Bernie was a sweet senior boy who found himself at a crowded shelter after 13 years as a family pet.  The reason he was left there was due to "health problems."  It was noted that Bernie was bleeding from his private area and his belly was large and distended. 

AABR volunteers were quick to take action, pulling Bernie out of the shelter and getting him to a vet.  Sadly, he was in congestive heart failure. 

Thank you to everyone who sponsored Bernie to help with his medical care and to the group of volunteers who provided love and comfort to him. 

From Amy, Bernie's temporary foster mom:

"Poor Bernie was dumped at the shelter on a Friday morning for being too old and too sick. He was immediately placed on rescue only and shelter volunteers that met him felt he was "doomed".

Fortunately for him, we were able to mobilize our volunteers the day we found out about him (Easter) and had him out by 2pm! By just looking at him, we knew we were about to fight an uphill battle but we are determined to give it our best shot. His stomach was horribly distended and he was belly breathing. He also had several open wounds on the side of his head and was reported to be "bleeding from his private area". His former "family" made no mention of what trauma caused these head wounds. After viewing his physical state we were amazed by his disposition. He was as sweet as pie, immediately doling out many kisses to his rescuers on the way home from the shelter.

Looking into his big eyes you could just see the thankfulness in them, it was heart breaking and heart warming at the same time. In our hearts, we knew this would be his last night on earth so we decided to give him a royal send off. He spent that last night getting as many treats as he wanted and hugs and kisses galore. He slept comfortably on his plush bed and even took himself up for a snooze on the couch in the morning. We went out to get him marrow bones, a decadent treat, but well worth it as he looked at them, his eyes wide with excitement.

We knew he had a wonderful last night and that made the decision to let him run pain free at the Rainbow Bridge the next day much easier. Two dedicated volunteers took him to our vet and showered him with love when he crossed over. The vet determined that our Bernie had been drowning in is own fluid as he had severe decompensated congestive heart failure and had over 2 liters of fluid in his abdomen.

It is not easy to help a dog like Bernie when he is so far gone that all we can offer is a peaceful trip to the Rainbow Bridge. Donations we receive from our supporters help us spring into action quickly for a dog like this, something our rescue is known for. Although it definitely takes an emotional toll on the volunteers when we are helpless to save a dog like this, I know I speak for all of us when I say we would gladly trade our sadness again for the opportunity for a dog like Bernie to die with dignity and love.
--
Amy"

(click pictures to enlarge)

Sarah Osborne

Lisa Kurtz

Gloria Hong

Tammy Martin

Joseph Loeb

If you are interested in adopting this dog, please first read our Adoption Procedure, by clicking on the link at the top of this page, then fill out an online application.

Boxers and Applicants are not matched on a first come, first served basis. Not all applications are approved. On average, it takes between a week and 1 month to adopt a Rescue Boxer to an approved applicant, depending on your personal circumstances and flexibility.  

Matching Boxers suitable for placement with younger children, other dogs, cats, and special needs, yours and theirs, increases the application review time and adoption time.  

And yes, we realize that the Boxer you may have your heart set on, may be adopted before you're approved.   Should your first choices all ready found their forever home, we want you to advise us as to other dogs you are interested in at Adoptions@AdoptABoxerRescue.com .  Or let us suggest a few that we feel will match your home.  That is what we are good at.   And be happy for the ones that have been placed... and know that there are way too many fantastic dogs waiting in their place.

Our non-profit organization is wholly comprised of hard-working volunteers whose only reward is seeing our wonderful Boxers placed in loving, permanent homes and given another chance for a happy life. Our process may seem slow, but if you are patient, we will try to provide you with a devoted, loving companion - a Boxer.

We hope you feel that the right Boxer is worth waiting for. 

Adoptions Fee: Please see our adoption info by clicking on the link at the top of this page.

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Adopt A Boxer Rescue is a s a non-profit, charitable 501(c) (3) organization