Levi 2013 - 2025

 

With A Heavy But Grateful Heart

It's with a heavy heart - but also immense gratitude - that I share that my sweet, kind, fierce, loving beast of a livestock guard dog, Levi, has passed. At nearly 13 years old, Levi lived his life with quiet strength, full purpose, and deep love. He left us the way he lived - peacefully and on his own terms - crossing the rainbow bridge during his usual afternoon nap.

How It All Begin

Levi and I first came together in June of 2016. Both Levi and his sister, Whisper were (intentionally) left at the property in Gunter upon the purchase of the farm there. The previous owners asked if they could stay - the two Great Pyrenees had been raised there, and the land was all they'd ever known. They were moving into a neighborhood and didn't have the space these gentle giants needed. 

I, on the other hand, was thrilled - what a gift they turned out to be.

Whisper, on the left
Levi, on the right
Only a few years old. So young! 💕

This was Levi and Whisper on Sept 13, 2016, up by the pond - their favorite post for night duty. Back then, the area was much quieter, with fewer people and plenty of coyotes. But Levi and Whisper handled it all with strong, rugged, yet quiet command.

Born To Protect

True to their breed, Levi and Whisper stayed up all night, every night, patrolling the perimeter, watching, listening and protecting. In all the years I lived in Gunter - nine of them - only one coyote ever dared cross the fence line. It was a short-lived mistake.

He was their Shepherd 👑

Levi was always Head Guard Dog - never loud or pushy - just respected. The other dogs intuitively knew he was in charge. His strong, quiet, confident demeanor said it all. He remained that respected leader of the LGD (livestock guard dog) pack until the very end.

He trained Penny and Dutch, two great pyrenees I got as pups. Levi made sure they knew exactly what to do. He had a way with them. And once he had them trained up, both Penny and Dutch always respected Levi and worked along side him to guard, just as he had taught them. They never stopped looking up to him.

Levi, Whisper,
Penny and Dutch

A Bond Like No Other

He and Whisper were a true pair - deeply bonded and always side by side. He kept a watchful eye over her, the same he did with everyone he loved. 

Levi, always watchful over his sister,
whom he adored

Patient and tolerant, even when Maybe
would chew on his bones

After I moved to Wolfe City, Levi adjusted wonderfully. He seemed to settle in like he'd been here all along. With Penny and Dutch by his side (after Whisper disappeared 😭) the 3 of them settled into a strong, peaceful rhythm. He was happy, content and had his favorite napping spot picked out quite quickly. He continued to guard the animals as he always did, like they were his own children - and truly, they were. 

My Main Man here in Wolfe City 💪
Just beautiful even at 12 years old! 

I loved how he walked, one paw crossing in front of the other.
The Fancy Levi Walk.
Yet, he had a fierce run, even up until the day he passed. 

 

The Gentle Goodbye

Levi was still eating, playing and patrolling until the day he passed. There were no signs, just the normal slowing down that comes with age. That afternoon, I had brought him his dinner, only to find that he had quietly passed in his favorite spot. Just slipped away, with no pain, no struggle - just a deep, peaceful sleep. 

Isn't that how we all hope to go? 

Even still, the shock has stayed with me. It was sudden. But old age, in it's quiet way, had finally come for him - as it eventually comes for us all. 

A Legacy That Lives On

There is now a little cemetery at the back of my property - a place just for you, Levi. I buried you near my running path, so I can see you every lap, every day. 

 

Every day, I miss you 💔

For you, big guy.

I wanted a place of peace for you 💙
underneath the trees

There will never be another Levi. He was a once-in-a-lifetime gift, one who gave protection and fierce devotion to everything and everyone on this farm. He loved his people. He loved his farm animals. And he trained Penny and Dutch like a boss. 

I was so lucky - and blessed - to be your person.

Nope. There will never be another Levi. 

Thank you, good boy. Thank you for being there for us all - every day, every night. You earned your rest a hundred times over. And don't worry - Penny and Dutch will take it from here, just as you showed them.

Rest easy, my love, I'll see you again.  

Heartbroken,

Cyndi

I see you 💖 In your fav napping spot.....out in the cool grass.
Little did I know.....