TRIBUTES

Bandit
8/22/07
Today our buddy, Bandit, went to heaven. Bandit came to live with us as our 3rd BoxAR Rescue foster dog. When I got the call from Sandi that an older dog had just come into the rescue, I could not say "no". Bandit was probably 11-12 years old when he was turned over to the rescue and he made us smile from day "1". He was a beautiful Boxer with perfectly cropped ears, a docked tail and a nice white flash. I thought he was quite dignified in his older age. He was in need of some dental care, but he didn't know that and would still try to kiss your face all day long! He did not like to be in his crate and much preferred to sleep in your bed. He played just as much or more as our younger Boxers did and he was famous for standing in the middle of the yard when you tried to call him inside. He would not budge sometimes! There were days when I was sure Bandit barked all day long until we came home from work and the neighbors would, for sure, complain.

When our time in Arkansas was coming to an end, Bandit was adopted by our good friend, Nathan. Nathan was kind and offered Bandit a great home with Marino the black lab as a buddy for Bandit. I think the 2 dogs liked each other's company and I know Bandit was still playing his tricks at Nathan's house. Bandit was a real Houdini and would escape his crate to let you know he did not want to be in there. I know Bandit managed to find his way into the bed even in his new home!

Through the rescue, we all gave Bandit 2 more great years of life and I know Bandit was happy for that time to play with other dogs, love his people, and be a loved part of the family. Boxers are social and just need their people; Bandit was no different. He was a "gentleman" and a fun, old guy. He will be missed!
-----Allison Perkins

MILLIE
8/8/1995 - 5/25/2007




When Millie was first diagnosed with lymphoma in November of last year and we were told that she had "2 weeks to 2 months" left, it was devastating. She was just over 11 years old. We began her treatment and she did so well. Our girl was tough! February came and went, March came and went and our girl was still with us. I prayed every night that if God would give us just a little more time, I'd be ready to give her up when the time was right. Just one more month; just one more week; just one more day. Well, I was so wrong. I was NOT ready to let her go yesterday when I came home from work and I could tell that she was asking me to let her go. I wasn't ready. I took her to the veterinarian and did the "right" thing. It was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. It was quick and she just fell asleep in my arms. And I wanted to die with her. I don't know if there is a Rainbow Bridge. I like to think there is. But one thing I do know is that there is a loving God in a beautiful heaven that is made even more beautiful with the arrival of my MillieBug. She was his from the start; she was on loan to me. She was and is my "special angel" and I'll miss her until I meet her on the other side.
"You are my Special Angel,
through eternity,
I'll have my Special Angel,
here to watch over me"

TOGETHER FOREVER
MACY (12/16/06) &  BLAZE (2/23/07)

I am sitting here with a heavy heart and tears as I type because we lost Blaze this morning at 11 1/2 years old. I can't believe he is gone. Macy died 2 months ago and now they are both gone. Blaze was our wonderful rescue boy that brought much joy and laughter into our home. When we lost Macy in December, we debated on getting him another partner, but it was too soon for us. Instead, we lavished Blaze with love and spoiled him rotten, not knowing he was soon to go too. He suffered from Cardiomyopathy that was being controlled with medication. He had occassional seizures with this. The vet had told us sooner or later he would have a seizure and his heart would not start back again. Apparently, he was right. He had a seizure this morning and just stopped breathing during the seizure. Thank goodness he was not alone and he knew we loved him deeply. It just breaks my heart that 2 months ago we had 2 Boxers we worshipped and now they are both gone.

Blaze's story is a good one. We had just lost our Cocker Spaniel and Golden Retriever 9 days apart and Macy was left as the only dog for the first time in her life at the age of 6. I insisted she was grieving and needed a partner. My husband at the time was devastated from the losses and didn't want another dog yet, but I begged him to think of Macy. I convinced him to let Macy make the choice. A month later, we took her to the local Humane Society and let her visit with several dogs. She did not get along real well with any of them, especially the females. We knew she would need a male after watching her become aggressive with the females. We took her to BoxAR Rescue and she was introduced to several young males. She did not seem to like any of them because they were too rowdy. We were about to give up, when we realized she herself had weeded out the idea of having another female or a young male. That meant she needed/wanted an older male. We received an e-mail from BoxAR Rescue about a possible dog for us, in another state bordering ours. Blaze was 7 at the time and had lived with his elderly parents. His mother passed away suddenly and the father had to go live with their children, who would not allow Blaze. So, the father had tearfully taken Blaze to his vet and asked that he be put down. The vet would not do this because they loved Blaze and vowed to find him a home. We loaded Macy up and met Blaze 1/2 way between our house and his one day at Cracker Barrel. For some reason, it had never occurred to us that she might not like him. We knew we were going to get him and bring him home. It was instant love between Macy and Blaze. However, Blaze seemed traumatized when we got him to our house. I'm sure at 7, he wondered why his parents had suddenly abandoned him. With Macy and time, we all bonded with Blaze, who was the world's funniest dog. My son had a very special bond with him and seemed to draw him out of his shell in the early days and let him know that he was at home with us and it was safe to love us. We all fell in love more than we imagined we ever could. To this day, we thank God for the blessing he sent us in Blaze. Not only did he help heal us from our previous losses, but he touched us in ways we could not imagine. He was funny, smart, silly, loving, loyal. His favorite thing was to walk up to us and hand us his front paw. He loved for his foot and arm to be tickled and massaged. We would tickle for a minute and put it back down. He would immediatly hand us his paw for more. This would go on for 15 minutes! He loved to look out the windows in our home and to ride in the car. Macy was my heart dog and it killed me when we lost her in December. Now, Blaze is gone too. The one comforting thought I have is that they are together again as the soulmates they were here on Earth. I can't believe this day has come. Please keep both Macy and Blaze in your thoughts. They will be sorely missed around here. The house sure is eerily quiet today.

Laurie Lamb

SIR GALAHAD
Wild Rose Sir Galahad   November 30, 1994 - April 3, 2007

How do you say goodbye to one who is loved so much? One who epitomizes his name, Sir Galahad. He is everything honourable, dignified, valiant, courageous, devoted, a protector of the innocent (Angel-Baby, a miniature dachschund who thinks she is a big dog) - all things a knight should be. Goodbye isn't big enough.

God speed, my beautiful, beautiful boy.
                                                                                                                           Tribute by Susan McKinnon