Musical Crating

With the arrival of the foster sneak Brittney (I spelled her name wrong before!) we had to adjust dogs at home arrangements. The Brindle's crate was moved and foster pen was setup beside it. Voila! Do we look happy?

But when mama is sitting in her chair knitting we want to take turns being her best buddy.

Getting Through Winter

I know we all wish it were spring but in the meantime here's a few beasties doing their best to wait it out.

This is the way my dogs spent most of the winter, vying for position around the stove.

The tiger cat is Pepper and he has trained many dogs and taught respect.  The brindle is Sam, the white girl is Rose, the flashy fawn is Minnie who has DM and the little fawn guy with 3 legs is Fenway. The gray cat in behind the stove in the last pic is Angel.

Mercy To Mother Ship

MISSION REPORT: I believe I have assimilated myself with my subjects. They are pleasant enough making it easy for me to give them a happy face when they get up in the morning. 

MISSION REPORT: The adult female asked her if I was bugging the cows. I had no idea, apparently four legs does not equal canine on this planet!

MISSION REPORT: Difficulties achieving contact with mother ship today. Had to increase conductivity (judicial application of water) and extension of antennae.

MISSION REPORT: I've finally captured the littlest of the humans as my own. Will continue my focus on the others. The white furry male is apparently not a canine but a goober, as they call him. And they continually ask me If I'm a good girl. - Mercy

 

Abbie and Logan

One of the best things about this blog is that members of the Boxer Mailing List can put a dog, or dogs, to a name. Like today!

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It has been a while since I've sent any pics so I wanted to share some of my babies that were taken on March 11th, my birthday!

Logan (laying down looking handsome)

Abbie

 The birthday present that I gave to them and Abbie is waiting for Logan to chase her...silly girl! 

Growing Pup - Chewbacca

This is almost like being there to watch this little guy become not so little.

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Here are a few newer pictures of Chewy out in the yard with dad and playing around in the house! Just wanted to share how he has grown.  He is now 4 months old and 35 pounds!

Foster Boxer - Brittany

Brittany has been with us a week now and she has come such a long way in a short time. We've made trips to the pet store, gone on walks, even left her home with the Brindle for a few hours, contained of course.

She's been having a great time out in the yard. Mostly she does her own thing but the Brindle has been enticing her to play with him and now when she runs it seems she's having fun rather than worrying that he's going to flatten her.

She's definitely more comfortable in the house. Using her spot in the dining room as stash for the toys she's been thieving and snoozing out in her pen when the mood strikes her as well.

Mostly she loves her walks and is there anything cuter than two Brindle bums?

Foster Boxer - Brittany

As I mentioned in a previous post, I've started fostering for Florida Boxer Rescue. This past Wednesday I picked up my first foster, a wee lady named Brittany. Here's her story from FLBR

Brittany is one of the 6 boxers we rescued from the backyard breeder in Lehigh Acres. They were terrified, having never been outside their enclosed shed. They had to be carried to our cars. They had interacted with each other, the breeder and nobody else.

Brittany was by FAR the most terrified. She's been staying with a behaviorist to help her come out of her shell and has made great progress. It's time for her to expand her horizons and learn how to adjust outside of her comfort zone.

Brittany in the car on the way home with us.

The Brindle tells her this is a good place.

After a trip to get a new collar.

Out walking.

She chose this spot so we put a bed there. It took four days for her to lay on it.

 

Mz Petey and Jack

Some photos today of one of my favourite ladies and her buddy.

About a year and a half ago my folks adopted this little skittish obnoxious fellow they named Jack.  I have taught him everything he needs to know about being a real dog instead of the scared mouse he was when he came to live with us.

The only problem I have is that he follows me everywhere I go.  I cannot even sleep in peace anymore.

On a positive note though I do have an extra bowl to lick on when he is done eating!

Maggee Mae and Kody

A puppy update is always welcome around here.

 

Thought you'd like to see how my boy and girl are getting along. I am so glad I was able to be acquired by Maggee Mae, she slightly fills the void left behind by Ms Zoee, only because she is still a pup, I guess.

 

This little girl loves snow, I am sure she would eat all of it if she could figure out how. It makes no difference how cold it is, she loves to go out and play, but she really hates the rain to a T, almost refuses to go out and do her business, however if Mr Kody will go she will, but hates it.

 

Now if anyone knows how to keep a Boxer from jumping I would really like to know. I seriously believe Maggee Mae is part jumping bean. Today upon getting home from the Dr, I was met by my wife holding a paper towel to her lip. Seems Maggee had jumped up and socked her in the mouth, she now is sporting a cut lip. Ms Maggee Mae generally attacked from behind then tried to grab my hand. I thought I had her almost broken of this but it has raised its head again.

 

She is one loving little girl.

Maggee Mae

 

Kody

Attack!

Defend!

Jumping bean

 

Murphy and Sophie

A couple of happy Boxer siblings.

Sophie LOVES ball, popping up wherever she can, including into Mama's lap while she's working at her desk!

Love both of their looks, Sophie has her head over Murphy's hip.

Working hard in Mama's office.

 Life is good!

 

Sugar Ray's Story

I know, one of the most popular names for Boxers right?

So on Saturday a volunteer from Florida Boxer Rescue came by to give us the once over so we could start fostering for them. Everyone said to let Max do all the talking and I tried, but he was so busy being a lady's man with Sasha that I had to fill in.

The volunteer emailed me the story of Sugar Ray, one of her fosters, along with a couple of photos.

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I started to tell you about a young male we named "Stevie Ray", one of my sweetest foster 'kids' was abandoned in a backyard cage with his boxer sister. The girl got adopted immediately from the shelter where they were taken. Stevie Ray became more and more despondent - wouldn't move, wouldn't eat, wouldn't look at anyone.

We were asked to foster this little boy because my male was good with younger dogs. To move him from the shelter, he had to be carried out in a wheel-barrow because he would not move. By then, his muscles had greatly deteriorated and his legs were as thin as matchsticks. He had all but given up.

He was transported down to us and we met him at a truckstop off I-75. The car door opened and inside was a beautiful, light brindle, too thin, one year old boy with the saddest eyes I've EVER seen. He glanced at us and started to look away, but then caught sight of Bo and Sasha and I saw a 'light' come back to his eyes.

On shaky legs, he stood up to get out of the car so he could follow his foster siblings back to our car and start his healing. It was beautiful watching him come out of his shell while we had him - all the while he was GLUED to Bo's side.

One night, Bo must have been dreaming- howling in his sleep. Stevie woke me up and had me follow him to the other bedroom where the dogs were sleeping (yes, they have their own bedroom! Ha!)...he sat by Bo's side watching him with concern and looking at me as if to say "please make sure he's okay!". Oh. My. Gosh. Even thinking about that now, brings tears to my eyes.

He's now a very happy 3.5 year old living in Fort Myers with a loving family and boxer sister, Sugar Rae (serendipity!). They travel, go to dog parks and have a wonderful life. As a bonus, they come to visit us on their birthday and bring cupcakes!

Bo and Stevie Ray

Stevie the velcro dog