Back toBLAZE (HARMAN) 11/5/02
#173
Adopted 11/21/02
Pictures
Harman's Foster Journey
Post Adoption
Pertinent Information
55 lb. - 1 1/2 year old Flashy Fawn Male
Natural Ears and Docked Tail
Being Fostered in NY
Shelter Surrender
Neutered and UTD
Will be placed with children over 13 only
Adoption Donation $200
6/11/03 - Well we’ve hit the six month mark, and Blaze is completely acclimated to his new surroundings. He seems to be in perfect health (although there have been a couple of scares-like the lump on his front leg that the vet thought might be cancer, but went away with antibiotics). It seems that no matter how much I feed him he stays right at 54 lbs. of pure muscle. On our frequent walks he rarely ceases to get compliments on what a beautiful dog he is. I couldn’t have hoped for a better dog, and would love to adopt another should I move to a house with a bigger yard. My hat’s off to all the BAR volunteers, and the great job they do.
2/23/03 - Well Blaze has settled in nicely in the last three months. I have not had to trim his nails once, so I take that to mean that he is probably one of the most “walked” dogs in Trenton. We have one more week left in the basic obedience class, and he’s doing great. He gets along well with every dog that we’ve come across. He’s been snapped at a few times, but has never been the “snapper”. The only concern I have is when he is around men he doesn’t know. There have been two incidents recently where he went after someone. I know it’s because he’s scared, but it is cause for worry. I was plowing snow after the big storm, and needed to let a guy that was shoveling get in the truck to warm up. I let blaze meet him outside the truck, and he seemed fine. He was in the middle when the guy got in the truck, and after a few minutes bit him on the upper arm. Luckily the guy had some much clothing on that it didn’t do anything. I blame myself as I was talking to someone at the driver’s door and wasn’t paying enough attention to the way Blaze was acting. I am really gun shy now, and will have to be really careful going forward.
1/20/03 - I am happy to report that Blaze is not only the best behaved dog in his obedience class he is also the most advanced and already was pretty good with the basics. So I have had it pretty easy so far. I had noticed that on our long and frequent walks Blaze went from being very good on the lead to being very aggressive as far as constantly pulling on his lead. This was starting take the enjoyment out of our walks. This started to be covered in our class on Saturday with some basic tricks and instruction. I was simply amazed how quickly it started to work, I must say that Blaze is one smart cookie. I would love to give Blaze a chance to play with other boxers, and if was hoping that if any are adopted in the Trenton, NJ, area you could put me in touch with their owners. I think a dog named George was adopted in Yardville which is the next town over, and if you could would you please give his owners my email address. I want to make sure that Blaze continues to be socialized with other dogs as well as people. Thank you, One happy boxer owner!!
12/17/02 - Wow does a month go fast. Blaze has really settled in at his new home here in Trenton. There have been no incidents since his last trip to the vet I am relieved to say. He did have me on pins and needles in the beginning, with being sick and vomiting for a whole day, and then the swelling around his groin was really scary (as a matter of fact when we went back to the vet five days after the initial visit she was amazed, and stated that she had expected to have to perform exploratory surgery since she had never seen swelling like that before). There’s been no looking back since then. I think he could still use a few more pounds on him, but four cups of dry food (with some canned or yogurt mixed in) a day seems to be about his max. He is getting friskier by the day, and can be a hand full when deer or squirrels run across our path at the local parks. Other then that he is a well behaved boy. His obedience classes start in several weeks, and I’ve already started working on a few things. He already knows sit, and he picked up “lay down” very quickly, “stay” will be next. I can’t give all the volunteers at BAR enough credit. To think this dog was in a shelter only a day away from being put down. I walk him at odd hours (very early and late) and still I’ve been stopped numerous times by people who have taken the time to say “what a beautiful dog”, and they’re right!!
Blaze's Second Vet Visit - I took Blaze back to
the vet today. His swelling was way down, and the vet seems to think that
it was bleeding that caused it based on the bruise that was left. After
getting his stitches out he was given a clean bill of health.
Every day he get a little more spunk back, and really seems to be settling
in very well.
Blaze's Fourth Day - No wiggles yesterday (he was
with me all day, so there was no homecoming to get excited about). No
kisses yet, but I'm sure they're coming.
Things are going great between us, I'm completely comfortable with him.
I'm going to change his name to Blaze (once he's settled in); however, I
really have to consider Shadow, as he has become mine!
My brother and wife came over last night and we had some growling going
on. With slow movement and time he was fine by the time they left. They
got to see his flash light antics, which has us all laughing.
I am please to report that the vomiting seems to have past. Well it's off
to an early stop at Home Depot followed by a walk in another new park.
Harman's Third Day - We started by eating 2 cups of food this morning, followed by a nice long walk though the woods at Mercer County park. A few episodes of gagging but with no vomit. He does seem to be getting over what ever was making him sick.
Harman's Second Day - Long night, Harmon was
coughing/gagging? for quite some time. He threw up at least 3 times. But
now 3 cups and 1/2 a can of dog food later, followed by a long walk he
seems to be feeling much better. He is still swollen but it doesn't seem
to be affecting his movement except for jumping up on my bed which sits
pretty high.
I like the idea of coaxing him into the crate with his leash, and at this
point I really don't believe he'd snap at me. I was more concerned with
his trusting me if I had to shove him in. The leash is less personal/hands
on.
How many time a day did you say to feed him the children's aspirin?
Harman's First Day - Actually
got a small boxer wiggle out of the boy at lunch time, but he refused to
go back in the crate after his walk. I put him in my bedroom and am hoping
for the best. I certainly wasn't going to force him into the crate knowing
his past history, and bribes aren't working (he is off his appetite, he
only ate a few mouthfuls of food and wouldn't eat any treats at lunch).
I'm sure this will pass quickly.
Any suggestions on getting him in the crate until his appetite comes back?
The trip home was uneventful. Harmon had perfect manners, and seemed to
tolerate a long trip with a stranger very well (I might add that my hand
was very tired from 2 1/2 hours of non-stop petting and scratching).
He was even a little playful with a toy I bought him last night.
I just tried to feed him but he only ate a few mouthfuls, maybe it's to
early for him. I'm about to take him for a nice long walk, we'll see if
that stimulates his appetite.
Harman has been renamed
Blaze.
11/21/02 - Harman has been adopted
11/16/02 - Harman is pending adoption.
11/13/02 - Well what else can I say about our Harman. Other than his issues with children and cats, this boy is just super duper. He absolutely loves to climb in my lap and snuggle. I can be sitting here at the computer and Harman will come running back and put his paws on my lap and just bury his head into me. It's as if he is saying "thank you thank you for saving me". Did I tell you Harman came out of an abusive situation. He is just starved for attention. He is not so thin anymore. And he looks terrific. He still has decided he does not like the kitties too much. Loves to chase them with all he has. He is still doing great with the other dogs in the home. They go outside and play like there is no tomorrow. If you have an adult home with no cats, please give this boy the happiness in life that he so deserves. He is here and waiting for you.
11/5/02 - Well Harman has been here for 2 days now and is doing great with the females of the house. Once I feel my male is more secure with him I will introduce the two of them. Harman is scheduled to go in for his neuter and up dates on Tuesday. He had quite the little chase the kitty the other night...didn't hurt it...just thought it would be A LOT of fun to chase them around the house. There have been no accidents in the home and he is doing super in the crate. He is also eating all of his food like a good boy. Harman is somewhat dominant over young children, therefore we will be placing him in a home with children no younger then 13. My girls where playing with their new toys tonight while Harman was enjoying some lovin' from me and then he decided it might be more fun to play with the girls so off he went. Keep an eye out for further updates on this beautiful boy.
11/3/02 - Well Guardian Angel Boxer Haven is welcoming it's newest guest who arrived today....his name is Harman. Harman is a deep red flashy fawn, natural ears and a docked tail. He is a beauty. Harman comes from a New Jersey shelter and out of a bad situation. He has not had the happiest of lives but that will all change now that he is with us. He was not doing well in the shelter at all, as most boxers don't. They need that human companionship to survive. Harman was a little shy when he first got here so we spent some quality time outside raking leaves and playing. After about half an hour I let out my 3 year old female and harman totally changed into a VERY playful active boy. His tail was going non stop and he was bouncing all over the yard. It does the heart good to see a boy come from a bad situation and still have that boxer spirit in him. He is resting very quietly in his crate. Doesn't seem to mind it and walked right in. I fed Harman when we got home as he is VERY thin and needs some weight on him. Keep your eyes peeled on this boy and watch him blossom.
