Walk the rows of the shelters and look at the faces
Of all the dogs who have found themselves in these scary places
There are big ones and small ones, some timid, some bold
But the ones tugging our heartstrings are the ones that are old
They gave their lives to a family and asked nothing in return
Seeing them thrown away makes our rescue souls burn
Although we realize that they are not most in demand
We know they deserve better, so we give them a hand
There is a secret, lovers of old dogs know
Bringing them home makes a human heart grow
Seniors may move more slowly or have some problems to heal
But those who love and care for them do not mind this deal
By giving old dogs the small things that they need
They are performing God’s work and the kindest of deeds
Dogs don’t ask for much, they easily feel joy
They are happy with a bed, belly rubs, and a toy
Most folks are worried about not having much time
But just give them a chance; we promise it will be fine
For an old dog knows how to do some livin’
With the rest of the time that they have been given
Rescue is not about finding absolute perfection
But to give those abandoned perfect love and affection
Bless all who bring a rescue dog home; nonetheless
To adopt an old dog is real and true selflessness
And you will find out without even trying
Those aren’t gray hairs on their muzzle, but their silver lining
**Carolina Boxer Rescue currently has more than a dozen dogs over the age of seven, who are considered seniors. Why should you adopt a senior dog? Because in general, they are patient and calm. They do not demand all your time and attention and huge amounts of exercise, but are happy to hang out with you on the couch. They are not destructive or messy and are focused on pleasing their people. Yes, your time with them may be shorter, but that makes them even more deserving of a wonderful home and family. Their muzzles may be a bit gray but they will show you how much they appreciate you every single day.
Carolina Boxer Rescue wants to give our adopted dogs and their new families their best chances for success. Knowing what they need in their beginnings as a family member will start everyone off on the right path. Perhaps it would help to hear from the dogs themselves.
Dear Family,
I am a rescue dog. For whatever reason, I found myself in a scary place. My life was saved when I was taken from the shelter. My foster family and rescue organization treated my body for its ills and worked hard to make me feel safe. They loved me until my forever family adopted me. You, my new family, have promised to share your home and love with me for the rest of my life. But, guess what? I don’t know any of that. I just know that I am bring moved to yet another place with some more really nice folks and their pets. Please don’t let this discourage you or take offense. We can figure this all out, but it could take some time and there may be some stumbles along the way. It may help if I could explain what I need from you.
In our beginning as a family, please let my world be small. Keep me at home. The stress of all these recent changes will follow me for at least a couple of weeks. I just need to be able to relax and get comfortable with you and my surroundings. I must get used to all those things you may take for granted like feeding and potty schedules, family dynamics and routines, and I must do this all at once. Too much freedom and “newness” is overwhelming. It might make me frightened or defensive All I desire is quiet and you.
I really like your kids, but I don’t know them well yet. Roughhousing or running screaming in the house, even in fun, may worry me and make me uneasy. Good games for children to play with me at first might be to have me sit for treats or walks on a leash in the house. This will teach me and the kids how to interact with each other. After all, wild behavior gets all of us more wound up and makes mistakes more likely.
Actually, the same goes for your dog. We dogs have to work out our relationships with a language all our own and forcing us together too quickly may set us up for failure. If anything happens, it then makes it even harder to for us get along for a while. We are big on first impressions. Allow us to get to know each other while on walks or behind gates. Face to face meetings are confrontational to a dog. Remove chews or toys before bringing me home. And feed us in separate rooms. We will have less to argue over that way. The more time you can give us to get to know each other the better. I mean possibly weeks, not hours. Keep us separated. Crate, gate, and rotate us for as long as you feel it is needed. You cannot move too slowly here. Dog friendships are even more important and delicate that that of owner and dog. They are built on trust and we need time to develop that.
Make me sit to do everything. I should be calm before going out, coming in, before treats and eating, getting leashed, etc. I need to recognize that you are in charge here and that I need to listen. While bouncing off the walls before walks is funny, you are teaching me to act that way every time. Show me that only calm behavior gets rewarded. An obedience class we can do together is always recommended. It helps us speak to each other successfully.
There are some rules of three that you may need to be aware of. For the first three days I may exhibit nervous behaviors like barking or pacing. I may whine, have accidents, refuse to eat or be argumentative. I’m terrified and stressed. I need that small world and quiet. After about three weeks, I will begin to get the hang of things. And then I will start to push some buttons or act out in ways you have not seen before. It’s a test to see where I fit into this household and how much I can get away with. Be calm and firm and stick to your guns. Maybe leave a leash on me so you may remove me from mischief or trouble. Praise me for what I do right. Redirect me when I am doing something I shouldn’t. This is the toughest time of adjustment. After about three months I will begin to really feel at home. My issues will have reared their ugly head and you will have had a chance to get them under control. Don’t give up on me. Seek help from a reputable trainer if you feel you need it. A good one is worth the investment.
Speaking of issues, there will be something you will have to deal with. My foster home will share their experiences, but I may act differently in your home. And remember, I was only in foster care for a few weeks and I may not have been feeling my best. I am adult dog who was raised by someone else. They may or may not have done a good job. However, I am still trainable. Instead of waiting to see what I know, assume I know nothing. Teach me and train me like I was a puppy. This way I can quickly learn what you expect from me and I will not make as many poor decisions on my own. I am happy to take your direction.
I want to be the dog you want me to be. I can be a wonderful companion for your family if given the guidance I need. Give me consistency, and patience, and time and I will give you all the love I have to give in return. I may not know what being rescued means, but I will thank you for my life every day with tail wags and slobbery kisses. Let’s do this!
Thank you,
Your Dog
Written by Beth Wilson, a dedicated CBR volunteer, and reprinted from Adventures in Boxerland on Facebook
One of the most difficult things about allowing rescue dogs into our lives is learning how to coexist. We often enter our relationships with rescue dogs having preconceived notions about how it should go. Our past has predisposed us to think and behave in a certain way. For better or worse, it has also endowed us with expectations for how we treat rescue dogs or how we believe we will be treated. We must remember that rescue dogs feel the same way about us. They have their own pasts and upbringings which influences their beliefs. How then, are we to create an environment that is loving and allows individuality, yet bonds us tightly with our rescue dogs? It is simple, but simple does not always mean easy.
Kindness is a characteristic that often serves as the catalyst for getting us here in the first place. We should genuinely want to make the lives of rescue dogs better. We ought to try to bring our best selves into the interactions with rescue dogs because they deserve it. Whether the rescue dog has had an easy or difficult life to this point does not really matter. There is some reason why we are together, for now or for good. Perhaps the point is just to bring some light to the here and now.
Patience is a biggie. No matter how much we have we can always do with more. Often, it is in short supply as daily life takes so much out of us. At these times it is easy to be short in word and deed. Rescue dogs need us, our time, our energy, but so many times we feel we do not have enough to give. Dig deep. Taking that breath to dredge the last vestiges of patience is worth it. Remember that a relationship has begun. The rescue dog in your home should receive the same smiles and efforts as those you may see casually in your day. But whether just meeting, passing by, or living with rescue dogs, remember manners don’t cost a thing.
Commitment is not just a piece of paper or contract that says we must do this thing or not do these things with rescue dogs. It is really a mental promise that we will not give up too quickly. It is facing that awful thing and the mundane thing and that thing where we don’t agree and working through it. It may also mean that you must try harder or take extraordinary steps for a while. Rescue dogs are all different and what works for one may not work for another. Time and mutual experience will help to bind and firm the relationship with rescue dogs, but you must allow them occur to grow and deepen it.
Rescue dogs may not think the way we do. We may not comprehend why rescue dogs think the way they do. But try. Understanding creates kindness and patience and makes commitment achievable. Life is not about taking. Giving must be the basis for all we do as humankind. If we, and rescue dogs learn how to give to each other all else is inconsequential. It is hard to do. Giving makes us vulnerable. Opening up makes us feel weak. But for rescue dogs we must. After all, the greatest gift ever given is that part of yourself that someone else could break. If we could all do this, rescue dogs would not need rescuing.
Now read this again. In the place of the words “rescue dogs” read “other people” We all have so much to learn from each other if we will give rescue dogs, and other people, a chance.
I struggle with rescue sometimes. I do not lament or have any reservations about the actual organization I volunteer with. I would say that Carolina Boxer Rescue is lucky to have so many wonderful volunteers. In actuality it is not luck. It is hard work and dedication and putting the dogs first. CBR volunteers make rescue seem easy, and they adopt out hundreds of dogs per year as proof of their diligence. I think the part that is difficult is getting across to the public what we do and why. This is a breed specific rescue, but sometimes if a dog looks “close enough”, and they need rescue, CBR will help. Their nose may be too long, or they may have a tail, or they may be old, but the rescue also knows that there is a family for every dog. And this dog’s life will be safe with CBR until they find each other. There are also many hoops to jump through to get approved to adopt. There are sometimes months to wait before adopting. And there are often issues still to be worked through with your newly adopted dog. Most folks want to do the right thing by rescuing a dog, but without realizing what it will actually entail and why the rules of adoption are so strict. Its because most of these dogs have lived tough lives until now. Let me tell you something about the dog you are thinking of adopting. He was a freakin’ mess when we got him.
He was a stray, and no one came looking for him. Or, he was surrendered for one of a thousand reasons, but basically, they no longer wanted him or felt they could keep him. He was forced to live for weeks in a place full of other dogs barking and overwhelming scents of filth, stress, illness, fear, and disinfectant. If you have ever been to a shelter, you have smelled it. Rescue volunteers pulled him out of there to transport him and he had to change cars three times to get to where he was going. But he had no idea where that was. Once he arrived, more people he had never met bathed him and took him to a vet to be poked and prodded. He was coughing and was put on medicine which made him feel bad. He was given more medicine to eradicate all the worms that had been living in his aching gut. Soon after, he had to stay at the vet overnight where he was basically poisoned to begin killing the worms in his heart. He felt terrible after that, but the vets were not finished with him. He still had to have surgery to be neutered and remove a few lumps and bumps.
Remember that all this was going on while he was also learning to live in a new home with his foster family. He had to learn not to lift his leg inside, what a toy was, how to wait politely for his food, and how to get along with the children and the other dogs. He had never been walked on a leash. He stole food off the counter and got in the trash. He might have had a good attitude about it all or he might have destroyed the crate and argued with the other dogs. Sometimes it just depended on the day. But over the course of the next few weeks, he started to feel better physically and began to figure out how life in this house would go. Then something wonderful happened. You adopted him.
He did not know that this was the wonderful thing that all the other things had been leading up to. So, when he got to your home, he felt like he was starting all over. He remembered some of the things he had learned, but his routine was different, the people were different, the dogs were different, even the bed and the toys were unfamiliar. He had some accidents because you did not yet know his cues and he didn’t know how to tell you he needed to go outside. The foster had told you about the trash, but in your home, he discovered other things to get into or developed a new, completely different, undesirable behavior. You wanted him to play with the kids and your dog right away, after all this is now his home. You wanted to show him the neighborhood, but it was so big and so new all at once. He was still overwhelmed and stressed from everything that had happened to him in the previous weeks, you know, ever since everything he knew before had gone away, and it just all caught up with him. Something bad happened. But you can understand why that happened, right? All that stress, illness, surgery, moving around, adjustment, newness, it took him over.
It does not have to be a fatal error. I do not say these things to assign blame or make you feel bad or definitely not to talk you out of adopting a rescue. I just want you to understand where HE is coming from and tell you what he needs from you. Do your research before bringing home a rescued dog. They are adult dogs raised by others, and we often know nothing of their background, but that is ok. Pretend he is a blank slate, a puppy, and teach him everything. Begin from scratch. In this way he will learn your way in all things and nothing will be left to chance. Look up how to decompress a rescue dog from all those stresses he has been under. If you can keep his world very small for the several weeks it will take him to settle in and relax, mistakes will be less likely. Start over as many times as it takes. Ask for help. You will love him and he will love you for rescuing him, but liking each other consistently takes time and patience.
We started his rescue story but are only a chapter in it. You, his family, will keep writing it. Thank you for rescuing. It can be hard work in the beginning, but the rewards are so worth it. Rescue is not for the faint of heart. But when done right, it will result in the fullest of hearts, yours and ours.
With the emphasis on love in first parts of February and Valentines Day just a few behind us, I have been thinking about how that particular emotion is not limited to just humans. I mean, haven’t you felt that when looking at your dogs? We know that they can look at us with such doe-eyed devotion that our hearts simply melt. But just like human relationships, you may find that you fall in love with one whose looks and traits you had never considered.
We look for many of the same things when searching for love. We want someone with whom we feel safe to be ourselves. We want someone who can make us laugh, is loyal and kind, and whose lifestyle is similar to ours. Most of all, because we all have them, we must find someone whose quirks we can live with. Enter Carolina Boxer Rescue. Think of us as your furry Match.com.
CBR is all about putting families and dogs together. Rescue dogs have often not had a successful relationship the first time around, so we are careful about selecting the perfect family for them. Foster families know their foster the best and what they need in a forever home. Families should also discuss what qualities they are really looking for in a companion. But sometimes love will find you in a place you were not looking; a silver muzzle when you wanted a young pup, a tail when you wanted a nub, 3 legs not 4, deaf, sight impaired, medical needs, etc.
CBR will do a lot of the work for you. We typically know whether our fosters like kids, other dogs, or would rather not share the love. We create a kind of “dating profile” for them, so you will know what they are like. It is always a good idea to create one for yourself too. List the qualities you are looking for in a rescue dog and prioritize them by what is most important. We may send a dog to you who may be outside of those preferences, but who may fit most of your criteria. Read their bio and talk to the foster home. Give it a chance. Go on a date. I mean, that is what dates are for. If it turns out not to be a match, then no harm done. But you just might find “the one” in an unexpected package. Absolutely first on all our dogs’ profiles, and what should be on yours is the one thing we all want most…..
MUST LOVE DOGS!
Thank you to Biggie Smalls the Boxer and The Adventures of Mad Max and His Hot Wheels for the photos. Find them both on facebook!
Mohammad Ali once said, “Don’t count the days, make the days count.” For anyone that takes in a senior dog those words have a special meaning. If you follow CBR’s Facebook page, you probably noticed that the rescue has taken in a lot of seniors over the last year. Our intake coordinator reported that approximately 25% of our overall intakes are senior or hospice or both. Some seniors taken in are in hospice care and will remain with their fosters permanently. Other seniors, while being relatively healthy, are often overlooked by adopters as being too old and may stay with their fosters for a long time.
Those who have welcomed a senior into their homes understand that it isn’t about the number of days remaining, but rather about giving them the best life possible in their remaining days. While it’s heartbreaking to say goodbye, each leaves an impression on our hearts that stays with us forever. The great news is that many fosters and more adopters are asking for seniors or special needs dogs. They understand the importance of providing these sweet souls with comfort and love at the end. In some cases, it’s the first time they have experienced sleeping in a house, having a dog bed or enough food, getting medical care and being comfortable, and feeling love. For those who love dogs, this is the ultimate gift to give these special dogs.
Fiona
However, it’s important to note that not all seniors have limited days. Many are healthy and love moderate activity and walks, but the time and training needed for a puppy is often not required for an older dog. You may need to work on some training depending upon their background, but most seniors want to please and learn quickly. I, the blog writer, fostered and adopted 13 year old Fiona, who was deaf, blind, and heartworm positive. It appeared she had been neglected her whole life and never lived in a home. Within a few days, she was house trained and knew where the door was when she needed to go out, so it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks! Seniors tend to be less active, less destructive, and content to spend lots of time sleeping and snuggling with you.
But don’t take my word for it. I want to share what others who have taken in seniors and special needs dogs have to say about why they do it and what they get from these loving dogs.
Suki
Remember Suki, one of the pups with Megaesophagus, a condition that makes it virtually impossible for a dog to keep down food without special accommodations? Her foster mom, now forever mom, told us this, “What I learned about having a special needs dog and why it was one of the best things I have done is that they don’t know they’re special needs. They want to play, run, jump, and give lots of love just like they’re a normal dog. Having that one-on-one extra time together has provided us with a bond that can conquer anything!”
And this message from Salty’s mom. Salty came in to rescue with several serious health issues, including cancer. “We fostered/adopted a special needs senior dog and would do it again in a heartbeat because he needed us as much as we needed him. Salty was our life for eight months. He brought peace to our home. He showed us daily that true love with a dog exists.”
SaltyOllie and sister Lucy
Ollie was a 10 year old with a tumor that had to be removed and arthritis. His foster mom (and future forever home) had this to say about taking in a senior, “We would (will) do it again in a heartbeat because these sweet dogs have a heartbeat and need security and a loving home to spend their days. The love they give us is unmeasurable! Thanks to Carolina Boxer Rescue for saving my boy from a shelter where the only person that he had ever lived with left him.” Now in a home full of love, and with sister Lucy, he is still playful and enjoying life!
Cinnamon
Hospice foster Cinnamon’s mom told us this, “I took in a senior hospice foster. Just because she is old and slow doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a lot of life left in those old bones! She is living life to the fullest.”
Penny
Some dogs that came to CBR seem like they are young and healthy, but we sometimes learn that they have issues from past neglect. Penny’s foster mom told us, “I’m happy to foster any dog in need. Penny came to me as a normal 5 year old foster, but we quickly discovered that she had advanced boxer cardiomyopathy in addition to heartworms and hermangiosarcoma. We knew that we would give her the best final days we could. She lived out her last months in a safe and loving home, not wandering the streets as a stray or sitting in a shelter in rural NC. I’m so glad that I was able to know her and give her a loving home for the time she had left.”
GretchenMissy PooPoo
Many foster homes are multiple foster fails! One family has fostered and adopted both Gretchen and Missy PooPoo. Their forever mom had this to say, “We fostered/adopted a senior/special needs/hospice dog because they have so much love to give! Gretchen is one of the seniors we fostered and adopted. In addition to being deaf we soon discovered after adopting her that she has Degenerative Myelopathy. We know we have only a few months left but would do it all again in a heartbeat! We also fostered/adopted another senior/special needs/hospice dog named Missy PooPoo, who thinks she is a sassy two year old and runs the roost (but is 13!). We adopt the seniors because they have no idea they are old!”
Lady
From another foster family, “I adopted my first senior Boxer a year ago. She was an owner surrender to the shelter twice in 4 years because they were moving. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure at first if a senior was right for our family. I had fostered mostly younger boxers and puppies for CBR. Having our first granddaughter and knowing how much our granddaughter loved our other Boxer, I thought she was surely going to be all over Lady, our new senior foster. I wasn’t sure if a senior would appreciate all that loving from a 2 year old! There is a photo of my granddaughter Emi with Lady. I think the picture says it all! We lost Lady suddenly a few months ago. She is still VERY much missed by all of us!”
Two other fosters/adopters added the following, “All animals are grateful to be cared for, adored, and well loved. Seniors seem to express their gratitude and appreciation through their soulful eyes. Bonding with a senior is an experience like no other. In memory of my CBR senior alum BenJammin.”
Cleo PatraArya
And still another, “We fostered and adopted a special needs/senior dog because they seem to love harder….and for every disability, it seems their abilities for things like love and compassion are magnified…I know they say dogs can’t truly feel that but maybe they never met a CBR dog!”
Jupiter
From the foster and adopter of Jupiter, Casey Paige, Cleo Patra, Arya, and Peeta, a mix of seniors and special needs, “I fostered hospice special needs and seniors and I adopted special needs boxers, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. These pups hold a special place in my heart and the extra special care they require is so worth it. Nothing compares to the love seniors and special needs boxers give you and there is a special bond that comes along with it.”
Peeta and Casey PaigeGrandpa
And finally from the foster family that recently lost Grandpa, “We have fostered many for CBR, even adopted two. But fostering a senior and a hospice, this was a whole different level. First of all, senior boxers ROCK! If you have never had a senior in your life, you need one! They are easy going, love to love you, learn the ropes fast, and have that special boxerness that we love. And while you know what the outcome will be should you have a hospice foster, you pour in even more love and care to make their days the best they have ever had. And they love you even harder.”
These are just a few of the fosters and adopters who have opened their hearts and homes to special needs, hospice, and senior fosters. In addition to Fiona, we have fostered and adopted Roxy and Delilah, both seniors who were abandoned in their later years, but who have crossed the bridge. Last week, we adopted 12 year old Bailey. While we miss all three that have crossed the bridge, we aren’t counting the days we have with Bailey or any senior. Instead, we hope that we can make their final days count because they make the time we have with them all worth it.
RoxyBailey
If you are interested in fostering or adopting a senior, go to our website, www.carolinaboxerrescue.org, and start the application process.
It’s a great time of year for many dogs. Extra treats, laying by the fire, asking Santa for presents. These are just some of the things that make it great for a dog that has a loving family and a home. Unfortunately for many dogs, it’s not a wonderful time of the year.
You may have seen the pictures on social media of dogs being dropped off at the shelter days before Christmas, and this is in addition to the many dogs that are already in shelters waiting and hoping they will have a family for Christmas. Many shelters are doing extra special activities for dogs that remain, such as gifts and Christmas meals. The reality though is that these are short-lived, and what each dog wants more than anything is a home where he or she is loved and part of a family. Those in rescue can only do so much, and it seems there are always more dogs in shelters than can be saved.
Those involved in rescue reading this blog understand this all too well. If most of us in rescue won the lottery, we would use it to save dogs. After all, who needs another designer purse when you can rescue another dog?!
However, we know we have our limits, but we also know that no matter what our individual limits are, there is always something each person can do to help. Our message this year is one of hope – hope that more people get involved next year so we can rescue even more dogs until rescue is no longer needed. If you are wondering how you can help, here’s what is needed:
Adopt: Getting ready to add a pet to your family? Don’t shop – adopt a dog. Want a purebred dog? There are lots of purebred rescues around. Don’t care what type of dog? Work with the rescue to talk about your lifestyle, your financial resources, and your family so they can help match the perfect dog with your needs. If you are looking to adopt from CBR, start the application process here. It can take several weeks to process, so don’t wait until you see the perfect dog.
Foster: If you have room in your home for another dog, but your situation may change in the future or you have the right number of forever pets, consider fostering. The rescue pays for all medical care, so you just need to provide the foster with a home, food, and love. You can help train the dog, learn more about his or her temperament, and then talk with potential adopters to help place your foster in the best home for their needs. Fostering is an ongoing and essential need for many rescues, so if you’ve thought about it, you can learn more here.
Volunteer: Every rescue needs help with administrative tasks, transporting dogs, and helping with events and fundraising. Not sure what you want to do? Talk with a rescue you’re interested in getting involved with. If it’s CBR, fill out the volunteer application here. Volunteers are like a big family all working for the same purpose. You’ll make new friends and help dogs at the same time!
Donate: You may think you don’t have a lot to give, but could you give a small amount every month? Could you help raise money? Could you set up a personal fundraiser on Facebook asking for money donated to a rescue for your birthday, anniversary, or wedding? No amount is too small because it all adds up. Getting dogs vetted and healed when they come into rescue can be expensive because many dogs, even younger ones, have often been neglected and sometimes abused. Getting them healthy puts them on the road to their forever homes.
While many dogs may still be waiting, rescues will continue to make dreams come true for as many as possible. This year, CBR has rescued more than 300 dogs, dogs that can say, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Next year, we will continue, and we will continue until there is no need. However, we can’t do it without your help. As you look ahead to 2018, please consider reaching out to a rescue to either adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate. They will appreciate it, and you will help create more happy endings.
From all of us at Carolina Boxer Rescue, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New year!
Tuesday, November 28 is Giving Tuesday. It’s a global day of giving using social media, and it follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s a way to give to organizations that are trying to make a difference. Carolina Boxer Rescue is a rescue that is doing just that by saving one dog at a time. It’s been in existence for over 16 years, and several thousand dogs have been saved and adopted into forever homes, giving them the happy ending they deserve.
Many rescued dogs need medical care because of past neglect, injuries, or just to get them up-to-date on shots and preventative medications. Your donations help us do that. While I could write this post by telling you all the reasons to give to CBR on Giving Tuesday, I thought instead that I would ask our many amazing volunteers with help writing this. You see, CBR is an all-volunteer organization with no paid employees, so our success is because our volunteers are willing to foster, raise money, and work to save as many dogs as possible. Why do they do that? I wanted to find out, so I asked them what Carolina Boxer Rescue means to them. Hopefully reading their responses will show you that this is a group of volunteers working tirelessly to save dogs, but loving every minute of it.
The message I want to share about Giving Tuesday is that CBR is a great organization that uses funds raised to save one abandoned and homeless dog at a time, and you can help by donating to CBR. No amount is too small, and all donations go to help the dogs. Visit our Facebook page on Tuesday, because we will be posting holiday photos all day of Boxers celebrating the season and updating you on some of our “fosters of Christmases Past” including Skinny Boy/Hercules, Mama-Papa-and the puppies, and Gilligan. Don’t know these stories? I know you will enjoy seeing these updates that show what your support can help us do. If you’d like to give now, the fundraising site is live and accepting donations .
If after reading our volunteers answers, you’d like to join us and volunteer with CBR, please go to our website and complete a volunteer application. We always need fosters to be able to save more dogs, and there are lots of other tasks for volunteers including transporting, administrative tasks, and helping at events. Need more encouragement? Read the responses below and find out what CBR means to our volunteers!
“For me, CBR is made of so many different people, personalities, and beliefs, but when it come to “saving the nubs”, we unite as one.”
“CBR is my rescue family. I am surrounded by a group that is just as crazy as I am about saving dogs, and they understand me when others in my life don’t get why I rescue. They have big hearts and I’m thankful to call myself a volunteer for CBR.”
“I am so thankful for my CBR family. I have made so many friends with people who are as passionate about saving pups as I am. CBR is an amazing organization!”
“CBR is family. It’s unconditional love. It’s determination. It’s never give up. It’s amazing. It makes me proud to be a part of it!!!”
“This rescue embodies compassion and enthusiasm for saving and improving the lives of dogs. CBR is not just a network of volunteers, but a large, loving extended family with a core mission.”
“CBR has brought me a circle of friends who, even if I have never met you in person, I feel are family to me. We all share a common goal, and I feel I always have a person to listen and understand any crazy thing that might happen.”
“CBR encompasses all the special traits of a boxer: strength, lovingness, an amazing amount of will, loyal companionship, and determination.”
“CBR is a voice and safe haven for those Boxers that have been left and forgotten. It’s composed of a group that work towards the same purpose and goal. One that celebrates the lows and highs of rescuing, and no matter what, we have each other’s back. It’s proof that you don’t have to be related or see one another every day, or at all, to feel the care and respect we have for each other and the love for Boxers. CBR is family.”
“Hard to say, there are so many things it means to me. Above all, it is kindness, caring, and compassion, but most of all, family. Family members that share and elevate each other’s passion so that awesome goals can be accomplished and beyond. It is support,unconditionally, which is part of what family should be.”
“CBR is like an unspoken family bond with a bunch of people whom some/most you’ve never met, seen, or even spoken to other than email or facebook posts, but you all have a crazy love like no other for the Boxer breed and saving the lives of those in need! We are funny; we are serious; we are passionate; we are loving; and, we are dedicated. .WE ARE CAROLINA BOXER RESCUE!!!”
“CBR means having friends that don’t delete you on Facebook because of your relentless obsession with posting dog pictures.”
“I’m so thankful and proud to be part of the CBR family. This wonderful family of volunteers works so well together to “Save The Nubs” in North Carolina and South Carolina. This amazing group is a family, even though a some of us have never met, other than by email or Facebook.”
“It’s about the ‘before and after’ of a rescued Boxer, and being surrounded by good people who care about the same things that I do in a world with too much disappointment.”
“CBR is a very large family brought together by their love of boxers. This is a group of people who are always there for each other, and they go above and beyond to help boxers when they need it most. CBR is about showing that no matter what happened in the past, these dogs will know love, compassion, happiness, and healing from the moment they meet the first volunteer who picks them up and starts them on their journey to the ever after we love so much.”
“CBR gave me two of the most lovable babies ever!! I have gained some awesome friends also. I tell anyone who will listen about CBR!!!”
Your support allows us to continue to rescue, so thank you for helping us do what we love. All of us at CBR, including current and former fosters, volunteers, and directors, wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays!
If you are a fan of the show This is Us, you will understand the references in this post. If you don’t watch the show , don’t worry, you will still understand the message. In This is Us, we have been introduced to characters, and slowly, like peeling back the layers of an onion, we are learning more about them as their backstories are revealed. Based on the tweets about the show, everyone LOVES Jack. He seems like the perfect husband and father. However, as the show goes on, we are learning about Jack’s flaws. While we still love Jack, we start to see he’s not perfect. Loving Jack means accepting his flaws because we can’t rewrite his past, and his past made him the person he became, and the person we love.
As we begin to understand the impact of Jack’s past on him, we also see he works hard to overcome it. We learn though that he has setbacks, but he keeps trying. Rebekah is understanding and continues to love him saying they will work on his issues together.
So how does this relate to Carolina Boxer Rescue? In rescue, we observe a new foster and see how they behave in the moment. What we can’t know is what has happened to these dogs in the past or what trauma they have suffered that has impacted them. Usually there is no one that can tell us their story, so we can’t understand why they flinch when touched, why they tremble in the car, why they have an accident in the house if scared, or even what will make them anxious. However, each rescued dog has a story and a past that can impact their reactions or their behavior in the present. In that way, a foster or newly adopted rescue dog is just like Jack, so we need to be just like Rebekah.
Rescued dogs want to feel safe and loved and have a happy life, and with patience, we can help them have that, and have a better ending than they may have dreamed possible when they were living in scary or dangerous conditions in the past.
We don’t yet know Jack’s ending, but we all know it’s coming, and we are all dreading it. We aren’t the writers for This is Us, so we have no control over the story line. But we can be the writers for the next dog that is rescued. We don’t have to dread the ending to their story since we can write it. However, it does take time, patience, love, and the knowledge that there can be setbacks. It’s always important to remember that each dog has a backstory that they are trying to overcome, but we can help write their future story creating the happily ever after that each rescue deserves.
We are starting a new feature called, Ask Roxy. Think of Dear Abby, but furry and willing to poop in the yard. Who is Roxy and why is she qualified to answer your questions? Roxy was an 11 year old stray. No one claimed her, but CBR took her in. I (the blog writer) fostered and later adopted her. She crossed the bridge earlier this year at 13 years old, but she was a very wise dog, and very grateful to be rescued, especially at her old age. She would have been a great spokesperson for the rescue, and since I believe her spirit lives on in my heart, these Q&A columns will be what Roxy would have told you. So, here is our first Ask Roxy.
Ask Roxy
Question (from a potential adopter):Why does it take so long to get a Boxer once you are approved? After all, I see a lot of foster dogs on your website. And why does it take so long to get approved anyway? If I went to a shelter, I could apply and take a dog home that day.
Answer (what Roxy would say): I know you are anxious to get a dog. I mean look at us Boxers. We wiggle, we dance, and we really know how to give lots of slobbery kisses! Who wouldn’t want one of us in their house TODAY! As a responsible adopter, you probably spent time talking about whether you were ready for a dog, and once you made the decision, you wanted one now!
In an ideal world, us Boxers would be able to make phone calls, check references, and process paperwork to speed up the application process rather than just lay around sleeping all day. However, we don’t have opposable thumbs and barking into the phone doesn’t always get the right information. The thing is that our humans tend to have “real” jobs so they can make money to feed us. You see, CBR is ALL volunteers – NO paid employees. These hardworking volunteers are doing as much as they can to keep the process moving, but it can take a few weeks to get everything done.
Now if you’re wondering why the application process is so involved, it’s because CBR takes in rescues and spends time and money to make sure the fosters are (or get) healthy. They work with the fosters to do some training and understand the dog’s temperament and what type of home each will do best in. Sometimes that can take a few weeks, and sometimes it can take a few months. CBR invests time, money, and love into all rescued dogs, so they have a more involved application process because they want to make sure each is going to a really good home.
So once you finally get approved, we know you will be excited, and you may see a dog on our website that you want. There are lots of people that apply for a CBR Boxer, and many of those people are looking for a particular type of dog, often one below age 5, that can live with other dogs or small children, and sometimes even [gasp] cats! As families are approved, they go onto a list, and the list is used as fosters are ready for adoption. Sometimes, even though you are approved, it can take a few weeks or months to get a dog if you need or want specific things, and there is always a waiting list for puppies (and we never know when or if we will have puppies).
Are you wondering if there is a way to speed up the process? The answer is yes! Consider one of our older dogs. I, Roxy, did not have a waiting list nor were people fighting over me at the shelter since I was 11 years old, but my mom can tell you she would not have traded me for a young dog, no way. CBR has great older dogs without a waiting list, many younger than I was. They have been vetted, and their foster families can tell you about their medical needs, IF ANY. Older dogs tend to be calmer, and they love just hanging out with their people. While older dogs enjoy and should have exercise, they don’t need the type of exercise young Boxers do. Often, older dogs fit more easily into the lives of busy families since they are content to sleep a lot.
One volunteer recently told the story about an applicant who asked which dogs did not have any names on their lists. She sent them information about one of our older dogs. They adopted him, and recently sent an update telling us how much they love him. Rather than waiting, they are spending their days loving on a nub!
I need to tell you one more thing since I know what you are thinking (Roxy knows all). I’m sure you see Boxers in shelters that need rescued all the time so you probably want to know why CBR doesn’t take in more Boxers since people are waiting. Well, they take in as many dogs as they have open foster homes. That means if they don’t have an open foster home, even if there is a great Boxer in a shelter, they can’t take it. If you think you would be willing to foster while waiting to adopt, please talk with your area coordinator once you are approved.You never know, you may fall in love with your foster, and find the perfect dog is right under your nose! I, Roxy, will tell you that’s what happened to me.
I hope that I’ve answered your questions, but if you have other questions for me about CBR, adopting, fostering, or volunteering, post below or visit our website, http://www.CarolinaBoxerRescue.org. When we get questions, you will see a new Ask Roxy so I can answer all your burning questions. In the meantime, make sure you subscribe to our blog so you can stay informed about CBR. If you would like to donate to CBR to help with the medical needs of the foster dogs, you can do so at http://paypal.me/savethenubs. Tell them Roxy sent you! And remember- seniors DO have more fun!
It’s a great time of year for many dogs. Extra treats, laying by the fire, asking Santa for presents. These are just some of the things that make it great for a dog that has a loving family and a home. Unfortunately for many dogs, it’s not a wonderful time of the year.
The message I want to share about Giving Tuesday is that CBR is a great organization that uses funds raised to save one abandoned and homeless dog at a time, and you can help by donating to CBR. No amount is too small, and all donations go to help the dogs. Visit our Facebook page on Tuesday, because we will be posting holiday photos all day of Boxers celebrating the season and updating you on some of our “fosters of Christmases Past” including Skinny Boy/Hercules, Mama-Papa-and the puppies, and Gilligan. Don’t know these stories? I know you will enjoy seeing these updates that show what your support can help us do. If you’d like to give now, 
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