Question for Boxer Rescues

[skat]

I posted this under Introductions in the Newbies forum and thought it might be better here:

What has me hesitant about the rescues is that from what I've been reading, certain households are preferred for adoption - our household, having never owned a Boxer, or for that matter even had a dog in our family (and me personally not in 14 years), without a fenced-in yard or kennel (both of which we're planning for sometime this Spring once my husband repairs the existing fence) and with the issue of cats on top of that, and with the ratio of available dogs to people looking for dogs - I'm just afraid that we'll end up being turned down. I keep filling out the applications and never submitting them for that very reason. It took us a long time to make the decision to get a dog, and we're certain that we want a Boxer, but we want to make sure that we have plenty of good weather days to get the dog acclimated to us, our cats, our household, our yard, our neighborhood, etc. before the weather turns cold again. How long does the adoption process take? And what things are taken into consideration with inexperienced Boxer-owner-wannabees like us?

Thanks!
Skat

 

[heartsong12]

All these things vary between boxer rescue group. Most will want you to have a fenced in yard or an apartment. As for not having a dog recently does not matter as much as have you done your research and do you know what you are getting yourself in for. Most will check with your vet, and do a home visit. The goal is to match the right owners with the right dog. So yes, it can be selective. The lengh of time varies as well. It depends on how busy the volunteers are and how organized and available they are. But after getting approved it still may take some time to find the right match for your household.

My advice is to send in your app. and talk with the group or groups in your area. See if they are having any pet fairs and go.

Good luck!

 

[ladyluck_t]

First of all, i want to thank you on behalf of rescues everywhere for deciding to go the rescue route first. There are many boxer babies that need a loving home. One thing i noticed in your post was a "kennel". I am not sure if you meant in indoor or outdoor kennel. But just in case you are unaware, boxer physiology being what it is (mush face) They are unable to cool themselves in hot weather. My girl practically melts infront of me in a horrible case of panting if it gets above 70F (she is a little spoiled though) Also, their coats are so short that they are unable to warm themselves in the winter. So basically, Boxers are indoor dogs. I just realized that i could go on and on about boxer traits, so i will just have to recommend that you check out a few books about boxers. the AKC website has some basic information as well. As far as rescues, i know that my rescue will not adopt out to a family that lives in an apartment or does not have a fence. Too many dogs end up in shelters/rescues due to those reasons alone. But, if it were me, i would contact your local rescue and see if you can help them out in any way (i.e. events, mailings, phone calls, etc.) almost all rescues are run by volunteers who most likely have other full-time jobs/lives and any extra help would be appreciated. It also gives you time to get to know the rescue and let them get to know you. Every rescue is different, i have seen an adoption take a week to a month, based on the availability of the rescue to do the interviews.
I did this as well, i started attending the monthly meetings and staffing the events, now by some strange occurance i am one of the recue's officers and every one of the members is a good friend of mine. Good Luck, (sorry it was so long, been left in my cube alone too long today! :p )

 

[VTbxrFan]

With my rescue, having previous experience with a boxer (or even another dog), is definitely not a requirement. If we have certain dogs that are overly exhuberant, we prefer that they go to more experienced homes, but lots of our adopters are looking for their first dog.

We always tell people if they are planning to build a fence to wait until they have done so before applying, so if that's your plan, just wait until you are ready. For us, the process generally takes a few weeks. Sometimes it takes a little longer than that once the application is approved to actually find a good match - that just depends on what dogs are currently available and any special requirements. We do have plenty of people with cats who successfully adopt - some of our foster homes have cats, so that helps us identify dogs that will get along with cats. That is one thing that sometimes makes it take a little longer to find a match, though.

 

[Adelle]

I think most rescues take each applicant on a case by case situation and compare it with the needs of the dogs in the program.

Some dogs needs a fence - some don't. Some can live with cats or another dog some just cannot. Others needs someone home all day some don't. some are ok with small kids in the home some are not etc etc. Its based on the needs of the particular dog, and therefore can sometimes take time to find the right dog to suit your home. But you will never know till you apply - go for it

 

[heartsong12]

I would suggest a least a six foot fence. Boxer are very good jumpers. Mine can easily jump 6 feet.

 

[Holden's Mom]

I was afraid we would be turned down due to lack of fence. But I should not have worried. I believe many rescues act on a case by case basis. When the home check occurred, I pointed out the many neighborhood trails we would be using, plus the fenced baseball field about a 3 minute walk from the house. I already had an indoor crate and the home checker asked to see it and wanted to know where it would be located.

About the cats, that was one of the many reasons I went through a good rescue. Most are cat tested and Pete was interested in Pinky from the get go, but never chased her unless she started it. That's fair. I also enrolled Petey in obedience class immediately and we worked on the "leave it" command with Pinky. While they are not best friends after nearly 2 years, they get along and respect each other.

I think it's great you want to rescue. If you are willing to take an older boxer boy or girl, your wait time will be less. I asked for a 2-4 year old and was willing to go older. I truly lucked out with Pete. He was two at the time and is the perfect boxer for us.

Good luck with your search for your new best friend.

Pam and Pete

 

[skat]

Thanks for all the great replies! I am going to hold off on submitting the applications until we get the existing stockade fence fixed and fence in the part of the yard we intend to fence in. The previous owners of the house didn't sink the concrete footings to the right depth, so the existing stockade fence is not as sturdy as it should be, dog or no dog! To clarify, this will be an indoor dog - I'm not sure how to explain what I meant by a kennel - we want to fence a portion of our yard that would be separate from the whole yard - mainly to keep some distance between the existing fence on the side of our yard where a neighbor has two German Shepherds - if we're outside with our dog, I want to feel secure that there isn't just a few feet of stockade fence separating our dog from theirs. I hope that made sense.

For now, I'm spending most of my time reading all I can about Boxers, and I'm more certain than ever that a Boxer would be the right dog for us. Our intention is now leaning towards one Boxer now and another once we've had some experience and think we can handle two.

 

[wnt2adpt]

I guess I was different ~

I just adopted a girl a few weeks ago, and she has been wonderful! I live in a one-bedroom condo with no fenced yard. So yes, you can have a Boxer without a huge house or fenced yard! Boxers do need a lot of exercise (they can get into trouble in the house without it!) so I take Greta on a long walk every afternoon (30-45 minutes). She also gets short walks when she has to go potty. I have a fenced-in tennis court by my house, so we go in there and run around off-leash. Placement does depend on the rescue however - I didn't have to have a fenced yard, I live in a small place, and I haven't owned a Boxer before. Just try to find out as much as you can about the Rescue organization, and whatever history you can about the dog. Go and have a 'trial' visit to see which one(s) of the dogs mesh well with you (the one that clicks the best). Then go back for another visit to make sure that same dog kind of clicks with you. You can do as many trial visits as you want. Most rescues will let you come by and take the dog for a walk and play so that you know that that's the dog for you. Then you can make your decision. I know it's a difficult one, but it can be so rewarding! Good luck!

 

[kerry001]

I adopted from Second Chance Boxer Rescue (they cover New England) I live in an apartment, do not have a fenced yard, and have never owned a boxer before (although my s/o had) I personally don't think a fenced in yard is that big of a deal, as I think a lot of people use it as an excuse not to exercise their dog, and just shove them outside to "hang out"

Chloe gets an off leash run every day, and lots of exercise and play,with plenty of love and lots of attention and care. She generally lives like a princess! She certainly seems to be thriving without a fenced in yard-LOL.

Second chance is a great organization, and they really look at the individual dogs and family's situation when matching up dogs and homes. We love our girl and would not trade her for the world-good luck adopting whoever you choose to adopt from!!

Keep us posted.