7/3/04 - A family adopted Neeno and it was apparent within the first few days that Neeno was a danger.  They did everything they could to make it work but feared for their daughter's safety.  Unknown objects or situations caused Neeno to react aggressively. He was returned to his foster home this week and at 11:30 this morning, Neeno was sent to the Rainbow Bridge.  Dave held him close and I held his sweet face in my hands with my face next to his the whole time.  Neeno is buried on our property next to Mugsy. 
Now I know he will never again feel abuse, neglect, or disrespect.  Read Neeno's tribute from his foster family.
 

6/26/04 - Well, the day finally came. Neeno has been adopted by a wonderful family in Pennsylvania. We met at Wegmans in Corning, NY. Neeno and I were early so I decided to talk him walking in the shopping district to see how he was with other people walking by. For the most part, he did very well. He was excited at first but quickly calmed down. He did see a shopping bag go blowing by and he was VERY interested in it. I kept saying, "It's just a bag..." We also found that he doesn’t care for bicycles. He saw a little old lady go by with a walker and he was quite confused as to what it was. I get the sense that Neeno was not exposed to many things before coming to BAR. His new mom and dad were patiently waiting for us when we returned to the truck. He ran right to them and quickly started licking them. Approved! I was so happy to see how quickly he took to them and them to him. They have a little girl two days younger than my baby. We have so many things in common that this seemed like the perfect match. They are experienced boxer owners that understand Neeno will need time and love. They are more than willing to provide both. I couldn't help but to call later in the evening (okay, I'm a worry wart when it comes to my babies) and Dawn told me Neeno was fitting in like a glove and that he was being very lovable. She had taken him for a walk in the neighborhood so he could check things out. He did well on his walk and Dawn commented that he walks better on the leash than their previous boxer who passed at the age of 7 earlier this spring. Neeno was going to meet their little girl Jordan today and I have my fingers crossed that all went well. We will be sure to keep you posted. Many thanks to Neeno's family for Mischief's new toys and treats. She loves them!

6/20/04 - Oh where, oh where can my family be?
Why doesn't anyone want to love me?
I'll love you to the end, wait and see.
Oh where, oh where can my family be?
I'm going on my fifth week with my foster family and I am getting very attached to them.  Mom says she's
being very selective about my Forever Family because she only wants the best for me.  She's being honest with everyone and explaining that I am a very good boy but I have a few areas that I need to work on.  I can be selective about visitors and sometimes take a few moments to warm up to them.  After a few minutes, I am fine.  When I get excited, I grab my leash and decide to play tug
with you.  I need a firm "no. stop."  Mom said that I took about 7-10 days to settle in but now that I have, I think I'll stay!

I have so many good qualities though.  Let's see how many I can think of:
1) I love playing with Mischief,
2) I lick the 16 month-old skin kid as much as possible,
3) I walk really well on the leash,
4) I am 100% potty trained with only one accident (Mom gave me a little too much water before bed...),
5) I am crate trained,
6) I let Mischief drink from my water bowl,
7) I know how to sit,
8) I'm calm for my age,
9) I love to burrow my head in your lap for endless affection,
10) I sleep on a dog bed by your side at night,
11) I’m good in the shower,
12) I love playing with toys,
13) I don’t ask to get on the furniture,
14) I won’t jump on you,
15) I'll always be by your side to protect you,
16) and finally, if I do say so myself, I am one HANDSOME dude.

How could you go wrong?  Please, I've been patiently waiting but I'm starting to feel rather unloved.  Won't someone be my guardian angel?  Love, Neeno

6/18/04 - Neeno continues to do wonderfully in our home. At times we forget that he's really a foster dog because he blends in so well with our family. While Neeno was outside yesterday he was barking and we could tell it was a serious bark. I quickly looked out the window and no one was in the driveway. Neeno continued to bark. I finally went outside to see what exactly he was barking at. What did I find? Two doves sitting at the base of the driveway. It seems that Neeno likes to chase birds and finds it quite comical.
Even though Neeno and Mischief got baths on Sunday, they need another one. They play all the time and often have dirt shoved up their noses. That resulted in me washing one of the beds again last evening leaving only one bed for the dogs. I was curious to see which one of the dogs would win the "I'm going to politely shove the other one off the bed" game. Ironically, Neeno didn't even try to push Mischief off the bed. She was sprawled out across the entire thing (some hostess she is!) At about 2 a.m., I awoke and looked over the side of the bed. There I find two boxers snuggled against one another sound asleep. It brought tears to my eyes as that is how Mugsy and Mischief used to sleep. Always touching one another.
Some people have told me that they prefer a female dog to males because of the "leg lifting issues." Well, let me be the first to say that Neeno does NOT lift his leg at ALL. He always squats. It's rather nice when we go on our walks and he doesn't stop at every utility pole. He also doesn't jump on the furniture. What more could you ask for?
I'm very surprised that Neeno is still here. He's a wonderful boy and would do well in a country setting. I think he would do best with a female, no kitties (unless they had a place to escape), and does very well with children. Are you the home for Neeno? He's looking for you....

6/15/04 - Hi everyone! It's me, Neeno. I have been having so much fun here that as far as I am concerned, I'm part of the family. I try to be a really good boy and it has paid off. Mischief and I play non-stop and we roll in the dirt chewing on one another. We found a little hole that we decided to dig so we both had dirt shoved up our noses. We both got baths Sunday night while the skin kid was in the tub having his bath. I was a very good boy in the shower even when she cleaned between my toes. Mom said she couldn’t believe the amount of dirt that came off Mischief and I. Following our showers, I got a new collar that belonged to a boxer named Mugsy. I guess he was Mom and Dad’s first boxer who passed to the Bridge at the age of 12. Mom also washed both our beds and I slept on the one labeled, “Mugsy.” Dad came in the bedroom and saw me with Mugsy’s collar sleeping in his bed and it brought tears to his eyes. I think that Mugsy guy was really loved and I have helped to fill his void.
We had two new male visitors at the house on Sunday morning and I barked to let Mom and Dad know they were there. As soon as Dad said it was okay, I leaned against them and showered them with kisses. Mischief is a little uncomfortable with strangers so she let me complete the approval process.Mom and Dad have quite a chuckle when they see us playing in the front yard. When we are all tuckered out, we lay our heads on top of one another and cross our paws. It’s a really cute sight to see.
Mom has tried to get pictures but as soon as we see her come out of the house, we run to her.I really wish that Mom and Dad had a fenced in yard so I could run and play without a cable run. I sometimes forget that I am attached to a cable and get quite a jolt. When Mischief and Clyde are out running around I get a little jealous and bark for Mischief to come back. It usually takes three barks and she comes running back. I guess she knows who wears the pants around here! I even let Mischief drink out of the water bowl at the same time I am drinking. I think we wear more than we drink though.
Someone should teach her some manners!
I have been a little lame lately because Mischief and I play non-stop. We’re in our crates during the day on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. The rest of the week someone is home with us so we spend a lot of time outside playing. Mom gives me a massage first thing in the morning and I really enjoy it.Dad was a little upset with me while Mom was gone because I have decided that I would REALLY like to deflate a tire on the lawn mower when Dad goes by. He had to get off the tractor four times to correct me. What does he expect? I see those big yellow tires and they look a lot like a Frisbee. I am still a pup you know.
This morning Mom was trying to get me to go into the crate. I usually go in willingly since I know there is a peanut butter filled Kong waiting for me. Not this morning. I would wait until Mom was about an inch from me and I would tear off to another room. I did this for about 10 minutes and finally surrendered. Silly Mischief was standing in her crate, door open, looking at me like, “Dude. Get in your crate! I want my treat!”
I have been with Mom and Dad for over a month now. They keep mentioning something about a Forever Home but I’m not sure what that is. Maybe I will know soon. Well, I have to get back to my Kong. Talk with you soon! Love, Neeno

6/14/04 - Neeno has been such a good boy. Both he and Mischief had baths last night as they were filthy from playing in the front yard all day long. Neeno broke his new Big Dog collar so we had to go back to using the awful "pit bullish" collar his owner had on him. After their baths, I found Mugsy's Cornell collar and put that on him. I also washed the LL Bean dog beds. Neeno loves to sleep on Mugsy's bed. Dave nearly cried when he walked in the bedroom to see Mugsy's collar on Neeno and Neeno sleeping in Mugsy's bed. Here's a picture of Neeno and Mischief. Neeno is the one sleeping with the pink toy (no comments needed!)

6/13/04 - I am very happy to report that all is well following my three days in Niagara Falls. Dave, Bryce, Mischief, and Neeno seemed to have a great time while I was gone. The bad part is that by me not being here, it gave time for Dave and Neeno to spend quality time alone. I overheard Dave say to Neeno, "After fifteen fosters, I think you are going to be the one we keep." Um, no. We always agreed that we wouldn't ask to adopt and I plan to honor that promise. Neeno and Mischief just adore one another and now drink from the same bowl at the same time. They're both getting a bath this evening because they have been playing non-stop in the dirt. I don't think Mischief's collar will ever be blue again!

Neeno met two of Dave's friends this morning and barked to let us know they were here. He was fine with them once Dave acknowledged them. Before we knew it, he was giving them kisses.

We have found that Neeno likes bananas and watermelon. Go figure! He always cleans his bowl every morning and evening. He's been eating 2 cups at each meal but he doesn't seem to be gaining any weight. He could use 5-10 pounds to make him fill out a little more.

He continues to love his peanut butter filled Kong and willingly goes into the crate for it. He will bark for a few seconds and then lay down. Since Mischief and Neeno play so much, Neeno has been a little lame in the morning. I always rub his hips down before he starts his day and he loves the personal attention.

We have allowed Neeno limited time free roaming in the house with the cats. Every now and then he will seek out the youngest cat and the chase is on. I try to keep a spray bottle handy to correct him if I see him "eyeing" the cat.

We really love having Neeno with us but I am very surprised that he is still with us after a month. He's such a wonderful dog and he deserves a home of his own. I fear that he is getting rather attached to us. He seems to bond to everyone just the same (men, women, children.)

Are you looking for a companion who will love you until the end? Neeno is the guy for you. Be sure to call soon or his Foster Dad just might keep him!

6/8/04 - Neeno is such a good boy that I am surprised he's still with us. We are growing more attached to him everyday and I suspect that Mischief will be very, very upset when it comes time for him to leave. The two play together non-stop. Both pups need a bath, as they love rolling in the grass playing with one another. Mischief usually sleeps all day when we don't have a foster so she has lost seven pounds in the 3 1/2 weeks Neeno has been with us. It's nice to see her enjoying herself.

Neeno is showing us more everyday what a love bug he is. When I am in bed, Neeno will come over to my side and place his face on top of mine. He then gives me a gentle kiss. His big soulful eyes say it all. This boy is such a love.

He is very aware of what is going on around him and our property. We live in "farm country" and we have three sides of fields. Every now and then the farmer comes to plow to land and Neeno barks to let us know he is there. He also alerts us to the occasional jogger passing by.

Neeno loves his evening walks with the 16-month-old skin kid. Since he walks so nicely next to the stroller, Bryce holds onto the slack in the leash so that "he" is walking Neeno. Neeno is more than happy to oblige.

While Neeno and Mischief were playing outside on Sunday, I happened to pass by the bay window. What did I see? I see Neeno WITHOUT a collar and cable run. Instead of the collar being ON Neeno's neck, it was still attached to the cable run that was on the ground. It seems that Neeno was a little over excited while playing with Mischief and gave the cable a good jerk. His new Big Dog collar broke. What I saw made me have a good laugh. There was Neeno nudging the collar trying to flip it up over his nose to put it back on. When he wasn't successful, he finally picked it up in his mouth and walked to the front door with it. There he calmly sat on the welcome mat waiting for

me to come and fix the collar. There was no fixing it, of course, so I had to put his old collar back.

Neeno and Clyde continue to dislike one another for some reason. I'm not sure why. I suspect it might be because they're both trying to impress Mischief. There's nothing a lady likes more then two strapping men arguing over her.

I will be leaving town for four days so Neeno will be home with Daddy and Bryce. I suspect that Neeno won't be here much longer so be sure to get your applications in soon.

6/4/04 - I know Neeno completed an update yesterday due to my tardiness but I had to share our breakthrough.
For two days we have been allowing Neeno to wander through the house without a leash with the cats. He got one whack from demon kitty and since that time, he is absolutely FINE with the kittis. When he starts starting at them, I give him a firm "NO. Leave." and he walks away. Way to go Neeno!

6/3/04 - We had such a busy holiday weekend that Mom didn't have a chance to do my update. I am more than willing to do it myself though. Where to begin? Mom was home with me for four straight days and I loved having her around as well as the little skin kid. Sunday was a beautiful day so Mischief and I spent all day playing in the sun. I've decided that she is more than welcome to enjoy my water bowl and I really don't care that she goes near my empty food bowl anymore. I've come to realize that these nice people will feed me every morning and each evening so I don't need to worry about not being cared for.
Mom and the baby went shopping on Friday at the Big Dog Store. I got a brand new collar, leash, and squeaky toy. I feel so special now. That other collar my previous owner had on me was ridiculous. Now I have a royal blue collar with Hawaiian flowers on it. These people must really love me.
I now go in the crate willingly because I know there’s a peanut butter filled Kong in there waiting for me. I bark for about 30-60 seconds and then I lay down and start licking. Mom always freezes it for me so I have longer to enjoy it.
In the evening, Mom, Mischief, and I go in the bedroom where Mom can close the door and I can run without the furballs around. I love playing with my toy. I throw it in the air and jump to catch it. Mom and Dad get quite a kick out of it. They have been allowing me to run through the house without a leash to see how I am with the furballs. There is one kitty that always terrorizes me so I can’t help but to try and step on him so he will run. The chase is on! They are slippery little suckers! I never seem to be able to find them. I really don’t mean any harm but I sure do love chasing them.
We had a lot of visitors at the house over the weekend and I liked some more than others. Although I’ve been with my family for a little over two weeks, I really love them and want them to be safe from strangers. We have a few visitors that try to walk right past me and enter the house without knocking. Mischief might think that’s acceptable (someone should tell her to shape up!) but I don’t. My purpose in life is to protect my family. I can be a little selective of visitors but can adapt once Mom tells me it is okay. We have a Grandpa and Aunt that stop a lot and I have no issue with them entering the house unannounced because I know them. In fact, I was sleeping in the living room on Monday when the “Aunt person” walked through the front room and straight into the kitchen. I wagged my tail like crazy and then went back to sleep. Last evening we went for a walk to our construction company out back and there were five visitors. I greeted each with lots of tail wagging and kisses.
I’ve already mentioned how much I enjoy Mischief (don’t tell her but I think I’m in LLLLOOOOOVVVVVVEEEEEE) but Clyde and I just don’t see eye to eye (or it is tongue to tongue!?). He’s old and crotchety and doesn’t like me touching his hips. I get the impression that he thinks Mischief is his woman (he’s got a lot to learn) so I don’t like it when he tries to push me out of the way. At night, Mischief and I sleep in our beds next to one another. Every now and then Mom will look out the window and see me licking Mischief’s chops or behind her ears. I wonder if my Forever Home will allow me to keep Mischief as a live-in girlfriend? Hhhhmmmm……
I really love the little skin kid and give him as many kisses as possible. That always seems to make him laugh which makes me want to lick him more! We try to go for a walk in the evening and I walk right next to the stroller like a good boy. Every now and then I decide I want to walk myself and put the leash in my mouth. If I see Mischief running around like a wild woman, I get jealous and tug on the leash to let Mom know that I want to run free like Mischief. But, Mom says that’s not allowed since I am a foster dog. What does that mean? You mean these nice people aren’t going to be my Forever Home? I hope my family finds me soon. What more could you ask for? I love attention, sleep on the doggy bed next to Mom all night, no accidents in the house, am crate-trained, and walk well on the leash. I am the complete package! Hope to hear from you soon. Love, Neeno

5/27/04 - Hi everyone! Neeno here. Foster mom is off conducting a home visit so I thought I would jump on the computer and let you know how I am doing. Ah, life is grand. I get to run, play with Mischief, eat, eat, and eat. I have my very own dog bed that I sleep on at night next to foster Mom. Mischief's bed is next to mine. Don't tell but we play footsie at night. Mom got quite a chuckle one night when she got up and Mischief and I were all snuggled next to one another sound asleep. I really like her but I refuse to tell her that.

We try to go for a walk every night with the baby and he even thinks he's walking me. That's alright. I won't tell him. I am a perfect gentleman on the leash unlike that wild woman Mischief who runs circles around us. I have come to learn that the kitties are not to be chased. I have to admit that I really enjoy watching them run though. Last night I was playing with my stuffed animal in the bedroom and I saw two beady eyes looking under the bedroom door at me. Sure enough, it was one of the furballs. I stomped my feet at him and tried to stick my nose under the door. He decided to take a nap though.

Mom said that she posted a picture of the scarring on my back leg. I hope people don't think I am damaged goods. I can run and play with the best of them! I don't have a limp and I'm not in any pain. I will always have my scar that will be a constant reminder of my past. I know my Forever family will be able to look past my visual imperfections.

Mom is always telling me what a good boy I am. Even when I try to weasel my way into their bed. I come over for a casual head petting and then I slowly work one paw up, then the other paw, and before they know it...I'm on the bed. I saw a dog in the mirror on the bed that looked just like me. I jumped off the bed and ran from side to side trying to find him but I didn't have any luck. Mom sure did have a good laugh though.

Well, I better get back to my napping since Mom will be home soon. I hope to hear from you soon. Licks and kisses, Neeno

5/24/04 - Whew! I survived graduation at college so I can do a much-needed update on Neeno. What a good boy. I am amazed at how this boy ended up in a shelter. We have had several guests at our house over the last week or so and Neeno has been wonderful about letting us know that someone is approaching the house. My 85 year-old grandma visited on Thursday night. Neeno DID NOT like her cane. It was the first time I saw him give a serious bark that really meant business. I suspect that he was abused by someone using a stick. The cane certainly reminded him of something negative.

Neeno and Mischief continue to be buddies and play for hours in the yard. I think he would do well with another dog his age so he can burn off energy. All Mischief wants to do is sleep. I bought Neeno a stuff animal and he LOVES it! Dave and I were watching a movie in the bedroom the other night while Neeno was playing with his toy. Next thing I know, something goes flying over our heads and there stands a baffled Neeno. After retrieving his toy from the top of our headboard, Neeno was once again happy.We have had a lot of storms over the last few days including a tornado that passed through. Mischief went nuts. Neeno on the other hand, slept straight through all the storms. Maybe someone will adopt Mischief and I will keep Neeno? Just kidding.

We took Neeno for a second vet opinion to recheck his hind legs. She confirmed the first diagnosis that at some point, Neeno had an injury that left his back left leg scarred. She did not feel that further examination was necessary. He gets along great and loves to play. I hope that people can look beyond the "imperfect" scar he bears.

I believe that Neeno tends to prefer female dogs to males (no surprise there!) He does very well with my female boxer but is a little too rough for our older male English setter. He now allows Mischief to drink from his water bowl. All food bowls are put away after dinner. Neeno is an absolute gentleman when accepting treats. He sits down and looks at you with those big sappy brown eyes.

Neeno will try to crawl into your lap whenever possible. He absolutely craves human attention and it is clear that he has not had a lot of love during his short life. He will do anything to please.

The biggest bonus, he loves giving kisses to my 15 month-old son. He can't give him enough. The more Neeno kisses, the more Bryce laughs.

I haven't made a final determination about cats yet. I walked Neeno over to a cat while on leash to see what his reaction would be. He tried to step on him. When he walks into the room, he'll survey the "kitty" situation but when I say, "Neeno no", he quickly looks away. Unfortunately, I have three indoor cats that can’t run away when necessary. I think with a little time and effort, Neeno would be okay with cats if someone were willing to work with him.

Neeno has been a joy to have but I know he’s becoming quite attached to us and he deserves a family of his own to love. Could that be you? Hurry! Neeno is waiting for you.

5/19/04 - Neeno has been with us for a few days now and is still doing wonderful. No accidents in the house at all and he sleeps straight through the night next to our bed. Neeno and Mischief had a bit of a "discussion" this morning while in the front yard. It seems that there was a dead animal in the yard and both decided that it smelled SOOOOO good that they wanted to scrap with one another to get to it.

I heard the disturbance so I glanced out the window. Both were standing on their hind legs boxing one another. Their bark is much worse than their bite! We disposed of the dead animal and they were pals again.

Neeno just loves being around people and is truly a "people dog." He is very friendly to everyone that he meets.

There are two areas we need to work on with Neeno. The first is dealing with the resident furballs. Neeno is definitely expressing an interest in the kitties. Last evening he and one of the cats were nose to nose. I'm not sure who moved first but the cat hissed and jumped back. Neeno yelled and jumped back as well. It was quite comical. It was difficult to tell who won Round 1. Luckily, Neeno was anchored to the kitchen table at the time and he was on leash so he couldn't chase the kitty. I do think he could go to a home with cats but I would want to make sure that the kitties had a place to escape to and someone willing to work with him on his "kitty manners."

The second is his habit of jumping on the front door when he decides he doesn’t want to be outside anymore. It’s been rainy so I don’t blame the guy! He’s definitely not the polite “I’ll scratch softly at the door and they will know I want to come in” kind of guy.

Okay, I guess there are three areas. Neeno doesn’t seem to know that he has been “deflowered” or, maybe he’s in denial. It doesn’t matter if it is a male or female dog. Clyde, our English setter, doesn’t take fondly to other guys grabbing a hold of him. Clyde also had bad hips so that makes matters worse. Clyde is quite to correct him and then all is well again.

I still don't understand how someone could give this boy up so easily. He loves eating peanut butter Kongs in his crate, walks PERFECT on the leash, knows commands, and loves people. What more could you ask for in a four-legged companion?

Are you looking for that special dog? Better hurry! Neeno won't be here long.

5/17/04 - Hi everyone! It's me, Neeno. I thought that since Mom was away at work, I would take a minute to tell you about myself.

This past week has been quite eventful. On Monday morning my owners packed me in the car and said, "Let's go Neeno." Next thing I knew, I'm standing in a loud shelter and I hear my owner say, "I don't want him anymore." He took my leash off and drove away. How could he not want me? Haven't I been a good dog? He's the only owner I have ever known. I was so sad.

They placed me in a cold, hard, wet dog run. I didn't do well with all the other dogs yelling. I just didn't understand how I had a home one day and didn't the next. I used to be able to go potty in the green grass not on hard concrete where I sleep.

Luckily, a shelter volunteer named Kate, contacted a friend about a rescue for me. The rescue called the very next day. Two days later, a volunteer came to visit with me and she did a temperament test that I passed with flying colors. Without knowing my complete back ground, the volunteer’s suspect that I haven't always been treated the way a dog should be. I would submissive urinate when someone approached my crate and I would back away. They didn't know how much I wanted to be petted but I didn't know if I would be hit.

As I looked around the shelter, I saw a little girl that looked just like me. We helped to keep each other company while the other dogs barked, barked, barked.

Then on Saturday, four days after my owner surrendered me, the rescue volunteer came back. This time, she had a crate and leash for me. I jumped right into the back of the truck and off we went to a place called the vets. I sure was happy to be out of that shelter but I'm not sure the vet’s office is any better! They poked me!

My foster Mom explained that it was all in my best interest and I got lots of attention for being such a good boy. People at the vets kept saying, "How did you end up at a shelter? Who would do that to such a wonderful boy?"

Honestly, I don't understand it either. I tried to be a good boy. I loved unconditionally even when they hurt me. Now, things are different. I'm now living with another pup that looks just like me! We have three fur kitties (they look like fun! Especially when they spit at me. Can you say breath mints!?) I also have a 15-month-old little boy who loves playing with me. I even let the little guy pull my chops because it means he's close enough to kiss.

I don't like the other pups being near my bowls so I eat dinner on the porch while they eat in the house. Then Mom takes the bowls away and we play.

I don't want to tell Mom but I don't think she realizes that I've been subjected to living on concrete. She commented this morning how odd it was that I urinate on the pavement but do my "other business" in the grass. I have been such a good boy that I haven't had any accidents in the house.

I sleep on the floor next to Mom all night and don't wake up once. Not even when Mom gets up with the baby in the middle of the night. When she comes back, I am laying on the dog bed with my head hanging off. My tongue hangs out, of course.

My hind legs are a little sensitive and the vet said that I might have had an injury at some point. I sit sidesaddle and have a scar on the back of my leg. I hope that people don’t pass my up for my visual imperfections. I’m still the same on the inside.

I can't help but to have sweet dreams about a family of my own. I thought I had one but I guess it wasn't meant to be. I promise, I'll be the best pup you've ever had. I would love a Mommy or Daddy who will take me for long walks and provide endless petting. I don't ever want to be in a shelter again. Thank you to Kate and to Boxer Angels Rescue.

Well, I guess I'll go take a nap in the crate and play with my Kong. I'll be sure to write soon. Love, Neeno

5/16/04 - The Come & Go Boxer Bungalow welcomes our newest guest, Neeno. He is a beautiful fawn, black mask (with a tiny white smudge on his nose), and white patches on his belly and toes. He was surrendered to a local shelter on Monday by his owners who "didn't want him anymore."

Thankfully, a shelter volunteer called BAR and Neeno will now have the life he deserves. I sprung him from the shelter and we went straight to the vets. Neeno is neutered and completely up to date on all shots including rabies, DHLPP, and heartworm. He didn't utter a peep in the crate during our journey.

First task after the vets, a SHOWER. Boy, did he stink! He was an absolute peach in the shower. He smells much better now.

He met the resident 7 year old boxer, Mischief and the abandoned English setter without incident. It was like they were all long lost friends. He does seem to get a little "fresh" with Mischief every now and then and would like to box constantly. He also met the resident cats and didn't seem to be interested at all. Now that he's settled a bit, he does show more interest but just because they look like fun not because he wants to harm them.

My 15 month old little boy absolutely loves Neeno and I think it's mutual. Bryce ran right up to him and Neeno showered him with kisses. He even grabbed his chops and Neeno didn't budge. His tail wags like mad when he sees Bryce.

Last evening Neeno slept on the dog bed on my side of the bed and was an angel. There haven't been any accidents in the house, he's eating well, and being a perfect house guest.

I have found that Neeno has some unique traits. When outside on the cable run, Neeno doesn't lay down. Even when he's out there for extended periods of time, he stands. When in the house during the day, same thing, he prefers to stand and rarely cat naps. He is an excellent guard dog and will let you know when strangers are approaching the house or car.

He has a patch on the back of his hind leg that doesn't have hair and the vet believes it is a scar from a previous injury. It does seem sensitive to the touch.

Neeno seems a little protective of his food and water bowls which is to be expected after being in a shelter. We make sure the dogs are fed separately and that all bowls are picked up. Then, all is well.

This evening I took Neeno on a walk with the baby stroller. WHAT A GEM! Never pulls (my 15 month old had a part of the leash and thought he was walking Neeno) and he healed to the left of the stroller the entire time. I was shocked. What a good boy.

Every now and then he gets a little saucy and puts the leash in his mouth to walk himself. Before you know it, he's doing the butt jerk because he wants to play tug of war. Since Neeno only weighs fifty pounds less then me, it didn't take long for him to beat me.

Neeno has very soulful eyes and is a WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL boy who deserves a home who will care for him the rest of his life. Hurry. Neeno is waiting for you.

5/13/04 - After an extended break, the Come & Go Boxer Bungalow will be welcoming Nenno to the ranch. A lovely shelter volunteer contacted BAR about a 2 year old male that was surrendered on Monday. He was not doing well in the shelter and has clearly not had the life he deserves. I guess I have to give credit to his owner for taking him to the shelter and neutering him though.

Nenno is a VERY tall fawn male with a tiny white smudge on his nose. He is full of energy and was so very happy to be playing in the grass last night away from the shelter. This boy is going to be a big boy when he fills out. I will be making a vet appointment for tomorrow as there is a sticky patch of something on his hind quarters and belly. It was tender to the touch so we'll have it checked out.

Let's hope all goes well with the 15-month old skin kid that LOVES pulling puppy tongues and chops as well as chasing nubbins. I'm not sure what he's like with cats so keep your fingers crossed.

I just couldn't make this boy spend one minute longer in the shelter. Updates to come. Enjoy the photos.