Living with Levi: The Beginning

How Levi Entered My Life: The Unexpected Joy of Fostering

As a proud Dog Mom to three incredible rescue dogs over the past 14 years, my heart has always been tethered to the selfless souls who dedicate their lives to animal rescue. Among the many heroes I’ve encountered, one name stands out like a beacon: Kerry Kleinhans from The WOW Project. Our paths crossed during a routine vet visit with my eldest fur-baby, Emmy. From our very first conversation, it was evident that Kerry’s passion for animals wasn’t just a hobby—it was her life’s mission.

Over time, our bond strengthened. I found myself eagerly volunteering for The WOW Project, printing t-shirts for its dedicated volunteers, assisting during adoption days where I could, and crafting marketing materials to amplify Kerry’s message. Little did I know that one fateful phone call would change the trajectory of my life.

On a seemingly ordinary day, Kerry shared a heart-wrenching tale of a pitty-cross dog, exploited for breeding and left with a litter of 15 vulnerable pups. By Valentine’s Day, a day meant for love and celebration, 10 of these innocent souls had tragically passed away. The mother, overwhelmed and undernourished, couldn’t care for her remaining babies. Kerry, with her boundless compassion, stepped in to rescue the survivors. Yet, nature’s cruelty didn’t end there. Three more pups succumbed, leaving only two fragile lives hanging in the balance.

During a candid chat with Kerry, I sensed the weight of her responsibilities. Juggling the demands of rescue work in Wolwerivier and Atlantis, coupled with the intensive care of bottle-feeding the pups every two hours, seemed insurmountable. In a moment of serendipity, or perhaps fate, I found myself offering to care for the pups for a day. I mean, how challenging could it be? Feed, comfort, repeat.

When Kerry arrived with the two boys, nestled in their yellow carrier with their tiny bottles and soft towels, my heart melted. Their vulnerability was palpable, their need for love and care undeniable. That day, I learned the intricacies of puppy care, from feeding to the delicate art of assisting with their toileting. It was a day of firsts, of challenges, and of undeniable joy.

As the sun set, a weary Kerry called, her voice heavy with fatigue. She had rescued three more pups, each battling illness and desperately needing care. Concerned for the health of my two little charges and recognizing Kerry’s overwhelming situation, I made a spontaneous decision. “Let them stay overnight,” I said, “We’ll figure it out in the morning.”

But as dawn broke, it became clear that this wasn’t a mere overnight stay. The weekend stretched ahead, filled with feeding schedules, soft whimpers, and countless moments of pure love. And as each day passed, the thought of parting with these pups seemed more and more impossible. The temporary fostering arrangement began to feel like something far more permanent…

As the days passed, the two pups began to show their distinct personalities. The darker one, with his deep, soulful eyes, I named Diesel. His counterpart, with three white-tipped toe paws that stood out against his lighter fur, became Levi. These names seemed to capture their essence perfectly. From the moment they arrived on the 11th day of their young lives, our bond grew stronger with each passing moment.

The initial days were filled with hope and optimism. I was getting into the rhythm of caring for them, and each feeding session was a testament to their growing strength. Their tiny bodies began to fill out, and the scales showed a steady increase in their weight. It felt like we were on the right track.

Then, on the 1st of March, a milestone moment arrived. Little Diesel, with all the curiosity of a newborn, opened his eyes for the very first time. It was a magical moment, one that we celebrated with joy and anticipation of all the adventures that lay ahead. But life, with its unpredictable twists, had other plans.

The very next day, as I reached into their crate for their afternoon feeding, a sense of dread washed over me. Lifting Diesel, his body felt different—lifeless and limp. Panic set in, and I rushed both pups to the vet, praying for a miracle. Tests were run, and while they came back negative for Parvo and Giardia, it was clear that both pups were in distress. They were administered fluids, and I was given the heart-wrenching task of monitoring them closely, urging them to feed.

That evening, under the shadow of load shedding, the situation became dire. Neither Diesel nor Levi showed any interest in their bottles. The light in Diesel’s eyes had dimmed, and every instinct told me he was suffering. At Panorama vet, our worst fears were confirmed. Diesel was in pain, and the prognosis was grim. Levi, though weak, wasn’t in distress, but he needed constant care and encouragement.

The decision to let Diesel go was one of the hardest I’ve ever made. Saying goodbye to that little soul, who had brought so much joy in such a short time, was heart-wrenching. But in that moment of profound sadness, Levi still needed me. He was fighting, and I had to be there for him.

The night that followed was one of the longest of my life. Hour after hour, I offered Levi his bottle, hoping against hope that he would show some sign of recovery. Each rejection was a blow, and with every passing hour, my heart grew heavier.

Then, as dawn broke, a miracle. With bloodshot eyes, I held out the bottle for Levi’s 5 am feed. To my astonishment and overwhelming relief, he latched on. His tiny paws wrapped around my arm, pulling the bottle closer, as if to say, “I’m still here, and I’m not giving up.” In that moment, amidst the pain of loss and the exhaustion of the night, joy blossomed. My little Levi was back, and our journey together was just beginning.