Want to try again...

[mcali]

Thanks so much for your response. I will find out specifically what tests she has performed and when. She is a member of ABC as well as two other regional boxer clubs. I will ask more questions and if it does not feel right, I will move on.
Catherine

[SpartanBoxer]

Originally Posted by mcali

Last Monday we had to put our four year old baby - Lennox to sleep. Four years ago when we began our search for a boxer I was set on finding a breeder. One day my husband and I ventured into the pet store to just "look" and we came home with our little Lennox. I had read many books and was hesitant....but I fell in love. Ultimately he developed epilepsy and last weekend he got really bad and we could not continue to let him suffer, so we put him to sleep. Part of me feels that his health problems are because he was from a pet store and that we did not know where he came from.
My husband has been talking about getting another dog. I thought that I could never do it again because no puppy could be my Lennox. My husband wants to try another breed, but I can't do it. If I choose to get another dog, it has to be a boxer - but I am scared that I will get another dog that is sick. I can't go through that again - this last year was horrible watching my baby have seizure attacks three times a month and on occassion cluster episodes. It was emotionally draining and broke my heart. I want to find a breeder. I have read that reputible breeders test for ailments. Is epilepsy something that that a breeder should inform a potential buyer about? I know that there are no guarantees when you get a dog...but I would assume that my chances of getting a healthier dog would be from a breeder. I am still grieving for Lennox, but I want to see if I can find a breeder in the hopes that I can move on and open my heart to another puppy. How do I go about looking? What am I looking for? What should I ask? How do I know the difference between a reputible breeder and a BYB? I appreciate any help that you can give me.
Thanks.
Catherine
In loving memory of Lennox, a handsome floppy eared flashy fawn - 3/27/04-4/21/08

Wow, talk about summing up exactly what I'm feeling. I mean exactly.

My baby died last night, and I *think* I might start looking for another. Not 100% yet, but serious thoughts are starting.

I did the same thing you did. I had an exhaustive search the first time around and ended up doing just about the same thing you did. Next time I won't even visit anywhere that isn't a top notch breeder b/c I know I'll fall in love with a dog and come home with one.

But the questions surrounding my clogged brain are never-ending. How do I find one of the *good* breeders? How will I know, etc etc etc...

I'm with on Boxers. My buddy told me today that his Pug was going to be having babies shortly and I could have one... I have to respectfully decline. Most people don't understand, but I ONLY want a Boxer. However I can't deal with the heart-ache of losing another one so tragically. I'm willing to pay double if I know the breeder is someone that cares about the breed and is responsible. Just don't know where to find one. I'll read the rest of the replies now, hopefully people have some good ideas.

Thank You.

[mikroma]

Boy can I ever identify. We lost our Caesar baby earlier this year to cancer. He was from a back yard breeder, however he lived to over 10 years. And it was a great 10 years. My husband and I thought we would never get another dog, and finally after dog-sitting for a friend, we got Nero. He has brought so much energy (and pee-pee) into our lives (and apartment).

We got Nero from a breeder in New Jersey (around exit 7 on the turnpike). They seemed very respected and we got their number through other referrals. They gave us a 2 year health guarantee on the puppy, which I guess is good for heart problems, etc. If you are interested, let me know and I will give you their contact information. We get so many compliments on Nero, he is truly a beautiful dog. Coat like silk and great markings, and above all a great personality.

I also know of a boxer rescue in the area and the man who runs it spends much time with the dogs before letting them be adopted, you could mention you have kids. Adopting was not right for us because our dog will be in a photo studio around clients and food (this dog will NEVER know table food! My hubby is a food photographer) and flashing lights which freak a lot of dogs out.

I hope you find a great breeder or rescue! Good luck! ~Susan

[mcali]

Okay...so we have a new addition to our family...Sonny!! The breeders had testing of the heart and thyroid (the hip testing was the only thing not done). They also provided us with their vet's phone number in case we had any questions. They were great at answering all of our questions and gave us a 15 page booklet of info on the dog and what to get for him, how to crate train him, etc. They have called to see how he has transitioned and adjusted to his new enviornment. Sonny is a fawn with natural ears. He is cute and has a nice, calm, playful personality. My children are very excited that they have a new dog. I had him checked out at the vet and they said that he looks fine. We hope that everything will work out. I am so worried about every little thing (I guess that happens after you have a sick dog). I watch the way he walks to make sure everything is fine. If he twitches while sleeping I check on him. My husband tells me it is a leap of faith getting a new dog after what we just went through with Lennox. I know that there are no guarantees, but I only hope that he'll be ok.

Catherine

[Gruntsmom]

Congratulations and welcome to the new addition to your family! Best wishes for a healthy happy life for Sonny!

[djheitz]

Welcome home, Sonny!

[auntthelm]

Congratulations on your new baby.

[mcali]

Thanks!! Sonny is adjusting well to his new home. He is such a good boy. I will post some pictures when I get a chance. My two children love him. My daughter who is 2 is at the stage where everything is, "No, Sonny, No!!" and my son who is 1 just wants to keep pulling at his tail. Even though Lennox has been gone for only 2 months, it seems like they have forgotten what it's like to have a dog around. I keep having to remind my daughter that Sonny is a puppy and he has to learn what is right and wrong. Anyway, thanks a lot for all your well-wishes. I will post some pictures soon!!
Catherine