Saved Joe!!!

[natrhymer]

I'm so sorry for your heartache. The rescue I volunteer for had to put down a couple of aggressive dogs this year and it is heart-wrenching. Please do not count out rescue. Please adopt again. I say this because your adoption of Joe went very quickly, and the organization didn't really take the time to evaluate his temperament (it seems that way, after re-reading your initial post; even though Joe came from a home where he had a family, he could have always been aggressive -- they dropped him at the shelter, after all).

There are many dogs with rescue groups who have been in foster care for months, and their temperaments are well known and documented, plus they've gotten a bit of obedience training. If you take a little more time with the rescue group, and pick a dog that's been with them a while, you won't get any surprises (except for maybe adjustment issues to the new home -- shyness or some regression on potty training -- easily correctable stuff).

Any reputable rescue would never place a dog without knowing its temperament. Some have policies that the dog has to stay with them for at least two weeks to identify behavior issues and sort out medical stuff.

There are so many dogs out there who need homes. I'm sure if you contacted a couple of rescues in your area, you'd find the support you need to get a GREAT dog. Just be patient.

Once again, I'm so sorry about Joe. You did all you could for him, and showed him love through it all. Thanks for trying so hard with him.

 

[ljnash]

I'm so sorry about Joe. It must be heartbreaking for you! You did all you could for him, but I guess there are a few dogs that just can't be changed! I will agree with the others and encourage you to try rescue again sometime. By far the majority of rescued dogs do not have the problems that Joe had, and if you explained your experience to the rescue, I'm sure they would work hard to find you a dog that is a total lovebug to everybody.

 

[frankied]

I am so sorry about Joe :( I know that you tried very hard to make it work.

 

[MoxyRoxy]

I am so sorry about Joe and the loss you have experienced. Boxers are lovers not fighters, unfortunatley sounds like someone tried to make him a fighter with those scars you referred to. You did everything you could and his last months were probably the most fun and peaceful he had.
You should not feel guilty. I hope you get another Boxer soon, however you choose (breeder or rescue)
Good Luck!

 

[Mama_Zookeeper]

I was so heartbroken to read your post. I am so sorry for you but mostly for Joe. I don't want to know what could have possibly happened to that baby to make him so outwardly aggressive. Poor breeding perhaps, but probably not. The freaks that lurk out there and the things they do to our 4 legged compainions sickens me...I wish that he will have the peace at the rainbow bridge that he did not have in life. Please know my thought are with you and that rescue does not always have to be that way. I will pray for your peace as well as Joes.

Godspeed Joe

 

[vasha]

I can only imagine how you feel right now, but please accept my deepest condolences. I know that fear and anger and outright feeling of 'how stupid can that kid be?' when they continue to approach your dog after you've told them time and time again that he's not friendly.

Please remember that none of this is your fault and you shouldn't feel the least bit guilty at the outcome. You gave Joe something he never had before - love. And that's what he'll remember about you.

Also, please please please do not buy from just any old breeder. I did and Kaiser is the result of that. If you go to a breeder vs rescue - be sure to look to see if they health test their dogs - www.boxerworld.com/breeders can give you more information on that.

(( hugs ))

vasha
Legacy Boxer Rescue
www.savetheboxers.com

 

[BeckyNC]

I've just read all five pages of this thread and am sitting here crying like crazy. I am so sorry to hear things did not work out well with Joe. It seems as if you definitely tried your very best. Joe was quite lucky to have you in his life. These past three months may have been some of his happiest.

I do hope that, when the time is right, you will consider another Boxer. From all of your posts, you sound like a wonderful mommy for any furkid.

 

[rog1006]

I read your post earlier this afternoon and couldn't post until now. I was just sick inside.... You loved him so much and did what you could--that's all we ask. Please don't beat yourself up over it.

BIG HUGS- lovicon

 

[sashamom]

Typing through tears for you...i am so sorry this turned out this way....i was so hoping things would turn around for you and Joe...My heart breaks for you...Please reconsider adoption....You gave him wonderful love that cannot be replaced.....You are to be commended....
God Speed your broken heart

 

[gojoe]

Ready to try again. Any suggestions?

OK. I have completed therapy, come to terms with the Joe situation and am ready to try again.

After my initial adoption experience I am still far too frightened of rescue or adoption (not saying their is anything wrong with the process or re-homed pets, just too much for me) and was wondering if there were any resources for reputable breeders who raise the puppies in the home, breeders who place a premium on temperamant (sp?) and who I could remain in contact with after purchase. I would even be willing to purchase an older Boxer if under 2 years old and interested in me. After having Joe in my life i have realized how personalities may or may not match between people and pets, thank GOD Joe and I got along, I still wish it would've worked out better. I still have his picture on my desk.

I live in the Metro Chicago area and would be willing to travel as far as a 10 hour drive away in any direction, but would definitely prefer less if their was an interview process or multiple visits necessary. I'm not too keen on having a puppy 'delivered' as I would like to meet the breeders and parents, family and check out facilities and living situations. I also DO NOT want to support puppy mills and can't quite tell what type of breeders a lot of these places who have puppies available online are. I have already went to the Breeder list at AKC.org for information as well.

I also don't think a rescue would accept my adoption application as I do not have a fenced in yard. My new family member will definitely be an indoor dog in a singe pet environment. I am financially able to support the costs of daily dogwalking services and am familiar with the exercise and nutrition needs of Boxers. I am extremely active (completed my first triathlon 2 weeks ago) and would love evening runs. I am 1 block away from a HUGE park and the beaches of Lake Michigan and am ready to offer a capable and loving home to a Boxer, i thought about giving up on the Breed but after spending so much time on this site am certain that Joe was an isolated incident and had to have suffered some type of traumatic experience at some point in his life to be the way he was.

Any assistance, links or referrals you could provide would be most appreciated.

And also, I really want to thank all of you for your support, advice, strength and different opionions. I didn't have much time, but you were all right there with me through the time i had with Joe.