AABR Boxer

Update -Chicago had a great weekend making new friends at the Petsmart in Philadelphia. As usual he was just too cute and charming. This little fella has come such a long way in such a short time. He absolutely gets along with everyone, kids , adults, other dogs, you name it. All he wants is to be your best pal, and cuddle buddy.

Please consider adopting this young man. Do not be put off because of his deafness. Deaf dogs are not difficult to live with. They are just like every other dog, they just don't hear. I have shared my life with one for eight years now, and you would never know that he was deaf if I didn't tell you. We do all the things every other dog does. We go to the park, we visit friends, take rides in the car, and he is even a volunteer blood donor and demonstration dog for new veterinary students at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital. The hand signals are easy for everyone to learn, and there are lots of them that are simply intuitive.

Update -Chicago has really grown up these past couple of months, and he just gets better and better. He is still a bundle of energy, but seems to settle down more easily after play time is over. He is also more trust worthy around the house. I can let him wander a bit more freely, but I know to check on him if it gets too quiet. He is not yet ready to be left alone during the day, but is quite happy to hang out in his crate for a while. He has become good friends with the newest member of our foster family. Dutchess (please check her out on the website) joined us a few weeks ago, and they really seem to enjoy each others company. They love to wrestle, run around the yard together, and visit with the dog that lives in the yard behind ours. He is quite the snuggler in the evening too. He climbs right up beside my other dogs for his share of hugs and kisses, and will fall asleep with his head in my lap.

Please come see Chicago & Dutchess on November 18th & 19th 12-5pm at the Adopt a Dog Day at the Petsmart at 4640-60 Roosevelt Blvd Philadelphia Pa 19124. They would love to meet you!!!!!

Chicago is doing incredibly well! Two weeks ago he went on his very first outing. It was a big adoption event in Malvern. I was surprised at how large an event it was. I was concerned that it would be too much for him to handle considering the fact that he has spent the majority of his life in the kennel, and just a few weeks with me. He handled it all like a real champ!! The first 30 minutes or so were a little tough, but then he seemed to get comfortable with the situation, and started paying attention to his hand signals and minding his manners. He had the best time! He got along with absolutely everyone, adults, kids, and every dog. I was extremely proud of him. He was even introduced to 2 horses at the event, and behaved like the perfect little gentleman. This past weekend we had several guests at the house, and he was completely charming. He was very excited at first, but settled down pretty quickly. Everyone at the party commented on how good he was.

He has added "lie down" to the list of commands/hand signals he has learned. Housebreaking is almost perfect, and is perfect when he is in his crate.

He'll even climb in bed, and on the couch with the whole gang now and cuddles.

This past Saturday after our early morning trip out we went back to bed for a bit. He snuggled up behind me and put his head on my cheek and went back to sleep. It was just adorable! He is the sweetest little boy. Won't someone PLEASE give this little fella a home of his own?? He is absolutely ready!!

Chicago is doing extremely well in our home! The housebreaking is going very well, and he now lets me know when he needs to go out by standing by the back door. If he thinks I'm not paying attention he bangs the door with his paw to let me know he needs to go! What a very clever boy!!! He is also doing well with his hand signals. His "sit" is almost perfect, even without a treat, and he even obeyed when given the command by another member of my family! That is HUGE!!!! We are still working on come and stay. He's at about 50% on those commands, but trying very hard to get it right. He also will let me remove a toy or chew from his mouth or possession without protest.

He is also getting along great with all of my other animals. He has had several face to face meetings with my cat. Chicago is sincerely turning out to be a terrific little guy! He has met some of the neighborhood kids in the back yard with a fence between them, and was very excited to see them. We will have our next meeting with the kids while he is leashed, and work on his manners with small children. I can honestly say that he has made fantastic progress in only a weeks time, and could move into a permanent home now as long as his new family learns his hand signals, and stays consistent with his training.

Besides all of that, he is just the cutest darn little fella, with the greatest personality. He will be just the best addition to someone's family!!!!!!!!!!!

Chicago moved into our home yesterday. He seems to be a VERY adaptable boy, and is settling in quite nicely. He is getting along well with my older deaf boxer, and my chihuahua mix. In fact my chihuahua, "Lilly", and "Chicago are having a good time chasing each other around the house. He is a typically exuberant boxer, and she does occasionally have to put him in his place, but he seems to get the message, so all is well.

We also are continuing with hand signal training. We worked on sit, stay, and come. He is doing remarkably well learning his "sign" language, especially with sit.

Housebreaking is also going pretty well so far. He spent the night in a crate with no accidents, and part of the afternoon with the same result. He is learning to let me know by heading for the back door when he needs to go out. I think he is a very clever boy, and will have the housebreaking down in no time at all. He! also met my cat, and one of my doves up close today. Everyone is still in one piece, and none the worse for wear from the meeting. A very good sign!

I think he is ready for a family of his own, and they will be very lucky to have him!!!

Chicago is a favorite at the kennel! In fact the kennel owner has been taking Chicago home with him at night so that the little guy doesn't have to be alone. He has also been teaching Chicago hand signals which is how we communicate with deaf dogs.

He is so adorable and eager to please. And if you look closely at the new picture of him, he has a brindle patch at the top of his tail! Soooooo cute!

Chicago's story is all too familiar for a deaf puppy. He was purchased at a pet store only a few months ago and has already been surrendered to a kill shelter. All of this and he is just 7 months old.

Chicago is a very small boxer that needs someone patient to train him. He wants to please but just has not had a person willing to take the time to help him understand what it is humans want him to do. His previous family had children and another dog.

Chicago is a bundle of Boxer love! Playful, loving and of course a clown. Please only apply to adopt Chicago if you are committed to working with a deaf puppy. He needs someone who wants to make a difference and can commit for a lifetime.