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!) 

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!!

Happy National Dog Day 2022!!!

 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!!

If I don't approve comments right away it's because I'm having a lithotripsy, will approve them later in the day or tomorrow!! Thanks for visiting!!

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

In Honor of National Black Dog Day: "Sparky the Best Dog" by my Great-Niece, Talia

 Today is National Black Dog Day. Many of you know that black cats are harder to adopt out due to the myths surrounding them and for the simple fact that they are black.  Did you know that black dogs are also often the last to be adopted from shelters, and also have myths surrounding them, just as black cats do?

We have the pleasure of knowing an INCREDIBLE black dog. He happens to be a member of our extended family. His name is "Sparky" and he is deeply loved by my great-niece Talia, my great-nephew Ari, and their parents and grandparents (as well as their Uncle Lenny and Aunt Caren and other family members and friends)

Sparky is a vibrant mix of enthusiasm, energy and love!!

Recently I reached out to Talia and Ari's Mom and asked if it would be ok if I featured Sparky on the blog in honor of National Black Dog Day. Not only did she agree, but my incredible great-niece wrote something just for the blog that I am thrilled to share with you! Enjoy!!

Sparky the Best Dog (by Talia)

 Friday is National Black Dog Day. Black dogs often have a bad reputation but it could not be further from the truth. Our dog is Sparky named after Sparky Anderson. (Go Tigers!)

Sparky's first night with his new family

 We rescued Sparky from Compass Animal Rescue in Royal Oak. I was so happy they picked our family to adopt Sparky. He was saved from Hurricane Harvey in Texas. When we got him, he was very underweight. Now he is perfect. Sparky is probably the only one who loves being quarantined. He liked having me and my brother at home.

Sparky

 He hated when school started but he does enjoy barking and chasing the bus! I feel sad when black dogs often get overlooked to rescue. It makes no sense to me at all. They are so loyal.  In my opinion, everyone should rescue a dog if they can! Please consider looking into black dogs like Sparky!

Sparky and Talia on their trip to Florida

Sparky and Talia

Sparky and Talia

Sparky Sleeps With Talia Every Night! True Love!!

Talia had written a note to Compass Dog Rescue and on May 9, 2020 they posted it on their Facebook page. Talia's enormous love and devotion for Sparky  shines through this precious letter:

I want to thank Talia sooo much for her wonderful words about Sparky and for letting people know just how wonderful black dogs are!!!

 I also want to share a few of my favorite photos of Sparky as well.

When Levi was a puppy the first dogs he met in Michigan were his cousin Punky and Sparky!! Sparky and Levi liked each other from the beginning.

Two peas in a pod

We are so happy that Talia's family gave "Sparky the BEST DOG" a chance and adopted him! He has brought much joy to his family and everyone who is lucky enough to know him!!! Hopefully others will jump at the chance to adopt a wonderful black dog like Sparky too!

Sparky and I in 2019

Happy National Black Dog Day Sparky!!

 Have a great day!! We all love you!!

Our First Valentine's Day!!

 Hi all! It's Roary!! Recently, Mom was telling Levi and I that February 14th is Valentine's Day!!! She explained the history of Valentine's Day to us too!

AHHHH love is in the air!!!!! I can smell it!

I wonder if one day 

I will have a Valentine of my own?

Mom says right now I am too young.

All I have is this woofie

who has no respect for social distancing.

He's acting like he's at the movies

trying to cop a feel!!!!

LEVI: 

"Move on Mom, there is

NOTHING for you to see here!"

That was certainly 
NOT what I had in mind
when I said I hoped
one day I would have a Valentine!!!

Mom says that Valentine's Day

isn't just about having a lover,

it's about showing the people

and pets you care about

lots of love...

that's all well and good but

I hope you have better luck than I did!!!

From the bottom of our

furry , crazy little hearts

we wish you ALL

a Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

We LOVE YOU!!

Roary, Levi and Mom too!