Levi's First Twenty-Four Hours

This is Cooper reporting from the Rainbow Bridge. I'm an angel dog, now, with the power to watch over my humans and their new addition to the family. Without further ado, let me introduce Levi, a thirteen week old schnauzer with big feet. Oh, my God! I think the breeder lied to my humans when she said he'll only weigh seventeen pounds when he grows up.

Levi's not a hell raiser like I was at his age, but he's inquisitive and he likes my old toys that mom washed up for him. My humans also gave him the new bed that Mom
bought for me a few months before I came to doggie heaven and wouldn't use. She ended up digging my old one back out of the trash. But I digress. Little Levi took right to the new bed and uses it for a playpen. He hasn't it figured out how dogs are supposed to sleep in beds. Most of the time he hangs half in and half out.

Levi is doing well with Dad's wheelchair. He isn't afraid of it like some older dogs are. He's already found the short cut underneath and he's learning to 'sit' when Dad transfers. Little Levi likes the tags on the chair's cushion, though, and he got his first "No!" reprimand for chewing on them. Something tells me he's going to get a lot more of those before he grows up because Levi's not going to be allowed up on all the furniture like I was. He's only going to be allowed up in Dad's Laz-Z-Boy when the two of them take naps. Levi's been up there already for several short bonding sessions, with Mom close by to make sure he didn't jump down and hurt himself.

My folks were happy that little Levi's first night in his new home went well. He didn't cry or make a fuss when he had to stay in the laundry room. He didn't even cry when he woke up before Mom and Dad. He just played with his toys and used his puppy pad. The only real problem Levi is having is learning to walk on a leash. He plants his butt down on the floor, locks his front legs stiff and pulls backwards with all his might. But I know our mom; she's stubborn, too, and she'll get my little brother leash broke. Otherwise he'll miss out on all the fun stuff in an earth dog's life.

Tomorrow Levi gets his first visit to the veterinarian's office so that he can get the paper work required for the puppy classes at the Humane Society and for the groomers. I don't think I'll get "remorseful" tagging along in spirit to the place where I departed earth---especially since they have a special room they use for families and dogs that are parting company and little Levi won't be going in there. My humans made a difficult but loving decision that last day and I think they know it was the right one. Little Levi is helping to fill the holes in our parents' hearts that I left, so they will be okay. He's a joyful presence in a house that would have been too quiet without either one of us there. ©
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