I'm having a bit of a decision problem. I was all decided that I wanted a boxer puppy, but then I met Baby. She is a 5 mo old boxer (still a puppy, but not a little puppy)who was bought back from the breeder who sold her after a week after the owners mistreated her. There's nothing wrong with her, except for her back legs seem to turn inwards (like knock-knee). It's not that noticable, and the breeder says that she doesn't think this is something that is a health problem, and she still runs and plays like a normal healthy pup. Does anyone have any idea what this could be? I hope it's just cosmetic and not a health issue. Should I just hold out for a puppy or save this pretty little girl (the breeder can't keep her, she already has 4!!)? Any advice would be really helpful. Thanks~Natalie
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Tulsa-Dan
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Every puppy deserves a loving home and someone who thinks it is the most special dog in the world. If you fell for this dog, then bring her home.
She may grow out of the "knock kneed" problem. Could just be some weakness and perhaps a lack of nutrition has caused a slowing of the building of muscle in that area or something. A vet might be able to tell you more.
Let me tell you a story: There is a guy in our park, who found a dog tied to a tree in the park. The dog had been hit by a car or something and was nearly dead, His hips had been badly, badly damaged. This man took this dog home and gave it love and has spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars on surgeries and trying to help this dog. For the past year, the dog has been wearing a little wheel cart on him, to carry his back legs as he pulls himself by his front legs around the park. This man brings this dog every day to socialize with other dogs in the park and to exercise him. He lets him out of the cart and he sits and greets all the dogs who come up to him. And all the other dogs seem to know he's "special" and treat him with a great deal of respect.
Anyway, today, I saw them in the park. And guess what. No cart. The dog was "walking" on his own for the first time in almost 2 years!! He was limping badly and you could tell it was difficult for him, but damnit, I just cried to know how much this dog has been through and how much love this man has given and what sacrifices he's made to give this dog a good life, a dog anyone else would have given up for dead. If a dog can love us unconditionally, why can't we try and love them the same way?
Good luck with your decision. Go with your heart. Can't lose that way.
She may grow out of the "knock kneed" problem. Could just be some weakness and perhaps a lack of nutrition has caused a slowing of the building of muscle in that area or something. A vet might be able to tell you more.
Let me tell you a story: There is a guy in our park, who found a dog tied to a tree in the park. The dog had been hit by a car or something and was nearly dead, His hips had been badly, badly damaged. This man took this dog home and gave it love and has spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars on surgeries and trying to help this dog. For the past year, the dog has been wearing a little wheel cart on him, to carry his back legs as he pulls himself by his front legs around the park. This man brings this dog every day to socialize with other dogs in the park and to exercise him. He lets him out of the cart and he sits and greets all the dogs who come up to him. And all the other dogs seem to know he's "special" and treat him with a great deal of respect.
Anyway, today, I saw them in the park. And guess what. No cart. The dog was "walking" on his own for the first time in almost 2 years!! He was limping badly and you could tell it was difficult for him, but damnit, I just cried to know how much this dog has been through and how much love this man has given and what sacrifices he's made to give this dog a good life, a dog anyone else would have given up for dead. If a dog can love us unconditionally, why can't we try and love them the same way?
Good luck with your decision. Go with your heart. Can't lose that way.
kainesangelgirl
Guest
I agree, every puppy needs a home. Who cares as long as your together with that sweet little thing knobby knees wont mean a thing. Plus at least you know that he will be taken care of.
Lava Linda
Completely Boxer Crazy
I agree in sentiment with what everyone is saying, but taking on a dog with a health problem can be quite a financial investment,(as Dan's story illustrates).
I would go deep into debt to treat my own dogs, but since I'm of limited means, I'm not sure it would be responsible to acquire a dog with an existing problem that was likely to become costly. I unfortunately have an economic obligation to my kids as well.
If this is your concern Natalie, then by all means have her checked by a vet. It doesn't sound major to me, but I'm no expert.
Aside from that, I would suggest you take her home!!! A close friend of mine just got a 5 month old Weimeraner under similar circumstances (returned to the breeder due to the owners' health problems), and he's had no regrets. He and Gunner bonded instantly, and they're in love, just like that! He wanted a young puppy and was willing to wait for the right pup, but when Gunner came along, needing him as much as he needed Gunner, it was a done deal.
lovicon
Seems to me that a small investment in a vet exam might yield a lifetime of wiggly love!!
Good luck to you.
-Linda
I would go deep into debt to treat my own dogs, but since I'm of limited means, I'm not sure it would be responsible to acquire a dog with an existing problem that was likely to become costly. I unfortunately have an economic obligation to my kids as well.
If this is your concern Natalie, then by all means have her checked by a vet. It doesn't sound major to me, but I'm no expert.
Aside from that, I would suggest you take her home!!! A close friend of mine just got a 5 month old Weimeraner under similar circumstances (returned to the breeder due to the owners' health problems), and he's had no regrets. He and Gunner bonded instantly, and they're in love, just like that! He wanted a young puppy and was willing to wait for the right pup, but when Gunner came along, needing him as much as he needed Gunner, it was a done deal.
lovicon
Seems to me that a small investment in a vet exam might yield a lifetime of wiggly love!!
Good luck to you.
-Linda
LeedsDevil
Banned
Vet Check
Please take Baby to a Vet and have her checked out. If all it is is a growth rate problem that will correct itself with time I think that you should take her. And even if you find it may need more intervention then you can possibly plan & save up to have it taken care of when the time is right, perhaps the breeder may even offer to assist you with the cost to make sure that Baby has a good home :D Good luck what ever you decide, the right pup is out there waiting for you
Please take Baby to a Vet and have her checked out. If all it is is a growth rate problem that will correct itself with time I think that you should take her. And even if you find it may need more intervention then you can possibly plan & save up to have it taken care of when the time is right, perhaps the breeder may even offer to assist you with the cost to make sure that Baby has a good home :D Good luck what ever you decide, the right pup is out there waiting for you
sandy oakey
Completely Boxer Crazy
What a nice (tear jerker)story Dan.
I hope things work out and you'll be able to take Baby. It would be nice to know she found a loving home.
I hope things work out and you'll be able to take Baby. It would be nice to know she found a loving home.
MarinaS
Boxer Insane
Natalie - I don't think it's something serious that Baby has with her hind legs. Sometimes dogs have deviations from the hind legs stand stipulated by the standards - they either can be slightly turned inward or there can be too broad space between the legs. So Baby's problem sounds to be more of a cosmetic origin, though I can't say it for sure as I haven't seen her. Anyway, the breeder thinks it is not related to health problems and he/she must know better. But please remember that this dog was once mistreated by the previous owners and in such early months of her life. She really deserves a second chance and love.
Best of luck,
Best of luck,
B
Brenda & Jeff
Guest
I'm on the same bandwagon - have baby checked by a vet and do some research either on the web or through another breeder. And take her!!!!! You have the love to take care of her and that is the most important part. See if there are vet schools in your area that can help with the costs.
Dan, my eyes are still wet - that is so great I would have been bawling if I was in the park and saw that happening. It is those random acts of kindness that give me faith in this world and that gentleman certainly has done his share.
Natalie - ask questions and if at all possible take her home you will never regret it.
Brenda
Dan, my eyes are still wet - that is so great I would have been bawling if I was in the park and saw that happening. It is those random acts of kindness that give me faith in this world and that gentleman certainly has done his share.
Natalie - ask questions and if at all possible take her home you will never regret it.
Brenda
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