Chomper our beloved Boxer

tnunn40 · #1 20th August 2002, 05:35 PM

My family and I just went through the most heart wrenching experience that we could ever have gone through and I am trying to get reassurance from other boxer families that we still can get another boxer that will live longer than ours did. Approximately, 8 weeks ago my beautiful brown and white male 80 pound boxer Chomper started having major diarrhea and we couldn't get it to stop, two vets checked him out and could not find anything wrong with him, except he was loosing weight quickly and could not eat anything without it going straight through him, I took him to another vet and gave him all of the meds and tests that he had been through the last two weeks at the other vets, and he did Exploratory surgery and did biopsy's and found his intestines eaten up with lymphoma. I had to put him to sleep yesterday he was only 3 1/2 years old. Me and my family are devistated, I have owned alot of animals and different breeds of dogs but, this was my first boxer and the first animal I have ever had that had cancer, and a cancer that killed him literally in 6 weeks. I have spoken to vets that say this runs in the boxer breed, I am hoping this is not true, as we plan on getting another one, once we get over the intial shock of what happened to us. Is anyone out there that can console me and my family that this was just a freak thing that happened to our best friend. thanks Tyra Nunn

monty'smum · #2 20th August 2002, 05:55 PM

My heart goes out to you for the loss of your dear Chomper

It's so unfortunate and cruel to happen at an early age but it does happen.......Boxers are prone to cancerous lumps and conditions....we lost our first boxer aged five in 1963...my parents went on to have 4 more boxers the average age span for them was 9-11.

Lots of people on here have boxers living to greater ages....my parents last boxers sire was 17 when he passed away....to me it just makes you teasure each day you have with them and no matter how long or short that time is....if during that time you can say that you've have given them the best that life offers....then no one can take the precious memories away from you.

God bless and take care....one day Chomper will be waiting for you and you will be reunited.

olivesmom · #3 20th August 2002, 06:14 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss.

You will be able to find a lot of support here. Please get another boxer as they are such wonderful dogs. No dog lives long enough but most boxers will live longer than 3 1/2 yrs. If you decide to get another boxer puppy your best bet will be to find a good breeder. A good breeder should be able to provide you with a family history to help elimate possible health problems. You will never be 100% sure no matter what breed you get.

Moe and Olive are sending you boxer hugs and kisses to help you get through this tough time.

debbie knowles · #4 20th August 2002, 06:52 PM

I am so sorry for your loss...believe me I know how bad it hurts to lose your beloved friend. Please do not let this stop you from experiencing that wonderful Boxer love again. One day the time will be right and you will find another Boxer to help fill that void. We lost our Hannah last fall at age 9 and our Goliath will be 12 in November. And now of course there is 9 month old Jack who has brought the laughter back into our home! I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Pleae take care...djk

heidiho · #5 20th August 2002, 10:33 PM

So very sorry to hear about your loss. Remember " to everything there is a season......". It is very hard to loose our best friends. Yes cancer does run in the breed, as does heart conditions. I agree with everyone here to go with a reputable breeder who health tests and will provide with the copies of their dogs health certificates. However, many Boxers live long healthy lives. Take time out to mourn your friend. But I hope you will get another Boxer. They are such wonderful dogs, as you know.

VTbxrFan · #6 21st August 2002, 06:45 AM

I'm so sorry for your loss. Although it is true that boxers are more prone to cancer than other breeds, that doesn't mean that every boxer will get it, and it certainly isn't common in dogs as young as your Chomper. My family has had many boxers over the years and so far none have had cancer. As others have mentioned, to increase your chances of having a healthy dog, be sure to get your puppy from a reputable breeder who has done all of the necessary health testing and has a health history for several generations on his/her lines. Many cancers are genetic and the changes of dogs getting them can be greatly reduced through proper breeding practices.

Linda/NJ · #7 21st August 2002, 07:08 PM

You and your family have my deepest sympathy. So sorry your Chomper left you so soon. It is always hard to say how long our babies will live. Remember Chomper will always be in your heart.

Linda/NJ
Ginger * June 4, 1997
Flashy Fawn * Natural Earsqueenicon

sammy7 · #8 21st August 2002, 11:44 PM

Tyra

My heart goes out to you and your family. Your pain and grief are raw and still fresh. Slowly, you will heal and if a boxer finds it's way into your life it will be loved all of it's lifetime, whether short or long.

We lost Darby to the same form of lymphoma this past February and it was one the hardest experiences of my life. Darby was also young. She was 5 and 1/2. I could type on and on about what a special dog she was to me and to our family. It was very hard on us and we did get a new puppy this summer but we did not get a boxer this time. I researched and found a reputable boxer breeder, but in the end, I just could not get another so soon. I admit I was leary of health problems in the boxer breed. Ultimatlely though, I just wasn't ready to bring another boxer into the house. I will have more boxers in my family some day and I will do all that I can to stack the cards in favor of a healthy dog(reputable breeder that does health checks, healthy, natural diet, etc). Or I may rescue again as I did with Tango(9 years last month) and take what I get as far as health status and history.

Again, I want to say that I feel for you and I know that you are in a sad place right now. I hope that you are able to get through these difficult days with memories of your Chomper and with the love that he brought to you and your family.

Samantha

Derek-Virginia · #9 23rd August 2002, 02:57 PM

We have just read your post.. It is very common for Boxers to have cancer, but on the plus side although our Boxer has just gone to the Bridge he lived to 13yrs and 6 weeks surviving several lumps etc. The point is if you find any lumps however big or small just take him/her to the vet and get them removed. They are such strong minded dogs they seem to bounce back. Sorry to hear about your dog as he was so young - we know exactly how you feel as Rocky died only last week 14th August. We are already thinking of getting another Boxer and dont let this put you off the breed - they are gorgeous loving dogs.

Derek, Virginia and Jack