Boxers have always been my favorite breed of dog. I was finally owned by my first Boxer at the age of 20, but it was worth the wait. His name was Toby and he lived to the ripe old age of 10. He was a very good boy. My husband and I decided that we needed a dog, so my first thought was of course, BOXER, and then I wanted to check out the rescue groups I had heard so much about. I found Missouri Boxer Rescue through Dogomania.com, filled out an application and we were on our way to adding a new member to our family.
By the way, when they tell you they do a home check, they really mean it. Why would they want to place a dog in a home that wasn't dog friendly? The consider you (once the dog is placed) the forever family, and the forever home. Obviously we passed, and we went to Columbia MO to see the available dogs.
I have to be honest. I was wanting a little female. But then we met Calvin. Since I met my first Boxer when I was 9 years old I had always been fascinated with white Boxers. In fact, I remember going to a dog show downtown and my sister asked one of the breeders if they ever had any white puppies in their litters. She was told that all of the white puppies should be killed because they are useless to them. She was really mad, and so was I. I have to say that I don't remember ever seeing one after that, so when we met Calvin we were in awe really.
He came to me, and leaned. Boxers lean on people they like. After that I really didn't feel that we would be bringing a little female home with us that day. We were taking our new big boy home with us to meet his new kids.
We did not tell the kids beforehand what we were doing. We did some homework before we started the process however, seeing how interested they were in Boxers, and getting their opinions, etc. They seemed ready for a dog (and they were). We brought Calvin home to investigate his new home, and my husband went to get the kids. I had Calvin in the bedroom when they got there. They were told to sit on the couch and close their eyes, and I brought Calvin out, being very careful not to let his tags make any noise. When they opened their eyes it was so funny because neither one of them said a word, their jaws dropped and they kept looking at the both of us and then at Calvin, then they hugged him, and they hugged him, and they hugged him some more.
Calvin had a new mom and dad, a new house, a new kennel, and new kids. How more lucky could a dog get? (we will find out here in a minute!)
HERE COMES NILLA!
Nilla came to live with us after my husband suggested that Calvin needed a buddy. I was hesitant because we had a lot going on and I didn't think it was a good idea. But, my curiosity got the best of me, and I hadn't been on the site for a while. So I went back to Missouri Boxer rescue and was scrolling through the pictures. Wow, did I see a face that looked like Calvin? I think I did! So I went back, saw that face and knew I had to have her. So I made the call to find out if I could have her. I did this without telling my husband, but I figured since it was his idea....
So, we picked Nilla up, poor thing. Her foster mom was terrific in telling us what her needs were, and how her temperment was. She was SO petite, she looked like a puppy but it was estimated that she was just over a year old. She came from a puppy mill, so she didn't have much human contact until she went to the foster home.
She did great on the way home, and we again stopped at the pet store like we did with Calvin before we went home. She liked it, and people stopped to pet her and ask questions.
Calvin, poor guy, he had no idea what he was in for. I took him in the back yard on his leash, and then Nilla was brought outside with her leash on as well. Calvin was estatic! He sniffed and sniffed and she stood there and took it. After about 5-10 minutes of this, we took the leashes off. Calvin bumped Nilla, she rolled over on her back, and it was done. We know have the King and Queen, and they know where they stand.
Calvin kissed her face for the rest of the afternoon..
You can't tell me that these two do not love each other!
I-Love-Dogs Directory of Dog Websites
& Tons of FREE Dog Stuff! Dog, Dogs, a Canine Wonderland! - If you love dogs, visit I-Love-Dogs.com now for tons of free dog stuff!
>
Calvin went to the Rainbow Bridge on October 14, 2002. He had been ill, but we hadn't figured out what was wrong with him. We will miss him so much, and remember him with love. He was a good boy, and we will never forget him, ever.
Most everyone knows the story of the Rainbow Bridge, but in case you dont...
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
You can't tell me that these two do not love each other!
