Doing a favor!

NIck · #1 11-26-2003, 06:20 PM

Hey guys, I have a question. My wife was at work 3 days ago and there was a note in the lounge it said " ATTENTION : dog lovers I am looking for a temporary home for a 8 year old boxer. owner unable to care for" It turns out the lady who posted the note was doing it for her mother-inlaw who has cancer and can not physically take care of the dog right now. Well my wife called me minutes after reading this note and we arranged for the two dogs to meet friday. Now I have a 1 year old female BEST dog in the world, (except for yours, of course). No this Boxer is a male up to date on all shots and healhy as a ...well boxer but do you think this is a good idea? Anything I should expect from Kya (my baby) or Zues, the new guy? Any tips from anyone who has two dogs similar in age as these two? And how playfull are boxers at the young age of 8? I appreciate any help,info or comments thanks again... Happy Thanksgiving..

Nick.

Draymia · #2 11-26-2003, 06:59 PM

First of all....Thank You for helping out. No telling what would have happened to the old boy if you weren't stepping in.

What to expect?? Probably you will have no problems at. Your teenage girl will probably get in trouble with the old boy a time or two until she learns to not endlessly pester him. But don't worry all should be fine.

One thng to keep in mind, is if Kya pesters him too much, you may have to give him a little privacy, but Zues will probably tell her when he has had enough.

Be sure to get his history and feed the same food the same way. It would be best to feed them in different rooms. A time schedule of his habits would probably also help with his adjustment.

Scorpio · #3 11-26-2003, 10:18 PM

I sure hope it all works out for everyone.

Krookeddave · #4 11-26-2003, 10:46 PM

First of all that is wonderful of you to help give this dog a good home.

We have a 10 month old boxer and a 2 year old boxer rescue. Our rescue is a young boy but he is recovering from heartworm treatment and is a bit on the laid back side for now. So, I guess it would be somewhat like the same situation. I was worried that our baby girl would be a bit much for him at first but it worked out wonderfully. He will play with her for a little while and when he has had enough he will go lay down. If our girl still pesters him, he gives her a quick and harmless snarl and she backs away. They even snuggle together now. I think it will be ok. At first you may worry and wonder what you have gotten yourself into but after a short while things will become the norm and you will be happy you did what you did.

Good luck!

Krikkit · #5 11-26-2003, 10:48 PM

Quote:

And how playfull are boxers at the young age of 8?

It does depend on the Boxer, but usually very playfull

The beauty of it is they are over the true youthfull sillies. Our nine year olds play with the five year olds and the two year old a fair bit, yet the have the age and wisdom to put them in their place if things get too carried away.

How wonderful that you are helping Zues - wishing you all the very best with this.

Sharon

Cindy Creel · #6 11-26-2003, 10:50 PM

I have two also. They are the same age. They are brother and sister. I have to feed them in separate rooms. I think that the above suggestions are good. Get the name of his vet and perhaps give them a call. Explain the situation to the vet, and maybe call the owner, too. Definitely find out the type of food he is on and try to continue until he gets to know his new environment. If you change his food do it slowly mixing it with his old food over a period of ten days. Good luck

NIck · #7 11-27-2003, 08:05 AM

Thanks for all the info. It turns out the owner sons Will be buying his food for us until his mother is better and taking care of any expenses that may arise, He would of taken Zues but he lives in an apartment, So he still will be having contact with a familiar Face. My concern is when they ant ta take him home Im gonna Have to Get another. I might try rescue, you never know. Thanks again for all the info and suggestions

VTbxrFan · #8 11-27-2003, 08:32 AM

This is a wonderful thing you are doing! I'm sure it means the world to this lady and her family that she doesn't have to worry about her dog on top of her health problems. If both dogs are generally good with other dogs, they will probably do fine. There might be an adjustment period, but everyone should settle in. In my opinion, 8 years old is about the most perfect boxer around! They still have spunk and energy but have calmed down a little and they are just extra sweet!

My parents boy was about that age when my sister and I got younger ones. He still loves to romp and play with them...sometimes he gets tired a little bit before they do when we are all visiting, but they all enjoy it. If we feel like he needs some rest and the youngsters are pestering him, we'll just put them in separate rooms for a while.

While it's true that you might get attached to him and will be sad to turn him over, try to focus on the wonderful thing you are doing for him...and once his owner is able to care for him again (fingers crossed for a positive outcome for her!), there will many more boxers out their looking for a home whether you choose to do it as a volunteer for rescue or by adopting a permanent family member.

If there is a rescue group in your area, try to contact them and let them know what you are doing. They will be a great source of advice and help if you have to work through any adjustments. I know that anyone in my rescue would be more than happy to provide advice and encouragement for someone in this situation. Thank you for opening your heart and your home to a dog in need. I hope the meeting of the dogs will go well!

xenaprincess · #9 11-27-2003, 08:44 AM

What a GREAT thing you are doing for Zeus...Congratulations!

I have no advice to offer you as I only have the one boxer, but I just wanted to say that I think you guys are wonderful for trying! I am sure Zeus and Kya will get along great! Kya will no doubt be put in place once in awhile by the older gentleman, but she will learn what the limits are....and she will LOVE Zeus!

Best of Luck to you guys!

Sharon

adeinert · #10 11-29-2003, 07:57 PM

I fostered a silvering boxer once. Wow! Most people have no idea what they are missing! When I found out that she was teriminally ill, she stayed on, but if she got better instantly I would have had to adopt her!

What a dream. She taught my youngest (about 7 months at the time) how to tug, she still had plenty of play in her.

I think people are often a bit apprehensive about adopting a silver boxer, but those who have know it is a wonderful secret that needs to be shared. Hopefully your experience will give some others a look into inviting an older boxer into the home. I just posted about silver boxers and how they are often looked over.

My only tip is to try to keep him on a schedule as close to the one he is currently on as possible.

I just want to say how wonderful it is that you are doing this for this boxer and owner.

Ashlie, the rescued boxertrio, and our foster - Copper McCloud