I have always had dogs growing up. I don't think a home is complete without one. I personally never had any type of experience with boxers until I met Mike. Back in 2002, he decided to get a dog. We went to the local humane society and they had 2 boxer/doberman mixes. He adopted one. She had the facial features of a dobe but the body of a boxer. She was beautiful. But unfortunately she died suddenly a few months later. Mike and I weren't living together at that time, so I never really got to "know" her.
Fast forward a few years. Mike and I moved in together and my Scamp came with me. He was an outside dog. He absolutely hated (honest, he did) being inside. He passed away 2 1/2 years ago. I was devastated. Even though he was an outside dog, he was my baby. I told him all my secrets, concerns, and gave him all my love. To make matters worse, he passed about a year after my grandmother did. I was so filled with grief. I was very close to my grandma.
I told Mike I needed a dog in my life. I wanted a small dog, like a yorkie or a shitz shu, but he said if we get any dog, it had to be a boxer. He had always wanted one since he was a kid. He had been around a couple of them growing up. I tried to get him to agree to maybe a doberman (I like that breed too) or a rottie. He said boxer or nothing. After 6 months of looking, we found Tyson. This was before BW and all the great info on finding a reputable breeder. We drove 2 hours to see the 3 puppies. Tyson picked us, or should I say Mike. I fell in love with him from the moment I held him. He is so special to me. He has made my heart whole again. He is everything I have ever wanted in a dog. When I am feeling down, he will do something so funny, I have to laugh. When I hurt my knee (he ran into it doing a full tilt boxer burn and buckled it backward) he never left my side. He helped balance me as I tried to go up or down stairs, tried to walk, anything that was difficult for me. He never ceases to amaze me. Now, there is no other breed. He has also taught a lot of people that "bully breeds" are just a name. There is nothing bully about him. But he will protect us with all he has.
Sorry this is so long. I just love my sweet baby so much, and fell in love with the breed. There will always be a boxer in my house. My grandchildren will know the fun of going to grandma's and playing with a sweet, funny loving boxer. I just need to make sure I keep wipes nearby for all the sloppy kisses!!