Levi was born into my family on November 3, 2009, along with his brother, Clark.  They have been inseparable since!!  Levi is a yorkie poodle who enjoys long walks, playing with squeaky toys, sitting at the table (pretending he is human), and being my best friend who follows me everywhere.  Levi is a super healthy dog! Two weeks ago he got a dental cleaning which required him to get blood work.  His blood was what the vets say “as boring as could be”, normal and healthy.   On Wednesday November 4th, Levi got really tired and did not want to finish his evening walk, which was totally unusual of him.  I took Levi to the vet Thursday November 5th, and the vet diagnosed him with a stomach ache and did not suggest blood work, since he just got it a couple weeks ago.  They also gave me an anti-nausea medicine.  Then, on Friday November 6th, he was only worse, Levi was still throwing up and very lethargic. I took him back to my regular vet and requested more tests.  The blood work showed Levi’s kidney, liver, and red blood cell count was abnormal.  This led the vets to think it was leptospirosis, a bacteria infection caused by wild animals.  So fast forward to Saturday November 7th, Levi was not getting any better, only worse.  I took him to an emergency hospital in Skokie for fluid therapy.  At this point, Levi did not urinate in over 24 hours.  Levi stayed over night at the animal hospital.  On Sunday November 8th, the vet from the animal hospital called to inform us that his kidney and liver levels were getting worse and that he was in acute kidney failure.  The next plan of action and Levi’s only fighting chance was to be transferred to a speciality center for dialysis.  According to the doctor, Levi has a high chance of survival and chance to live a normal life after dialysis. Most lepto patients need 2-4 rounds of dialysis to fully recover and become dialysis independent.  Right now Levi is getting his first treatment of dialysis at the speciality center.  Luckily, we found one of the only places in Illinois that does dialysis for dogs under 20 pounds.  I have already went through my entire savings and maxed out all my credit cards at the regular vet, the emergency vet, first round of dialysis, and first couple nights at the specialty center.  The funds donated would be used for the remaining rounds of dialysis needed and Levi’s continued stay at the specialty center. It could range from $3,000-$10,000.  Levi means the world to us! He isn’t just a pet, he is truly a family member. Levi and Clark were born in my dining room to my oldest sister’s dog, Wrigley. We have been with Levi since the day he was born for the last 11 years.  Not to mention Clark is extremely depressed, since they have never been apart for this long since the day they were born. Clark and Levi go together like salt and pepper! I am seriously heart broken and devastated by this, and that is why I am willing to go to the ends of the Earth for Levi and I need your help to do that.  I would be forever grateful for every single contribution to make sure that Levi gets his full fight!! He is such a strong dog and I know Levi could fight this stronger than anybody I know! I need Levi to come back home to me and Clark.  Thank you for any contribution, small or large.   

Levi celebrating his 11th birthday!

Levi with his mommy M, mommy J, and brother Clark!

Levi and his family celebrating Christmas!

Levi and Clark playing in their backyard!