[mairesiobhan]

Hello All,

As I type this, my Boxer Eli is snoring away next to me. His presence in my life is the result of learning more about the breed and coming to appreciate Boxers through my daughter's relationship with her dog. I wasn't sure when or if I would adopt one of my own, but over the past 3 years spent many hours reading the posts on this board and felt compelled to sponsor several Boxers who had medical issues (or a posted euth date) until they could be adopted.

I spent hours gazing at pictures of Boxers available for adoption on various websites, but many were described as needing to be the "only dog" or as unsafe with cats. Not only do I have a cat but I also wanted a dog with the potential to accept another in the future.

Upon finding Eli's description as being ~3 yrs old and friendly with other dogs and okay with cats, I faxed an application and figured he'd probably already been adopted over Easter weekend. But to my surprise and joy I received a rapid, enthusiastic response from the shelter, saying my application was the only one and they'd post a "pending adoption" notice until I could get to the shelter which was a 3 hr drive from my home. I was ready to make the leap!

As it turns out, some hunters found Eli wandering in the deep woods. He was gaunt but seemed relieved to be found. When the volunteers brought him out and I took one look at that face, I knew he would be coming home with me.

The first two weeks have been busy with vet checks, neutering, crate training, learning the rules etc. They guestimated his age to be 1.5 to 2 years old. He eats like it's his last meal and put on 5 lbs. in the first week and a half. I am as tired as I was when I had my first baby!

I look forward to being part of a community of people united by their devotion to Boxers.

~Maire