what to do?

[picklevega]

hi all,

I am confused as to what i should do and thought I would ask others that know boxers and love the breed as much as I do.

today is Wednesday, Sunday night I got an e-mail asking me if I wanted another dog to match the ones that i have. (I am the owner of a 2yr old and a 1yr old boxer). I responded by saying that I would have to meet the dog before making any decisions and left my phone number.

Monday directly after work my phone rings, and two hours later there is a "visit" at my house. after the dog ran and played with mine for an hour and hearing her sad story I get asked "well, what do you think? Do you want her?" there was no think time, only a sad story and a bouncy boxer looking at me with those big brown eyes.

It all happened so fast, bing, bamm, boom, the owner leaves and i have another dog. they left no food, dishes, toys ,crate, NOTHING! just the dog and her leash.

Now its been two days, and I have had time to think about it, I feel so mixed up. I am the "forever pet" kind of person so the thought of taking her in and then giving her up is a bit much for my brain to register BUT as I said she is not even two and I already have two boxers that are under three. I think that I may be in over my head.

One thing that is good, the owner does not appear to have lied to me. She is a good girl, house trained, she is very snuggly, she gets along with my two although they are still figuring out who is gonna be the boss. She has a strong personality so my females nose is out of joint abit (although the alpha dog she is really a pansy and does not have a strong personality) He says she never had a litter but her nipples are unusually big, don't know yet whats up with that. She has a vet apointment for Monday for a full checkup.

Would it be horrible for me to be a stepping stone in this little girls life? between her first home and her forever home? i guess I feel like the "bad guy" if I give her up. But what would have been her outcome had i not said yes? would she still be chained to a trailer, she is not fixed, would somone have made her a baby machine for the money they may have made?

Sorry this is so long, please someone give me your opinion, should I ignore these thoughts and stick it out? Should I look into boxer rescue? uhhhhhh, I am so mixed up!

 

[bucca]

i can understand why you took her, and i think its great you rescued her from the life she was living, but it does sound like you kind of made your mind up about keeping her. it seems like alot of responsibillity taking care of three dogs, and there is nothing wrong about being a stepping stone in her life if it is in her best interest. i would call some rescues or even your vet when you go to bring her in and ask if you can put up a sign in his/her office or if they know of a family that might be interested(thats how we got one of our dogs years ago, through our vet) ask family members etc...im sure you will do the right thing for all of you and good luck.

 

[EAO76]

Well you are opening yourself up to some potential problems by having two females so you may find that you have no choice but to find another home for her (although the issues with that may not even fully appear until both females are over the age of 2.5 or 3yrs).

But to answer your question I don’t think you should feel bad if you decide to just be a stepping stone. I can honestly say that three is one too many (and this is coming from someone who LOVES their boxers and owns three). I personally have found it difficult. However my third is a challenging boy and has some serious behavioral issues so he is a lot to worry about. I may feel differently if he was more “normal”.

If I were you I would get her fixed ASAP (you don't want her going into heat, as this may cause problems with the two girls). Then wait and see how you feel. If you find that it’s overwhelming start the search for a new home. As long as you place her with wonderful people then you have nothing to feel guilty about. I foster boxers for my local rescue and there is nothing more rewarding then seeing a deserving boxer get a great home. Either way (keeping her or finding her a home) you have done a great thing.

 

[totallyhip]

I can understand that you want to help. I volunteer at Boxer Rescue and everyday I want to bring another one home!!! We feel that the best matches for good placements are of the opposite sex. So we rarely would place another female into a home that already has a female. More than 1 male is different and they get along easier

I don't think you should feel guilty at all you just wanted to help and there is nothing wrong with that! I agree 3 is alot!! We have 2 of our own (Luke & Leia) and right now we are fostering a male 1 year old. And its alot. But both my husband and I are around so its easier but DH travels occasionally for work and when he does I won't foster b/c 3 is just too much for myself to deal with. Getting the new girl spayed may help the situation. But if you do decide to surrender her to Boxer Rescue it would not be a bad thing. You could foster her until they find her a good home? Good luck!

 

[SweetCody]

I think had I been put in your position I would have another little girl in my house as well. However since you didn't really get think time before hand it is natural that you would be thinking a lot on it now. If you do decide to be a stepping stone in her life that is something to be very proud of, she is being loved on and socialized with people and dogs, and I know that you will make sure she ends up in a wonderful forever home. If you decide to keep her, let us know how you fit three boxers in your lap at one time. Good luck in whatever decision you make, only you know what is best for all of you. And whatever you decide you have done a good thing for this little one.

 

[djheitz]

I don't think I could have said no either. Whatever you decide, she'll be better off.

 

[picklevega]

Thanks to all.

Thanks to all that replied to my post. You all put a smile on my face and assured me that I was doing her the right thing by taking her in, even if I am only a stepping stone.
I am making no quick dicisions. I know that as long as she is here she is getting love and attention and is in a good, safe, place. She is treated no different than my other two (trust me she hogs the bed as well as they do!) and is adjusting to my "doggie rules".
I was feeling emotional, and overwhelmed at first. I am more at ease now. My male loves her, my female, well, there is a power struggle going on. Although there is less power struggle and more playing every day.
I will keep you all updated on our progress,
Once again, Thank-You!

 

[tastubbs]

First of all, you are not the bad guy. Speaking personally, three boxers is a handful and two of mine do not get along. Our whole routine changed to accomodate my decision to keep the third one. I suggest you foster the dog, work with a rescue or other means of trying to re-home her. In the mean time, you can assess the situation at your house hold to see if you think it will work with the three of them. You're a good person.

 

[catcrazy56]

I have 3 now and its a great fit but a year ago when Cooper was 4 months old and Foreman was under 2 we took a foster that was also under 2 and it was too much he was big and slobbery and Cooper and him played none stop and foreman was upset and had his nose out of joint and it was just too much for me so that foster as a forever dog wasn't going to work for me but then when we fostered Ruby who came from a puppy mill a month later and had no house training and was not humanized and she snapped at my dogs like crazy the first few days within a week I knew I was falling in love and she fit in. If this dog belongs with you she will fit in and you will know if not you can foster her untill she finds a good home besides the rescue in Ontario would find her a great home if you decide she is too much you are not bad for thinking this and I know if you decide to give her up she would find a great home. I am involved in your local rescue and we treat this dogs like our own.

 

[totallyhip]

I have to say Boxer Rescue Ontario is a fanatastic organization! We have had them help us with home visits in Ontario before. Wonderful group of volunteers! Keep up the good work