Memorials

If you would like to submit a story about a beloved pet, please email Austin Boxer Rescue at: Info@austinboxerrescue.com.

Rocky:  Rocky was a loving 10 year old boxer that lost his life to Cancer. We adopted rocky not realizing what a wonderful dog he was. Our time with him was less than two years. Rocky even though was abused by previous owner had nothing but love to whom ever he could share it with. He had endless boxer kisses and never left your side. Rocky loved to make you laugh, as much as he loved to eat.

Rocky gave me one of his famous kisses as he took his last breath, a memory I will keep forever. Rocky will be missed by all who knew him.

"Fat-round" you will all way be remembered!

Henrietta: Henrietta was a sweet 3 year old baby girl that had a very sad life. She was found as a stray in San Antonio and taken to the local kill shelter, where we were able to safe her from euthanasia. She was incredibly emaciated when she came into rescue and has scars on all over her body that told the tale of her hard life. One scar appeared to be from a rope or chain, where she likely spent her days tied up, that got tied around her back leg. Two more where an her back legs from sitting on pavement or hard dirt for a long period of time. Then there were the giant memory glands that obviously showed she had been used heavily for breeding. Additionally, she had  contracted heartworms, a tick borne disease from the infestation of ticks that covered her body, and a life of poor nutrition that was evident from her poor coat and thin body frame.

With all she hardships she had to endure she had the best personality. She had a love for life and a very free spirit. There was not a dog on the planet that she didn't want to play with and she was very affectionate and tentative to every person she ever met. Her life had taken a dramatic turn for the better when she entered rescue because all her ailments were fixable and she would be able to have a life with a family that would love her forever. After about a month and a half in rescue she went to our vet to get spayed, vaccinated and prepared for adoption. She was at the vet for a few weeks and when they went to spay her they noticed she had huge lymph nodes. They were swollen all over her body from her head to her tail, they ranged from marble size to the size of a small orange. This was very bad news for Henrietta as this meant she had an aggressive form of cancer called lymphoma. She was picked up for the vet quickly and placed into a hospice foster home. We knew the end was near, we just did not know how close she was to the end. Less than two weeks after being placed into foster care she took a turn for the worst. She had stopped eating and was vomiting up everything she drank in addition to looking like a skeleton.

On Saturday, May 31st at 12:17 she lost her battle with lymphoma. She left behind a vet clinic that knew her and loved her and her pervious foster Jennifer and then her hospice foster Stan. She was such a great dog and we all hope she had a nice happy end to the hard life she had previously suffered.
 
She did have a good few months in rescue-the two pictures show Henrietta when she first came into rescue and then a month or so later when she gained weight and her coat started to shine

Lazarus (aka Gingerman): Lazzie died shortly after midnight tonight. As I think I've shared with most of you, I am convinced that Lazarus and I were meant to know each other. When I met him at the Austin Boxer Rescue Kennels I was haunted by the look in his eyes and within a few days I decided to foster him while he was being treated for heartworms. Of course it was soon thereafter that we learned his heartworms were so advanced that his heart was irreparably damaged and he was expected to die within weeks. He lived five months. In those five months, he learned that he was lovable and that life could be good. He learned to play with toys, to walk on a leash, to share his food, to hog the bed, and to accept and give affection. He also, with the help of hundreds of peanut butter sandwiches, gained almost twenty pounds. He weighed 82 lbs at his last vet appointment. Unfortunately, some of his past continued to haunt him until the end. I think the most heartbreaking thing was how he would run and hide anytime someone opened the pop-top of an aluminum can. That scared him so badly that he got nervous anytime someone went into the garage.......because all my sodas are in the refridgerator in the garage. When I first brought Lazarus home he couldn't walk on a floor, he wouldn't make eye contact, and he was nervous about being touched. Even so, the first night in my house he climbed up on the couch where I was sitting, laid down, and put his head on my lap. What I didn't know at the time was that he wouldn't show that amount of tenderness or affection to me again for weeks. I truly believe that he was saying "Thank you. I know I'm safe now."

Tonight, it's me that wants to thank him. Lazarus reminded me of two things that I knew deep down, but had forgotten. One is to listen to be called and then have the faith the accept that call. I really didn't want two dogs; my house is totally crowded with two big crates, it was teacherous at times to walk two dogs together, and Lazarus and Gemma were not exactly enamored of each other at first. But, I knew that I was called to care for him and I'm so thankful that I did. The second lesson of which he reminded me is that, sometimes, love can work miracles. Years ago my friend David Smith, an angel on Earth, told me that someone  can be healed without being cured. My deepest hope is that Lazarus experienced that: I couldn't repair the damage done to his heart by the heartworms, but I hope that his time with me, Gemma, and all of my friends and family were enough to heal the wounds he suffered before he came to me.

Rest in peace, Big Lazzie. Gemmy and I will miss our sweet boy.   Thank you for all that your taught me.
Marie

Muffin (aka Annie): Muffin was a sweet elderly dog who was almost dead when she was turned over to the rescue by her owners. When she came into rescue, this old lady's heart was packed with heartworms, she had a thyroid condition that was untreated, and she was infested with fleas and ticks. This was only a small portion of her problems. She was underweight, her hair was coarse and thickened, and she was very depressed. Her saving grace was a wonderful family that met her at an adoption day and decided they needed to give her the best end to her life that they could offer. Sue and Davis gave this girl the princess storybook ending to her life that she deserved. All of her medical needs were tended to, as well as her emotional needs. They believe she went peacefully and happy. She appeared to be running when she passed. Ironically, she could barely stand when she entered rescue, so for her to be able to run was a blessing in itself.

Thank you Sue and David for everything you did for this wonderful girl - she lived as long as she did because of you!

Joey:
I'm writing to let you know that we lost Joey to the battle of cancer....I've lost a very good friend and compainion...he was a special soul and he is truly missed and has a very special spot that only belongs to him in my heart.

When the time comes we will adopt again and will contact you.

Thanx cj

Oscar:  I first met Oscar several years ago when I went to Houston to meet dogs at Lone Star Boxer Rescue. I had intended to adopt a dog close to the age of my other two boxers, both of whom were under two at the time. However, soon after we all arrived, we saw a boy rolling around with his back on the ground, swinging a rope in his mouth. It turned out that this boy, Oscar, was 6-years-old and had only three strong legs to walk on, due to an old accident that kept him from walking with his fourth on the ground. It didn't matter - he had energy - lot's of exuberant, yet peaceful energy. Oscar lived with my family for over 6 more years. Early in 2008, he suddenly became very sick and it was soon decided that it was his time to rest. Incredibly, his first family contacted Lone Star just three days before he passed away, wondering how he had been doing since he had left their home. We were able to share memories of the two halves of his life. Oscar was an amazing dog, who even into his 12th year could outrun the others across the yard and displayed all of those beloved boxer traits - the full-bodied kidney bean wag, the post-drink slobber kiss, the dream-awakening snore, the gas assault, the squeaky toy love, and the forever puppiness. We miss you Osk. You know I have a couple of corny songs dedicated just to you. Meredith, Lucy, and Plato send out a big wet kiss. Every morning you still bathe in the sun and every night you still sleep with us. Lucy and Plato try to wrestle over your place. Silly kids. -- Marlena

Frodo:  Frodo was a great Boxer.  We rescued him from the ASPCA in Austin in 2004 and I knew from the second I laid my eyes on him he would be wonderful. We brought him into our home and loved him deeply from the start.  He was a very mellow dog, who loved to snuggle and be in our presence.  Every now and again he would get vocal and be silly, but he rather enjoyed laying around the house and taking naps.  In 2006, we welcomed Daisy, whom we adopted from the ABR, into our home to be Frodo's little sister.  They loved each other very much and he enjoyed her company.  He was very protective of his little sister and she loved to snuggle up with him. We discovered very early on that Frodo suffered from heart problems and were advised to keep his activity low, which wasn't a problem since he wasn't a very active Boxer.  However in the spring of  2007 he became very ill and weak.  We took him in to get checked out only to discover that Frodo had cancer.  We did all we could to get him better by taking him to chemo every week, but that became expensive and after advising with our Vet, it was decided that we were going to make him as comfortable as possible.  In August of 2007, Frodo lost his battle with cancer.  We were with him as he passed into heaven and telling him that he was a good boy and that we loved him so much.  Frodo went peacefully and in the presence of the ones who loved him the most, laying on his favorite blanket and having his head rubbed.   It was the hardest thing we have ever had to do, but knowing that he is out of pain brings us peace. Frodo was our first Boxer and our first dog.  He will always have a special place in our hearts.  He is missed deeply every day.  He gave out so much love and all who knew Frodo stated that he was a good dog and very loving. I pray that we will be together in heaven one day.

To my FrodoBear, Momma and Daddy miss you and love you very much.

Renee' & Eric Bekkelund

It took only a couple months for the life as Joni knows to change forever. She is a dog lover and has provided forever and foster homes for many unwanted, abused and neglected dogs throughout her life. Joni was the proud mom of Babe, Kelly, Zeus, and Little Girl. Babe and Kelly both died from spleen cancer, while Zeus was diagnosed with lymphoma and Little Girl with lung disease. All these dogs had individual stories.

Babe was found as a stray on the streets. She lived 10+ years with Joni and her favorite past time was swimming in her lake.

Kelly was found starved, half dead, abused, and half of her foot had worn off as she wandered the streets looking for food. She lived 12+ year with Joni and never forgot about the streets from which she came.

Zeus was one of the first boxers in ABR. He had 2 torn ACLs, was abandoned by his previous owner, heartworm positive and starving. Joni had him in her life for 20 months before she had to say her final farewell.

Little Girl lost her battle with a chronic lung illness a few days before Christmas 2007 at the ripe old age of 13.

All four dogs lived to be fat and had happy, healthy lives while in Joni's care. Although she feels blessed to have them with her, I hope she knows how much they adored her. They all loved you and couldn't have been happier with anyone else. You are my inspiration!
                  
                  Written by Jennifer, president of Austin Boxer Rescue for her
                  Mom Joni in memory of those she loved so dearly.

I will be missing my Bo Bear greatly.  Bo was born June 26, 1996 and passed away July 7, 2007.  I made the decision to put him down due to complications he was having. Please accept this donation from Bo and Russell Freeman.
There is such a great void in my life without him. He helped me tremendously through our lives together.

I love you Bo, and think of you very often.
Daddy

ABR would like to thank Russell for the donations made in the memory of his beloved Bo.  As you can see from the pictures, they spent a lifetime together and were dear friends for several years.  We are so sorry for your loss.  May he live forever in your heart.

Tulip was a sweet 2-year-old boxer that had an awful life before she was rescued by ABR and she had the scars to prove it.  She had old wounds all over her head and legs that were consistent with a dog that had been in many fights.  In addition to that, she had a long scar that went from her neck and followed her spine all the way down her back.  Because of her condition, we suspected she would be dog-aggressive, but she turned out to be quite the opposite.  Upon meeting her first canine friends in rescue she was very fearful and cowarded away from them.  When they attempted to play with her, she would find the farthest corner from other dogs and go curl up in it in terror.  It was a slow progression, but she did come out of her shell a tiny bit to interact with the other dogs before she became ill.  Her disease manifested as kennel cough, so we believed that was the only thing wrong with her at that time. One week into the suspected kennel cough she started to take a downhill plummet.  She quit eating an drinking, because lethargic, and continued to cough constantly.  She had been on antibiotics for a week and her foster mom increased her antibiotics 3-fold and began giving her fluids under her skin to keep her hydrated.  Three days after her plummet, she was found deceased in her foster mom's bedroom.  Her foster mom was heartsick and distraught, but with her extensive knowledge of kennel cough, she knew this was something of a much greater caliber.  Tulip's little body was sent to have an autopsy to determine what the actual cause was of all her suffering.  In the end it turned out to be extreme case of heartworms. Ironically, it wasn't the worms in her heart that had caused the most damage. Her heartworms reproduce their babies, called microfilaria, and were found swimming around in the bloodstream.  Poor little Tulip was infested with so many microfilaria, they were literally causing liver and lung damage in her body.  Tulip spent a whopping 3 weeks in rescue before she passed away.  With the vast number of microfilaria residing in her bloodstream, she was doomed before she ever made it to rescue.  Even with heartworm treatment, she would have suffered the same fate.  Please let Tulip's life and death be a lesson to all about the harsh and sometimes lethal effects of heartworm disease on dogs. For more information about heartworms, please visit our FAQ page soon or discuss it with your veterinarian.

Guy: Guy came into ABR as an owner surrender after 6 years with his previous family. All it took to give him up was one growl at their toddler and Guy was no longer considered part of the family. When he came into rescue he immediately captured the hearts of all the volunteers. He was laid back, got along with everyone and everything, and had a very outgoing personality. Guy was Lucky enough to find himself a wonderful forever home with a young man named TJ and his girlfriend Madison. They could not adore a dog anymore than they adored Guy. It was a normal day and Guy was in need of a minor surgery to fix a tooth that he had broken. The surgery went well without complications, until suddenly his heart stopped beating. Despite all their efforts the vet was not able to get his heart beating again. His new daddy could not be more heart broken since they only had 2 months to share together and the passing was so sudden. Guy will forever be remembered by all the volunteers at ABR and most especially his new family that loved and lost so soon.
                  
"It was wonderful to just look at Guy because he always brought a smile to your face. He loved our walks together and just loved me and Madi so much. I just hope that I gave him the best two months of his life." - TJ

Ellie: Ellie was an elderly boxer who came into ABR as a stray from the SanAntonio shelter. When she got to my house, it was apparent that she was not in the greatest of health. She went to the vet last week to get spayed and it became obvious at that point that she was in a very poor condition. She had a scar indicating that she had previously undergone a mastectomy (but, surprisingly, had never been spayed). She had another mammary tumor, a lemon-sized tumor on her shoulder, plus several other small tumors throughout her body. The veterinarian told me Ellie would not be with us very much longer. She had not eaten anything for 2 weeks and she continued to lose weight as my concern for her heightened. Today she decided she wanted to spend the day outside. I thought it was too cold, but sweet Ellie was stubborn and determined to enjoy the cool, crisp day. I let her stay out and periodically checked on her to see if she had turned into a Popsicle. I would peek my head outside and say, "Ellie…it's freezing are you ready to come inside where it's warm?" Ellie would look at me and smile (literally) and walk away… I knew she was happy. I fed her a half of a can of puppy food in warm water and she slowly ate it throughout the day. In the early evening, Ellie began to breathe heavily and would not stand up. We drove her immediately to the Emergency Clinic because we did not want her to suffer. The vet agreed with my initial instinct, that she would need to be euthanized or she would suffer through out the night. I took her for one last walk outside to pee and to feel the breeze on her face. She could barely stand at this point in time, but she managed to make it outside for one last pee with dignity. We walked back in and away she went…I feel very sad that I did not know Ellie very long. I am also sad that I could not have gotten to her sooner to take better care of her from the beginning of her life. The reality is that I can not change the past, but I did get the opportunity to love and support this magnificent dog during her final weeks of life.Please give your babies a big hug and kiss. Ellie was a very happy dog and she had a loving caring "family" at the end of her life.
-  Jen 

Brindi: Brindi passed away on November 21, 2003. She left behind a broken hearted mom and dad (Karen and Rick), a brother Bos and sister Piper. To this day they continue to miss her. Brindi will never be able to be replaced, but she will live forever in the memories of the family she left behind.

Angus: Dear family and friends, It is with heavy heart that we write to inform you that we have lost another member of our family last night.  Many of you know that our male doberman, Angus, was diagnosed with malignant histiocytoma of the spleen 2 months ago. I removed his spleen and started chemotherapy, but 2 weeks ago we discovered how aggressive this cancer was when a new tumor was discovered in his abdomen.  He held on as long as he could while his body became weaker. Last night he laid down rather lifelessly in the living room as if to say he was ready to go.  Geoff and I eased his suffering by euthanizing him.  We were lucky to share our home with such a great outgoing, personable dog for such a small part of our life, and we hope his spirit is up there with Jake (and all our other friend's recently departed ones) running, barking and playing like young pups. I thought you might enjoy a photo from Halloween 2 years ago when Geoff's coworkers got the dogs an Elvis costume to match Geoff.  It's a bit short for our tall boy which makes it that much more comical. Thank you to everyone who has supported us during this difficult time.  We are very appreciative.

Love, Catherine and Geoff

Jake:
To our family and friends:
This morning our "big dog", Jake, lost his battle with heart disease. Most of you know he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy last February. His heart had gotten too big for his body. We are trying to find comfort in knowing he did not have a long end full of suffering, but instead went quietly and peacefully in his sleep. Here are 2 pictures, one young and black and one more recent and more gray. We are looking forward to a time we can laugh again as we discuss our fondest Jake memories. 
Please take a moment to give your little critters a big hug!
Love, Geoff and Catherine

Myrtle: was a 2-month-old Boxer mix who was in rescue for only a short time. "Moaning" Myrtle was named by her foster family for her adorable puppy whine. Myrtle's joy and purpose in life was to play and snuggle, both which she was a pro at. Unfortunately, Myrtle came from a very sick litter and thus was doomed from the beginning with a short life.  But, it comforts us that Myrtle spent her last few days by playing hard and loving life. Myrtle is desperately missed by her foster families and the veterinarians who cared for her.

Lacey: I am sad to say that today at 3:40 pm Lacey lost her battle with cancer. She was about 2 1/2 yrs old, only a baby, and a darling dog. She was originally an ABR dog and up for adoption. She was rescued by Jimmy in a small town north of Georgetown. A Good Samaritan watched as she was dumped from the back of a pick up truck on an old dirt road. When she entered the program it was discovered that she likely had a few litters and was heartworm positive. She was taken to the vet to begin heartworm treatment and her prescreening chest x-rays revealed a huge mass in her chest. Jimmy had already fallen deeply in love with Lacey and it was apparent that she could not be adopted out in her current condition. Jimmy opened his home to Lacey knowing that he would be a temporary home for her because her time would be limited. She soon began her chemo treatments to help extend her life as long as possible. After a 6-month battle, sweet Lacey lost her fight. The only thing Lacey never lost was her love of life and her sweet nature. Her daddy said, "She is a great girl, very sweet, very affectionate, and good with other dogs.  This is an easy girl and anyone would be very lucky to have her live out her days with them.  I really like this girl." Lacey loved everyone she met, but she most especially loved her foster mommy and daddy. They devoted their time, energy money and love to Lacey toensure that she would receive the best possible end to her life.

Thank you Jimmy.

Sammy: (Dedicated to my Sweet Sammy Rest In Peace Pooh Pooh) (Thanks Travis) Rainbow Bridge There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. They frolic and romp all day with one another. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing. They each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They run and play together, until the day comes when one of them suddenly stops playing and looks off into the distance. The nose twitches. The ears are up. The bright eyes are intent. The eager body quivers. Suddenly this one runs from the group, faster and faster, leaping and flying over the tall green grass. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace, clinging together in joyous reunion. Happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your cherished pet, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. And with your pet beside you once again, you cross the Rainbow Bridge together. Rest In Peace Sammy, we love you Hi... I'm Samson aka Sammy aka Sam... I'm a 1 year old Boxer... Mom saw all the other pups with their own pages and had to get me one too... Just when I thought I had everything... I share a pillow with Mom even though we have a king size bed... I feel the need to sleep with my face against hers and snoring really loud.

Visit Sammy's My Space page at http://www.myspace.com/sammythestud

Dixie: was a beautiful 6-year-old fawn female. She was rescued from a shelter outside of Austin where her owners had taken her because she did not do well with small rodents. She was in rescue for a few days before it was discovered she had been previously diagnosed with an auto-immune disease called Thrombocytopenia. By the time this was discovered she had been off her meds for at least a week. She was also completely incontinent and was forced to live in her own puddle of urine. With this disorder being off meds and having stressful events can cause a relapse which can be fatal. With the trip to the shelter, the introduction to a new home and not being on meds it was enough to throw Dixie a relapse where it was impossible for her to recover.Luckily for her, she found her way into a loving foster situation where she lived out the 2 remaining weeks of her life. Her foster mother and father absolutely adored her, Dixie could do no wrong. Once she was back on meds additional drugs were given to her to enable her to hold her bladder. This sweet heart of a dog had a good week where she felt great and was able to live comfortably. She slept in bed with her foster daddy and she loved the days she could go outside and enjoy the warm sun on her back. Although Dixie only lived two weeks with her foster family they did not consider her a foster dog. Dixie was their precious dog and they grieved her loss as if she had been in their lives for years.

Tessa: was a beautiful little boxer that was absolutely loved and adored by anyone who met her. She was nicknamed "Monster", because of her completely goofy personality when around new people. Any time anyone ever came around she always loved being the first to greet them, whether at the Doggie Park (her fave spot) or just taking a walk! Tessa made everyone laugh with her wonderful personality, she could make anyone smile.On a personal note, she was my best friend. We went together everywhere, and she always had a kiss on the face or a hug for me whether I was sad or happy. Everyone always commented on how much our personalities resembled each other, and the fact that Tessa thought she was a human (which would be due to the fact that I treated her like one!)I and everyone around her loved her very much. And in her short life she touched so many people. Tessa was my big goof ball and I know she is in Doggie Heaven playing with all the other dogs now, which she loved more then anything.