Diamond

Pertinent Information
1 to 1 1/2 yr. old Fawn Male
58 lb. Shelter Surrender
Natural Ears and Docked Tail
Neutered and UTD
Obedience Training Required
Being Fostered in Toms River, NJ
Adoption Donation $250

11/21/04 - Diamond's skin problems are finally being treated properly. After several visits to a specialist and a complete set of allergy tests the vet found that he is allergic to several types of grass, trees, dust and many other things. Diamond gets allergy shots on a regular basis which are now down to once every 6 days. He is doing much better and his skin has cleared up. His stomach is also doing better, although yesterday he did eat a bar of soap so he wasn't feeling too good last night. He eats great and has put on lots of weight. He is very active and extremely fast when he wants to grab something. His older brother Moe is never able to get anything away from Diamond and can not catch up to him. Diamond has developed into a great dog and a wonderful and loving part of our family.

7/6/04 - Diamond has been with us for several months now. He is doing fine, getting along with his big boxer brother Moe extremely well. Diamond did need quite a bit of training. We had a trainer come to our house for one on one training and it was the best thing we could have done. He picks up very quickly, although he is a bit stubborn at times. He now has very good leash manners, he will sit, stay, lay down etc. Diamond has had several health problems since we adopted him. He has been to the vet many times for skin conditions. He is always scratching to the point of ripping thru his skin and making it very raw. The vet treated him for mange, even though he had that done prior to us adopting him. It still did not stop his scratching so just recently he was given a slow release shot that works over 3 weeks to relieve the itching. That has worked and when the 3 weeks are up we are taking him to a specialist that deals with allergies. Hopefully they will be able to pinpoint his problem. He has also had some diarrhea and other stomach problems which the vet has been working on. Diamond is a very lovable little boy who loves to lay next to you when you are sitting down. He plays with Moe all the time and enjoys rough housing with him. Moe was down and lonely after losing his older sister in December, but he has become happier and more active again having Diamond around. Diamond is a handfull at times but is making lots of progress and is making a great addition to our family.

2/7/04 - Diamond has been adopted
Diamond left this afternoon with his new family. They really liked him very much and he seemed to like them just as much. His new fur brother did not come to meet him, but his new mom and dad felt comfortable that all would go well. He will have a 3 year old Boxer brother to play with and to get into lots of Boxer trouble with. Tom and Linda saw how much of a puppy Diamond still is and thought he was
quite a character. He showed them how funny he could be playing with his toys, and we all had some great laughs. Tom and Linda were wonderful people and will give Diamond a very loving home. We'll miss Diamond after going through so much with him, but he is in very good hands now. He is strong enough now to continue to develop into a wonderful Boxer boy. He has plenty of maturing to do, but I think he will get there in no time. He's a smart boy. Thank you to everyone who helped start this boy out on his road to recovery. Diamond will be forever grateful to all.

2/4/04 - Hi all, sorry it's been a while now since our last update. It's been hectic around here with adopting out Diamond's foster brother. Anyway, here's the 411 on our little guy. Diamond went to the vet Monday to see what was going on with his skin. The vet said he either had a very light case of mange that was irritating him or it could just be allergies. So, we have him on a couple of different medications to calm his body down and let it all heal up. He is already starting to respond to the meds and isn't itching quite as much anymore. It really isn't a bad case of whatever it was, but his body had just been so week before that it didn't have time to heal. Now he's stronger, but needed the medicine to help a little.
Diamond has really developed a personality now that he is feeling better. you know how Boxers have been referred to as clown dogs, well, Diamond is certainly a clown. He has proven that statement. He never ceases to amaze me and he always makes me laugh. He's always playing with his toys and growling at them. He is playing well with people and with the other dogs with and without toys involved.
The weather has been much warmer the past few days and we have been accident free. I really think he just doesn't like too much cold. He's doing great though and ready for that special place to call home. We're waiting for that special call. If you're interested in having the time of your life with this little guy let us know because he is set a ready to go.

1/30/04 - Hi everyone, it's me Diamond. Foster mom said it's about time for me to learn to write my own updates since she's been real busy. I was so sick in the beginning and needed so much attention that I needed to come here, but there was already a foster dog here. To make a long story short, now there are two of us fosters here. It's fun though, that just means one more dog to play with.
Mom says I have something called allergies, I guess that's why I itch so much. I was supposed to go get a shot to stop the itching, but it wound up snowing and we haven't been able to get to the vet. Dad called the vet again and the will most likely be able to squeeze me in tomorrow morning otherwise it will be Monday definitely. I sure hope so, cause my skin itches. The vet's office got all backed up with being closed for two days with the snow and ice. Mom is going to get my special food again today too. Of course we had to run out of that in the snow too. Mom doesn't have a good snow car so she had to wait until she could drive into the next town where they sell my food. I say it's special food, but mom feeds it to all of us. She says it's a natural food with no byproducts. That basically means that it doesn't bother my allergies like other foods do. Lots of us Boxers have this same problem with food.
Mom and Dad say that I am looking better every day. I'm even starting to get something mom calls a personality. Mom keeps telling everyone this story that she thinks is so funny she laughs ever time she tells it. The other night it was snowing so hard we couldn't believe it. Mom and Dad kept trying to shovel but as soon as they shoveled a spot it would snow right over it. Anyway, the snow was coming down so much I thought I'd have a little fun with it. I stood on my hind legs and snapped at the snow flakes. Then when I wasn't able to catch them very well I started growling at them as I was trying to catch them. While I was on my hind legs I was also jumping and spinning trying to catch them as fast as they were falling. Mom said it was the funniest thing she had ever seen, but I just thought it was pure FUN!!!
I still have to take this pill called an antibiotic twice a day for a few more days. Mom is nice though, she hides it in a treat and I eat it up as if it were part of the treat. I did accidentally bite into one once and that was gross. I started spitting and foaming all over. Mom thought it was funny, but I didn't. She laughs at me all the time. But I know she loves me too.
I have had a few accidents in the house, but it's really cold to stay outside all that time. My accidents are usually in the early morning when I go outside and it's too cold to stay out for too long, so I start barking until I get to go in. The problem with that is that sometimes I haven't finished my business yet and Mom and Dad say they can't leave me out when I'm barking because the neighbors will complain. We have come to a bit of a comprimise though, Dad lets me out before he takes his shower and I go peepee, then Mom or one of the kids lets me out like 15 minutes later to peepee again and poopy. that way I don't stay out for long but still get to do all my business outside. I know I'm not supposed to go in the house, but hey, you try going out in the snow naked when you first wake up. It's COLD!!!
I have one more thing I like to do that Mom says she thinks is funny. If Mom or Dad is in bed I like to jump up and burrow my way under the blankets. Then I curl into a little ball and go to sleep completely covered, head and all. Mom lets me do it more than Dad. Dad usually tells me to get lost. I like mom better, shhhh don't tell Dad.
Anyway, I have pretty much regained my strength and am doing really well. I will be done with my medicine on Wednesday and as long as my allergies are doing well, then that means I am ready for a forever home. So, if you want me, please let my foster mommy know soon. Now that I am feeling all better, I won't be here long. Forever home here I come!!!

1/25/04 - I figured it's about time to show you all how Diamond is doing by sending in these pictures to the right. I just noticed this weekend that his ribs, hip bones, butt bones, and spine aren't really showing at all anymore. If you take a look back at the pictures on the left, you will notice the drastic change. I think we have finally hit the turning point. We just weighed him tonight and he is a whopping 58 pounds. I think he is finally at a descent weight. With his small frame, he will not fill out too much more until he matures a little more. We now just have to work on getting his skin allergies in check. That shouldn't take too long. All in all, I think he's starting to do a bit better. Thanks everyone for your support with this boy. This boy should be ready to go in no time.

1/20/04 - Ok, here's the scoop on my little guy Diamond. We had a bunch of tests done on him to make sure that he didn't have any other problems going on than just being underweight. All the results came back within normal limits and the vet said nothing showed up of any concern at all. So, Diamond went in and was neutered yesterday. He is now back home safe and sound and happy to be here. He is definitely starting to feel his surgery tonight. We've been trying to keep him calmed down, but putting him in a crate when we're home just stresses him out even more. He's fine in his crate when we go out, but if you put him in while you're home he just doesn't settle down. So, we just have to keep telling the other doggies that he's not feeling great and he will play in a couple of days. As for his weight, he went back down a little, but that was to be expected with being juggled around since Sunday to get him to the vet that was doing his neuter. Anyway, he is back now and will be back into a normal routine tomorrow. Hopefully we can get some meat on this boy this week. We'll keep you posted. This boy is just about ready to go, so if you want to spoil him and give him the home he deserves, please let us know. We'll be waiting to hear from you.

1/16/04 - Diamond had a vet appointment yesterday and has to go back tomorrow morning for some blood work to check to see why he still has diarrhea so much. He has finally started putting on a little weight. He is up to 51 pounds now. The vet said he needs another 10-15 pounds to be at a good weight. I'll update again after his appointment tomorrow when I have more news.

1/11/04 - Diamond is continuing to do well here. His belly is settling down and he is slowly gaining weight. We will try to get him to gain a little more this week than he gained last week. His neuter has been put off until next Monday, the 19th, to allow him a little more time to gain weight. We are going to try beefing up the amount of food he eats during the day so he gets more into him. We were afraid to feed him too much in the beginning since his belly wasn't feeling well. Over all though, Diamond is doing great. He is playing more and really starting to fit in. As of right now, Diamond is 48 pounds. We will keep weighing him to check his progress and we will update on how he's doing. I'm sure he will look like the Boxer he should in no time.

1/7/04 - Ok, our little Diamond boy has moved hopefully for the very last time before he's adopted. Diamond's digestive track is all out of whack with him being so skinny and all that he is not able to hold it for an entire day being locked in a crate, so he came to us where I will be home all day to allow him the frequent potty times. I think he will get better with this as soon as he puts on some weight and his tummy settles down.
Diamond is such a wonderful boy. He melted my heart instantly when I met him. He has the personality that fits perfect with that sweet, beautiful face of his. He got along with my dogs and kids right off the bat. I'm not sure how he is with cats because they have not ventured out yet to see the new guy in town. So, we will have to cat test another day.
Diamond is UTD and scheduled for his neuter on Monday. As long as he is continuing to gain weight and showing signs of improvement, then there is no reason why he won't go. As of right now his appetite is good and his energy level is fine, so I think he will be just fine. We just need to get some meat on those little bones. We will be trying to weigh him frequently, so I will be sure to update on any changes regularly.
Once this boy has gained a few pounds and has had his neuter, then he will be set to go. With his looks and personality I don't see him being here for very long. So, if you are interested, please get you applications in quick if you haven't done so already.

1/5/04 - Already we have seen so much to love in our little Di-Di. Inside that thin little body is a true boxer spirit. He is already playing with my boys, bowing and boxing, just loving every second of it! They play a little gentler with him than they do with each other, they seem to know he is not totally ready for all-out play yet. That will change soon, I have no doubts.
Diamond hates to be in his crate away from everyone and protests loudly and constantly. We will work with him on accepting his crate with a little more equanimity.
Diamond is a feisty fellow, and I have some inkling as to why his owners may have felt unequipped to handle him and left him at the vets. He is a loving and very affectionate dog to be sure, but he is a young boxer with all that naturally entails, and as his health returns he is going to need people who understand and appreciate that boxer spirit and exuberance.
He LOVES to play with the balls, to the point of taking a basketball and a small bouncy ball away from my toddler. He seems to consider a ball his natural prey, and will attack it vigorously. We had to take the basketball away from him, or he would surely have punctured it. He is great with the other dogs, playing very well, showing affection and humor, and cuddling up with them when it is time to rest.
In short, this is one great pup. Once he is healthy and neutered, I don't think he will be with us long at all considering his age and his good nature. I see Diamond with an experience boxer owner who will be diligent about his training and responsive to his sensitive nature.

1/4/04 - Diamond has arrived safe and sound at the Lakeside Boxer Retreat, thanks to the help of transporter Margaret, his old foster dad and his new foster dad. Diamond needed to be moved so that his foster dad could bring in another dog for evaluation, and so he has become a Jersey Boy for the time being. He is a very tall boy, and quite strong despite his appearance. He will need some work with his leash pulling, but we are pretty sure that he is going to be a quick learner. He is extremely sweet, and I was so gratified to get a kiss out of him already. Diamond has met both the resident boxer boys without incident, and while we are confident that they can coexist peacefully, leashes will remain on for the next few days until we have seen them together more. We will need to continue the great start Gary gave him to get him in good condition for his neuter and adoption. At the rate he eats, it shouldn't take long! This boy is definitely hungry! He is also very playful, and is already happily playing with the boys. It is a joy to see him light up and start moving. Watch for updates on this nice pup, and won't you consider as your New Year's resolution adopting a wonderful rescue boxer like Diamond?

1/1/04 - OMG, what a difference a few days make. Diamond is eating beautifully, drinking more then enough to get himself re hydrated, and today even discovered toys. This is a total 180 degree turnaround for him. I have no doubts this boy is going to be fine, he just needs some weeks on his current course.
He has a nice, comforting look in his eyes, like he knows he was saved from the scrap heap, his tail is starting to move the way we all know a boxer boys tail should move, and he had even started an April to December romance with my foster girl Kristy. She is kissing his face, and he is just standing there taking it all in. He even walks over to him at times so she can get a good lick in :o)) We will check with the vet, but my guess is that this boy is between 1 & 1 ½ years old.
He is playing with a bunch of toys, like the wiggly giggly ball, and a few other squeaky toys. I am so pleased with the changes. All he needed was to get out of the shelter, and get some one on one, and good food. Speaking of food, we are feeding Diamond Nutro natural puppy food, and he is absolutely devouring it. We have put a few tennis balls in the food, a little trick to get him to slow down a bit. It is working. He is presently eating approx 10 cups a day, split between 4 feedings. He is already looking better. His ribs are slowly disappearing, and he has a sparkle in his eyes. He has not shown any diarrhea, and has not thrown up at all.
He has kept his crate dry at nite, but has had a few accidents in the house. My fault, as I was not reading his signals well. He has whined a bit in the crate, but I tell him to know it off, and he usually settle down quickly. He is getting along fine with the little dogs, a pug and a shih tzu, and my foster boxer Kristy. We will introduce him to the resident boxers over the weekend.
Mr. Diamond needs to put some weight on so he can be neutered , and then he will be all set and ready for his forever home. I know this boy can not wait for his turn, he is such a sweetie. He is giving me sweet little kisses, nice and delicate. I am so glad we got him into a situation that he can flourish, now are you ready to finish the job?

12/30/03 - My new foster boy, Diamond (his real name) came to the Wings and Halo Haven today. A big THANK YOU to our very own Long Island Dawn, who was kind enough to get this boy for me, as I would never get home from work in time to get him before the shelter closes. Thank you Dawn, as Diamond has a chance for life now, because you cared enough!
Believe it or not, Diamond was owned by someone until about 1 month ago. He was kenneled at a vet, and soon showed what many of us have learned long ago, many boxers just do not do that well in kennels. After a few days, the vet called the family and asked them to come and get Diamond. He was not eating well, was throwing up, had explosive diarrhea, and was going downhill. But for 3 weeks the family never came for him. In the meantime, the vet tried to help Diamond. He began treating a skin condition, was giving him special prescription food, adding special enzymes to help in his digestion, but none of it was working. Finally, out of desperation, he turned Diamond over to the town shelter. Because of the laws, the shelter actually had to "hold" Diamond for 10 days for the owner to claim him.
I became aware of Diamond on Saturday, and ran over to see him. So sad, he was standing in his crate, with this totally blank stare. I leaned down to talk to him, and he would not even look at me. Nothing, the life totally out of his eyes. No tail wagging, nothing.
Well, Tuesday was our day, and in he came. He is a bit hard to look at right now, but I have all the hope in the world that with love and a good diet, Diamond will come back and "sparkle". He woofed down his 1st meal, but we are going to go slow with him as the vet said he has had very bad intestinal problems.
I did get little kisses from him tonight, and he is resting in his crate. Lets hope that Diamond makes that turnaround that he so deserves. My fingers are crossed for him.