The Story of a Successful Adoption (long)

[Suzanna828]

I’m writing this because this morning, for the first time since we adopted him in May, Jake came into the office and demanded my attention and affection with a big boxer hug (the nudge to my arm and resulting pet wasn’t sufficient :rolleyes http://216.55.5.229/ubb/smile.gif. Last night was the first time he let me open his mouth.. The night before was the first time he “spoke” to us. Every single day, even 2 ½ months after being adopted, Jake shows us he feels more and more a part of us. Every single day his confidence and feeling of security grow. http://216.55.5.229/ubb/biggrin.gif

After 4 months of searching, and home visits, and applications, the morning of our adoption I said to my husband, "Today, we're going to get our dog." I was crying. Neither of us had ANY idea my prediction would come true because we had not yet contacted the particular rescue service from which we adopted him. Whether we found Jake that day because I was determined that we would, or whether it was meant to be, is your call. I choose to believe that latter. http://216.55.5.229/ubb/wink.gif

I felt it was meant to be, but Jake may not have known I felt that way. Although he was always extremely friendly, when we first adopted Jake, he was somewhat aloof. He tolerated our hugs and pets, but never asked for them. http://216.55.5.229/ubb/frown.gif We had to give him a cough suppressant in a pill form because there was no way that mouth was opening. He never “spoke” to us. In fact, he was so unresponsive that we thought he might be deaf. He was happy just exploring, or laying on his bed by himself, and who can blame him. We might have known that this was his forever home, but he didn’t. He also had kennel cough, but the symptoms had yet to develop.

When we first started talking about adopting a rescue, a lot of people had a lot of negative feedback. http://216.55.5.229/ubb/mad.gif Luckily, I didn’t listen to any of this advice because my family has always adopted and has never had a problem. I have never regretted adopting Jake, who is an angel with children, who wants nothing more than to please his human “pack,” who is a purebred boxer with all of the boxer idiosynchrasies. From day one walking this dog was like walking a cloud. He has never needed to be in a crate (although he did accidentally tear a hole in my couch). He has always known the basic obedience commands. After 2 ½ months, Jake has finally bonded with us as if we had raised him from puppyhood. I’ll never forget the first time he barked because someone was at the door, or the look of adoration he gave us the first time we let him in the bed, or the first time he sat staring intently at his food bowl because he was hungry. The list is infinite. Now I just have to convince my husband that we need to adopt another rescue!


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Suzanna - Mom to Jake, 2 year old fawn male, floppy ears, docked tail

[Tanyia]

*Sitting her in tears*

Suzanna-
You have earned your boxer angel wings! Thank-you for taking in Jake. It sounds like he now knows that you are his forever family and is beginning to loosen up! Have you received any kidney beaning upon your return to the house? Good Luck! Please keep us updated with how things are going!

[Sierra]

I need a tissue!

Great Job!

You are doing everything right!! He has come to trust you at this point. When rescuing a dog of any breed it takes months for the dog to learn to adapt and feel comfortable with their new families. We tell our adopters 4-6 months.
Now you will have all the rewards of a foster and they are well worth the wait! Good Job.


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Proud momma of 3 boxer babies and 1 foster:
Dallas, F, Brindle 3/21/95
Dakota, M, Fawn 7/10/99
Missy, F, Brindle 8/7/99
And 1 Second Chance Foster dog
www.********************************************

Jake is truly a lucky dog to have found your fmaily! http://216.55.5.229/ubb/smile.gif

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Bridget - 7 yr. old flashy fawn female cropped and docked (the enforcer)

Killian - 4 yr. old dark brindle male dark mask cropped and docked (big love bug)

Darcy - 2 1/2 yr. old flashy brindle female cropped and docked (bad to the bone)

www.pastoboxers.pages.petsmart.com

[Eva]

Wow Suzanna,

You are a true hero and inspiration to all boxers and their owners everywhere!!! Nothing is quite as rewarding as adopting a boxer in need. I am so glad I have come across my two babies that way! http://216.55.5.229/ubb/smile.gif Thank you for opening up your heart to Jake!!

Eva

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**VERY PROUD MAMA OF**
Roxy Ember Gitzes - Adopted at 7/99, 1 1/2 years old, female, fawn, natural ears

Kaiser Joe Gitzes - rescued from a shelter 7/00, 6 years old, male, fawn, cropped ears