!!

In all seriousness you are the most affectionate boy we could ever hope to have, you definitely keep life exciting and keep us on our toes!!! We love you to pieces!!!!

There is a saying that goes "You don't always get the dog you want, but you get the dog that you need."(Cesar Millan) Levi has been a challenge and I guess that someone felt that my husband and I DEFINITELY needed a challenge!

LEVI DOESN'T LIKE:

• When I stir eggs
• When I add seasoning to food
• Going to the groomer (he acts like the biggest baby and tries to run after me whimpering and crying when I am dropping him off, once he has his bath and blow dry he is FINE. It is the ONLY place where he acts like that.)
• ANYONE walking in our hallway
• ANYONE walking outside that he can see from our window
• When my husband sneezes
• When my husband's phone rings
• The remote control
• Hot weather

LEVI LOVES:

• His Daddy. His Mommy. Roary.
• His beloved bully sticks!
• His girlfriend Sadie at Canine College (Sadie is a German Shepherd mix who has one ear that goes up and one that goes down. She is large and crazy like Levi lol. He follows her EVERYWHERE.)
• Canine College and all who work there
• Running in the snow
• Being noticed and fawned over
• Cuddling/Kisses
• Hamburgers (which he only gets on his Gotcha Day and his birthday)
• Playing Fetch
• Taking Walks
• His Cheese Stuffed KONG bone
• The VET!! (Yep you read that right!!)
• Riding in the Car
• Our Mail Carrier

And WE LOVE HIM!!!

HAPPY 3RD GOTCHA DAY LEVI "ROWDY", "LEVI G."(as they call him at Canine College), "Mr.Levi." and some other choice names not fit for print!!! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!

National Dog Day 2023

  Happy National Dog Day! 

from Levi!!

The photo on the top left and the photo on the bottom right
 were taken by Alyssa Paris from Canine College

In honor of this special day, I wanted to share some of my favorite Sheltie and dog quotes with you:

"If Lassie had been a Sheltie, Timmy never would have fallen in the well in the first place."

"Silence is golden, unless you have a Sheltie, then it's SUSPICIOUS!"

"Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen."--Orhan Pamuk

"Everyone thinks they have the best dog and none of them are wrong."--W.R. Purche

For our final quotes, we are sharing a photo of our beloved Angel Dakota:

"Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love, they depart to teach us about loss. A new dog never replaces an old dog, it merely expands the heart."

"Shelties, once they love, they love steadily. unchangingly, till their last breath."

"Having a dog will bless you with the happiest days of our life, and one of the worst days."

I wouldn't have it ANY other way! Kisses to all of the woofies out there!!

Passover Begins April 5th...Easter is April 9th! Happy Passover and Happy Easter 2023

 With Passover beginning tonight at sundown (8:02pm EST), we thought you might be interested to see how Matzah for Passover is made!

Hoping you enjoyed this!

Happy Passover

and Happy Easter! 

Whichever holiday you celebrate, we hope that it is full of blessings!!! Love from us to you!!

Everyone is Irish Today! Happy St.Patrick's Day!!

  

#NationalNappingDay (Cuteness Alert!)

 Today is National Napping Day,   a day that was originally created in honor of many of us losing sleep due to the clocks "springing forward" for daylight saving time.

Cats and Dogs have always known that naps are beneficial! No one has to tell them!

So...in honor of National Napping Day, enjoy some old photos, of how cats are masters at napping and dogs have taking naps down to a science too!

Remember when your cats were kittens and you photographed every single thing they did?
Napping photos are at the top of the list of photographs taken of kittens!
 Here is Roary when he was a youngster, napping away!

Puppies have endless energy!!! One minute they are tearing up the house, the next they crash wherever they are to take a much needed nap! Levi learned the art of napping pretty early!

Roary is demonstrating how cats also can practice Yoga while being in the  midst of a nap!

Sometimes it's fun to have someone to nap with!

One of those "someones" used to be me, Roary hasn't napped with me in ages, probably because I never lay down to take a nap myself!

Pleasant dreams!

Sleeping in your woofie brother's bed can be fun!

and laughing your kitty butt off after it!!!

Poor unsuspecting woofie!!

So, no matter whether you are a canine or a feline, or a 2-legger, make some time to take a good 'ol power nap!!! You will be happy you did!!!

Mom's Birthday Was Saved!!

 Hi furiends!! It's Roary,and boy oh boy Levi and I were sooooooo mad at Mom!!! Mom ALWAYS helped Angels Cody and Dakota put something up on the blog for her birthday, but she has NEVER helped us post anything for her birthday since we came to live with Mom and Dad!  We can't do anything without her help!

Well, Mom was just reading her facebook greetings and guess what? Our dear furiend Glogirly SAVED US!! LO AND BEHOLD she surprised us and made a card from Levi and I!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH
SWEET GLOGIRLY!!!
NOW LEVI AND I
DON'T LOOK LIKE BAD "KIDS"
LOVE YOU!!

ROARY: "Even though I prefer Dad to you, Mom, you KNOW I DO LOVE YOU and wish you the HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS!!!!  Why would I raid your sock drawer and deliver your socks to you pawsonally in the kitchen and in the bathroom if I didn't? You also scoop my litter and feed me so you DO rank in those categories! NOW...WHERE IS DAD? I need to sit on his lap. Love, Roary"

LEVI: "Happy Birthday Mom!!!!! You KNOW I am obsessed with you!! (I love Dad too but I LISTEN to you) and I LOVE to give you kisses. I also love when you sing to me and talk to me in the car when you take me to daycare. Plus, you and I are BOTH from Ohio!!!"

"So happy you are having a fabulous birthday Mom! (Even if you did banish me to daycare today so you could enjoy your day)"

Love, Levi

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

LOVE FROM 

ROARY AND LEVI

Challenge your Pet with the 2 in 1 Dog Treat Puzzle & Chew Toy by Uahpet!

Hi every furry! Today I am SUPER excited to share a Dog Puzzle toy with you that Levi recently was lucky enough to try!

The toy is made by Uahpet and it is the:

2 in 1 DOG TREAT PUZZLE & CHEW TOY

(Even Roary got in on the action!!)

Levi is a SUPER strong chewer and an extremely intelligent dog. We are always on the lookout for toys that will challenge him as well as toys that will stave off boredom. When Levi has activities to do and things to play with he is far less likely to cause mischief!!

The 2 in 1 Dog Treat Puzzle & Chew Toy features a 16 hole dog food puzzle chassis with a food dispenser that is SO STRONG even Levi hasn't chewed through it! The two pieces can be played with separately or combined to make finding the treats more difficult. There are 4 different game modes and all help satify a dog's sniffing and chewing needs!!

Photo courtesy of Uahpet on Amazon

If you look at the photo above, you place the treats in the openings and slide the orange and blue circle direction sliders over to completely cover the treats. The dog has to work at getting the treats out.

In fairness, Levi figured out that part within 30 seconds!!!!!!! (I have to work on making it more difficult for him).

Take a look at the blue food/treat dispenser above in the middle of the chassis, that has become Levi's FAVORITE TOY!!! He loves to run around with it, and I fill it with treats, sometimes his kibble and other goodies! He even brought it with him to the groomer to occupy/distract him from the various dogs/sounds.

The puzzle is a great size! It is 13.3 inches diameter and 2.49 inches tall. It is larger than most dog puzzle toys which makes it great for dogs of ALL sizes. (Cats would probably like the puzzle portion too!)

The blue circle toy in the middle can be used as a slow feeder. This helps dogs who eat too fast to eat more slowly which can prevent them from getting bloat (a condition that can be deadly). 

THERE ARE NO REMOVABLE SMALL PARTS in this puzzle making it safe, and it is made out of non-toxic, BPA free materials. This toy is safe for the environment and will not harm your dog when they lick or bite the blue dispenser. (IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE that NO TOY IS INDESTRUCTIBLE, and dogs should always be supervised when playing with ANY TOY!!)

Levi adores the blue portion of this dog puzzle, and it is used MULTIPLE times a day. He throws it, chews it, barks at it, licks it and it has yet to have even one scratch or tooth mark on it.

The dispenser is easy to clean with warm water and a dog-friendly soap after use. The puzzle also features a non-slip bottom.

I have bought a number of dog puzzle toys through the years, and I will say that this one is the BEST I have had either of my dogs use. While Levi doesn't use the puzzle portion very often right now (until I make it much more difficult for him to figure out), the fact that he uses the blue food/treat dispenser MULTIPLE times per day makes the 2 in 1 Dog Treat Puzzle & Chew Toy by Uahpet a TOTAL WIN FOR ME!!!!!

Our kind friends at Uahpet are offering you a discount code to use that is good for ONE YEAR!!!!

THE CODE IS FOR 15% OFF AND IS GOOD ON ALL OF THEIR PRODUCTS IN THEIR AMAZON STORE!! THE CODE IS CARENCODY

TO SPECIFICALLY PURCHASE THE PUZZLE TOY USE THE LINK BELOW:

https://uahpet.online/Puzzle

We received the 2 in 1 Dog Treat Puzzle & Chew Toy by Uahpet for free in exchange for our honest review. We are also being compensated for featuring this toy. This in no way affects our opinion of the product! 

To see more items that Uah Pet has for your babies visit their Amazon store.

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National Pet Fire Safety Day 2022

 

Hi everyone! Glad to see you!! This is Chief Levi and I am proud to be joining Chief Mackerull Boomer Junior Butter Feeld representing this most impawtant day! My pawpose today is to give you  some information about National Pet Fire Safety Day and help you learn how to keep you and your pets safe from fires!

From NationalDay.com: National Pet Fire Safety Day takes place every year on July 15, and it’s a day to learn how to keep your pet safe in a fire. For many of us, pets are our most precious asset so it makes sense that we would dedicate a day to keeping them safe during one of the scariest things we can imagine. It was started by the Kennel Club and ADT Security in 2009 to help pet owners learn safety measures to protect their beloved pets and homes from fire, and it’s a great opportunity to learn how to keep your fur baby safe. 

THAT WAS PRETTY DARNED

USEFUL INFORMATION, RIGHT?

EVEN OUR YOUNGEST TWO-LEGGER AGREES!!

(SHE APPARENTLY WANTS TO BE A FIRE CHIEF AS WELL!!)

Photo Courtesy of Grandpa

Well, this is Chief Levi signing off for now! Be sure to visit my furiend Chief Mackerull Boomer Junior Butter Feeld from Trout Talkin Tabbies (The Da Tabbies O Trout Towne)  to read their Fire Safety Post as well!

BE SAFE OUT THERE!!

(Thank you, Ann from Zoolatry, for the great badges!!)

CHIEF LEVI...OUT!

Our Sweet Dakota Left Us Two Years Ago Today

 My first ever Sheltie, Dakota, my sweet boy passed on July 9, 2020 (9 days after Cody), after having been diagnosed with Hemagiosarcoma (a tumor on his heart) a mere month before. He was 13 (as was Cody).

It is an awful disease that has taken many beloved dogs of friends and family members. We were blessed to have Dakota with us for a month after he was diagnosed, many I know weren't that lucky. 

To think I thought Dakota was crazy when he was young! Little did I know what would be in store for me with Levi.

Dakota was sweet, stoic at the Vet, he HATED other dogs, was devoted to his "pack" at home, but wasn't much of a fan of humans that he didn't know. He never would have enjoyed going to daycare or boarding like Levi does.

He was a great brother to Cody. They truly loved each other.

He hated taking walks, wasn't thrilled with the car (he would sit on the floor). Didn't like to sleep in his bed, he preferred sleeping on the floor. If I stirred eggs he would bark. If I used spray butter he would bark. He was the quirkiest dog ever!

He LOVED his precious Greenies, popcorn, red peppers (not hot ones!), apples, carrots and the doggy meatloaf/meatballs/hamburgers I would make for him.

He also ADORED HIS DADDY!

Dakota was extremely bonded with Lenny when he was young, as time went on, he and I became extremely close. He had a sixth sense of knowing just when I needed extra loving.

He was the first dog I had as an adult and was the fulfillment of a childhood dream of having a Sheltie. He was special in so many ways.

He was the polar opposite of Levi!!! He wasn't confident and actually LOOKED and paid attention to where he was walking not ramming into people and walls BOL!

He loved running and playing fetch when he was young.

He adored his red, white and blue Dollar store ball that we have safely tucked away in a trunk. That dog had sooo many toys and that disgusting worn out plush ball was his absolute favorite. 

He was sooo much smaller than Levi! At Dakota's largest he was 28 lbs, most of his life he was 25 pounds (Levi is 36 lbs and about 3 inches taller.)

The 13 years he was with us went by in the blink of an eye. I am grateful for the many collages I have on the living room wall of both Cody and Dakota, this way I can still see them both every day.

Dakota you were such a good and special boy. Daddy and I think of you, love you and miss you every single day. 

About a minute after Dakota left us, I noticed a yellow butterfly that flew right into our patio doors, I am certain that was our sweet Dakota letting us know he would always be there.

Sweet Dakota, please know that NO OTHER dog could EVER replace you. You ALWAYS are in our hearts and on our minds. Levi didn't replace you, as "Dr.Smiley" said when I felt guilty when I had adopted Cody two weeks after my Bobo passed, "You aren't replacing him, you are making NEW memories with another pet. He would want you to give the same love to another pet that you gave to him."

Thank you, Dakota, for sharing your life and love with Daddy, Cody and I. You were the PERFECT first Sheltie.

Much Love Always,

Mom