Wasn't looking I swear!

[Cami]

Cami has been gone for 3 weeks and 2 days. I am still shattered beyond belief.
A good friend of mine with no dog experience of her own, hence no pet loss EVER has been gracious and kind. Listening to my crying spells and trying her best to offer comfort.
She has been sending me links to various breeders with the impression that SHE wants a pup. This is the last thing that is really going to happen but it has given me something to do even though I know it is a waste of time. She is trying to be helpful in some way she just doesn't realize that I know what she is up to.

Anyhoo......

The most recent link she sends me seems like a responsible breeder. All health testing, with links to OFA. All dogs are champions including parents and the entire line back multiple generations. DOM's SOM's, RA, CD, CGC, etc....titles.

THEN I SEE HIM. The sire of the most recent litter. Although HE is a flashy reverse brindle and Cami was a flashy fawn they look identical (minus coat color of course).
Same stance, head shape, facial expression, eyes, mask coloring. Right down to the silly grin (breeder had casual shots of him as well).

The link to his pedigree escapes me. Talk to my friend and she wants me to call the breeder. I do. Chat with her for an hour. Get all the appropriate info from her and then we start talking about HIM.

When I inquire about HIM she tells me that "X" beats to a different drum than any of the Boxers that she has ever had. He was a free spirit. Not just smart but highly intelligent (I always said Cami was brilliant). Loves everyone and everything. I am thinking to myself....."Sounds like pretty much all Boxers". But don't say anything. She continues on about him and not in a pushy, I want to talk him up to sell his offspring sort of way. She was totally smitten with him and "his ways". Even some of her other dogs didn't know what to think about him but he was so much FUN that they all loved him despite his ways. He was "special". A dog that doesn't come around very often, if ever. They were lucky to have him. He was slow to mature....did well in the ring but it was a TON of work. Much more than any other Boxer in her line. HE was so independent thinking that at times they felt like giving up and just letting him do what he wanted. He wasn't bad at all just had much more "IT" than others. His "IT" was what makes him so special.

So. Conversation ends and I went into it telling her that I was inquiring for a friend who I didn't think would really end up with a Boxer, blah blah blah. Told her the history of Cami and why friend was doing what she was doing. Hence the call. She was extremely nice about the whole thing and just really enjoyed chatting with anyone who was passionate about Boxers. She asked if I had seen HIS pedigree. He was her dog and she co-owned the female who was from a different state, came to live with her for the breeding and whelping. I said that I must have missed his pedigree and I would take a peek at it later.

Curiosity got the best of me and I look at it.
HE IS CAMI'S UNCLE-ish. Same great-great grandparents, great grandparents, grandparents.

We joked on the phone about her description of "X" sounding just like Cami. Little quirks that were not specifically normal Boxer quirks.

Hubby comes home and I have the website up and show him a picture of "X". His ears are done so I take my hand and cover up the ears so you can see the head/face.
Hubby exclaims "THAT IS CAM'S FACE".

I'm like.... I KNOW!!

Tell him the entire conversation I have with the breeder.......scroll down to the picture of the pups from HIS litter at 4 hours old.

That is the end of the story. For now.

[Soniador]

Firstly, I'm so sorry that you lost your Cami. She misses you too.

Second, you have a really great friend there. It's probably not a mere coincidence that you found this breeder. I don't know if you'll be able to wait until the puppies are old enough to see if one has that "it" personality, but it will be fun no matter what you decide. A new puppy always heals -- they're magical.

Take care and keep us posted!

[Althea]

I'm doing boxer wiggles for you!! How awesome is it to find someone from your girl's line?! IF you decide to bring a puppy into your home, I truly hope it will relieve at least a little of your grief. Please believe me when I say...Suki didn't take it all away. Some days I still cry like a baby, I miss my girl so much. BUT...Suki makes it easier...and she reminds me so much of my Cai some days, I feel like it's Cai, telling me she's still here. Yeah, I know...I'm a big goof ball, but I can't help it. She was my world for a long time.

Keep us posted...

[BoxerMoments]

I just wanted to say in another post you said something about Cami sending you a sign.. Now if this isn't a sign I don't know what is!! Good luck with whatever you choose to do!

[djheitz]

I agree - I think Cami may be giving your friend a little guidance

Even if you're not ready, at least you've already found a breeder you like. That's the toughest part!

[DENALIGIRL]

First of all I would like to offer my sincere condolences. I was sobbing so uncontrollaby (at work mind you) after I read about your Cami...words cannot express how my heart goes out to you and your DH. As far as signs go, I'd have to say THIS is the sign you were looking for from your Cami...she is definitely telling you that life without a Boxer is just not the same for you... and if there is someone that knows you better than anyone, it's her...she knows her mommy best, doesn't she? Your journey with Cam was an AMAZING one and she was lucky to have not only one but TWO loving parents... But you have to stop and think about what a coincindence this is!!! How unreal to run across such a close relative to her. You knew it when you saw "HIM"...and guess what she knows that there are so many people out there that do not deserve dogs; let alone BOXERS!!! So I'm sure right now she is at the bridge bragging to all the other Boxers that HER mommy was the best!! She is telling them everything that you ever did just for her to make sure she was ok...and she is telling them how she was loved better than any dog could have ever been. And now she is hoping that you scoop up one of those pups in her memory to be able to give them the best chance at life possible and to share all of that love you have in your heart for Boxers. At least that's what I think and yes, I am teary-eyed again...your stories are very endearing to say the least and for some reason...I relate completely.

Kindred souls...they are everywhere...

[Madea]

wow what a sign from your baby. I can only repeat what every one else is saying, your baby loved you so much that she wants your to spread that love with other ancestors in her family. God Bless You and Your Husband. Cami is at the bridge, getting her shout on for you and for the lucky puppy THAt WILL COME HOME WITH YOU.

[bawlinkids]

Oh Susi, I can't wait to hear "the rest of the story". What a blessing it would be to have a relative of your precious Cami, weather that be now or later.

[Widges]

Originally Posted by djheitz

I agree - I think Cami may be giving your friend a little guidance

Even if you're not ready, at least you've already found a breeder you like. That's the toughest part!

My exact thoughts. I think you have a fantastic friend there, they are also hard to find.

[SherylM]

My heart was racing as I read your story. This is what I like to call Boxer Magic. Believe in it!

[Maniago]

We ended up with Eli through serendipity. I did not want a pup or any other dog, but he has been a godsend. He helps me remember all the wonderful things about loving George.

[KWilson]

I am sorry to hear about Cami. I loved your sweet girl and I was shocked when I got back on after all these months to learn the news. Your post had my heart going and I can't wait to see what ends up happening! It's like a soap opera but with boxers and puppies lol.