1/24/05 - He continues to be the best dog ever!  He just experienced his first snow storm while living with us. He had no idea how to play in the snow. We set up some "play dates" with other dogs and now he is a lover of snow and we can't get him to come back inside!And, who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?!  Niko has learned sit and paw and even does it for my 2 1/2 year old daughter! He is such a gem and so smart.

10/7/04 - Niko and we are all doing well. He had his first encounter with another boxer yesterday, actually 3 other boxers. They were all up at the field together running and running and running! It was great. You wouldn't believe how much he enjoys playing with toys and bones. He emptied his entire toy box out last night, playing with each and every toy. I will have to check the BAR website to see the other dogs. It is tempting to get a second one, but I think we will wait a bit longer. I promise to send some new pictures soon.

9/15/04 - Niko is great! He is so gentle and loving. Everyone who meets him comments on how gentle and beautiful he is. He LOVES to play with toys and other dogs. He is so silly and clumsy- he acts like a one year old. Every morning I am awakened by his kisses and head nestles. It is as though he can't express his affection enough! He has recently become watchful of my two young children. He won't come upstairs until both of my girls are safely up the stairs and if one of them is crying he runs off with a wagging rear end to make sure she is okay. I think my favorite things is when we are playing in the field, he will do a crazy spring, loop around and come full speed directly at me. At the last second he curves around me and stops right next to my leg. We love him tons and he has made our house feel so much more complete.

6/14/04 - I just heard from Niko's new family and they wanted to report that Niko has been doing fantastic in his new home.  He is now 72 lbs. with a little more weight to go before he is perfect.  We also
heard this week from my Dr. about a possible thyroid problem, and it appears that he will not need
medication at this time.  They will have to watch his levels, but it was very good news.  Dari has been teaching him to play soccer.  We are so happy that Niko did not have any anxiety about moving and has been steadily making himself right at home with his new family.  Way to go Niko!

6/5/04 - Niko has just left with his new mom and dad.  He will have the best home imaginable!  Complete with two skin sisters, his own yard, two doggie beds, and his own toy box filled with wonderful surprises.  He is off to his new life as a "privileged boxer baby". We are so happy for him, but we will miss him terribly.  They came with presents for my dogs, as well as Niko.  Thank you Tina for another perfect match! 

5/30/04 - Niko is Pending adoption.

5/23/04 - It's been a few days since we've updated you on our Niko.  He's been here a little over 2 weeks now, and he continues to impress us.  When trying to describe Niko to someone who has not met him, all we can come up with is he is like a child who has been neglected or ignored all of his life, then is given the opportunity to be included in family life for the first time.  Niko came to us not knowing any commands, not knowing how to play with toys or other dogs, not knowing how to share or even how to get down a flight of stairs.  Apparently, he was kept in a isolated area with his biological father all of his life, then was given up by the only family he had ever known.  By the time he had made his way to BAR, he was confused and depressed.  In two short weeks, he has learned the art of stair descending, several commands, how to share with fur foster kids, and how to be a part of a family.  He loves everyone he meets, doesn't barge out the door, walks gently on a leash, rides great in the car, doesn't bark at all. He hasn't been crated since the first night he was here.  He hasn't touched a single thing that he shouldn't.  He doesn't jump on people or on counters.  We think these are pretty important skills, don't you think.   He is a little frightened of
thunder storms (and we've had plenty this week), but is calmed very quickly with a little loving and attention.  All this sweet boy needs is a family who can take a little time to teach him some more
things that he should have been taught when he was a small boy. Do you have room in your heart and lives for this special guy.  P.S.  Also, he is such a gorgeous boy!

5/16/04 - Gentle Niko has been here one week now and we can't believe he's the same baby.  He is the happiest guy, just hanging out almost full time with everyone else in the house (except for the kitties). 
When we come home, he gives us this cute little dance, kicking his back legs off the ground like a horse.  He still loves his attention but is content to just enjoy being in the house with us.  For a couple of days, he decided that he did not want to share us with our other dogs, but after he found out that he would not get any attention if he acted that way, he decided that sharing wasn't so bad an idea after all.  He has actually initiated a little play with them which until 2 days ago, he totally ignored any advances from them to play.  Niko has a very sensitive soul and if he thinks you are not happy with him, he gets upset and wants to make up with kisses and hugs.  We can't wait to see what the next week will bring for our baby Niko. 

5/12/04 - I just had to update everyone on our sweet Niko. When he first arrived here, he was so very sad. Every day that he's here, his personality has just blossomed. He is still very quiet and subdued, but his butt wiggles more and more each day and his eyes don't seem so droopy. All Niko wants in this world is to be with humans. He is not selective about who he gets his attention from, although he and my husband have a special bond. The first day, he followed me upstairs and then couldn't get down. He was terrified and it took a few phone calls to some of BAR's more experienced fosters to figure out how to get him down, without traumatizing him even more. Well, we figured it out and now he goes up and down like a trooper. We also went for a long ride this week and he rode wonderfully. Niko also loves to go for walks and is a joy to take. When we meet people and their dogs on the street, he just stands there quietly, so the dogs can smell him, but does not get excited or scared. He just takes it in stride. So far, it appears that the only commands he knows is "come and leave it", but we're working on 'sit'. He is so calm that it's not really an issue. We've been bringing him up to our construction office and he just hangs out sleeping, or occasionally resting his head on someone's lap for a little loving. He still does not play with our dogs, but everyday his playfulness with us humans is more evident. At this point, I don't think a home with cats would be a good thing. Niko appears to be calm around them, but will grab at them when they walk by. It appears that's not a playful grab so they are not out in the house together. My kitties are too precious to me to test him further. Niko just needs a family who will appreciate his gentle nature and who can return all of the love that he is ready to give them.

5/9/04 - Niko arrived here in Upstate NY on Saturday.  Our first impression of him was that he was confused and so sad.  He has these beautiful droopy eyes that seem to look right into your soul.  In the 2 days that he has been here, his quiet, calm disposition has just shown through.  He has met my two dogs and they all get along beautifully.  He hasn't really wanted to play, but just co-exists with them as he has been here forever.  He immediately became so attached to my husband and vice versa.  He has had an upset stomach, but he seems better today.  We think it's due to all the changes he's had to endure this past week.  We had a Mother's Day party here on Sunday and we allowed him to greet each person at the door.  HE WAS WONDERFUL!  In his quiet, sweet manner, he welcomed all 10 people with wiggles and kisses.  One guest left the door opened when he went back to his car to get something and Niko just stood by the open door and looked out.  I was ready to run after him, but no need.  Such a good boy he is.  He was out all day with everyone and was perfect.  He was the hit of the party. He could sit or stand by your side all day, soaking up any attention you would give him.  He has not jumped up on us or on anything since he's been here. He doesn't really like to into his crate, but with a little push he goes right in.  He has quietly cried for about 15 minutes each night, but quiets right down and sleeps the night away.  He just wants to be with us.  After a couple days, I don't see why he needs to be in there at all, but we just want to make sure he won't get into any trouble when we're sleeping. He has seen the cats and appears to be fine with them, but we need more time to be certain of that.  I have a feeling that there will be many updates for sweet Niko, because I could go on and on about what a special boy he is.

5/5/04 -Well Mr. Niko is doing super duper here. He is still a little nervous and wondering why he isn't home but he is settling in and getting along with all the dogs, cats and my bird.
He has had no accidents in the home...not eating a whole lot right now but that is understandable.
He is quiet in the crate, although he doesn't care to go in there but with a slight push he does go.
He goes outside and plays with my dogs and comes in and lays at my feet. This boy will make a great addition to just about any home from what I see so far.  We will know more in a few days as he settles in a little better.

5/4/04 - Niko arrived at my home late last night after a trip up from LI. He is a very sweet boy and did very well in the crate last night. Ignores the cats and has done well with all the dogs so far.

He has the sad droopy eyes but was very happy and wiggly to see me this morning and again after work today.