Chimera Kennels

Although he had a great life, and I did many things with this old friend, he will be terribly missed. We recently chose to put him down, for although his mind was still sharp while approaching his 10 year birthday this December, his body was beginning to fail. His spirits were great and he was still active, but he was having having problems keeping his food down and he began losing his impressive physical condition while also taking on a "bloated" appearance that suggested the onset of heart failure. Our vet advised us that over the next few weeks, maybe even a month or so he would have gotten into very poor condition before finally passing, so we opted to just spend more "one on one" time with him over the last week before laying him to rest. He was a GREAT dog...and very close to the hearts of everyone in our family. He really enjoyed life...even during the last week despite his failing condition. He truly had the mind of a loyal, focussed, working dog...one that was not just willing to go forward...but one that always wanted to do so. (Although Levi was a GREAT PP and family guard dog, I don't feel like putting any PP photos or videos in this post. This post is just a "family" post. I hope the readers understand...as this post us about the time we had with the dog on a more "personal" level).

http://www.chimerakennels.com/levi.htm

After a successful hunt. Levi tracked this deer.

Levi (left) with Lynn (right) out at the Ross Barnett Reservoir. He really focussed on pleasing me.

Levi playing in a pond with his old girlfriend, Luci...

Levi many moons ago (I believe 2002) after a season of blood trailing & running w/ the ATVs at deer camp (the season of his 14 mile run). Here he is enjoying the company of some of boys from the hunting camp while at a cookout at our place. The camp is across the street from my home.

Levi "kicking it up." Despite his size, he had a true top speed of 31-32 mph (measured with a pace vehicle on multiple occations while at deer camp)...which is VERY fast and atypical for a dog this size. He frequently outran and outlasted all the other dogs at the camp. (Note - he was not used to run or jump deer, but only taken for runs when joy riding on the ATVs or when going to a blood trail site). The photo below however was taken on my property while doing a simple recall, and not while running at the camp.

Levi's last days, with Courtney saying her "Goodbyes" to her old friend.

Lee,

I know LEVI was a special family member and friend. I have always admired LEVI. In many ways my dog Tucker looks a lot like LEVI. It makes me feel sooo fortunate to have a double bred LEVI pup out of Damon and Lucile those genes carry on and will continue.

Dave 

Levi was truly a great dog and I feel sorry for your loss.

Oh gosh...so sorry for your loss!  It's never easy losing a special friend.  You were lucky to have had 10 years with your boy, and he lucky to have you and your family.  Keep those special memories close and reflect often.

Condolences to you and the family.

Leri

Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts.

(Note: Levi was 8 months old when I got him, so he lived here about 9 years...but it was a good 9 years).

Lee, man, so sorry to hear that. I like Preacher, but that was my guy. He was an awesome dog, one the most impressive dogs I've seen temperment and structure. A great foundation dog if I may say so myself and I know how much he meant to you and your family.

So sorry for your loss. It's never easy losing a good friend.

Sorry to hear that, Lee.  Keep ya head up.  The memories will live on.

So sorry to hear about Levi. He was why I got a dog from you. I was amazed by him each time I saw him. RIP.

I'm so sorry for your loss

It looks like Levi lived life to the fullest

Lee, really sorry to hear avout your loss. Levi is the first dog that really got my attention when I first discovered your site, he has a special place in my memory. I am glad he didn't have to suffer long, and that he went peacefully. His blood will run in your program for a long time and it is good so.

Thanks everyone for your very kind words.

Lee sorry to hear of your loss, I myself just lost my girl Zoe to a brown snake so I can understand how you feel.