Living with Levi: From Foster to Forever

The moment I knew Levi was here to stay

The void left by Diesel’s departure was immense, a constant reminder of the fragility of life. Yet, in the midst of this heartache, Levi’s tenacity became my beacon of hope. As a seasoned Dog Mom, my protective instincts were already on high alert, but with Levi, they reached new heights. Every whimper, every movement was under my watchful eye. I even set up a webcam, ensuring I could monitor him around the clock, no matter where I was.

The vet’s cautionary words about Fading Puppy Syndrome echoed in my mind. While Levi was showing signs of improvement, the uncertainty of his future was a constant shadow. But with each sunrise, Levi defied the odds. His resilience was nothing short of miraculous. Just a day after we bid farewell to Diesel, Levi gifted me with another milestone—his eyes fluttered open, revealing a world of curiosity and wonder.

The ensuing days were a whirlwind of emotions. With Diesel’s absence still fresh, witnessing Levi’s burgeoning personality was both a salve and a reminder of what was lost. His playful growls, his insatiable curiosity, and the adorable white fur sprouting on his pink toes painted the picture of a pup who was not just surviving, but thriving. Gone were the days when he was content in his crate; Levi wanted to be in the thick of things, experiencing life to the fullest.

However, life has a way of testing our strength when we least expect it. Just a week after Diesel’s passing, I was jolted awake by a distressing sound. Racing to Levi’s side, my heart sank. There he was, his little face smeared with white vomit, his eyes reflecting vulnerability. The memories of Diesel’s final moments came flooding back, and I was consumed by panic. Another emergency trip to the vet, another agonizing wait. But this time, the news was different. After a thorough examination and a much-needed anti-nausea injection, the diagnosis was clear: a simple case of reflux. My little fighter was still in the ring, proving once again that he was here to stay.

Every day with Levi was a new chapter in our growing bond. The little guy had a knack for making his presence felt, especially during my online meetings. His persistent cries from the crate were impossible to ignore, and I’d often find myself scooping him up for some much-needed cuddles. His peculiar habit of suckling on my earlobes was both endearing and comical. But one afternoon, he took it a step further, latching onto my chin with a suction force that would put any vacuum to shame. The resulting bruise became a topic of conversation for days.

March 8th marked another significant milestone in Levi’s life: his introduction to solid food. The excitement in his eyes as he tasted the new delicacy was palpable. He was growing, and with each passing day, his personality shone brighter. The duvet on the lounge floor became his playground, and the playpen I set up became a challenge he was determined to overcome. His toys, especially the little dalmatian fluffy toy and the jingly cat ball, became his treasured companions.

In addition to Dog Mom, my side-hustle, Boometime, involves crafting doggie ramps. Witnessing Levi, at just four weeks old, navigate the couch ramp for the first time was a sight to behold. However, this newfound skill came with its challenges, as his adventurous spirit often led him to places he shouldn’t be.

Levi’s curiosity knew no bounds. Whether it was hitching a ride on the robot vacuum or chasing a tennis ball around the house, his zest for life was infectious. But it was on March 31st, during a routine vet visit, that reality truly set in. As the vet penned down “Levi Boome” on the front of his booklet, a wave of emotion washed over me. While everyone around me had seen it coming, it took me a while to admit to myself that Levi wasn’t just a temporary guest. He was family.

In the eyes of many, I might have been a “foster fail,” but in my heart, I knew it was the most beautiful failure I’d ever experienced. Our adventures were just beginning, and I couldn’t wait to see where life with Levi would take us.