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!!!!!