"It's
hard to believe he went through all that he did... he looks great now!
" -- Bentley's mom, Julie.
(Bentley came to Ho-Bo Care as an abused, scared pup
and in pretty sad shape a few years ago. Now he's a happy, well cared
for boxer boy who has a family who takes him on fun trips like this
one to Mount Evans.)
Our deepest condolences
to the Lee family on their loss of Bentley. He was a special boy not
only to them but to his former foster family and many of the Ho-Bo Care
volunteers.
Buddy's Story, A Rescued Boxer,
From the trash cans of Denver to the top of Mt. Bierstadt
After our first boxer Vinnie died at the
ripe old age of 12, we were already in love with the breed's energy,
love of comfort, and friendly disposition. Instead of purchasing a new
canine companion from a breeder, we decided to adopt a dog that needed
a loving home. So we contacted Marita at Ho-Bo Care Boxer Rescue in
Denver (www.hobocare.com) and began the process and journey that would
lead us to Buddy.
The dog that Marita found for us had a history.
He had been found living on the streets, fending for himself, scavenging
for food in the garbage cans of the city and placed in the Denver pound.
Since Marita and several other people wanted the dog, the pound decided
who would get the dog by holding a lottery and Marita drew the short
straw.
Not one to give up easily and knowing that
boxers can be a handful, she gave her card to the family who won and
told them to call her if the dog did not work out for them. The high
energy that we love in boxers turned out to be too much for the new
owners, and it wasn't long before they called Marita for help and she
called us to retrieve our rescue dog.
What we found was a dog that had been abused
physically and fed just enough to survive. He was just "skin and
bones" and easily 20 lbs under weight! He was also "all boxer"
and even in that condition full of joy and ready to lick the face of
the first person who showed him the least bit of loving attention. So
we loaded him into the back of our Jeep Cherokee (he was too weak to
jump in by himself) and took him straight to the vet for a complete
checkup and the necessary shots.
Buddy Day One
When we finally got back to our home high in the Rockies, it was straight
to the bath where he lost another pound or two in dirt and grime. We
dried him off as best we could, but when he shook himself dry in our
hallway, we noticed that both ears had been injured and that scabs had
come off in the bath and he spattered blood all over our newly painted
walls. After some first aid, it was off to the kitchen for his first
meal. This dog was so starved that we fed him triple portions three
times a day for a month until he finally put on some weight.
Buddy's now been through obedience
school, has lost his fear of strangers, can jump in our car and is our
faithful companion around the house, on mountain hikes, and on long
and frequent horseback rides.
John, Debi, and Buddy the Boxer
- Colorado
I thought you'd like to see how
my baby is doing. Hobo is wonderful! Eating was never
an issue - as you can see. We have added a rescue Golden to our family
also. Hobo gets jealous sometimes of him. He loves to go for walks -
we just let him run and play. As you know, he wasn't much able to play
last year. Well, that has all changed. He loves to play. Especially
with the fly swatter and vaccuum cleaner. He likes to sit in the recliner
with me too. And I let him. Hobo is absolutely a joy and the light of
my life. He is my baby and can do no wrong. He is healthy and very happy.
And he is definitely a mommy's boy. He doesn't go far from me. I love
him so much and can't imagine being without him. Thanks!! Shari
Just
wanted to extend a sincere thanks. We had first rescued Blazer
(male Brindle) in 2002. He has been an interesting challenge
as he was already 2 and had aggression issues. He still does not like
many other animals but he is the biggest love 
to
humans and our other two girls. Sierra (White female)
recently joined our family this year. She has taught me that anyone
who thinks a white boxer is worth killing is out of their mind. I think
she may be our smartest yet. She is constantly amazing us! It was a
rare moment in our home when we can get them to stand still for a picture.
We now are complete Boxer family with one of every color. Thank you
Ho-Bo care - without you Sierra and Blazer would have never found us.
We only hope to try and continue to do what we can to help place as
many of these wonderful dogs as we can. - The Kittelman Family
We
adopted Ellie (formerly 'Faith') from HO-BO Care in
February of 2002. We can't imagine life without her. I've got to admit
we spoil her a little bit. Every kid in the neighborhood love her, as
do we. She already knew a lot of commands when we got her, but, it's
to the point where we have to spell everything. She's great! Thank you
so much HO-BO Care for bringing this joy into our lives.
Sincerely, The McCollough Family
I
thought this might be a happy holiday greeting for Marita. This is Shadow
Dancer, placed with us by Marita over 4 years ago. Shadow is
deaf and well known as a "looney-toon" (Just ask Dr. Kurth).
She has, near as we can tell, obcessive-compulsive disorder. Specifically,
she chases lights and shadows. Will chase them anywhere, under any circumstances,
and don't get in her way! The first couple of years were a challenge
like we've never known. But Shadow is now mellowing, and she and her
buddy, Mugs, (finally they're buddies) enjoy their days now. She has
even lost a tiny bit of interest in light and shadows. So here is Shadow
Dancer is ALL her glory. Thanks for the work you do. Jennifer
Hall
We
adopted a dog named Cooper from your rescue last November.
I was just writing to tell you about what joy he has brought to our
lives. Cooper was turned over to you guys by a man in Grand Junction
that was disabled and unable to properly care for him any more. We originally
were only going to give Cooper a foster home, but the minute I saw him
I feel in love with his personality. We had a lot of trouble at first
with him because I do not think he had much affection or human contact
in his previous life. I think that he finally realized that he had found
his forever home with us. Since we adopted him he has put on couple
pounds and looks healthier than ever. He loves running around in the
back yard and cuddling up on the couch with us to watch t.v. I just
wanted to let you know that Cooper is doing really well and we couldn't
ask for a better dog. We would like to thank you for for giving us the
opportunity to rescue such an incredible dog. Cooper has brought us
so much happiness. I look at him everyday and wonder how someone could
be so cruel to such a wonderful dog, but thanks to Hobocare Cooper has
know found a family that will love him and take care of him the way
that he should be. Thank you so much for matching us with Cooper, we
really appreciate all the hard work you guys do to place these beautiful
boxers in forever homes. I attached some pictures of Cooper and his
sister Tessa that I hope you will enjoy!
-- Thank you so much, Joe & Savannah/Castle Rock, Co
To
All at Hobo Care and especially Marita. We adopted Rocky
from Hobo Care in the Spring of 2001. As I write this message I can't
believe it has been over 2 years since we got our boy. Time flies fast
when you have two active boxers in the house. Rocky joined our Rex and
they have become the very best of friends/brothers. They lick and groom
each other constantly and people can not believe they are not liter
mates. They are both spoiled rotten and without a doubt very special
and important members of our family. Rocky has allergies (common to
white boxers) but does well with regular shots and special diet. He
had a few minor discipline problems at first but is now Momma's Little
Gentleman. At first the kennel fence was not high enough at 5 1/2 ft
but after Momma fattened Rocky up a bit he stopped trying to jump fences.
He really likes his chow and is quite fond of his warm comfy bed. Both
boys are absolutely wonderful with my grandchildren. The 'boxer wiggles'
shake the rafters when they see the kids coming. Although toys litter
the back yard their favorite game is tug-o-war with 'Dad'. Thank you
again Marita for introducing us to this wonderful little guy. We just
adore our boys. I am including photos of my boys so you can see their
happy faces.
Sincerely, Leann and Rob
We
adopted Duchess from HO-BO Care and we love her so much! We would
like to get her a male playmate!
Just a quick story I have adopted
4 boxers over the last 10 years, I just lost the love of my life Dillon
he was close to 14 yr old & had 2 white boxers as roommates (3yr
old) to keep him young, . When I got dilly(96) he was very thin and
a runner, but he soon found his way into everyone's heart, he just loved
to walk up to anybody to get petted, I will miss him very very much,
but I know he had a great life. Boxers are probably one of the most
loving dogs I know if you have a very big heart & lots of patience's
please look into boxer rescue!! Sincerely, Bob Vogel
Note: A special thank
you to Bob for a very generous donation to HO-BO Care!
