DukeXmas

10/12/06 - Duke is still doing great up here in Maine. We'll never know about where he was his first two years but I don't think he was outside very much. He runs out in the AM to do his business but if it is a real cold morning he ZOOMS back to the porch steps to get in as fast as he can. He also pounces on falling leaves just as if he were a much younger puppy seeing them for the first time. We also had a fire in the fireplace for the first time the other night. He adjusted well but was SO curious...at one time sort of whined at the fire but not in a worried way- just trying to figure out what it was I guess. After a bit he finally decided the dog bed near the fire looked real good:) He still gets his "power walks" with Jim most mornings and play and walk with me in the afternoon. Still does periodic days at the trainers where besides training he gets three different socialization times during the day with the other dogs who are boarding or training the same day. Sometimes it seems like the socialization with other dogs is the best part of the experience. He learns how to play - but also how to ratchet down - seems satisfied at the end of the day. Duke is big, tall and plays rough. We have a friend who has a very large, very friendly chocolate lab. When she brings the lab over they are in heaven - like each one is glad they finally found a friend big enough to play with. Another "first" in October was a trip to a harvest festival. I was so proud of Duke. He was excited but handled himself well in the crowds , even as many other dogs - and even horses - trotted by. So it has taken a while, but this extremely exuberant boy has calmed down significantly. Still very excited when people come by, but much better. He is smart, funny and very wiggly , smushy , happy guy.

7/2/06 - Duke is doing great in our home:) He is bonding with us, he's a very happy, funny dog, eats well, is gaining the much needed weight and is also learning the do's and don'ts very quickly. He's walking much better now outside the fenced yard and starting to be able to contain his exuberance when he meets new dogs and new people. He adjusted to our work schedule with walking and play time in the am, and then he has several first floor rooms to himself while he awaits my husband at noon. Late afternoon, more walks and playtime before dinner. He sits before he goes through doorways, sits to wait for his meals etc. Within the yard he's getting quite adept at catching the tennis ball and the kong toy when we throw it. He also makes ups his own games! He sits on a little hill at the side of the yard, lets the ball roll down, and then chases it with great enthusiasm! (I know lots of moms who wish their kids could entertain themselves this well! ) I am out of school for the summer now so Duke will have many new experiences with summer guests and excursions to the beach! He's still too exuberant to play with the smaller children who visit but he's learning fast to be a good wiggle boy and good member of the family. More later on "Dukey"

6/9/06 - Once again, I have seen another foster baby on there way to there new lives. When do the tears not come anymore? Duke is on his way to his new home. He has quite a long trip today. Seven hours to be exact.

I worry about every one of my babies when they have to travel. Duke does well in the vehicle so I'm sure he will be fine. But until I get the call from his new mom saying he is home safe and sound I will be a ball of nerves.

Duke has found a great home with a couple who is experienced in high energy dogs. They are very dedicated to giving him everything he needs including continuing his training. Not to mention he will be very spoiled and always have the best of everything seeing how he will be an only dog and the center of attention.

By my dear Duke. We will miss you.

6/8/06 - Duke is pending adoption

6/5/06 - Duke is doing great. I thought I would tell everyone what type of home Duke would do best in to help him find the perfect forever home. Duke is an awesome dog and is very happy ALL the time. Duke has a ton of energy and is very exuberant. He is also a pro boxer, and when aloud to play in the house with another dog he forgets he has an off switch and could very easily knock over a small child. Older children are fine and Duke loves every child he has met. Long walks help to tone him down a bit but he's still very young and loves to play. He is still possessive of his food to an extent, but making great improvements. He is still fed separately and we have been sitting on the floor next to the crate while he eats and he has no reaction which is good. Duke is good boy and does very well with his commands such as sit, lay down, drop it, and no. But he will test you to see how far you will let him go. (what child doesn't) So a home with a strong willed, determined person who will show Duke who pays the bills would be best for him. What I mean by test you is this. He will grab the leash during walks and play tug of war if you let him. He lead walks perfectly when shown the leash will not be used as a toy. He will jump on you if allowed. He likes to sneak things like shoes, socks, my toddlers toys, and will play tug of war when you try to retrieve them. And the food possession. All of this is easily controlled with proper leadership and exercise. He is the sweetest boy and just loves to be with you wherever that may be (even the shower). He is happy to wash your face for you with those sloppy boxer kisses. And more then happy to obey your commands once he realizes you won't have it any other way. So if your looking for a great dog that will provide hours of entertainment, will be happy to accompany you on those morning walks or jogs, be ready to play whenever you are, lay at your feet after a full day( after you've had your face washed of course), then sleep quietly in his crate for the night. Then Duke is the dog for you.

6/3/06 - Our beautiful Duke is doing fantastic. He is putting the weight on steadily and is quite beautiful. His deep red coat really shines. He should of been named Moose now that his body is catching up to that huge head of his. He continues to do fantastic with the other dogs and the kids. He is especially growing a bond with my 10 yr old son. He loves to play with the kids. His favorite game is hide and seek. The kids will hide and call his name and he will seek them. He is just one big ball of boxer wiggles when he finds them. I have discovered Duke LOVES water. He took his first shower the other day. He jumped in with me and had scads of fun catching the water as it pelted down on him. He also was introduced to the pond. He was not quite sure at first, but once I went in he leaped in after me and I couldn't get him out. He went to his first softball game. He was very well behaved, although he couldn't quite figure out why the ball was on the other side of the fence and he couldn't have it. Due to all the rain we have been having, Duke's walks have been slim. I am slowly introducing him to the treadmill and he is doing great with it. He is also improving on his dinner manners. He is learning that he does not have to eat so fast and be possessive of his food because no one will take it from him. Duke continues to improve in every way. He is so funny to watch out in the yard. His legs are so long he looks like a big goofy clumsy puppy running through the grass. And he has the funniest famous bunny hop. I can't get over how happy this guy is. We are really falling in love with him. He is such a good boy and tries so hard to please. You really shouldn't wait to get your application in on him. He is a keeper.

5/29/06 - Duke is doing FABULOUS. He has come such a long way in just the week he has been here. The walks two sometimes three times a day with the doggie backpack have helped to calm him down. He has learned that rough play gets him nowhere and has toned playtime down a notch (just a notch though). His jumping has improved. He sometimes forgets for a second when he gets excited and will do a half jump. A quick AH Ah and he remembers and backs off. Duke is very good with his commands. I make him sit patiently for pretty much everything. He has to sit in front of the door nicely before we go out or in. He has to sit in front of the crate and wait while I put his food in, he then has to wait until I tell him he can have it before going in the crate. He sits patiently when inside the crate and cant come out, even after I open the door, until I say he can. Duke is doing well with this and will even sit without being reminded. By dictating everything Duke does it shows him who is in charge and makes him a much happier and manageable dog. Duke is gaining some weight. He now weighs about 58, 59 lbs. He has gained about four lbs in a week. His ribs are not so noticeable now and you can hardly see his spine at all. He is up to three meals a day and he is loving it. Duke still tends to be a bit possessive of his food and were working on that. In the meantime he gets fed in his crate separated from everyone. He does however take treats very nicely. When treats are being distributed, all five of the dogs line up in a row and they have to sit patiently and wait there turn. Duke gets his last so he learns to wait and not be greedy. He does this very well. Duke would make a wonderful addition to any family. He is a great family dog that loves his fur foster brothers and sisters and the two legged ones. He has met some of our friends and loved them to. He is probably just the happiest dog I have ever fostered.

5/25/06 - Duke is doing great. He is responding very well to training. He is very smart and a fast learner. He walks like an old pro on the leash using a choke chain. He carries his backpack very well and it works great to help him release some of his energy. We walked in town today about three miles and he was perfect. We met several joggers and a few people walking there dogs and Duke did no more then look. He is getting better about going in his crate on his own and is quiet any time he is in it. He's even starting to nap in there while the door is open. Duke is also improving on his jumping. Now once he learns where his off switch is during play time we will be all set. Duke really is a good dog. He loves everyone he meets. He gets along with all four of the resident dogs. And handsome to. Ounce he gets some meat on his bones he will be quite the looker. This won't take long because Duke LOVES his food. If your looking for an active dog that will give you years of devotion and loyalty and friendship, then Duke's the dog for you. Don't hesitate on this guy, I'm not expecting him to be here long.

5/22/06 - Duke went to the vet today. He has a yeast infection in his ear, but we got meds and he will be fine. Doc says he needs to gain about 15 to 20 lbs to match his bone structure and height. He weighed in at 55lbs. After looking at his teeth the vet also is estimating his age to be between 1 and 2. He definitely has the puppy energy. I am noticing Duke tends to be a bit possessive of his food. He is fed separately in his crate but he stands guard over his bowl when one of the other dogs walks by. He hasn't growled or anything, but he looks as if he might have a problem with another fur creature taking his food. I'm not surprised at his behavior since he is very thin and always looking for something to eat. However, he is totally fine with my hand reaching in to take his bowl. Duke has taking a special liking to my toddler. He likes to lay wherever my two yr old is. He was also introduced to my 1 yr old nephew today while at the vet. He was so calm and patient with him. He didn't even mind having his jowls tugged. I think Duke has a natural gentleness for the little ones because he certainly wants to PLAY,PLAY,PLAY with everyone else. Duke is also doing very well in his training. He is learning not to charge the door when he knows he's going out. He will sit patiently and wait for the door to be opened. He does not try to escape out the door every time it's opened (although the car door is a different story). He is also learning that leashes are not tug toys. He rides very well in the car and is well behaved when left alone in the car. I wouldn't recommend leaving him for more then a couple min in the car because his attention span is very short and he gets board easily. But for the five min he was alone today he just sat in the drivers seat looking at where I had disappeared. For the most part, Duke is very happy, energetic, healthy, playful, boxer boy waiting for a family of his very own. He needs an active family to keep up with his energy. A fur brother or sister that doesn't mind boxing would be a plus. And just something to keep in mind, Duke has been known to jump over a four foot fence so if you have a fence just beware. He loves to walk and is learning how to carry a doggie backpack, so if you don't have a fence, this is a great way for him to release some of his energy. It also gives him a job to do which we all know dogs need something to do. All in all, Duke is a great guy and would make a wonderful and comical addition to any home.

5/21/06 - Duke has been moved to me because his previous foster mom has recently had surgery and Duke is full of energy and she needs to recover. Duke is doing well here in just the 24 hours he's been here. He is a very tall boxer with a beautiful deep red color. I weighed him today and he weighs about 54 lbs right now. He needs to gain about 15 lbs so he could easily weigh 70 lbs by the time he's done. He will see a vet on Monday and I'll get an exact weight. He has a huge head with the most beautiful loving eyes. He has a ton of energy and needs some training. He does well with my three older dogs. He plays a bit rough right now for my boxer girl but he's not being aggressive. He is definitely a jumper. He needs work walking on a leash. I've done some lead walking with a choke chain and he does very well with that. Today I will take him for a long walk using my doggie backpack and see if that helps with his energy. He is crate trained and housebroken. He just loves my kids, especially my toddler. As of right now he is surprisingly gentile with him. He jumps on everyone and everything except my toddler. Duke needs a lot of training and leadership, but in time he will make a wonderful addition to any family. I will post more as I learn more.

5/20/06 - Well, Duke has arrived at my home safe and sound. First I have to tell you he is very beautiful, and quite the lover. Upon arrival at my home I took Duke on a short walk. About half a mile. He responds very well to being lead walked with a choke chain, although he does need some work. He does know the sit command. Now he in his crate getting welcomed by my troupe. As always my boxer girl is inspecting the crate trying to figure out how to spring him to play. As soon as my husband returns from the ball game to help me, I will take him for another longer walk with my guys (one at a time) to get better acquainted.

5/7/06 - Duke is a very loving dog. He is very active as all young boxers are and loves to play in the backyard with his ball. I love to watch him run, (runs like a deer). He didn't know much about a crate and being crated, but he is now starting to get used to it. I still have to bribe him with a milk bone to go into his crate, but he is starting to go in with less trepidation. Once Duke is trained he will be a very good dog for some loving family. He was up to two cups of food 2xs a day until he got a stomach problem which is causing him diarrhea so we have started him on chicken and rice. I am setting up a visit with the vet this week to check it out.