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Losing a pet is as difficult as losing a family member. Here are some resources where you can find support.
Hotlines:
- Grief Recovery Hotline, 800-445-4808
- Iowa State University Pet Loss Support Hotline, 888-478-7574
- United Way Helpline, 210-227-4357
Support Groups:
Austin: Samantha Rahmberg (contact), Humane Society of Austin & Travis County, 124 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752, 512-837-7985, Ext. 226, Debra Rimmer, CSW, Facilitator, http://www.austinspca.com
Houston: Stacey Wilbanks, Houston SPCA, 900 Portway Dr. Houston, TX 77024, 713-869-7722 Ext. 127
Donations
Make a donation to Lone Star Boxer Rescue in memory of a pet or someone who loved animals.
2007
Ginger
Ginger came to me when she was approximately 10 years of age. She was a stray that was found by a Good Samaritan (Brandy) with a huge heart. Brandy took her in, got her to a vet, and contacted LSBR. Ginger had a jagged scar down her back, one of her rear legs was not usable, and the other had a huge mass around the ankle that was at first thought to be scar tissue and a possible infection. Ginger may not have been the “perfect” looking boxer to most people but she was beautiful to me. I fell for her immediately! She loved being around people and loved all other animals.
After antibiotics, tests, and x-rays, it was determined that the mass was cancer, and it was fairly aggressive. This little girl was an ANGEL. Ginger was very stoic, never complained, always went outside to potty, and would even run to catch up with me as much as it obviously hurt her. I feel extremely fortunate to have had her in my life, even for a short time. This is what rescue means to me.
Debbie Lon - Lone Star Boxer Rescue
Winmere's Serendipity
~ Sarah ~
12/11/98 - 1/2/08
Sweet Sarah came into our hearts when she was three and a half; a breeder re-homed her due to a genetic defect called Sub-Aortic Stenosis. Harbored in our minds was the thought SAS would some day take our girl. Yet a brain tumor out of left field and fast as a speeding bullet (as we have learned many are by the time symptoms occur), totally blind sided us.
Sarah had the most gentle temperament, a true boxer ambassador wherever she traveled. She never met a stranger, was generous with the daintiest of kisses, tolerant of children, and totally in love with her family - even her special buddy, Charlie the cat.
Sarah was not alone as she made her final journey. She was celebrated, comforted, and put at ease by her Dad and Mom, and the clinic staff who cared for her so well. After an abundance of her favorite treats including whipped cream, and final good-byes, Sarah passed peacefully with her head cradled in my arms - cheek to cheek.
Our days have a gaping cavern where Sarah once pranced and charmed. We dearly miss her funny antics, and our minds are filled with precious memories of her, as our hearts quietly break. Run fast and free Angel Girl!
Till We Meet Again...
We Love You and Miss You Sweet Faced Sarah,
Daddy, Momma, Jared, Caesar, Shadeaux, and Charlie
Rebound
Rebound came into our lives on July 22, 2001 and quickly became a beloved member of our family. Words are inadequate to describe his sense of loyalty and devotion. He appreciated every day we had together. We learned so much from him about patience, courage, and impersonal love. He departed on July 4, 2007, to be with his Maker. While we miss him greatly, we have the most wonderful memories of a true and loyal companion. It was our priviledge and honor to be part of his life.
- Joe and Kay Landoli -
Nala
My sister's beloved dog Nala passed away today. Nala was the first boxer to have graced our presence. She was a very kind loving dog that brought a lot of joy to my sister's life. She was best friends to our other family members and pets. My labs Coco and Cassie loved every visit they had with her. She was taken from us way to soon, but she will always be remembered.
We'll miss you Nala!!
- The Demory & Powell Family -
Cassie
During the month of August in 100 degree heat, my wife rescued Cassie from an abandoned golf course in Houston. Cassie, acting as a watch dog, was locked in the facility, outdoors, without shade, food, or water. She was taken to a local vet and later transferred to Texas A&M where the doctors were given carte blanche to do anything they could to save her. Over the next 14 months she was taken to Animal Imaging in Dallas for an MRI because her back legs had problems with coordination. She was referred to Dr. Rick Wall at the Woodlands for underwater treadmill therapy three times per week to attempt to develop muscle strength in her legs. After several months of the treadmill, the results were not what the doctor expected, so we returned to Dallas for a follow-up MRI. Cassie lost of control of her rear legs soon thereafter, and we took her back to A&M. The A&M vets consulted with UCLA and the University of Florida, exchanging their findings. It was determined she had a spinal myopothy disease for which there was no cure. It is a disease similar to MS in humans. The spinal cord just dissolves in the spinal housing over a period of time. Cassie had trouble breathing the week before Christmas 2006, and I rushed her back to A&M where radiographs revealed three large tumors in her chest cavity. I was instructed to return home with Cassie, fix her a comfortable bed near the fireplace and continue to give her the love she never had in the early years of her life. Three days later - on a Sunday, in freezing weather - I returned to A&M, at their request, where Cassie knew, and was ready, to continue on her life's journey. Our experience with Cassie demonstrated to my wife and me that our animal friends are not only faithful companions but also spritual guides.
- Randy & Cindi Simpson -
Ashton
In Memory of Ashton
"Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stay ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should you be in danger.
And my friend, when I am very old and no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun.
Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands."
- The Baker Family-
Skylar
- The Martin Family -
Darby and Riptide
We were the proud parents of three wonderful boxers. True, we felt overwhelmed at times when all three decided to chase squirrels at the same time, but in our hearts we knew we were the luckiest boxer parents in the world. Then our lives were turned up side down. We lost two of our babies in a two-month period. Going from a 3-boxer household to a 1-boxer household in such a short time period turned our hearts inside out.
Darby was sick with a brain tumor, blind, confused, etc. I'm sure you've heard similar stories. Her passing was expected but still heart-breaking. Then just two months later, completely out of the blue, our happy, seemingly healthy, "big man" as we liked to call him, died of a massive heart attack. To say we're devastated is an understatement. They are all special, but in our hearts Riptide was truly a special dog. He was sweet, playful, loyal, proud, and sometimes down right silly.
By the way, our remaining boxer is "Flash" and he is a terrific little fellow. Funny, we still refer to him as little even though he's 80-lbs. Compared to Riptide, all other boxers were little so we got in the habit. Flash is a sweet and rare reverse brindle with lots of flash, hence the name.
- Daisy and Thad Hickman -
Smylie
Smylie was a female boxer that LSBR and a Good Samaritan named Regina tried to save. Regina found Smylie roaming the streets in a busy area. Smylie was extremely emaciated, would not use her left rear leg, and was suffering from skin problems, which were later determined to be due to road rash, poor health and poor nutrition. Regina contacted LSBR, who then took Smylie to a vet who confirmed her leg was broken. The break was assumed to be a few days old due to the amount of swelling involved. LSBR and Regina approved the surgery to have the leg plated so she could hopefully regain full use of the leg.
This poor girl hung on through this not so gentle surgery and did so well. Unfortunately, while in recovery, Smylie passed away. It was very sudden. The vet and staff administered CPR, but Smylie had passed on was no longer in pain. Smylie was cheated out of a happy, healthy life in a loving home, but we can be thankful that she was able to spend a night or two with her caring rescuer. Smylie was a sweetheart that quickly stole the heart of the kind woman that found her.
- Lone Star Boxer Rescue -
Joe Boxer
In 2001 we adopted Joe Boxer from LSBR, it was for sure the best thing we could have done. I'm sad to say that our Joe Boxer went to meet his maker last Saturday afternoon. He was the best dog we could ever have dreamed of getting and the fact that he came from rescue made him even more special to us. He will be forever missed and loved by our entire family. I attached a photo taken of him just 3 days before he passed. Thank you for your continued hard work.
- Jamie Boling -
Bogey
4 years ago I visited Tracy (Tulsa Boxer Rescue) at her home to meet a Boxer she had called Wrigley. He was 25 pounds, 2 years old and had a bad case of mange. I adopted him anyway. I had him for 4 great years and believe I gave him a great life (he made mine greater). Regardless of how much I gave him, he gave more. Sadly, Bogey passed away today due to a heart attack. He had been diagnosed with a heart murmur, then heart failure a month and a half ago. Rescuing him and providing the life I did for him was easily the most rewarding thing I have done. Bogey had a significant impact upon everyone who ever met him. He is and always will be missed by all, but fondly remembered as well.
- Brian P. Hatcher -
Bea
Bea was a precious pup that was only in rescue a few months. She was fortunate to have a wonderful foster family that loved and cared for her; she loved to sun bathe (don't all boxers!) and nap they day away knowing she was safe and sound.
Read Bea's Bio
Karma
 As unexpectedly as she came into our lives, our Karma left us as quickly. We weren’t ready to say good-bye at only four and a half years old. If I’d have known it was the last morning I would see her, I’d have given her at least one more kiss. I am grateful that we had the years together. I am happy that she was a good sister to her fur brother and sister, Jackson and Summer. I am appreciative that she was a good sister to her skin brothers and sister; Kali, Zach and Grant. Of our three dog babies, she was by far the easiest. Her passing has left an emptiness in our house.
Karma, we love you. We’ll see you on the bridge.
The Davis Family
Fluke
 6 years ago, I received a call from my veterinarian, a white boxer had been abandoned at his clinic with a broken leg, he suspects from a beating. He was unable to set the leg, but referred the clients to another veterinarian. 3 months went by, they did not pick up their dog. I went to the clinic, took one look and fell in love with her. I did however have a houseful of dogs, so decided she would be better placed with a boxer rescue in Houston. The arrangements had been made for 1 week. In the course of that week, my daughter, my husband and I all fell head over heals for Fluke.. she could NOT go to boxer rescue, she was a part of our family now.
Fluke had to be treated for heartworms, she had to be spayed, she had been used a puppy mill. After all this was taken care of the vet had said in order to fix the broken leg, he could only at this time do an amputation. I made the arrangements for this procedure and she started using the leg. The vet refused to do the amputation. She had a limp, but could run like the wind.
Over the course of the years, Fluke was always by my side, helping care for orphan pups and kittens being brought in. Every where I went, Fluke went to.She was my shadow, sidekick, best friend.
She had the most gorgeous crystal blue eyes you've ever seen. She had such comedic ways about her, every one loved Flukey.
Last April 2006 she woke up and was falling down, stumbling. We joked with her, that she had better stay away from the liquor cabinet. I actually thought she may have had a stroke as the day went on and her condition worsened. If only that had been the case. Fluke was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Needless to say I was grief stricken. I took her to Gulf Coast Veterinary Clinic in Houston. Her oncologist, Dr. Glen King is WONDERFUL. ( He called her the " Kid" ) Fluke immediately started radiation therapy, 21 total. I had my Flukey back!! She was home, running and playing in the yard, aggravating what ever dog in the house she could, just being her old self again. She continued receiving accupuncture and chinese herbals from Dr Harris at GCVS. In April 2007, we had another CT scan of the tumor ran to make sure all was still going well a year later. The scan showed the tumor had shrank somewhat, but the mass was less defined. Dr King was very pleased.
Sadly, Fluke took ill again in June, vomiting for unknown reasons. After many trips to ER Vet and her own vet, she was diagnosed with Mega Esophagus, in the course of that, the brain tumor reared its ugly head again. She was in and out of the vet clinic and had started radiation treatments again. She fought very hard to be strong and keep living, and I fought right along with her. Despite all the love and care from ALL her docs, the staffs, and us, Flukey just could not fight any longer. She went to Heaven on July 18, 2007. We will all miss her til our dying days. Rest In Peace My Gorgeous Girl, I love you.
Diego
 I just wanted to let everyone know that today, Diego passed away. What we first suspected was to be a very mild case of kennel cough bloomed in to what we now believe to be distemper, and his poor little, heartworm positive, body wasn’t strong enough to overcome it. He was a really sweet young boy; he had the softest, thickest coat, and was very friendly. It was obvious he never really learned how to play and was cheated out of the chance to learn. It REALLY breaks my heart, trying to get him to eat anything, watching him deteriorate, and knowing that there is little you can do but try to keep him comfortable – all the while hoping and praying he’ll get better.
Macy, Hazel, and Diego both had their short lives cut even shorter due to this easily preventable disease.
--
Debbie Lon
Monk
Our family is mourning the loss of our beloved Boxer, Monk. He passed away early Saturday morning 6 January 2007 and we are devastated by the loss.
He was 75 pounds, and he was a stately, handsome, clever animal with an equally remarkable bark. He was just a "big baby" and lap dog who needed the love and attention we gave him.
He is still all over in our home but he is not with us. How do you repair a heart with a hole so large?
I do not think that we will ever get over losing him, but we are happy that we had the honor of having him in our lives. He touched us in a special way.
Rocky
After seeing him on the LSBR website, we arranged with Sharon to adopt Rocky
(formerly Frankie) in August 2001. We drove 4 1/2 hours from the Rio Grande
Valley and met Sharon in Victoria. From the very beginning, he was a
wonderful addition to our family. Terrific with the kids, a faithful
companion to my wife and me, Rocky loved our home here in deep South Texas,
and we loved him. He was funny, loving, faithful, obedient, playful,
protective, and a member of the family.
Sadly, Rocky passed suddenly and quietly in his sleep on September 20. He
was all a "man's best friend" could be, and I mss him. Attached is a
picture of him and me in a favorite pose on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Thank
you, Sharon and LSBR for Rocky. Though he can never be replaced in our
hearts, you've shown us what wonderful companions boxers are and we will get
another.
Adam Hutchison
A boy and his dog
How do you tell a child that his buddy isn't coming home? How do you explain cancer to a 5 year old that just wants to play and look after his friend? Ironically, Buster looked after "Baby Jake" in Jake's first years, sleeping at the foot of his crib, inquisitive and patient as Jake grew and tugged at him. Buster remained faithful through the good times and bad, never a whiner... in fact, he "talked" when you hugged him. Buster was KING of the underbite! And while his breath was horrid, his kisses were welcome as they were blindly trusting. He did his best to maintain that wiggly happiness until the end when he was just so tired, the cancer eating away at his insides. I am convinced his jovial spirit hid the cancer in its early stages. Buster was just that kind of dog. Faithful and true. He loved his boy, Jake, and looked after his mom, Jaime. There will never be another "Bustah." Good boy, Buster, good boy. We will miss you, Buddy!
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