Tis’ the season to ensure that our pups have a joyous holiday with no ER visits. The following is a list of the holiday mishaps most common throughout the festive season, that we can prepare for and protect against to keep our wiggle butts safe and happy. Toxic treatsChristmas brings with it an assortment of tasty treats for us, but sadly these are often not suitable for dogs and in some cases can even be fatal. With so much going on over the festive season, this can often be an ideal time for your dog to try and sneak a taste of some food while their owner’s back is turned, so try and keep an ..read more

Volunteering for the Owner Surrender Program (OSP) at Austin Boxer Rescue is one of the most emotional jobs that one could have. It involves working with, and often grieving with, pet owners who are surrendering their beloved Boxers for any number of reasons.  If an owner has to give up their dog, they can complete the Owner Surrender Release Form found on the Rehoming option on the ABR website. Within 48 hours of receiving it, the OSP coordinator will reach out to the owner to offer support, guidance, and resources to help them rehome their dog.  “Running the Owner Surrender Program ..read more

If you’re looking to adopt or foster a Boxer dog, it’s important to make sure that your children are comfortable with the new addition — and that your new Boxer is comfortable as well. Adoptive families sometimes worry that introducing children to a new family pet can be an intimidating or stressful process, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these seven tips, you can ensure both your children and the dog not only have a safe and happy first meeting, but to build the trust needed to establish a long-term relationship as a valued member of your family. Start Early: It’s best to start intr ..read more

We lost our beloved family dog yesterday morning. Clark (known by Caveman by ABR) came into our home in January of 2016. He was the center of our home, spoiled beyond belief, and deeply loved by all of us. He really made our family whole, and we are heartbroken. We had 6 1/2 wonderful years with him. We adopted him heartworm positive, and ABR treated him. But as boxers often have, he ended up with heart troubles and was diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (or ARVC) after he collapsed on a short/easy walk in 2020. Our local vet took 2 hours to get his heartbeat normal ..read more

Patsy had me wrapped around her finger. from the moment i saw her across the field at adoption day i fell in love. when i tell you my life revolved around this dog…. the bond we shared -rooted in her special need to rely on me more than a hearing dog- i don’t really know how to describe it. when they say velcro dog, that may even be an understatement. i just want y’all to know that patsy got absolutely everything she wanted and i loved her so much i really can’t even put it into words. not hearing her paws patter across the floor looking for me and seeing her empty bed next to my desk is like ..read more

This afternoon our sweet Buddy Boy crossed over the rainbow bridge. . . . . It was a pleasure over the past 10.5 years to be his owners.    His life started out rough and he had every reason to mistrust and hate man. However, our boy taught us the power of forgiveness when he trusted us to provide, love, and keep him safe. Our skinny, sick boy turned into a gentle 80lb giant who crawled in our laps to throw his head on our shoulders and shower us with love.    He was terrified of thunder, fireworks, and loud noises but he also never met a stranger. Once he realized we loved ..read more

Today my wife and I lost this beautiful, sweet, far-too-young girl, helping her to the edge of the Rainbow Bridge.  Cancer had spread in her and quickly, stunning us with its cruelty and thievery.  We never made it to her canine oncology appointment, scheduled for next week.  What if…if only…I wish… Molly was with us for a short three years of her six, yet what she brought to our home felt like so much more.  While each of us feel that our dogs are nothing less than pure in heart, Molly exemplified this trait to a degree not commonly seen.  She was my wife’s shadow, al ..read more

Boone, Today God sent for u as it was time for you to cross the bridge. Your little body could take no more.We tried to help but it just wasn’t enough. Now there is no pain or hurt and you can be with Baby Willow. You can run and wrestle with her and your other Brothers and Sisters. You were my co-pilot everywhere I went and never strayed from my side. I will truly miss you and what we had together. You are everywhere I look even though you’re gone.Someday Boone we will meet again this time for good.    Rest In Peace our sweet boy Love Mom and Dad   The post Boone first appeare ..read more