One is all you need to realize one is not enough.

One introduces you to all of the possibilities.
One is the beginning, a new life and a new set of eyes.
To see things differently, from the eyes of a Boxer.
The grass more than just green, more than a picnic spot.
No! grass is now a salad, a restroom, a cloud to bounce upon,
a place to rest, somewhere outside under the sun.
The water more than just liquid, more than a thirst quencher.
No! now water is somewhere to dunk your head and spray it about, a break from the sun, a new refreshing start.
The window is more than just an opening to look outside, to see what the weather is like.
No! through your new eyes that window is a view.
A view to intruders, friends, the mailman, to you coming home
a look outside when you can't be there but still need to feel a part of it, because you need to know everything that goes on in and outside of your home, you need to bark and let yourself be known.
The opening of the door is more than just someone opening it.
The door opening means someone is home, time to play, time to smile, time to love and cuddle, caress and wiggle about.
It means look at me, I'm here I've been waiting faithfully thinking of you, thinking of this moment.
I sit here at home waiting all day just for you.

I am not blind I see what you need.
My boxer needs a boxer, a companion of his own.
Or is it just me, is it the possibilities, a new beginning,
the excitement.
It's because I know.
Because you taught me.
That one is all you need to realize that one is not enough.......

Beatriz O.

A Boxers Tale

When I arrived at this house just two years ago,
Not a frightened pup was I ready for friend and foe,
I announced "my name is Bhuna and a Boxer I'm here to stay,
But let me warn you mum and dad, I'm going to get my way."

To stop my cries in the night they let me in their bed,
As a tiny pup I comfortably squeezed in between their heads,
But a handsome Boxer I am today and as big as I can be,
That decision to let me sleep with them is regretted ruefully.

My daily chore is walking Dad, I do it every day,
A harness and a lead attached so he doesn't lose his way.
His confidence grows as we hit the fields, he no longer needs his stead,
I've lots of running I need to do so he lets me off my lead.

If I met my doggy mother now I'm sure it would be plain to see,
The loyal proud upstanding Boxer I've turned out to be.
I remember her last words spoken as we left the breeders run,
"The golden rule given to us in life is you must make everything fun!

You've got the pleasure of being a boxer dear, so in everything you do,
Live every day like it were your last and to the Boxer pride be true,
When you're old and slowing down think back to this day
You'll have done your best if you know you got there doing it your way"

I'm the type to stick to my word can't let her down you see,
That's why to my mother fair and true I listened carefully,
The golden rule of Boxers must be followed day by day,
As I warned them when I arrived, I always get my way!

Do I Go Home Today?

My family brought me home cradled in their arms.
They cuddled me and smiled at me and said I was full of charm.
They played with me and laughed with me and showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family, especially the girls and boys.
The children loved to feed me, they gave me special treats.
They even let me sleep with them - all snuggled in the sheets.
I used to go for walks, often several times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash, I'm very proud to say.
These are the things I'll not forget - a cherished memory.
I now live in the shelter-without my family.
They used to laugh and praise me when I played with that old shoe.
But I didn't know the difference between the old ones and the new.
The kids and I would grab a rag, for hours we would tug.
So I thought I did the right thing when I chewed the bedroom rug.
They said that I was out of control, and would have to live outside.
This I did not understand, although I tried and tried.
The walks stopped, one by one; they said they hadn't time.
I wish that I could change things, I wish I knew my crime.
My life became so lonely, in the backyard, on a chain.
I barked and barked all day long to keep from going insane.
So they brought me to the shelter, but were embarrassed to say why,
They said I caused an allergy, and then they each kissed me goodbye.
If I'd only had some classes, as a little pup.
I wouldn't have been so hard to handle when I was all grown up.
"You only have one day left." I heard the worker say.
Does that mean I have a second chance? Do I go Home today?
By Sandi Thompson

I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet.
The garbage collector is NOT stealing our stuff.
I do not need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm lying under the coffee table.
I will not roll my toys behind the fridge.
I must shake the rainwater out of my fur BEFORE entering the house.
I will not eat the cats' food, before or after they eat it.
I will stop trying to find the few remaining pieces of clean carpet in the house when I am about to throw up.
I will not throw up in the car.
I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc.
I will not lick my human's face after eating animal poop.
"Kitty box crunchies" are not food.
I will not eat any more socks and then redeposit them in the backyard after processing.
The diaper pail is not a cookie jar.
I will not wake Mommy up by sticking my cold, wet nose up her bottom end.
I will not chew my human's toothbrush and not tell them.
I will not chew crayons or pens, especially not the red ones, or my people will think I am hemorrhaging.
When in the car, I will not insist on having the window rolled down when it's raining outside.
We do not have a doorbell. I will not bark each time I hear one on TV.
I will not steal my Mom's underwear and dance all over the back yard with it.
The sofa is not a face towel. Neither are Mom & Dad's laps.
My head does not belong in the refrigerator.
I will not bite the officer's hand when he reaches in for Mom's driver's license and car registration.


-- Author Unknown

When Mom says to move, it means go someplace else, not switch
positions so that you are still in the way.

Your brown eyes will not win you the best seat in the house. Just
because Mom went to get a glass of water doesn't mean you have next
dibs on her seat.

The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food. The
other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw
print in the middle of Mom's plate and food does not stake your claim
for it becoming your food and dish, nor does Mom find that
aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack.
Beating Mom to the bottom is not the object. Tripping Mom doesn't
help, because Mom falls faster than you can run. So don't complain
when your paw or tail gets injured. Mom's cast is a far more serious
result of your need to go fast.

Mom cannot buy anything bigger than a king size bed. She is very
sorry about this. Do not think Mom will continue to sleep on the
couch to ensure your comfort.

Look at videos of dogs sleeping; they can actually curl up in a ball.
It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched
out to the fullest extent possible. Mom also knows that sticking
tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to
maximize space used is nothing but doggy sarcasm.

When Mom is working on the computer, jumping up and trying to grab
the mouse through the glass is not helpful. Barking at Mom because
she's not helping you achieve your goal does not win you any extra
brownie points.

Mom's compact discs are not miniature Frisbees.

For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If
by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it
is not necessary to claw, whine, and try to turn the knob, or get
your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. Mom must
always exit through the same door she entered. In addition, Mom has
been using bathrooms for years, and canine attendance is not
mandatory.

The proper order is kiss Mom, go smell other dog's butt. Mom cannot
stress this enough. It would be such a simple change for you guys to
make.

Lastly, please do not drag your butt on the carpet; and if you must
puke, then look for the linoleum--and if you have a butt cling-on, do
not hide under the bed, and if you must eat Kleenex, eat it all don't
leave the bits of wet small gobs all over the house....and if I catch
you with my best lace undies on your head one more time you become a
permanent OUTDOOR dog. That means more shots for you and a dingy
little house, no bed, and none of the lovely privileges you have
already granted yourself.

Much love to you my good buddy. It helps that you are a perfect
listener, when it doesn't involve anything you have done. That you
share your body heat unconditionally. That you seem to have a
permanent grin. That you have strength and endurance I can only envy.
And that you have taught me that there is a time to work, a time to
play, and a time to rest. Dogs really are best friends, and I swear
you understand every word I say.

Love Mom.


 

My Boxer

Although I dislike the way you drool on my knee when you rest your head
I love the way you lay on your back with your legs in the air asleep on my bed
It makes me laugh when your ball sinks to the bottom of the stream
You blindly search for it in front of you, even though it's two or more feet away, or so it seems
You charge around corners like you are running away from death
Knocking into furniture as you go, while running out of breath
Sometimes I think you've been brain damaged, from all the knocks and scrapes
I often feel you act out being mentally ill just because of the get well grapes
I like how you lean against me when you have a scare
The long deep sighs, sad looking eyes and the innocent faced glare
When I'm sleeping you squeeze into the gap between me and the wall
It always amazes me how you can fit into places so small
You wake me up during the night with all the snores and grunts
And I have to tell you it's not attractive.. I'm sorry to be blunt
Although slightly dysfunctional, I wouldn't trade you in for a million dogs on earth
From the way you make me laugh and smile, I know you truly were a miracle birth.

Doggie Dictionary

LEASH: A strap which attaches to your collar, enabling you to lead
your person where you want him/her to go.

DOG BED: any soft, clean surface, such as the white bedspread in the guest room or the newly upholstered couch in the living room.

DROOL: Is what you do when your persons have food and you don't. To do this properly you must sit as close as you can and look sad and let the drool fall to the floor, or better yet, on their laps.

SNIFF: A social custom to use when you greet other dogs. Place your nose as close as you can to the other dog's rear end and inhale deeply, repeat several times, or until your person makes you stop.

GARBAGE CAN: A container which your neighbors put out once a week to test your ingenuity. You must stand on your hind legs and try to push the lid off with your nose. If you do it right you are rewarded with margarine wrappers to shred, beef bones to consume and moldy crusts of bread.

BICYCLES: Two-wheeled exercise machines, invented for dogs to control body fat. To get maximum aerobic benefit, you must hide behind a bush and dash out, bark loudly and run alongside for a few yards; the person then swerves and falls into the bushes, and you prance away.

DEAFNESS: This is a malady which affects dogs when their persons want them in and they want to stay out. Symptoms include staring blankly at the person, then running in the opposite direction, or lying down.

THUNDER: This is a signal that the world is coming to an end. Humans remain amazingly calm during thunderstorms, so it is necessary to warn them of the danger by trembling uncontrollably, panting, rolling your eyes wildly, and following at their heels.

WASTEBASKET: This is a dog toy filled with paper, envelopes, and old candy wrapper. When you get bored, turn over the basket and strew the papers all over the house until your person comes home

SOFAS: Are to dogs like napkins are to people. After eating it is
polite to run up and down the front of the sofa and wipe your
whiskers clean.

BATH: This is a process by which the humans drench the floor, walls and themselves. You can help by shaking vigorously and frequently.

LEAN: Every good dog’s response to the command "sit!", especially if your person is dressed for an evening out. Incredibly effective before black-tie events.

BUMP: The best way to get your human's attention when they are drinking a fresh cup of coffee or tea.

GOOSE BUMP: A maneuver to use as a last resort when the Regular Bump doesn't get the attention you require.....especially effective when combined with The Sniff. See above.

LOVE: Is a feeling of intense affection, given freely and without
restriction. The best way you can show your love is to wag your tail.

If you're lucky, a human will love you in return.

Author Unknown

Twas the night before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse

The stockings were hung, by the chimney with care

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there

The children were nestled, all snug in their beds

With no thought of the dog, filing their heads

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and me in my cap

Knew he was cold, didn’t care about that

When out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter

I sprang from my bed, to see what was the matter

Away to the window, I flew like a flash

The dog might be free, and into the trash

The moon on the breast, of the new fallen snow

Gave a luster of noon, to the objects below

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear

But Santa Clause, with his eyes full of tears

He unchained the dog, once lively and quick

Last year’s gift -- thin, and painfully sick

More rapid than lightning, he called the dogs’ name

And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain.

"Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now Prancer! and Vixen!

On comet! on Cupid! on Donder! and Blitzen!

To the Top of the porch, to the top of the wall

Lets find a new home, where he will be loved by all

I knew in an instant, no gifts would be near

For Santa had made, one thing quite clear

The gift of a dog, is not just for the season

We’d gotten a dog, for all the wrong reasons

In our haste to find, our kids a new gift

There was one basic thing, that we had missed

A dog should be family, and cared for the same

You don’t give a gift, then put it on a chain

And I heard him exclaim, as he rode out of sight

"You weren’t giving a gift, you were giving a life

SONG OF THE BOXER

I am but a scant century old,
But where others far older only exist,
I have fully lived.

Since my very beginnings I have;
Guarded your home,
Gone with you to war,
Guided the blind,
Helped you raise your kids.

All with Unconditional Love.

When you are sick, I am your comfort.
When you are sad, I bring you joy.
If you are lonely, I am your forever friend,
A bond no hurt can destroy.

Because of Unconditional Love.

I smile to see you happy.
Laugh with you for I am mirth.
Dance with you when you are triumphant.
Mourn each death, Celebrate each birth.

To share Unconditional Love.

You created me proud and strong standing,
I lend you my legs when your's no longer work.
You gave me bright wit to use in your service,
I see into the future and keep you from the troubles
that there lurk.

In a contract of Unconditional Love.

Young though I be in the measurement of time,
Together we are united in the partnership of life.
As we stride across the ages,
I glory in your victories, I shield you from strife.

In a journey of Unconditional Love.

I am but a scant century old.
Yet where others far older only exist,
I have fully lived.

For I am the Boxer,
The Song of Unconditional Love.


-Jim, Brian, & Kristen Papworth

 If dogs could teach us we would learn things such as:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy
When it’s in your best interest – practice obedience
Let others know when they have invaded your territory
Take naps and stretch before rising
Run, romp and play daily
Thrive on attention and let people touch you
Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass
On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree
When you are happy, dance and wag your entire body
No matter how often you are scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout…run right back and make friends
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough
Be loyal

Never pretend to be something you are not
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently


 

How To Photograph A New Puppy...

** Remove film from box and load camera

** Remove film box from puppy's mouth and throw in trash

** Remove puppy from trash and brush coffee grounds from muzzle

** Choose a suitable background for photo

** Mount camera on tripod and focus

** Find puppy and take dirty sock from mouth

** Place puppy in pre-focused spot and return to camera

** Forget about spot and crawl after puppy on knees

** Focus with one hand and fend off puppy with other hand

** Get tissue and clean nose print from lens

** Take flash cube from puppy's mouth and throw in trash

** Put cat outside and put peroxide on the scratch on puppy's nose

** Put magazines back on coffee table

** Try to get puppy's attention by squeaking toy over your head

** Replace your glasses and check camera for damage

** Jump up in time to grab puppy by scruff of neck and say, "No, outside! No, outside!"

** Call spouse to clean up mess

** Fix a drink

** Sit back in Lazy Boy with drink and resolve to teach puppy "sit" and "stay" the first thing in the morning

Member of the Family

What would I do without you,
My precious, furry friend?...
Part mischief, but all blessing,
And faithful to the end!

You look at me with eyes of love;
You never hold a grudge...
You think I'm far too wonderful
To criticize or judge.

It seems your greatest joy in life
Is being close to me...
I think God knew how comforting
Your warm, soft fur would be.

I know you think you're human,
But I'm glad it isn't true...
The world would be a nicer place
If folks were more like you!

A few short years are all we have;
One day we'll have to part....
But you, my pet, will always have
A place within my heart.

-Hope Harrington Kolb

My Boxer Companion- By Kellie Morton

My Boxer companion
My Loyal Friend
On you I know I can always depend
To be there for me without a care in your eye
Day after day, as the years go by
You greet me when I come home like no one else would
I mean more to you than anyone could

A bond was built from the very start
You bring a smile to my face
You bring joy to my heart

I think that you must have been sent from above,
To watch over me and show unconditional love
I love to kiss your slobbery face,
Your so beautiful when you prance at that majestic pace

So gentle yet so strong,
Lean and Muscular, with legs tall and long,

Boxer’s are a breed like no other
They are loyal, energetic and fun,
They are caring, compassionate loving creatures
Who will stand at your side until there time is done.

No other breed can even compare,
To the love that an owner and their boxer share.

THE HALF-BREED

They call me a Boxer,
But I'm a Half-Breed.
Part Boxer of course,
and part people indeed.

Anyone who owns me knows it's true.
We're so close to being people,
we're like part of you.
"He's one of the family,"
you've heard people say.
"Don't know how we'll manage when he passes away."

But they'll get another Boxer,
a pure bred at first.
Not the most well-behaved puppy,
but far from the worst.

Then the change will take place,
the same as before.
They'll end up with the same human HALF-BREED once more!

Boxer Dogs: Clowns, Not Guard Dogs

by Dana Goldberg

Boxers have been traced to exist for over a hundred years now. They are said to have originated from Germany as the crossbreed between the Brabanter Bullenbesser (from Belgium) and the English Bulldog. Boxer dogs are known for their intelligence, hardiness, loyalty and its being family-oriented which makes it a great family pet. It is often commented that a family with a boxer is one that is filled with laughter and joy.

Boxer dogs have the natural tendency for learning new things and mental stimulation. It is widely recognized that bored boxer dogs make bad dogs. They need to be constantly trained, just like with other dogs.

Contrary to popular beliefs, boxer dogs are not guard dogs, they can be excellent watchdogs though as they will bark at any strangers if need be. However, they don't like isolation and are not naturally aggressive or viscous. Actually, the majority of boxers are known to not stand a time separated from their owners. They need continuous interaction with the family and are very affectionate to their owners. In fact, one of the most difficult training exercises for this breed is not to attack their own owners out of excitement.

Because of their sturdiness and other "strong" physical features, they are mostly trained to become guard dogs. Sadly, many are left into abandonment due to their owner's dissatisfactions. In actuality, they cannot be easily trained for attack and they are abused for such.

Boxer dogs are overwhelmingly playful. On a poll survey conducted, dog owners described boxers as clowns, contradicting the aggressive portrayal widely accepted today. They are exuberant from day one to their senior years. Boxer dogs are an entertaining breed and always have the knack for making unique tricks like the "kidney beaning" and the "woo-woo". These two are often manifested when they are excited or overly happy (which is true in most cases).

Kidney beaning is a dance, which is characterized with a semi-circle turn then a turn for a full circle. On the other hand, "woo-woo" is a distinct sound they made which appeals like a bark but is actually not.

Boxer dogs have the personality that is unique in their breed, but this does not apply with all dog owners. They need to be constantly fed with physical and mental exercises to spend their high resource of body energies and add to it the attention they require. Boxer dogs are not known of sleeping the whole day away or go off 0on their own. If they are not sufficiently exercised, they may be very destructive, this they do to amuse themselves. For at least twice a day, they must be exercised or jogged.

One good way of providing worthwhile activities for boxer dogs is the obedience training. In fact, it is a must for all owners of this breed but to be sure, obedience training is both a win-win situation for both the owner and the dogs.

During training, it is not unusual to see stubborn boxers. Due to their intelligence, they tend not to listen to commands given to them. But above this, they are quick to learn and are eager for further learning.

A Boxer dog is not an outdoor pet, nor can it tolerate extreme weather conditions. They have short coat and a short nasal cavity; both are not apt for cold weather and hot weather respectively. Additionally, these are lap dogs however large they get.