Levi

2011 - 2025

In Loving Memory of Levi
August 18, 2011 – July 25, 2025
Last year, we threw Levi a 13th birthday party. I had a feeling it might be his last. Still, as this August 18th neared, I let myself hope he’d make it to 14. I'm devastated to share that Levi passed away on July 25—just three weeks shy of his birthday.

Levi saved me. I got him when I was 24, and from the very beginning, he taught me what it meant to love unconditionally. During some of the darkest years of my life, he gave me a reason to keep going. His companionship grounded me. His love comforted me in ways no one else could - he would lick my tears when I would cry and provide companionship when I was lonely. He wasn’t just a dog—he was my child, my sidekick, my heart (and Keith’s too). 💔

I still remember going to pick out a puppy and seeing him bounce into a playful stance. I knew instantly: that one. That was my dog. We drove home with him curled up on my lap and I cherished those 13 years together.

He got his name from the jeans. In those early days, when I’d shower, he’d curl up in my jeans on the floor and wait for me. So—Levi. Or Levi Strauss when he was in trouble.

We did everything together—photos with Santa, the Easter Bunny, you name it. He was part of our biggest moments - a starring role in our engagement and of course our wedding photos. He loved car rides (especially with his head out the window - always begging for the window to be rolled down).

He was supposed to be a miniature dachshund—but anyone who met Levi knows he was anything but miniature. He loved food. This dog had a stomach of steel—he once ate hazelnut chocolate and somehow came out fine. He was always lurking for scraps and would leap up in excitement any time we so much as looked toward the kitchen.

Levi was also wildly mischievous. I’ll never forget the time I came home to find tiny orange paw prints across the apartment after he got into some leftover cupcakes. Even in these last few months, he’d sneak into the trash like a little raccoon the second we weren’t looking. For a dog who hated walks, he sure had a talent for knocking over trash cans. And for reasons I’ll never understand, he had a weird obsession with eating tissues. 🐾

When Keith came into my life, Levi immediately decided he was the favorite. I was a little jealous—but watching their bond became one of the greatest joys of my life. He was Keith’s little protector, and I’m forever grateful Keith was there to help care for him through these last few years.

Levi loved people. He’d wag at anyone who gave him love…Except the vet. He’d pretend they didn’t exist and stare only at me during appointments.

Levi was the sweetest, most loyal, most lovable dog—with his half-naked long-haired body and all. He’s the reason we’re now completely obsessed with dachshunds—so much so that our neighbors call us “the wiener dog house.”

I honestly don’t know how to move forward without him. But I hope he’s across the rainbow bridge now—belly full, tail wagging, surrounded by endless treats and car rides.

We love you forever, Levi.
Thank you for rescuing me.
You changed our lives—and we’ll carry your love with us always. 🤍🌈