Levon was brought into Hamilton Animal Services as a stray. He was extremely matted, had an eye infection, rotten teeth, impacted ears and was very thin. Obviously neglected, he was still in good spirits and friendly with the staff at the shelter. But, he didn’t have much chance of getting out of the shelter alive because of all his issues. After seeing Levon in his cage, his sweet, stinky face got the better of us, and the Ladybirds took the plunge with their first dog rescue! We rescued Levon from the shelter and immediately got him the vet care he desperately needed. After a much needed shave-down and a proper haircut, Levon was as good as new! He spent a short time in foster care, and we hadn’t even listed him as available for adoption when we were contacted by someone who was very interested in adopting him. Thankfully, after a visit to meet the other pets there, it was pretty obvious that Levon had found his forever home! We’re so happy! And so is Levon!

Levon told us his adoption story:

“My name is Levon and I am a dog. I was so named in honour of the great musician, Levon Helm. Ladybird Animal Sanctuary rescued me from a very dark place in my life. After many medical interventions, from which I am feeling much better, I moved in with a foster family. They were awesome! A bunch of canine companions, new feline friends a great set of humans! What more could a dog ask for?
Well, it was clear that I needed a more permanent home. Luckily for me, Lisa, one of my favourite human friends, is very perceptive. She knew a couple of humans that were ready to love me. We had a great first visit with Buddy the dog, which included a walk in the giant park. I also became acquainted with Oscar, Karma and Ook-Pik, the three cats. By the next visit it was clear that this was the home for me.
Although I have been living with my new family for just over a month, they and I agree that it is as if I have always been a part of the pack. I do know and remember my life prior to this, however, but have no way of telling anyone, so your guess is as good as anyone’s. I suppose that this shows how important it is to keep identification on those of us who are unable to communicate verbally. For a dog like me, a simple collar and tag are a minimum.
My day starts with a really nice long walk with my new BFF Buddy. He loves to run ahead. We both love checking and sending pee-mail along the trees that line the paths. We enjoy chasing each other, well actually I chase Buddy, he is a very fast runner. As you may be aware, I am quite visually impaired, but I have trained my human to ring a bear bell while walking so I can locate her at all times. In this manner, I can run around off-leash as well (when appropriate). It also has the added advantage of keeping bears away! She is also trained to say “heads up” when it looks like I’m about to bump into something. I have made a number of human and canine friends in the park. My favourites are Zeus (a sprightly Bichon) and Casey (a young and rapidly growing Labradoodle). We have spent a lot of fun time chasing and running together.
Once home, there is delicious breakfast! I keep trying to help the cats with their meal as well, but no one seems to appreciate my kind efforts.
When my humans head off to work, Buddy and I retire to the bed and have a well-earned nap. AHH, I like to crawl right under the covers and have my head on the comfy pillows. My humans have added towels and covers in these areas, but I know that is a mistake an just move them out of the way. Will they never learn? We also hang out with the cats, look out the window, move to the couch for further napping and I help out with any of the barking necessary to protecting the house.
When my human gets home, we generally have another nice walk. Buddy gets some special time where he chases a ball and I chase him. Then back to the house. I like to hang out on my human’s lap wherever they might be sitting. Or, on the couch I might lean up against someone or get up on the back. It’s all good! Then dinner! When my human practices her music, I try to help out by sitting on her lap or getting up on the chair behind her, but she keeps shifting around. I think more training is necessary here…
Finally, after a long busy day, it’s bed time. I like to crawl in between my humans under the covers, I know they love my warmth….Sometimes they mistakenly move me to the bottom of the bed with Buddy and the cats, but I know this is wrong, so I fix it.
We have had a few other fun activities as well, visits to Wolfe Island, canoe rides, checking out the cows and horses on the farm (Buddy has this cool hobby called herding) and car rides (I even have a seat-belt). We are also looking forward to doing some camping this summer.
So, dear readers, you can see that life is pretty great. I hear from my humans that I have made their lives a happier place and they are grateful to have me. And frankly, I am just as grateful to have them. This relationship is a gift. It’s pretty clear that an old fellow like me can still have joy as well as bring a lot of joy into lives.
My experience has taught me the following. Do not think twice about adopting a rescue pet. We know how it is to not be loved and have no one. Therefore, we know what it means to be loved and we love so much more.”

After an absolutely spoiled and love-filled life, sweet Levon passed away in 2016. His mom wrote this about him:
“This sweet, dear little friend.
I am very sad to tell that our beloved Levon passed away on October 18. When we were lucky enough to adopt this lovely little old man from Ladybird Animal Sanctuary, we understood that our time might be limited due to his heart condition. We are so happy that we had 4 and 1/5 years with this funny, quirky, loving, plucky little dog.”