AABR Boxer

On July 27, 2011, at 2:50pm, my beloved Dutchess, my best friend, passed away peacefully and went to the Rainbow Bridge. The moment I laid eyes on her, I was in love. Dutchess was sweet and funny and loving, and I adored her. Yet, she wasn't perfect, far from it, but that's what made every day an adventure - from the time she ate two bags worth of Halloween candy, wrappers and all, to the time she knocked a 5-lb. bag of flour off the counter, to the time she found the fruit I had forgotten to put away after grocery shopping, to the time she knocked down a full crockpot (no injuries, thank goodness), to the numerous times she got into the cats' litter box (finally solved that problem). If I had forgotten to try to think like a mischievous dog and to thoroughly scan the house for potential trouble before I went out, I could count on my big girl getting into something. Her countersurfing abilities were amazing, though she never attempted anything when I was home. Smart cookie, that one!

Linda had warned me that Dutchess was going to try to sleep with me on my bed at night, but having had two boxers before who were content enough on their own beds, I was sure I could convince Dutchess she'd be happiest on her own bed. Instead, Dutchess taught me that I was happiest when she was on my bed! At first, she would sneak up after the lights were off and I had fallen asleep. Of course, this would wake me up and I'd get up and get her back on her own bed, but she was like a boomerang, so, after a while, I'd just pretend to be asleep and she'd think she was getting away with something great. Eventually, there was no holding her back. We had the same routine every night - she'd go outside one last time, then I would take off her collar and say "Go to bed!! Go to bed!!" and Dutchess would go running upstairs and wait for me on her bed while I got her a bedtime treat. She'd stay on her bed for a while, even settling down and falling asleep sometimes, but it never failed that, at some point, she'd join me on my bed and make herself comfortable.

Dutchess had some digestive issues, so she wound up with her own internist at Veterinary Specialists of Rochester (VSR). Then, she developed some heart issues and had her own cardiologist. Needless to say, she was always a wonderful patient and everyone at VSR loved her. That girl was on more pills than a 90-year-old human, but she never complained - and why should she - the pills were usually served up in a spoonful of peanut butter or some other nice treat two or three times a day.

Then, one Sunday in July, I noticed Dutchess was limping and we ended up at Emergency Services at VSR, then our own vet the next day, and then an orthopedic surgeon back at VSR at the end of the week. Initial xrays showed nothing, and, in fact, for an old girl, her hips were great. The surgeon thought the problem was likely neurological, so we were scheduled for more xrays and a possible MRI about a week later. Before we got to that point, however, Dutchess got worse - more lame, more uncomfortable - and we ended up back at emergency services where she was admitted to the hospital. They found she was anemic and bleeding internally somewhere. An ultrasound that Tuesday showed multiple masses in her abdomen and in the lumbar area of her spine -likely hemangiosarcoma. I brought my dear, sweet girl back home early that evening and the next day I took her to my vet where we said our goodbyes and I held her in my arms as she went to the first restful sleep she'd had in almost 2-1/2 weeks.

My Dutchess, my sweetpea, I miss sharing my banana with you every morning. Rosie and Felix miss you very much, too. Poor Felix, the cat who hates humans, but loves dogs, misses rubbing his head against your soft velvety ears. You were always so patient with him. There will never be another dog like you.

Here are some new photos of Dutchess. I'm not a very good photographer, sorry, but she is a happy, well behaved girl.

I truly cannot believe that no one has stepped up to adopt this wonderful dog. She has been with this rescue for a year now, and that is just TOO LONG!!!! Dutchess is a truly fabulous girl. Her personality is sweet, playful, and love literally oozes out of her. She loves to romp and play. She literally bounces her way through the house, and out the back door to hop and run around the yard. She can't wait to cuddle on the couch and gives kisses liberally. This dog will live for your attention.

She is desperate for a family of her own to shower her with love, and you will not be able to stop yourself from doing so. You can see her beautiful soul reflected in her eyes. Please, someone make this marvelous girl a member of your family. She has been waiting far to long.

Dutchess was quite the smoocher at our Petsmart Adoption Day this past Saturday. Everyone who stopped by to see us was greeted by her with a wiggle, a snuggle and a sweet kiss on the chin. I just can't believe that no one has snatched up this fabulous dog. She would prefer to be the only dog in your home, though she is staying with 3 other dogs at present, and does relatively well with them.

She is truly the sweetest, dearest dog. All she wants from life is a family of her own to love and care for her. I promise the love you receive in return from her will be ten fold. Please find a place in your home for Dutchess, she'll make the place in your heart. She most certainly has made her place in mine.

Update - Dutchess seems so happy since she came to stay at our house about 3 weeks ago. She settled right in, like she had always lived here. She has the sweetest disposition and is always so happy to see me. All she really needs is love, and I've never seen such a gentle boxer. When she jumps up to greet me she literally lands as soft as a feather. My other boxers land like a ton of bricks! She needed a bit of a reminder about her housetraining, but that is certainly understandable considering the miserable amount of time that she has spent in the kennel. After a day or two; however, it was no longer a problem.

She gets along especially well with Chicago, the deaf white puppy we are also fostering here. (check him out on the website). They play beautifully together, and I think she has appointed herself his personal guardian. She can be a bit protective of her treats/chews, but Chicago can take them from her. Last week I took her to work with me at Penn's Veterinary Hospital with my other dog. They needed volunteers for a lab where the new students see a demonstration on how to do a preliminary physical exam. She got absolutely rave reviews! Everyone loved her. Her behavior was exemplary. Believe me when I tell you this dog is an absolute joy. I am just so pleased we were able to bring her to our home, and I truly hope that you will consider bringing her into yours. Every household could use a lot of the kind of love the Dutchess has to offer!

Baron and Dutchess are in need of new foster either together or separately asap due to an emergency in their foster home.

Barron and Dutchess arrived from their long drive up to their foster home in NY and settled in quite well. They went for a long walk at the local park. They were very well behaved on leash and did not pull despite the new surroundings. Their new foster home is a horse farm, and we are happy to report that after being a little leery of all the horses they became pretty comfortable and show no fear of these "big dogs".

Barron has gained weight and is acting like a young dog. He runs and plays with his stuffed animal skunk. Dutchess craves human interaction and is the first to come sit at your side. She would rather spend time with people than playing with toys. Both dogs have been doing very well with the trainer that has been coming to work with them. They have been learning commands and "heel", and are progressing nicely. They would both benefit from a home that can continue to practice their new tricks with them.

We no longer feel that these two dogs need to be placed as a pair. Barron's ideal home will have a female dog to play with, a fenced yard for his newfound energy, and lots of stuffed toys! Dutchess would do best as an only dog in a home where the humans are around a lot and can lavish her with the affection she craves. These beautiful seniors have a great new lease on life and are making the most of it every day!!

These two poor souls were surrendered by the only owner they have ever known to a high kill shelter because the were "too old". Yes, they are senior dogs but they both have so much life. When the shelter staff brought them out from separate parts of the building for our volunteer to pick up they saw each other for the first time in days and they were all wiggles and kisses to each other. It was as if they were saying "I thought I'd never see you again". They were so happy to see each other it touched our volunteer like never before. We would like for them to be adopted together but realize this may not happen. We will try to find a home that will take both of them and let them live out their years in happiness. If we have to, they will be separated and placed in homes with another dog. All they need is love now. They have been brought up to date on shots and have been spayed and neutered. Please consider giving these two beautiful seniors the home they deserve. You and I will be "too old" someday and so will the people who dumped these two sweethearts a the shelter. May they remember what they did to their family pets when they are "too old" themselves.

If you are interested in adopting this dog, please fill out an online application first. Then e-mail the contacts below. Be sure to include your full name, city, state, and area code in the subject line of your message.