Today We Rescued Your Dog
by Pat Closher
Today we rescued your dog. We don’t know where you got him from - maybe you saw him in a pet store window or maybe one of your neighbors bred a few litters a year just to make some vacation money or because they loved their dogs so much that of course they wanted to have puppies. We don’t know much about how you cared for him either, although our vet thought that for such a young dog, his teeth were in pretty bad shape.
by Pat Closher
Today we rescued your dog. We don’t know where you got him from - maybe you saw him in a pet store window or maybe one of your neighbors bred a few litters a year just to make some vacation money or because they loved their dogs so much that of course they wanted to have puppies. We don’t know much about how you cared for him either, although our vet thought that for such a young dog, his teeth were in pretty bad shape.
Did you know they were going to keep him outside? At least it was a pretty mild winter. There were no heavy snows, not much heavy winter rain and only a few days of bitter cold. But for all of those weeks he had no companionship, no care, and no love.
For some reason, your grandparents took him to the shelter. Maybe a neighbor complained about him or maybe their own health gave out or maybe they just got tired of him. You know the local shelter is a kill shelter, don’t you? You know that their own statistics indicate that about half of the dogs that enter are killed, don’t you? Maybe your grandparents thought he would be adopted quickly. He is a purebred, after all. No one was interested in him, though, maybe since he’s an adult dog and not a cute little puppy. No one contacted the purebred rescue group either. They probably would have placed him quickly, since he really is a great boy. The shelter is a clean place and they take good care of the dogs. They get good food and they’re bathed and brushed. It’s still a shelter though, and is noisy and chaotic and frightening. He spent two months there in that confusion, away from everyone and everything he had known.
One day, we saw him on the shelter web site. We called and asked about him. The shelter workers were so happy to hear from us and were delighted to agree to bring him to a local pet store where they do adoptions. Do you want to know why they were so accommodating? He was scheduled to be killed that afternoon. He didn’t know that, but the shelter workers certainly did. It hurt them and he felt that, so he knew something was wrong. All of a sudden, though, the shelter workers were happy and excited and so was he. They bathed him and brushed his coat. We think they probably told him this was it - his big chance, or maybe he just knew it somehow. When we met him, we all fell in love.
He had to go to the vet to be neutered, of course, but then he came home. He has his very own 13 year-old boy. You know, it’s almost like watching one of those old Lassie movies, seeing how well they’ve bonded. He’s got good food and his own toys. He’s taken on walks three times a day, is regularly groomed and is taken to the vet for needed care. We’ll be with him always, even if we have to make that last, difficult decision, because, you see, he is our dog and we are his family.
He has a good heart you know, but then he is a dog, so that’s to be expected. He’s probably forgiven you and, with a dog’s grace, doesn’t even remember you dumped him. He’d probably even be willing to greet you at the Rainbow Bridge. But you know what? He’ll greet us and go with us at the Bridge, and then he’ll be with us forever, because he’s our dog and we’re his family.
The way we heard the story, you moved out of state and didn’t want to take him with you. You left him at your grandparents. Maybe you thought a lively, handsome dog was just the thing for them, and under better circumstances it might have been. Maybe they have been cleaning up your messes for your entire life and an unwanted dog was just another mess to clean up.One day, we saw him on the shelter web site. We called and asked about him. The shelter workers were so happy to hear from us and were delighted to agree to bring him to a local pet store where they do adoptions. Do you want to know why they were so accommodating? He was scheduled to be killed that afternoon. He didn’t know that, but the shelter workers certainly did. It hurt them and he felt that, so he knew something was wrong. All of a sudden, though, the shelter workers were happy and excited and so was he. They bathed him and brushed his coat. We think they probably told him this was it - his big chance, or maybe he just knew it somehow. When we met him, we all fell in love.
He had to go to the vet to be neutered, of course, but then he came home. He has his very own 13 year-old boy. You know, it’s almost like watching one of those old Lassie movies, seeing how well they’ve bonded. He’s got good food and his own toys. He’s taken on walks three times a day, is regularly groomed and is taken to the vet for needed care. We’ll be with him always, even if we have to make that last, difficult decision, because, you see, he is our dog and we are his family.
He has a good heart you know, but then he is a dog, so that’s to be expected. He’s probably forgiven you and, with a dog’s grace, doesn’t even remember you dumped him. He’d probably even be willing to greet you at the Rainbow Bridge. But you know what? He’ll greet us and go with us at the Bridge, and then he’ll be with us forever, because he’s our dog and we’re his family.
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Chelsea came to us when she was 3 years old. It was amazing that someone didn't want this wonderful dog. Through the years she was with us, Chelsea was always an exuberant, faithful, and loving friend. We miss her peeking around the curtain when we came home - every time we returned it was a joyous occasion with lots of woo-woos and spinning around. The happiness she brought our family was a great gift to us. The picture shown is her with her favorite stuffed toy squirrel. When she was really excited, she's grab it and carry it around proudly. We miss our sweet girl.
Marilyn, Ted and Rose
LSBR Archive - 2005
Chili had the most wonderful personality and the cutest face you could ever imagine. I got such joy from watching her bounce around and really give my horses a good talking to on a daily basis, all 35 lbs. of her! At three years old she was the tiniest little Boxer with a Heart the size of Texas. She always had a sparkle in her eye and was ready to take on anything, NO FEAR. When Chili came to us she had heartworms, a more severe case than most I've had to deal with. She came through her heartworm treatment just fine and at the advice of my vet we waited to have her spayed and give her some time after the heartworm treatment. We took her to have her spayed and when they opened her up they found a massive tumor on one of her mammary glands. They were going to send it off to be analyzed. She never woke up from her surgery. I am so sad and will miss her bubbly personality terribly. I am glad though that I had her in my life for a few wonderful months and am glad that when I left her for her surgery, I knelt down and she gave me a big slurp under the chin and as always she put those little legs on my shoulders for a little Boxer hug. Run, play and be free my little Chili!
I miss you. Sil McCall, Chili's foster mom
LSBR Archive - 2002 and earlier
Christie loved chasing the squirrels out of her yard but had the most impeccable manners inside the home, she was a real Lady. Hopefully she’s reunited with the brother and sisters she knew that passed before her.... Jake, Kiku, Jill, and Hope.
- Debbie Lon
Our Precious Cinderella,
11 1/2 years ago I got my first dog. I was nervous about the responsibility that it would require. I never knew a dog could make an entire family fall in love with her. Cinder was a member of our family from the start. In Cinder we found not only a best friend but she was a teacher, a comedian, a great listener and a healer. We could always look to Cinder to fill our hearts with joy. Cinder, thank you for showing us the meaning of unconditional love and bringing us joy each and every day. So many of our best memories are filled with images of you. You made us laugh and let us hold you when we needed to cry. You were a best friend to each of us, sharing your love with no reservations. You took in Baxter the cat when he was a kitten and loved him like your own. Being our first boxer you taught us that every time we see someone we care about we should shower them with love and affection, even if it's only been 5 minutes since the last meeting! Every morning we looked forward to your greeting us like you hadn't seen us in years. How quickly the years past, and how we wish they could have lasted longer. You left us so suddenly but with such dignity and grace. Our hearts feel broken and will take time to heal. As hard as it is to lose such a dear friend we wouldn't have changed a thing. We knew we couldn't be without a boxer for long and were so glad to find the Lone Star Boxer Rescue. Every one at the rescue has been wonderful. We appreciate everything they did to help match us up with a new friend. We recently adopted Bella (Baby Girl) and brought her home last night. She is such a good puppy that we are sure Cinderella is happily looking over her.
Lynn Meyers
LSBR Archive - 2006
Cisko
Nearly nine years ago, in May of 2005 our hearts were captured by a young guy named Cisko. We did not realize at that time what a treasure he will become to us. He was the most loyal and loving companion till his last day. He filled our lives with joy, energy and happiness. We would like to thank you for giving us a chance to be rescued by such a wonderful dog. With saddened hearts we would like to let you know that he went to heaven where All God’s Creatures go on April 12, 2014 as his third occurrence of cancer and was beyond a healing point. He was loved very much and is missed tremendously.
Nearly nine years ago, in May of 2005 our hearts were captured by a young guy named Cisko. We did not realize at that time what a treasure he will become to us. He was the most loyal and loving companion till his last day. He filled our lives with joy, energy and happiness. We would like to thank you for giving us a chance to be rescued by such a wonderful dog. With saddened hearts we would like to let you know that he went to heaven where All God’s Creatures go on April 12, 2014 as his third occurrence of cancer and was beyond a healing point. He was loved very much and is missed tremendously.
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