why a boxer?

Why did I get a boxer?

That's a great question. Most dog lovers like most dog breeds, if not all. Yet all dog lovers will still have a favorite dog breed(s) or group (such as the toy group, hound group, terrier group). Most of my life I was a big fan of the working class breed, specifically the German Shepherd. From an early age, that was the type of dog I wanted. When I was in grade 5, I finally got my dream - a puppy. We adopted a shepherd/lab mix pup through the Winnipeg Humane Society. Piper lived for almost 15 years and was a wonderful companion.

(a very young Piper)

Since her passing, I always planned on adopting another dog. I prefer to adopt then purchase, so the likelihood of getting a purebreed was low, and I knew I didn't want another shepherd cross. I guess it was out of respect for Piper, not wanting to replace her somehow. I researched many breeds, leaning strongly towards the papillon.

(papillon)

But then I moved back to Winnipeg (I lived in Ontario for a number of years) and volunteered at the Winnipeg Humane Society. There I met a 8 month old boxer puppy with a broken front leg. I instantly fell in love with his personality and his goofy grin. He's name was Paulie and I was put on the list to adopt him even though there were talks of an amputation. I even planned on changing his name to McCoy (aka Bones. I'm a Star Trek fan) Unfortunately, someone else was on the list before me. At least he found a great home. And the good news, last I heard, he didn't have to get his leg amputated!

(Paulie)
Meeting Paulie made me obsessed with boxers. I researched them, learning all I could about this breed. I loved their personality and their beauty. I knew I wanted a boxer in my life.

A few weeks after Paulie was gone, I was still upset with losing the chance to adopt him. Then in came Sophie. I couldn't believe my luck that another young boxer came into the Humane Society so soon! I hadn't planned on getting a white boxer because of the extra health risks (sunburns, allergies, possible deafness, etc) but I could't pass up on the chance for a young boxer and she captured my heart almost immediately.

Since then I've notice I have a new fondness to dogs with pushed in faces and towards bully breeds. I just can't get enough of them. And Sophie is the most perfect dog for me.