I was afraid of boxers...
But Jake cured that! I think because when I was little, my grandmother had boxer mix named Punchy that was rather rowdy. I got knocked down more than once, even though Punchy probably just wanted to play. But it left a lasting impression with me. Then in 1996, my now-ex-husband said a friend found a male boxer who had been on the streets for some time. I was against getting the dog, but the ex brought him over to visit me at work. Love at first sight! Those big, brown eyes and those floppy ears - what love my Jake was. He was my best friend for the next three years of that abusive marriage. He went everywhere with me, even on short trips to the store, where he would sit patiently in the car. Jake went to the bridge in 2001. He had a bad case of arthritis and was in so much pain he would whimper all night. My ex knew it was time. I didn't find out about it until a few months later. I still have photos of Jake all over my office.
In 1999, I found Titus at a shelter. He was three years old and an owner surrender. I was mourning the loss of Jake, who stayed with my ex. A few years later, we found Lady. These dogs can take a lousy day and fill it with instant sunshine. I get home after work and it's kidney beans, woo woos and kisses. They are my life and I will always have boxers!
Cheryl
