As her babies sleep with full bellies in the safety of their puppy pen, Puppy Mill Mom Sam can finally rest easy. She no longer has to wonder when her next meal will come, or if she will get fresh water today. She and her babies are no longer baking under the hot SC sun. Sam is skin and bones, she gave everything she had to her puppies who are all healthy and well. Sam will need a little more TLC and care before she is ready for adoption, along with the six other female boxers BRBR saved. They are suffering from Demodex, Corneal Ulcers, malnutrition and the effects of physical and emotional neglect and abuse in a puppy mill.
Please consider donating towards their care and help us help them. Click the link to donate.
Congratulations to Lizzie! Lizzie, after many months, has finally found her “FUR”ever home!
My family was convinced I would never let her get adopted. It was never the case she just needed the right family. The greatest part is she is being adopted by Ashley who lives a few blocks away from us. Can we say VISITATION and first dibs on “dog sitting”. Ashley has been interested in Lizzie since we got her last July. She has followed her failed adoption, almost adoption, and decided she wasn’t letting her get away this time. They are a perfect match. Lizzie will live with mom Ashley and skin brother Miles and feline Smokey.” Congratulations Ashley & Lizzie!
Lizzie will forever hold a special place in my heart! Miss you girl but so happy for you!
Our family has been volunteering with Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue for almost two years. While it is not always easy, the joys seem to always out shine the heartaches.
Sweet Allee
Earlier this week, I received the most sincere and heartfelt update from a former adopter, Rebecca Z, reflecting on their year with Allee. Her update brought tears of joy to my eyes. Rebecca and Hector are wonderful people and have provided Allee with the loving and supportive environment that she needed. Allee’s transition was not easy but they never gave up on her!
Allee and Tango Meet!
Allee Update from Rebecca
With Memorial Day Weekend here and gone I am reminded of how we spent last Memorial Day weekend…a Saturday morning drive to Greensboro to pick up a sweet boxer named Allee for a “trial week or so” in our home, a Saturday (and Sunday) filled with rotations with Allee and resident dog Tango and feeling like those rotations would NEVER end, a girl who disliked her crate so much that she broke out of it twice on the first day. Let’s face it, a “trial” visit to our home was never going to happen…only a permanent move was in this precious girl’s future.
Here we are, a year later, more and more attached to our beloved Allee every day. We’ve had our fair share of struggles. Hector, Tango and I have each been victim to Allee’s quick bite and sharp teeth. Last year’s 4th of July was in the midst of Allee’s quarantine for biting a neighbor. Allee sometimes still has difficulty when we come across other dogs on walks, but going ona walk is one of her favorite things to do. The daily highlights far outnumber the struggles we’ve had in our first year as a family. Allee is…a dog who can’t wait to be allowed on our bed each morning after her trip outside and a delicious breakfast; a best friend to our 3 year old male Tango; a (mostly) laid back sweet girl who just wants to please you and be by her owner’s side; a silly girl who doesn’t so much do the boxer bean, but rather jumps up and down on all 4 legs when you get home. But most of all (to us at least) Allee is a Zambrana for life.
Thank you for all you did for our beloved Allee and for all you continue to do for the countless boxers you help each day!
Rebecca
THANK YOU Rebecca and Hector for giving Allee the second chance in life that she deserves! You all are an AMAZING family!
I was a stray wandering around a neighborhood. I was very skittish and hard to catch. A special family was worried about me and worked really hard to catch me. They knew I was scared, hungry, and homeless. The nice family was finally able to catch me. They welcomed me to their family. After 6 months, I was still very skinny despite eating daily.
34lbs upon arrival to the rescue
They cared for me as long as they could but they knew I needed medical attention that was beyond their financial means. The kind family was so nice to contact BRBR.
Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue was able to take me in to their care in late June. They got me to the nice vet who checked me out and got me on meds for hook & whip worms, and spayed me. I am light Heart Worm positive and will start my treatment in September. I was skin and bones when I arrived at the vet. My worms likely prevented me from gaining weight. Upon arrival at the vet I was only 34lbs. I have gained weight and looking much better.
Look close you can see my fawn markings
When I arrived with my foster family despite being malnourished my coat was shiny and beautiful. I am unique in that I look like I am black but I am not! Boxers do not carry the gene for black coat color. I am a “sealed brindle” which means my brindle has so many dark lines it seals out the fawn lines making my coat appear completely black. It is not really black, it just has excessive dark stripes. The AKC classifies me as brindle. If you take me out in the sun light you will see all my fawn stripes/markings. I am gorgeous and unique. My other unique feature is that I am a tiny girl who is full grown. Everyone mistakes me for a puppy, but I am a refined mature boxer with the estimated age of 5-7years old. I am the size of a typical 10-11 month old Boxer puppy. Some people call us “pocket boxers.” I am as precious as a puppy without the puppy behavior. Well , at least not all the time
Rex 71lbs and Lizzie 34lbs
I am currently living with my foster family in Raleigh, NC. I have three fur siblings who are also rescued boxers. Lucy, Rex, and Potter. I also have two skin siblings a 12yr old tween girl and a 10yr old boy. How could I forget my wonderful skin Foster Mom & Dad. They are taking such good care of me. I have adapted very nicely into the established Boxer Pack!
I am a sweet lovable girl. I follow my foster mom everywhere. We cook, clean, do laundry, etc. I am with her all the time except when she is at work. She is super special to me because she picked me up from the vet. I was so scared that day it took her 10 minutes to get me to the car. Back in those days, I was scared of every noise I heard and did not walk through doorways. Also I did not like men. I have come a long way in a matter of weeks. While still cautious, I am not nearly as scared as I used to be. I am making progress every day. My foster family is very active and fast paced so I have learned to be comfortable with noise and chaos. I don’t run and hide as much anymore. I am still working on my fears….one day at a time. I love attention and love to be wherever my people are. Here are some additional things you might want to know about me:
I am a super sweet girl who loves to be by my humans side.
I am totally potty trained.100%
I like my Crate I can sleep in my crate at night (or be left out…I am so cute my humans let me sleep on the bed) I chill in my crate when my humans have to leave the house. My humans know they are spoiling me by letting me sleep on the bed with them but I am just so tiny and cute they often treat me like a baby. I deserve a little extra attention don’t you think
I get excited when you come home. I have not showed off the famous “boxer bean” as of yet but I am learning how to be a boxer.
I don’t get on the furniture in the house my parents don’t want me on the furniture in case my “new family” has the same rule. The basement is another story….when I am with my skin siblings I can sit with them on the sofa…but only in the basement.
I love being with my humans and will follow them where ever they go especially my mom. She is my favorite. I love my Dad, he has taught me not to be scared of men. I even great guest in our home after I figure out they are ok
I know my name. My foster family gave it to me.
I come when called.
I don’t dart out doors or gates.
I like all dogs
I don’t really like being outside (probably since I was forced to be in the elements as a stray) However, I will chill outside with the other dogs. I love being inside the comfort of the house. It is not as scary.
I use the doggie door to come in and out as I please.
I swim and my little ears stick out like batman
I am a runner! My parents take me trail running and I most prefer to run along side them “off leash” where permitted.
My parents have only heard me bark twice…don’t be fooled by my size it is a BIG bark.
Rex, Potter, Lizzie, Lucy…Loving their second chance at life.
I do like walks and have gotten much better on the leash. I get really scared when noisy trucks come by. I stop dead in my tracks.
I am a super sweet beautiful girl. I am as precious as a puppy without all the puppy craziness. I would be the perfect addition to a home with kids, dogs, maybe cats etc. I would also be good as an only dog. Please consider giving me a FURever home. You will not regret it!
This is the face of a ” shelter dog ” that was on death row. Skinny , dirty , full of worms, pregnant. She has never had an accident in her foster home. She loves the other dogs and cats in her foster home. She lets strangers and small children handle her babies . Give 1 one good reason , that she should have died? Please consider fostering and saving a life! I am so proud to be part of Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue!
Follow Sheena and her pups as they get a chance at a wonderful life https://www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeBoxerRescue
Potter is now heart worm NEGATIVE! Yea for Potter! We are so excited for our beautiful boxer boy who has the cutest grin and gives possibly the biggest boxer kisses ever! Potter was given a second chance in life due to the hard working volunteers at Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue of NC, SC, VA. Read Potter’s journey!
May 2012
December 2011
Potter arrived to us as just a shell of a dog, 57lbs, starved with his ribs and hip bones visible. He has flourished into a healthy 79lbs and is full of energy and boxer spunk.
Potter accompanied me yesterday am for his first official run! He loved it! We made it about 2.5 miles before I decided that was far enough for his initial journey. Like humans they have to build up their endurance. Rex, his fur brother, can handle up to 7 miles at a time in cool temps. I am super thrilled to have another “Boxer Runner” in my running rotation for my early morning runs!
Potter on his 1st Boat Ride! This body made possible by the loving and caring volunteers at Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue!
Please consider adopting vs. shopping for a Pet of any kind. There are millions of animals in need of loving and caring families all over the world. These animals need a second chance at life! Adopting and animal in need might be the most rewarding thing you ever do!
I was a stray wandering around a neighborhood. I was very skittish and hard to catch. A special family was worried about me and worked really hard to catch me. They knew I was scared, hungry, and homeless. The nice family was finally able to catch me. They welcomed me to their family. After 6 months, I was still very skinny despite eating daily.
34lbs upon arrival to the rescue
They cared for me as long as they could but they knew I needed medical attention that was beyond their financial means. The kind family was so nice to contact BRBR.
Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue was able to take me in to their care in late June. They got me to the nice vet who checked me out and got me on meds for hook & whip worms, and spayed me. I am light Heart Worm positive and will start my treatment in September. I was skin and bones when I arrived at the vet. My worms likely prevented me from gaining weight. Upon arrival at the vet I was only 34lbs. I am slowly gaining weight and looking much better.
Look close you can see my fawn markings
Despite being malnourished my coat is shiny and beautiful. I am unique in that I look like I am black but I am not! Boxers do not carry the gene for black coat color. I am a “sealed brindle” which means my brindle has so many dark lines it sealsout the fawn lines making my coat appear completely black. It is not really black, it just has excessive dark stripes. The AKC classifies me as brindle. If you take me out in the sun light you will see all my fawn stripes/markings. I am gorgeous and unique. My other unique feature is that I am a tiny girl who is full grown. Everyone mistakes me for a puppy, but I am a refined mature boxer with the estimated age of 5-7years old. I am the size of a typical 10-11month old Boxer puppy. Some people call us “pocket boxers.” I am as precious as a puppy without the puppy behavior.
Rex 71lbs and Lizzie 34lbs
I am currently living with my foster family in Raleigh, NC. I have three fur siblings who are also rescued boxers. Lucy, Rex, and Potter. I also have two skin siblings a 12yr old tween girl and a 9yr old boy. How could I forget my wonderful skin Foster Mom & Dad. They are taking such good care of me. I have adapted very nicely into the established Boxer Pack!
I am a sweet lovable girl. I follow my foster mom everywhere. We cook, clean, do laundry, etc. My mom loves to run but I am not up for that just yet. I am with her all the time except when she is at work. She is super special to me because she picked me up from the vet. I was so scared that day it took her 10 minutes to get me to the car. Back in those days, I was scared of every noise I heard and did not walk through doorways. Also I did not like men. I have come a long way in a matter of weeks. While still cautious, I am not nearly as scared as I used to be. I am making progress every day. My foster family is very active and fast paced so I have learned to be comfortable with noise and chaos. I don’t run and hide as much anymore. I am still working on my fears….one day at a time. I love attention and love to be wherever my people are. Here are some additional things you might want to know about me:
I am a super sweet girl who loves to be by my humans side.
I am totally potty trained.100%
I like my Crate I can sleep in my crate at night (or be left out…I am so cute my humans let me sleep on the bed) I chill in my crate when my humans have to leave the house. My humans know they are spoiling me by letting me sleep on the bed with them but I am just so tiny and cute they often treat me like a baby. I deserve a little extra attention don’t you think
I am started to get excited when you come home. I have not showed off the famous “boxer bean” as of yet but I am learning how to be a boxer.
I don’t get on the furniture in the house my parents don’t want me on the furniture in case my “new family” has the same rule. The basement is another story….when I am with my skin siblings I can sit with them on the sofa…but only in the basement.
I love being with my humans and will follow them where ever they go especially my mom. She is my favorite. I love my Dad, he has taught me not to be scared of men. I even great guest in our home.
I know my name. My foster family gave it to me.
I come when called.
I don’t dart out doors or gates.
I like all dogs that I have met. I don’t really know how to play but I am learning. I have a little more spunk every day.
I don’t really like being outside (probably since I was forced to be in the elements as a stray) However, I will chill outside with the other dogs. I love being inside the comfort of the house. It is not as scary.
My parents have only heard me bark twice…don’t be fooled by my size it is a BIG bark.
*Here are some things I am learning*:
I have not really had the need to use the Potty Bell to go outside. I just
sit at the door.
I will whine to remind my people it is time to eat. I don’t miss a meal. They are fattening me up with dry puppy food mixed with can food. I am really fond of can food. They hope to wean me when I get up to my ideal weight.
I am slowly learning how to play with balls, fuzzy animals, dog toys , etc. I am attached to a very long stuffed snake with squeakers in it. I carry it around like it is prey, or one of my puppies. I even try to hide it to keep it safe. My humans love watching me with the snake.
Rex, Potter, Lizzie, Lucy…Loving their second chance at life.
I am learning to play with my FURsiblings. They try to engage me in play but I typically ignore them. Every once in a while, I will play. My humans think after I get my heartworm treatment I will be more playful. I love my fur siblings I am just not up for their “Boxer” play yet. The first time my humans saw me wag my tail was when they introduced me to my fur siblings. I love them and want to play with them.
I have not spent a lot of time on a leash as I am still cautious and scared. My humans will try more walks we me as I gain confidence. I have done very well on the leash when I have had to be on one.
I am a super sweet beautiful girl. I am as precious as a puppy without all the puppy craziness. I would be the perfect addition to a home with kids, dogs, maybe cats etc. I would also be good as an only dog. Please consider giving me a FURever home. You will not regret it!
Could not resist the title given I am a product of the 70’s! We are not Welcoming Back Kotter, we are welcoming back POTTER! Our second and most beloved foster dog.
Potter's shelter intake photo 11/12
Potter initially arrived at the Martin Boxer compond in December 2011. He was picked up as a stray in Gastonia, NC (11/29). He was extremely underweight 57lbs, Heart Worm positive,respiratory infection, and fully intact. My guess is someone was using him as a stud for breading. Blue Ride Boxer sent me his photo and there was no discussion amongst the family we had to save this precious pup. Even if it meant having 4 dogs. We were thrilled we had the opportunity to name him so we polled all our Facebook and Twitter friends and named him Potter. Harvey was a close second along with Fozzie. We think Potter was perfect!
After a brief stay at the Vet, Potter was transported to to us 12/3- He was so sweet upon arrival. Within an hour of his arrival all dogs were running around/co cohabitating nicely. I was amazed how the introduction that can be up to 24 hours beyond happened within an hour. He was that laid back. It was Maple (our first fosters) last night with us as she got adopted the next day.
Our job was to love this dog unconditionally and fatten him up. He was too skinny for surgery to be neutered or start his life saving heart worm treatment. We fattened him up to 70.8 lbs enough to go for neutering. He did great! After a series of meds and a little more fattening up he was ready to start his heart worm treatment in January. Heart Worm treatment is horrible for all involved! Remember that monthly pill for prevention! Potter had to be on bed rest for three months. That is a very difficult thing to do for a 2 year old dog, whom gained strength everyday and had to watch his two fur siblings running around and play. We/He made it through with flying colors!
Potter was spoken for early on by a wonderful family. He could not be released until he finished all his treatments. We enjoyed everyday we had with this sweet boy (96 to be exact) While he was with us he learned what it was like to be inside a house, what toys were, how to play. When he first arrived he was a loner. He preferred sitting outside on the deck. He was not sure what to do inside of the house. Once we forgot he was outside and when we went to look for him he had burrowed himself down in a bed of leaves to stay warm. Heartbreaking ( he was not outside long). We are sure he was displaying some of his survival techniques he used while he was a stray. Someone trained and loved this dog at some point in his life. He was so well behaved and was 100% potty trained. Never did he have an accident in the house. He would not enter the house unless you told him it was ok and he did not jump on you. We could not find anything wrong with this dog. Why did someone abandon this sweet guy. We knew he would be the perfect companion for a loving family.
Potter's Flashy Smile!
As we watched his progression from a “loner” to a social playful pup we ALL fell in love with this guy. We knew his adoption was looming and we were going to have to say good bye. We ALL agreed it was going to be very hard. To this day we are not sure why but this guy really stole our hearts. However, in the true spirit of rescue, as we have come to know it, we love them and pass them along so we can make room for the next dog in need. Our next dog in need was Allee, whom would join us once Potter & Bridget went to their FURever families.
Potter and Bridget hold paws on the way to their adoption 3/9/2012!
When I received the call on Tuesday that Potter was being surrendered back to the rescue (due to unfortunate family circumstances) There was no discussion or decisions to be made. Potter was coming home! We were all elated and were counting down the days until his arrival. Potter officially joined the Martin Boxer Crew on Saturday! Our first official “foster failure” a.k.a…a foster dog you cannot give up. We are at maximum canine capacity but still have room to host a foster dog.
Fostering/Rescuing has been a wonderful “family bonding” experience for us. Like most families we are very busy with numerous daily obligations and many varied opinions on life. However, fostering/rescuing is the “ONE” thing we all seem to agree on unanimously.
We love it! It works for our family! As long as it works for the family, we will keep it up!
Every boy should have two things: a dog, and a mother willing to let him have one ~Anonymous
We have clearly accomplished the quote above! My Son has not only one dog… but several and his mother is the instigator of the multiple canine household. We are “dog” lovers. We all equally enjoy the unconditional love and entertainment our dogs bring. They truly do complete our family.
You always hear cliche’s regarding the relationship between a boy and his dog. I have witness this first hand watching my son bond with our dogs. In his early years, he so desperately wanted our “Senior” Springer Spaniel (Hampton) to play with him. He tried everything he could to entice her to chase him, bite at his heels, anything. She would just look at him with her soulful brown eyes wondering why he was disturbing her rest. Hampton’s ruckus days had passed way before he entered the world. He still loved her dearly despite the fact she could not be enticed to play with him. When Hampton crossed the Rainbow bridge, after 14 years, we were all deeply saddened. We missed her terribly and waited over a year until we ventured into being pet owners again.
It was meant to happen as we were introduced to “Rex” a 1.5yr old brindle Boxer whom needed a “furever” home. He was a rescue who had been through several families, for reasons unknown to us he was once again looking for a family to take him in. Boxer? I had never had a Boxer, never wanted a Boxer, and did not know anything about these crazy looking Dogs. My Husband was the first to meet Rex and declared him as a “cool dog” That’s all it took. We welcomed him into our family and he was the start of what I like to call our “Boxer Collection”
The bond between boy and dog was immediate. My Son now had a active play mate whom would chase him, play hide-n-sneak, wrestle, and generally participate in all his antics. Prior to rescuing, I thought you needed to raise a dog from a puppy for that special bond. Wrong I was! While puppies are cute, and everyone should have one or care for one in their life time they are a lot of work. I will never forgot, as a newlywed, the words of my Dad when we expressed interest in a puppy, “You should not get a dog, until you can be home with it full time.” Holly $%&! He is talking about a DOG not a human….seriously? For my Dad’s generation that was just the way it was. Hell….years later I did not even stay home with my kids. I wonder if he even remembers saying that?
Rex was fully potty trained and full of love an affection. No rearing from the puppy years was needed for bonding with the family. Rex was/is the perfect match for my highly creative and mischievous son. They….boy and dog keep us entertained. They run, chase, play hide-n-seek, taunt each other, wrestle, you name it they do it!
As a parent, it is so fun to watch this bond between boy and dog. They play differently than anyone else in the family. Basically it is a uncomplicated relationship, just unconditional love.
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened. ~A France
The average dog has one request to all humankind. Love me. ~Helen Exley
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. -Roger Caras
Consider a rescue for your next pet! Rescuing is speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.
I was cared for by a wonderful man who felt really sorry for me. I was abandoned, or perhaps a stray…I am not really sure. This “man” took pity on me and cared for me as long as he could. My “man” felt sorry for me because I had a prolapsed uterus. My uterus was literally hanging out of my backend like a cherry pumpkin. Nobody really knows how long I was this way. Since my uterus was hanging out, I would bleed and could not go inside my “mans” house.
I was restricted to the backyard to endure the elements all day and night. My “man” was distressed and knew that he could not financially provide me the medical attention I needed. He loved me dearly and took care of me the best he could but he wanted a better life for me. That’s when my “man” contacted Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue. Blue Ridge picked me up, and got me to the Dr. whom fixed me like a normal dog. While he was at it, he spayed me. I felt so much better. I have to mention, how much better I looked without a pumpkin on my Behind! Extreme Doggie Makeover Boxer Style. I am a healthy 67lbs and growing. You would never know I had any issues at all. The Dr. estimated my age to be 3-4 yrs old. My Foster Parents think I am closer to 3 based on my energy
I am currently living with my foster family in NC. I have to fur siblings who are also rescued boxers. Lucy a female and Rex the male of the house. I also have two skin siblings and 11yr old tween girl and a 9yr old boy and of course my skin Foster Mom & Dad. They are taking such good care of me. I have adapted very nicely into the established Boxer Pack!
I am a sweet lovable girl. I love attention and love to be wherever my people are. My eyes are a beautiful almond color that coordinate so well with my fur. It makes me rather unique. Not to brag, but I I have overheard many people say how pretty I am. I think its safe to say I am a “looker”.
Here are some additional things you might want to know about me:
I am generally just a super sweet girl who loves to be by my humans side.
I am totally potty trained..110%
I like my Crate! I don’t love it! There are much better things to love. I sleep in my crate at night and chill in my crate when my humans have to leave the house. I am kind of special , and have two crates. I chill with my other fur siblings when the humans leave the house downstairs. At night, I get to sleep in the crate in my human’s room. I was anxious upon my arrival so my humans gave me these special accommodations. Once I have been here a little longer I will go downstairs with the other dogs but for now I love it! I deserve a little extra attention don’t you think
I get totally excited when you come home but I don’t jump on you or even attempt. I will dance around you in excitement. I have not showed off the famous “boxer bean” as of yet.
I don’t get on the furniture in the house. I want to be a lap dog but my parents don’t want me on the furniture in case my “new family” has the same rule. The basement is another story….when I am with my skin siblings I can sit with them on the sofa…but only in the basement.
I love being with my humans and will follow them where ever they go. I sit outside the shower when my Mom is getting clean. I like to get in the shower if she will let me. She only lets me when I need a bath myself.
I know my name.
I come when called.
I don’t dart out doors or gates. I did escape once but only cause I was following my boxer siblings. I cam e right back after we got “busted”
I like all dogs that I have met thus far. My fur sibling sister gives me a hard time every once in a while but we are getting along better now. She just wants me to know she is the female of the house and I am just visiting.
I love being outside watching the world go by but you have to keep an eye on me because I like to bark. However if you correct me or tell me know I stop immediately.
My parents laugh at my bark…it is small and raspy for such a big dog. If I could talk I would tell them all ladies should have petite barks despite their size.
Here are some things I am learning:
I have not really had the need to use the Potty Bell to go outside. I just sit at the door or wait for my FURsister Lucy to open the door. Yes she opens he door by herself
I am learning not to bark too much when I am outside.
I am learning how to play with balls, fuzzy animals, dog toys , etc. I like nylabones the really hard ones.
I am learning to play with my FURsiblings. I like being around them and they are starting to let me play.
I am a super sweet beautiful girl. I could be the only dog or join another pack. I am not particular.
Please consider giving me a FURever home. You will not regret it!
BoxerRunner 