My Rescue Boxer hates my son

[SueAndHerZoo]

Thanks Eileen....I've had a lot of pets in my life, including a lot of dogs, but there's something about this one that just grabs me by the heart. It probably has something to do with taking him in when he was so sick (emotionally and physically) and watching him blossom over the past 5 months, and I get tears in my eyes each time I see him do something "normal" that he never did before. Play with toys, for example. He had no idea what to do with dog toys, and I kept buying every different kind I could find to spark an interest. I bought our pug a lot of new toys, too, hoping the boxer would learn by watching. It's almost like he was afraid to touch a toy maybe for fear of getting in trouble? He still won't even take food from us without a lot of hesitation and fear on his face. Breaks my heart. I've never seen a dog afraid to take food when he's so malnourished. Even now we have to walk away when we put his dinner in front of him. If we're there, he cringes and runs away from it. How can you NOT want to just hug and comfort a dog like that?

Anyway, thanks for your kindness. A behaviorist is definitely the way to go, but while we wait to get an appointment I will make sure there are great treats near the door so my son can offer them when he walks in the door. I'm sure he won't be able to actually hand the dog the treat, but if he can toss it in the general direction he'll finally learn that the treat is coming from him. As I type this he's apprehensively picking up a toy in his mouth, but looking up at me as if to say "you sure this is OK for me to play with?"
Sue

 

[ELubas]

Sue, this boy has come into your life for a reason-I really believe that and I also believe that the kind of home you are giving him will give him the confidence he needs to accept all kinds of good thing-your son, toys, etc. Hang in there and know we all rooting for you and your pup. My boy was a real problem child with lots of health issues to boot-but nothing as bad as what your pup has been thru-but at five years everyone comments on what a love my guy is-so love and consistency goes a long way. I just know you will be fine-this boy of yours just touches my heart. Please keep us posted on his progress.

 

[SueAndHerZoo]

Before and After pix of Baxter

Hi All.
Since you all showed so much caring and compassion for my rescue dog (and his fear of everything, especially my son) I just had to post two pix showing what he looked like 6 months ago and what he's become since he's been in our home. (thank you, moderator, for letting me post these).

If anyone cares to see Baxter, I posted them in the picture gallery under Fawn Boxers.

Thanks again for all your support.
Sue

 

[catcrazy56]

OMG :( What that poor baby went thru I was just wandering why he was black on the bottom is that dirt or is that from that fact that he was near death. I am appalled that someone could do this to an animal I really can't believe he is the same dog. God Bless You!!! I am sure it will take a lot of work to have Baxter trusting humans again with all the abuse he has taken I wouldn't even know where to begin. If you can I would definetely seek some professional help for him, but I think time will be a defenite healer for him.

How did you find him! and how old is he?

 

[ELubas]

Sue-you are truly a Guardian Angel-I cannot beleive these before and afters. What a handsome, handsome boy Baxter is. And now I can really understand even more why he loves you so-you saved him and he knows it! God bless you for your love and dedication to this boy. His before pictures made me cry-and his after pictures are proof of what love can do!

 

[SueAndHerZoo]

How Baxter came to be

I've always had 2 or 3 dogs around at a time..... the house just didn't seem like a home without at least that many. After mourning the loss of our Neapolitan Mastiff in March I knew it was time to start looking for another dog. Even our pug was sulking around being the only dog in the house, so I started my search for our new addition. Quickly I realized how many breeders there are and how few homes there are, especially for the dogs that weren't cute, adorable, and young. I started reading about all the dogs that are in shelters or are euthanized because they were no longer wanted by their "families" and it broke my heart. I decided then that there were more than enough people to buy up all the puppies, but the other dogs who were no longer cute and adorable were sitting in crates wondering what they did wrong to deserve being desserted. In most cases the only thing they did wrong was to grow up!

I had always loved my friends boxers and decided that I'd like to have one, so I searched for boxer rescues, and when I saw the story of Baxter on one of the websites I just knew I had to have him. It wasn't an easy process..... the woman who had spent a lot of time and money rescuing him from the streets of Puerto Rico was personally hand-picking his home, and the interview process was incredible. Finally after interviewing my family, friends and vet and doing a home inspection, she decided she had found the perfect home for him. She said I could take him as soon as he was done with his mange treatments and after he was neutered but I told her I didn't mind taking him "as is" and that I'd follow through on the rest of his medical procedures. Memorial Day weekend, we picked up our boy.

I will never again buy a puppy . . . the experience of adopting a rescue is just too rewarding and fulfilling to not do again. I'm sure it's not for everyone, but it's definitely for me.

And the black on Baxter in his before picture? That's the mange and the areas of skin that were dead from the disease and infections. He's still got a few spots that haven't grown back, but he's gorgeous just the same.

Thanks for caring - you're a wonderful bunch of animal lovers.
Sue

 

[dafzichu]

I can't believe it, it's Baxter!!!!! When I first started looking into rescuing my heart was both touched and broken (touched by how he came to the rescue, broken for what he had been through). I got both my babies from the same rescue and just started volunteering with them. I am soooooo happy to hear that he has people who love him and want to work through his issues instead of just throwing him away. I visit the rescue page so often and so often there aren't updates to post on dogs that have been adopted, I am so happy to see him and that for the most part he is doing great. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for rescuing!

 

[SueAndHerZoo]

Hi April.
So nice to meet another member of the adoption family - and bless you for volunteering! I'm trying to convince my husband that we should fence in our entire yard so that I can not only rescue a few more, but also perhaps start fostering, too!

I was going to post Baxter's whole story on here but I thought that might be against the policy of the board so I resisted, but it's so nice to hear from someone who knows and has seen his story.

I go back to the site often, too, and I HAVE sent pictures and written updates about Baxter.... guess they just haven't had the time to update his story yet, or perhaps their time is being concentrated on getting more dogs fostered and homed, which well it should be. They know Baxter is in his "forever" home now - they have others in need who deserve their time, attention, and posting updates.

So nice to see another one of Baxter's "fans" here! Thanks for posting.

Sue

 

[mybubbieroo]

Bless you!

This is a miracle. I have never saw anything more pitiful than Baxter in that picture of the way he looked when you got him. I can only imagine what his health has been like. He had to be in a horrible physical condition. You have brought about a miraculous change in Baxter's physical being and I am sure you can do the same with his spirit. Just keep loving this beautiful baby and try some of the advise you have been given. I think letting your son give the treats and do some things with Baxter would be a big help. I bet your son reminds Baxter of someone who abused him in the miserable life he had before he came to you. Bless you for what you have done. I will keep Baxter and your family in my prayers!

 

[Kathie11]

I would of never guessed that it's the same dog in the before and after pictures. He is absolutely beautiful!!
We rescued Louie when he was 1.5 years old. For about 6 months before we got him the breeder took him back from previous owner because he suspected abuse. From what the breeder told me Louie was in horrible shape and over 6 month he became healthy and started to trust people. We were initially looking for a puppy but when we saw Louie we fell in love with him. He became attached to us very quickly but he was very scared of certain things. For instance he was playing and hit the baby gate and it fell over. He got really scared but then he got even more scared when I approached him as if he was scared that I would hit him. All I would do is tell him it's ok and pet and kiss him. This is just one example but over time he got much better is never nervous or scared anymore.
I think it's a good idea for you to have good treats by the door and when your son enters he shouldn't make eye contact with Baxter just take a treat and throw it to him and walk away. Over time if Baxter starts approaching, your son can start giving him the treats by hand. Baxter probably makes some kind of associates with your son and his previous owner but I'm sure over time it will get better. Also I would definitely suggest a behaviourist.