Kona Refuses Dog House

[FrequentFlyr]

In talking about the outside thing with my wife--who's 8 months pregnant and tells me to focus on the children world right now--suggested that I contact Kona's breeder and mention the cyber hornet's nest I stirred up.

I did, and the breeder's comments are below:

It’s good to hear from you. Our vet feels dogs are healthiest when outdoors most of the time. And yes, ours are outdoors except when it is bitterly cold such as close to zero (and when we are home). I am glad your girl is doing well. If you ever get up to see Mt Rushmore please call an dwe would love to see her. Jan

While I shouldn't post the breeder's name and contact info, I certainly will invite them to share their knowledge and experience in the BW forum.

I've been pregnant 3 times (we have 4 children) while properly and safely raising boxers and kids together, really its not rocket science, hard work yes, mixed with lots of love and patients. Did you both want to get a boxer for a pet or was it just you? Being a parent is tough, it sounds like your wife is asking for more help from you, so the poor dog has to go outside, as per the breeders suggestion..hmmm says volumes about the breeder to me.

 

[backfist]

Relax, please. I didn't say I agreed with the breeder. Rather, I mentioned several pages upthread that they kept Kona's mother outside in all but the most extreme temps. Frankly, I wanted to get their response as to why their practice seems to run counter to the prevailing sentiment.

 

[3dognight]

Relax, please. I didn't say I agreed with the breeder. Rather, I mentioned several pages upthread that they kept Kona's mother outside in all but the most extreme temps. Frankly, I wanted to get their response as to why their practice seems to run counter to the prevailing sentiment.

So exactly what was their response to "WHY their practice seems to run counter to the prevailing sentiment"? It doesn't sound to me as if they answered that question. Oh gee, except they are so humane they don't put them out in "sub zero" temps, how kind.

 

[backfist]

So exactly what was their response to "WHY their practice seems to run counter to the prvailing sentiment"? It doesn't sound to me as if they answered that question. Oh gee, except they are so humane they don't put them out in "sub zero" temps, how kind.

I have to say that I expected a little more depth from their response too.

 

[backfist]

Another people question: what's a skin kid/child?

 

[3dognight]

Well I'm glad you have decided to stick it out with us boxer die hards and learn what you can about this breed and their needs. I think its safe to say you can write that breeder off as irresponsible. If nothing else, the best thing to do with any situation is to educate yourself and your family. I know your pup will thank you with endless boxer wiggles & kisses!

Congratulations on the (soon to be) arrival by the way! Boxers and babies are a wonderful combination! I too did the pregnant/boxer thing and it wasn't always easy and its a labor of love more than anything.

 

[daziegirl4]

What is your take on the advice of your breeder and their vet?

So, do you agree with how they care for Kona's mother - leaving her out except in the extreme temps? (what is extreme, by the way??)

Or are you waiting for their "reasoning" as to why their practices conflict with SO many others before you answer?

 

[Donna1969]

Another people question: what's a skin kid/child?

A skin kid/child is your human child. Fur kid/baby is your pet.

 

[daziegirl4]

Another people question: what's a skin kid/child?

Fur baby = your boxer (or other animals)
skin kid = your children

I think

 

[ssleighter]

I agree with everyone before me, boxers are not designed to withstand the extreme cold weather in Colorado, not only do they have short fur, they have no body fat to keep the muscles warm. I don't care who in your neighborhood has their dog outside, it isn't right. How would you like to be outside in freezing temps with only a thin sweater to keep you warm??

The other problem is the dangers this poses as far as other animals are concerned. If Cosmo hadn't died, you could ask him how horrible it was the night two pit bull mixes broke into his dog run and ripped him to shreds at 4:00 AM. He suffered for 12-18 hours before he passed away from loss of blood and internal damages caused by the other dogs. We, as a rescue, tried to raise money for his care, but he passed away anyway. He was not in our care, obviously, when the attack occurred.

I couldn't sleep at night knowing my dog was shivering in the cold at night and could possibly be killed by other animals while I was snug and warm in my bed.

Oops! Just read that Kona is inside! Thank you so much for listening. Everytime I hear about a boxer outside, I think of poor Cosmo and it just makes me crazy!!

Thanks again, and I know Kona thanks you even more.