1.08.2006

Dog days are here again


OK, this has been a highly talked about topic in our home since the days of Solomon, our 85 lbs German shepherd, that is. He passed away about a year ago and Jeff has been eager to get another puppy since. Now that I have some say in the decision of another pet besides our 2 turtles that roam the yard, I said, "NO THANKS!"
Some time had passed since this "gotta have a puppy" thing and then recently he starts talking about it again. I light-heartedly said, "I really like our neighbor's dog." The reasons being, well-behaved, SHORT hair, smaller frame...(all compared to our shepherd). OK, not thinking Jeff would be at all serious about changing his mind on the breed of dog, I thought this was a safe statement.
I was wrong.
He then spent some time researching and speaking to our neighbor more and more about their dog, Daisy. Jeff has been on the hunt...for a BOXER!

He has been successful...we now have a BOXER!

Let me introduce to you our newest member to the Bernards household (yes, you read correctly), Laila. She is approx. 12 mo. of age, has been neutered, and she came with a implanted location device. Bummer. Oh, I mean, that's nice to know.

Jeff read an ad from a family "FREE to good home". So we went and I truly believe that it was love at first sight for them. So, Laila has wrapped her well-behaved self around his finger! He even got out of bed last night at 10:30 and slept on the couch next to her, to make her feel welcomed--what a good host he is. Is there something I should be concerned about here?
Here is a bit of generic info that describes our new pet (pretty much as how we have experienced her so far).
The Boxer is happy, high-spirited, playful, curious and energetic. Highly intelligent, eager and quick to learn, but can be stubborn. The Boxer is a good dog for competitive obedience. Constantly on the move, bonding very closely with the family. Loyal and affectionate, Boxers are known for the way they get along so well with children.
A well brought-up and properly socialized Boxer will also get along with his own kind and other household pets. The female boxer will often get into fights with other female dogs, trying to display her dominance. If one owns a female boxer and another female dog, they will get along and even play most of the time, however they will most likely fight from time to time.
It has been said that the name Boxer came from the way the Boxer likes to use is front paws for just about everything. If you have ever watched a Boxer go about his business you may have noticed the way he paws at his toys, food bowl and you for that matter, in a very playful cat-like way. Some Boxers have been known to paw at their food or water bowl if they are empty. Playfully barking, pawing and playing with the bowl, flipping it upside-down and putting their front paws on the top of the bowl, sliding it around the house barking and whining until someone fills it for them. It looks like a silly game, but the Boxer knows what he is trying to tell you, he's hungry! They are very clownish and playful.
The Boxer's nature is to protect you, your family, and your home. Known visitors will be welcomed boisterously. They are always keen to work and play. Boxers need lots of human companionship. They can be rather boisterous and even in old age are still extremely athletic. Teach the Boxer not to be boisterous and especially not to jump up at people. Boxers LOVE to jump. This breed is noted for courage and makes great guard dogs. Boxers have a wide use in military and police work. Training should start young and be firm and consistent. This breed requires a dominant owner. An excellent watchdog, the Boxer will restrain an intruder in the same way a Bulldog does.

1 comment:

Jessica said...

I love the name Laila! How is she doing?