Golden Oldie

Two senior boxers were found near the interstate in town here.  They were picked up by animal control and brought to the shelter where my good friend works (I say works, because she spends every spare second saving these dogs, but she doesn't get paid. She is an angel on this earth.).  They were an obviously bonded pair.  A male and a female.  Everyone assumed that someone would come for them, that someone was missing these dogs.  But nobody came.  After the "hold" period, he was put on the adoption line.  She, being heart worm positive, was put on the euthanasia list.  This busy shelter does not have the funds or the resources to treat sick dogs. 

Of course, I'd had my eye on that old girl, but we were completely full at the time with several dogs already in boarding in need of fosters.  My friend was able to get an extension on her life and found another boxer rescue willing to take her in if money was raised for her care.  She raised the money and got transport set up for last weekend.  Then sadly, tragedy struck for the receiving rescue when they lost one of their own.   It was a rare occasion in that I was in between fosters.  So, we were blessed with the privilege of caring for her until her rescue is ready for her. 

Haven fit seamlessly into our family.  It's almost as though she has lived all of her years with us.  She is so well behaved and good natured.  Clearly, she was a loved member of a family at some point.  She is well socialized and confident and knows several "commands," (I hate that term) come, sit, down, stay, shake, and catch.  How on earth did she end up out there?  We can't write their history, but can only make guesses.  Did somebody die?  It's the only thing that makes sense in my head.  Although, the senseless happens everyday.  We see owner surrender reasons that just say "too old."  Too old for what? I wonder.  Because we will all be "too old" for something, someday.    I would guess Haven to be between 9-11 years old (which is about the average life span of a boxer).  She is full of lumps and bumps and because of her age, is not a candidate for traditional heart worm
treatment.  Her bark is soft and hoarse.  Her once obviously beautiful brindle coat is now riddled with grey.  Her face is white.  But "too old"?  No way.  She is such a happy dog with plenty of pep left in her step.  She still does boxer wiggles and spins.  She rests a lot, of course, but for a few minutes at a time, she plays enthusiastically with our dogs.  She looks at us with her soft, if slightly hazy, wise eyes and they are so full of love.  She sure isn't "too old" for us.

It's been just a week, but the old lady has stolen my heart.  I don't know how much time she has left, but I wish that she could spend the rest of her days, however many they may be, with our family. The odds of her getting adopted are probably slim, so she will likely be a forever foster in her new rescue.  I'm quite sure she will be well cared for and loved there.  It's a wonderful place, this "boxer ranch".   Still, I'm afraid I will regret letting her go. 
 

 

 

 

 

I wish more people would consider adopting senior dogs.  The time allowed to share with them may be short, but worth it.  I am positive that even if Haven died tomorrow, she would die a happy dog, and I would have had a week of my life made better by her being in it.