Today We Rescued Your Dog
by Pat Closher
Today we rescued your dog. We don’t know where you got him from - maybe you saw him in a pet store window or maybe one of your neighbors bred a few litters a year just to make some vacation money or because they loved their dogs so much that of course they wanted to have puppies. We don’t know much about how you cared for him either, although our vet thought that for such a young dog, his teeth were in pretty bad shape.
by Pat Closher
Today we rescued your dog. We don’t know where you got him from - maybe you saw him in a pet store window or maybe one of your neighbors bred a few litters a year just to make some vacation money or because they loved their dogs so much that of course they wanted to have puppies. We don’t know much about how you cared for him either, although our vet thought that for such a young dog, his teeth were in pretty bad shape.
Did you know they were going to keep him outside? At least it was a pretty mild winter. There were no heavy snows, not much heavy winter rain and only a few days of bitter cold. But for all of those weeks he had no companionship, no care, and no love.
For some reason, your grandparents took him to the shelter. Maybe a neighbor complained about him or maybe their own health gave out or maybe they just got tired of him. You know the local shelter is a kill shelter, don’t you? You know that their own statistics indicate that about half of the dogs that enter are killed, don’t you? Maybe your grandparents thought he would be adopted quickly. He is a purebred, after all. No one was interested in him, though, maybe since he’s an adult dog and not a cute little puppy. No one contacted the purebred rescue group either. They probably would have placed him quickly, since he really is a great boy. The shelter is a clean place and they take good care of the dogs. They get good food and they’re bathed and brushed. It’s still a shelter though, and is noisy and chaotic and frightening. He spent two months there in that confusion, away from everyone and everything he had known.
One day, we saw him on the shelter web site. We called and asked about him. The shelter workers were so happy to hear from us and were delighted to agree to bring him to a local pet store where they do adoptions. Do you want to know why they were so accommodating? He was scheduled to be killed that afternoon. He didn’t know that, but the shelter workers certainly did. It hurt them and he felt that, so he knew something was wrong. All of a sudden, though, the shelter workers were happy and excited and so was he. They bathed him and brushed his coat. We think they probably told him this was it - his big chance, or maybe he just knew it somehow. When we met him, we all fell in love.
He had to go to the vet to be neutered, of course, but then he came home. He has his very own 13 year-old boy. You know, it’s almost like watching one of those old Lassie movies, seeing how well they’ve bonded. He’s got good food and his own toys. He’s taken on walks three times a day, is regularly groomed and is taken to the vet for needed care. We’ll be with him always, even if we have to make that last, difficult decision, because, you see, he is our dog and we are his family.
He has a good heart you know, but then he is a dog, so that’s to be expected. He’s probably forgiven you and, with a dog’s grace, doesn’t even remember you dumped him. He’d probably even be willing to greet you at the Rainbow Bridge. But you know what? He’ll greet us and go with us at the Bridge, and then he’ll be with us forever, because he’s our dog and we’re his family.
The way we heard the story, you moved out of state and didn’t want to take him with you. You left him at your grandparents. Maybe you thought a lively, handsome dog was just the thing for them, and under better circumstances it might have been. Maybe they have been cleaning up your messes for your entire life and an unwanted dog was just another mess to clean up.One day, we saw him on the shelter web site. We called and asked about him. The shelter workers were so happy to hear from us and were delighted to agree to bring him to a local pet store where they do adoptions. Do you want to know why they were so accommodating? He was scheduled to be killed that afternoon. He didn’t know that, but the shelter workers certainly did. It hurt them and he felt that, so he knew something was wrong. All of a sudden, though, the shelter workers were happy and excited and so was he. They bathed him and brushed his coat. We think they probably told him this was it - his big chance, or maybe he just knew it somehow. When we met him, we all fell in love.
He had to go to the vet to be neutered, of course, but then he came home. He has his very own 13 year-old boy. You know, it’s almost like watching one of those old Lassie movies, seeing how well they’ve bonded. He’s got good food and his own toys. He’s taken on walks three times a day, is regularly groomed and is taken to the vet for needed care. We’ll be with him always, even if we have to make that last, difficult decision, because, you see, he is our dog and we are his family.
He has a good heart you know, but then he is a dog, so that’s to be expected. He’s probably forgiven you and, with a dog’s grace, doesn’t even remember you dumped him. He’d probably even be willing to greet you at the Rainbow Bridge. But you know what? He’ll greet us and go with us at the Bridge, and then he’ll be with us forever, because he’s our dog and we’re his family.
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Jefferson, a veteran with LSBR crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on Monday, July 21, 2008. Jefferson will be greatly missed by all. Chad, his foster Dad provided him with the unconditional love, attention, and sociability he deserved over these past couple of years. God Speed, Jefferson!
Shortly after we realized that our female Boxer, Maggie, needed a companion, we discovered Lone Star Boxer Rescue (LSBR). LSBR had several Boxers ready for adoption at a local PetSmart the day we met Sartor. Somehow, we knew he was the dog for us as soon as we laid eyes on him. We never could have imagined that this “rough around the edges” dog would add so much to our lives in such a short time. Sartor came to our family in May 2006 and left us too quickly in June 2008. During this time he brought joy to our lives and became a wonderful companion for Maggie. He taught her the one thing we couldn’t, how to be a care-free, honest-to-goodness dog. Besides being loving and goofy, Sartor had a special way of greeting us at the door with the funniest jump and twirl in the air and that will be missed, and never replaced. Sartor had a sweetness and tenderness that he shared with everyone he met, unconditionally. We never knew we could love another dog as much as we love Maggie, but Sartor made it so easy. His passing has left an emptiness in our hearts, but we will remember how wonderful he was for the rest of our lives. Sartors namesake, Dr. Todd Sartor, his staff of caring professionals and the volunteers at LSBR, have also earned a special place in our hearts. Their care and compassion are second to none. We feel blessed to have such wonderful people caring for our family. Sartor, you are forever in our hearts and we know that now you are at peace. We will meet you at that Rainbow Bridge with open arms! Love you always!!! Mom, Dad, Marc, Eric and Maggie
Dear LSBR Friends, Last night Debbie and I comforted Bootsie while she crossed the Rainbow Bridge. As her co-foster mommies, we are heartbroken that we had to let her go but we know that it was time. I pulled precious little Bootsie from Harris County about a month ago. Her black and white coat was not only unique for a boxer but very beautiful. Debbie would agree that she was the epitome of sweetness and even though she felt terrible, she tried to show us her best. If only her previous owners had just given her a distemper vaccine before dropping her at Harris County, Bootsie would likely be with us today. We lost a precious soul last night but heaven gained another angel. Please send a prayer for Bootsie as she journeys to her permanent home where she will only know love and health. We'll miss you sweet girl!" Ann Callan & Debbie Lon
Ginger came to me when she was approximately 10 years of age. She was a stray that was found by a Good Samaritan (Brandy) with a huge heart. Brandy took her in, got her to a vet, and contacted LSBR. Ginger had a jagged scar down her back, one of her rear legs was not usable, and the other had a huge mass around the ankle that was at first thought to be scar tissue and a possible infection. Ginger may not have been the “perfect” looking boxer to most people but she was beautiful to me. I fell for her immediately! She loved being around people and loved all other animals. After antibiotics, tests, and x-rays, it was determined that the mass was cancer, and it was fairly aggressive. This little girl was an ANGEL. Ginger was very stoic, never complained, always went outside to potty, and would even run to catch up with me as much as it obviously hurt her. I feel extremely fortunate to have had her in my life, even for a short time. This is what rescue means to me. -- Debbie Lon --
Sweet Sarah came into our hearts when she was three and a half; a breeder re-homed her due to a genetic defect called Sub-Aortic Stenosis. Harbored in our minds was the thought SAS would some day take our girl. Yet a brain tumor out of left field and fast as a speeding bullet (as we have learned many are by the time symptoms occur), totally blind sided us. Sarah had the most gentle temperament, a true boxer ambassador wherever she traveled. She never met a stranger, was generous with the daintiest of kisses, tolerant of children, and totally in love with her family - even her special buddy, Charlie the cat. Sarah was not alone as she made her final journey. She was celebrated, comforted, and put at ease by her Dad and Mom, and the clinic staff who cared for her so well. After an abundance of her favorite treats including whipped cream, and final good-byes, Sarah passed peacefully with her head cradled in my arms - cheek to cheek. Our days have a gaping cavern where Sarah once pranced and charmed. We dearly miss her funny antics, and our minds are filled with precious memories of her, as our hearts quietly break. Run fast and free Angel Girl! ...Till We Meet Again... We Love You and Miss You Sweet Faced Sarah... Daddy, Momma, Jared, Caesar, Shadeaux, and Charlie 12/11/98 - 1/2/08
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