Tye

TYE 11/17/02

Tyson's Foster Journey - Adopted 12/04/02

Pertinent Information
4 year old 65 lb. Fawn Male
Natural Ears and Docked Tail
Neutered and UTD
Being Fostered in Central CT
Adoption Donation $175

12/6/03 - We're getting ready to celebrate Ty's first year with us. I can't believe that it's been one year already. Thankfully, the past six months have been much less exciting than the first six. Ty's leg has healed very well and he hasn't had any problems with it. He has some very ugly scars, but we are grateful that he can run and jump freely, without any pain. He continues to be a wonderful dog/furry child. He is such a part of our family. He is also very protective of our 8-month-old, Evan. It's so much fun to watch Evan crawl over Ty, while Ty just lays there like he is in heaven. Ty also loves to lick Evan's face and head (while Evan laughs hysterically). Ty also loves to sit right next to our 3 1/2 year old, Daniel, when he's eating anything, because he knows Daniel will slip him a snack or two (Ty will even eat broccoli if presented by Daniel).
Friends of ours adopted a boxer girl after meeting Ty, and so Ty now has a girlfriend (sarah) that he gets together with - they have the best time wrestling and chasing each other around.
The one habit that has gotten a little crazy is sleeping at night. Ty now sleeps fully stretched out, under the covers with his head on a pillow next to my husband. Dan claims that Ty will be insulted if he's asked to move to the end of the bed.
We love Ty so much and are grateful to have him in our lives. He is such a beautiful and well-behaved boy. We feel very lucky to have him. Thanks Bar!

8/11/03 - It's not time for a regular update - but I just wanted everyone to know that Ty had a great "summer vacation." We took Ty with us to my parents' lake house in Maine and he and our Lhasa, Wolfie, had the best time. The camp has always been dog friendly, and a great place for dogs to run around and be free. My parents love Ty and thought that he looked like a deer funning and leaping around the woods. Ty also enjoyed cruising around the lake on the jet ski (slowly, and with a doggy lifejacket on) with Dan. He isn't crazy about the water, but he did a little swimming with us, and loved chasing his tennis ball into shallow water. Ty was also very protective of everyone. We have a tube that we ride around on behind the jet ski, and every time someone fell off it, Ty would frantically attempt to swim out to them. I think he was afraid the person in the water was in trouble. Someone always had to stay on shore with Ty, because we were afraid he would wear himself out swimming in the lake.
At night, the dogs enjoyed hamburgers with us, and then would relax by the fire, snoring loudly. We feel very lucky to have a vacation spot we can take our dogs to, and I think Ty is already looking forward to next year.
Ty's leg has also healed very well. He has been running around great. He has no limp now, unless he is very, very tired from running around all day, and even then it is very slight. He gave us all a scare by jumping off the 7-foot-high deck at camp, but he landed on his feet and ran off like he'd never had an injury. We are extremely grateful to our vet, Dr. Jean Lasser at Goodfriends vet clinic in Flanders, CT., for helping our baby recover so well. That's it, we love Ty and we think he loves us too!

6/5/03 - Ty is doing great. We love him so much, and he is very much a part of our family. He loves to ride in the car, and he is so well behaved. I always take Ty and Wolfie with me when I run errands, or take my son to t-ball. I look like a circus act as I drive around town with my 3-year-old son (Daniel), my infant son (Evan), Ty and Wolfie. People look at me like I'm crazy, but the dogs are so good, and they love to come along. Ty recently made his first long trip with us to Maine to visit my parents. He loved traveling with us, and we had no problems. He also attended a party at my parent's home - we received many compliments on what a beautiful and well-behaved dog he is. We're looking forward to taking him up to our cabin on the lake in Maine this summer. Ty has also adjusted well to our newest addition, Evan, our baby born this past March. Evan is almost 3 months now, and he is fascinated by the dogs. Ty will come over to Evan when I am holding him and lick his head - Evan laughs and laughs at this. It's so cute! I can't imagine not having Ty. He's such a part of our family. He follows my 3-year-old around, and loves to snuggle up next to him in bed in the morning. Ty also loves my husband, Dan. Every night after the kids go to sleep, Ty climbs up on Dan's lap on the couch and tries to lick him to death - or "talks" to him with cute little growls. I think Ty is grateful that we have helped fix up his poor leg, and have stuck with him through everything he's been through. I can't tell you how many people have said to us, "You're crazy to spend that kind of time and money on a dog. I would have spent $100 to put him down!" We couldn't even imagine putting down a young, otherwise healthy dog. But I am glad that Ty's long ordeal is finally over, and we are all looking forward to many happy years together.

3/8/03 - We recently celebrated our 3rd month with Ty, and unfortunately, are still battling major medical issues. The knee surgery went well and his knee is healing beautifully so far, but Ty has had major complications stemming from the surgery. The surgeon wrapped the cast too tight on Ty's leg, and he now has a massive wound on the front of his ankle. It's the most horrifying thing I have ever seen in my life. It's about 3 1/2-inches long by 2-inches wide, and it's just raw and open, and almost to the bone in some areas. Ty also has problems with his toes on that foot due to having the circulation cut off by the cast. He will probably lose at least one toe. We have been taking him twice a week to the vet up in West Hartford to monitor and rewrap his wounds, but we are planning on switching to a vet that is closer to us, and having this vet teach us how to change the dressings, while still having Ty monitored at least once a week. Dan and I are pretty upset that the vet that did the surgery (who is highly regarded as a surgeon) takes absoultely no responsibility for what has happened to Ty, and seems to view him as an endless supply of income for his practice. Amazingly, if you didn't see the wounds, you would never have any idea that Ty has a problem. He is the most cheerful dog I have ever met. He is able to walk on his bandaged leg, and he loves to play with us and Wolfgang. We're walking him and letting him take the occasional run around the yard when we have snow (he's not allowed near the deck, though!). I just want everyone at BAR to know how committed we are to helping Ty get better and heal. We are doing the best we can, and this is going to be a very long process. I am confident that we can help him get better, and I think that Ty's happy attitude will help him get through this as well. Despite all the problems we have had over the past month, we wouldn't trade Ty for the world and we love him very much. Even my 3-year-old, Daniel, holds Ty's face in his hands every morning and says to him, "I love you Ty, you're the best dog in the world!"

2/8/03 - Our second month with Ty has definitely presented us with some challenges. The poor baby was running across our backyard and went to jump up onto the deck (the deck is about 1 1/2 feet off the ground, steps all the way around), and he must have either misjudged the distance or slipped on a patch of ice and crashed into the edge of the deck. He fell to the ground howling, and I ended up having to carry him into the house and put him on the couch (which is no small feat considering that I am nine months pregnant!) We took him to the vet, and the vet was convinced that he didn't break anything because he would let anyone manipulate his leg, and he was so good natured. His leg was a little bit swollen, but it didn't look too bad. Our vet felt that it would heal on its own in a week or so. So Ty hobbled around on three legs for a couple of days, until Dan and I decided that he needed to be X-rayed to rule out any ligament damage. Unfortunately, the X-ray showed that he had fractured his right rear kneecap down the center and that a piece had broken off. Ouch! Neither Dan, the vet and I could believe that Ty wasn't showing any sign of pain and seemed so happy despite his injury. So our next step was was surgery with an orthopedic specialist out of West Hartford. (I want to thank Karen Hoke for her help in checking out a vet referral for us). Ty had his surgery on Wednesday, February 5th. The surgeon had to use all kinds of metal screws, bands and plates to put poor Ty's knee back together, but he feels that Ty should make a full recovery and hopefully not develop arthritis later on in life. Again, Ty remained his cheerful self through it all (although he wasn't too crazy about waking up and finding out that they had shaved his entire leg, hip and hindquarter area). So now Ty has a full-length soft leg cast on, and he is actually able to walk on his injured leg again. As the vet directed, we are walking him (slowly and carefully) for 10 minutes, three times a day. The cast will come off in 10 days, and then the real fun will begin - we need to watch him like a hawk and keep him from getting to wound up for the next six months or so, in order to keep him from re-injuring himself. I am seriously considering putting a handicapped ramp down the deck. I never want him jumping over the steps again! Dan and I have just been amazed at what a trooper this dog has been. It just breaks my heart to think of how much pain he must have been in before the surgery, and he just gave us no indication that anything was wrong. He has stayed so cheerful. And even now with a cast on and major surgery less than a week behind him, he will grab his favorite red ball and try to get us to play with him. (Although I will say that I think he has enjoyed the royal treatment with Dan carrying him up the stairs every night so he can continue to sleep on our bed.) So we will continue to shower Ty with love and help him get back to his old self physically. This is an extremely long (and hopefully not too boring entry), but I just want to thank everyone who sent well wishes for Ty over the rescue digest. We really appreciated them, and felt like we weren't so alone in this experience. Even through all of this, we feel like we are lucky to have Ty in our lives, and we love him very much.

1/6/02 - We've had Ty for one month now, and cannot believe how quickly he settled in. He's acted like he was at home from day one with us. We also can't believe how lucky we are to have found this wonderful dog! He has such a happy and playful personality, and yet he is so gentle and patient with our 2 1/2-year-old son, Daniel. Ty is also a major cuddler, which we love. He is always snuggled up next to whomever in on the couch (or more likely on their lap), and sleeps very politely in our bed, never hogging up too much space (which is a miracle considering he must weigh about 65-pounds). We were also amazed to find how well behaved he is (housebroken, following simple commands, riding in the car and leash walking). He is almost able to read our minds. He is so eager to please all of the time, and it just makes you want to spoil him rotten. It's quite a change from our other dog, Wolfgang, who plays deaf to all commands (unless you're calling him to dinner). Ty is wonderful with our little 7-year-old Lhasa Apso mix, Wolfgang. Wolf needs another dog around to show him how to act like a dog. Wolf was pretty lost after our Shar-Pei, Zilla (also a rescue dog) died this past summer, but now he has a great time playing with Ty. He loves to chase after Ty, running at full speed and barking furiously. And Ty loves the chase! Both boys had a great time opening presents together on Christmas morning. The wiggly-giggly ball and giant fleece bone were big hits! I just can't put into words how much we love Ty, and how much he has added to our family. I have wanted a boxer for the past ten years, and it was definitely worth the wait. My husband, Dan, has become very attached to Ty, and now says that he would never want any other dog breed. I am already thinking about how wonderful it would be to have TWO boxers in our family. Well, this is a long update, but I just want everyone at BAR to know how grateful we are that we found your organization and that we were able to adopt Ty. Our adoption experience was a very positive one, and all of the BAR volunteers are so dedicated to finding the right home for the right dog. Thank you!

12/20/02 - Just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you (Tina) and everyone else at BAR (Karen, Darrin and Andrea) who helped us with the adoption process and getting Tye to us. I am going to have my official update with Karen tomorrow, but I just wanted to let you know that we had a perfect match and he is the most wonderful dog! He has had no issues and has blended into our household seamlessly - It's like he's lived with us forever. Tye has so much love and affection for everyone, but he absolutely adores my husband, Dan (and the feeling is mutual). Dan was heartbroken after our Shar Pei died this summer, so it's so nice to see him enjoying a dog again. Tye's favorite place to sit in on Dan's lap on the couch, smothering him with kisses - he's a 65-pound lap dog. Tye is also very gentle with our son. He is the perfect dog!

Thanks again for everything. We really love Tye, and look forward to a long life together. I would highly recommend BAR to anyone who is looking to add a boxer to their family.

12/04/02 - Tye has been adopted.

12/03/02 - Well, poor Tye thought he had a new forever home, but it seems that his potential adoptors aren't ready for a dog after all. Sometimes our circumstances just get in the way! Tye came bouncing through the door full of kisses and hugs for us and for our Boxers. He is having so much fun playing with a little Pekenese who is visiting this week. I have noticed that when Tye is focused on something, he is really focused. He just loves this little guy so much that he is completely ignoring the other Boxer kids---they could walk right over him. Ah well, no doubt about it---this guy is so darn happy and sweet--I still believe that he will go home for the holidays.

11/26/02 - Well, Tye man is going home for the holidays! Last night, we committed Tyson to a nice young family that is ready for their very first dog. Tyson is the perfect candidate for them, with his extra-sweet personality and his great manners. They fell in love with his pictures and his write up, and are busy getting the home ready for him. Tyson will certainly be missed here, but we couldn't be happier that he is getting his very own family to shower him with attention and love. His new Dad likes to take long walks and Tye, we discovered, is a very nice leash walker. His new Mom is busy making lists of beds, bones, and toys to get Tyson settled in and feeling welcomed. They are going to love the this playful and affectionate Boxer boy! Way to go Tyson!

11/23/02 - Tyson did very well with his vet appointment, getting up to date on all tests and shots, and neutered. He was very happy to get back to High Hopes, however, and just wants to play, play, play. This is a boy who could chase after thrown balls forever, and is so happy when someone is playing with him. Tye is such a friendly and well-behaved boy that I feel very sure he has had a lot of loving interaction in his life. I would trust him with children of all ages and all people, seeing nothing but a steady, trusting attitude and a boy who loves hugs and kisses and cuddles. We are taking it somewhat easy this weekend, just playing in the back yard, but plan on venturing out around the neighborhood on a good walk next week to see how he does does on leash and meeting other walkers. I'm guessing that he will be fine---so far, Tyson is a real pleasure to be with.

11/20/02 - Tye man continues to hang loose with the gang here, and is a really nice Boxer boy. He would like to play more with my dogs, but tries to get a little too amorous with my Poppy girl, which she doesn't like, so playtime is brief. After Tye recovers from his little nip 'n tuck on Thursday, he should be demonstrate more manners :-) He likes the cats a bit TOO much---I'm not quite comfortable that Tye would behave with the cats and am continuing to use care that the cats are outside when Tye has playtime. On the other hand, Tye is proving to be an excellent houseguest in other ways---he is definately a people-dog. He just loves everybody, and is so very, very sweet. He is a really playful dog, and just had so much fun playing catch last night. He loves to catch the ball in mid air, and stomps it down pretty quickly if he misses---just like a soccer player---and then quickly brings it back for more throws. The whole time, his little nub is wagging so frantically, and he has a great Boxer wiggle. Tye absolutely loves to be hugged. He turns his whole body into it, legs waving in the air---just in total bliss. He is a very, very playful, puppy-ish dog. A big puppy, really. Yet, I must also say that Tye is one of the most obedient foster dogs we have entertained, listening well to his commands and always trying to please. He is eating well, and sleeping well. Playful, loving, and obedient---Tye sure has a lot to offer!

11/17/02 - When our BAR transporter link pulled up along side of our car, there sat Tye in the front passenger seat, calmly looking out the window. He had been driving in the rain all afternoon (Nancy and I thank Liz, Roni, and Tamara!)and yet he still hopped out of one car and into the next with total trust and good manners. What a great boy he is. Tye (Tyson) is a deep, rich coppery-colored fawn boy, with exceptionally soft fur and the warmest little brown eyes and big smile. He loves to cuddle and kiss, but is not slobbery. He is quite tall, but is too thin. We will start working on that right away! This morning he enjoyed breakfast with an egg, then lunch with oatmeal sprinkled on his food. He is already sniffing the air as the chickens roast, so now you know what he will have with his dinner kibble! Tye is 4 years old, but I would never have guessed 4 in a million years. He looks younger and acts younger, except that he is blessedly calmer than the younger, more hyper Boxers we've had pass through High Hopes foster home. He slept nicely last night in a big kennel in the living room filled with a big soft cedar bed. He whined softly for a couple of minutes, then went to sleep. I was so happy that I got to sleep in my bed---often the new fosters bark through their first night and we need to re-adjust. Tye is obedience trained, and we are finding him to have very nice manners. This morning, outfitted with a dog coat, he went out back in the cold rain and did his thing, and then spent the day in the kitchen, sectioned off with a baby gate. He seems quite calm and happy to see my dogs, and I'm sure we'll let them hang out together soon. Tye seems very curious about our cats---not overly anxious or necessarily aggressive---but he would love to check them out more closely. We'll report back on that in a few days as he settles in. Tye spent his whole life with the same family, but his family felt that he has had to spent too much time in the family room in the basement during the past 6 months due to a family member's allergies and that he deserved a chance with another family. His family just hated to give him up , but the doctors advised them again keeping him, and, as we all know, our skin kids health must come first. We all think that he is a major lover boy, and is just looking for another family to give his love to. Tye heard my oldest son drive into the driveway this morning, and get out of the car--- and he let out a single bark, as if to announce the arrival of someone new. The rest of us started laughing because Tye has the deepest bark we have ever heard come out of a Boxer! It would sound to someone on the outside like we have a Rottie in the house! Right now, Tye is curled in in the kennel---he wanted to be in the living room with everyone else. If you are looking for a very sweet, family dog, Tye will fit the bill!