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REILLY 1/6/05
#457

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Reilly's Foster Journey - Adopted 2/13/05

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2 yr. old  Male Boxer
  55 lb. Flashy Fawn Shelter Surrender
Cropped Ears and Docked Tail
Soon to be Neutered and UTD
Obedience Training Required
Being Fostered on Eastern Long Island
Adoption Donation $250

3/13/07 - Hello BAR, We have had Mr. O'Reilly in our lives for over two years now.  Time goes by so quickly.  He has been a healthy joyful guy.  We have been keeping our eye on the BAR site looking possibly for a "little brother" to add to our pack.  We've consulted our vet about it and got some advise on adding to the family.  Since Mr. O'Reilly has such a strong personality, he recommended a more passive addition.  We love this little guy and thank BAR for helping bring him into our lives.  Mr. O'Reilly's forever parents, Robin & JIm

2/12/06 - Reporting from the home of Mr. O'Reilly and his human family in upstate NY.  Tomorrow will mark our one year anniversary of our trip to Long Island to get our new fur baby.  We love this "little guy's" strong-willed spirit and zest for play. Mr. O'Reilly has had a healthy year and just got a clean bill of health at this annual check-up with the vet.  He plays well with others and has enjoyed my brother's new puppy Rocky.  Mr. O'Reilly actually wears out the puppy!  His energy is never ending.  We have thought of getting a little brother for him but haven't put this into action as of yet.  Our rescued boy has much brought much joy into our home.  Our second rescue, Rodman, went to forever sleep just 2 months prior to bringing Mr. O'Reilly into our family.  Mr. O'Reilly didn't take his place but he helped us to heal and accept our loss.  I just can't imagine how this "little guy" ended up in a kill shelter but feel grateful that we got the opportunity to be his forever
parents.  All is well in the life of O'Reilly and his forever family.

8/13/05 - Mr. O'Reilly has been with us six months. He is very different from out two other boxers. Mr. O'Reilly is very much a high energy boy. We walk daily and have extended play sessions to help work off some of that energy. However, he seems to have an endless supply. We of course love him just the way he is! He has brought much love and excitement to our home. He survived his first camping trip in June. Mr. O'Reilly seems to really enjoy boating and wading in the lake. And like our other boxer boys, he was glad to see his comfortable couch when the trip was over. His sensitive stomach issues seem to be resolved with rice/lamb diet and four small meals per day. He however, does not want his nails touched. After many weeks I've only got one paw clipped and am ready to surrender this task to a professional. He has had contact with other dogs with some success. My mom's dog likes to bark and let him know she is the boss. Last time we visited she would not let up so Mr. O'Reilly turned around and sat on her. Times like that I wish for video. We all were laughing so hard the dogs didn't know what to do! At six months we are still learning the habits of Mr. O'Reilly and experiencing 1st's. He is a very special boy with lots and lots of love to give. We is forever parents feel very fortunate to have this "little man" in our home and hearts. Mr. O"Reilly's Forever Parents, Robin & Jim

5/22/05 - Mr. O'Reilly has been with us just over 3 months. Seems like we have loved him forever. We were having a "sensitive stomach" issue but have him on special diet from vet that seems to agree with his stomach. He had the opportunity to socialize with Frankie and Major from BAR last weekend. It was a little tense at first. He was in the house with Frankie & Major on the other side of the siding glass door. Mr. O'Reilly just helped himself to their toys than sat in front of the window chewing their toy. We got all the boys outside and finally Mr. O'Reilly realized these guys are friendly and know how to play like boxers. They played until tongues hit the ground. Mr. O'Reilly is very much smaller than his playmates but was holding his own very well. What he lacks in size he makes up in attitude. This was a nice opportunity to socialize our "little guy" and we thank Jackie & Paul from BAR for opening up their house and yard for this meet & greet. We were a little worried after his "possession" issues at obedience training that he would not be able to play nice. Of course that was a very stressful and crowded situation. Mr. O'Reilly however, did not take to the visiting female who joined the party later. Several attempts to make friends did work and Mr. O'Reilly was very tired by that time. However, they did make kissy face while separated by a fence. Since he is the only dog we certainly appreciated this social time. Mr. O'Reilly has had his first trip out on our boat which he was unsure about at first but quickly enjoyed. We are just trying to get him ready for our week camping trip at Keuka Lake coming up in June. He has been a very good boy in the house when his parents remember to control his environment. Forgotten shoes get chewed. He got a copy of his BAR Adoption Agreement off the kitchen table yesterday and chewed. I hope he's not trying to tell us something. He seems very happy and we love him. He has some neighbor children "groupies" who ask to play when we are out in the yard. He is learning to be more gentle with the young girls. That's the life of Mr. O'Reilly. Till next time, Robin & Jim (forever parents)

4/17/05 - Mr. O'Reilly and I survived 6 weeks of obedience training. We made lots of progress. He is doing well on basic commands. He is still a bit impulsive but improving daily with consistent messages. We went through a variety of collars during training and finally found the gentle lead collar was the best for our guy. He was not too fond of the collar at first but is getting use to the idea. He has associated walks and possible training treats with it's use which helps with his acceptance. Mr. O'Reilly is getting along well with all people big or little. We had a difficult time with other dogs during the training. I thought it was the boxer "protective" nature but the trainer says it's being "possessive". He does not want any dog near his owner. We are looking into private sessions to address the dog aggression. We do not have other dogs or live in an area where dogs run free but we would like to help Mr. O'Reilly with this issue because life and circumstances are not always under control. We think it would be naive to think Mr. O'Reilly would never come in contact with other four legged friends. I think with training and constant reassurance that we our his forever parents and much love we can help our guy with this issue. We will keep you updated on his progress in this area. We have been enjoying the Spring weather and taking walks every morning. He is a real gentle boy on the leash. This has been a great outlet for his "puppy like energy". Mr. O'Reilly has been a joy and we feel fortunate to have him as a part of our family. Got to go it's a beautiful day and Mr. O'Reilly & I are going out to enjoy the day. Signed, Robin & Jim- Mr. O'Reilly's forever parents

3/13/05 - Mr. O'Reilly has been with his forever family for one month now. We can't imagine life without him already. He is a little guy with a super big personality. We are amazed at his quick adjustment to having free rein of the house while we work. The only casualty has been a pillow or should I say the little balls that use to be on the pillow. He was systematically eating the balls but the pillow never look "disturbed" in any way. I realized it when he had an upset stomach and threw up balls. We "dog proofed" the house based on knowledge of our previous boxer boys. They had chewing issues but not digesting issues. So I went around the house and "Mr. O'Reilly proofed it". We invested in some "kong" type toys that he can chew and chew without getting anything to digest. He loves them and will play until exhausted (his & ours). My only mistake was the ball kong because of course it ends up under the couch every other minute in need of human intervention to retrieve. We are now saving the ball for outside play. I attended the first session of obedience training yesterday and realized how much more work we have to do. Of course, another trip to PetSmart for more supplies. Mr. O'Reilly will be attending the first session next Saturday. I'll keep you posted. He has been doing well with "stay" and we have been working on "come". Our family is looking forward to Spring and of all those playful outside activities. It has been many years since we had a boxer in good health and raring to go.....We are only minutes from the Green Way & two large state parks (Letchworth and Stoney Brook) and miles of hiking trails. Mr. O'Reilly will certainly have an outlet for all that "puppy-like" energy. Till next time, Signed-Mr. O'Reilly's Forever Parents-Robin & Jim

2/24/05 - Good news from our vet visit yesterday. Mr. O'Reilly has a benign tumor and his forever parents are much relieved to hear that good news! His "foster mom's" intuition that he was a healthy boy was correct. We can now put our minds to ease and hopefully enjoy a long and healthy life with our boxer boy. Mr. O'Reilly met some extended family on Sunday including my 5 year old nephew. We were careful to keep it closely supervised and keep him out of "play mode". It went very well and he was a perfect gentle boy. We explained to my nephew that Mr. O'Reilly needed to go to school to
learn how to play nice. He thought that was pretty cool because he is going to kindergarten to learn too. Hopefully we can have a play date when Mr. O'Reilly successfully completes his obedience training and proves that he can be a gentle boy. My nephew gave him one of his stuffed animals as a welcome gift for joining our family. Mr. O'Reilly is settling in well and I was grateful I had last week off work to help him settle in. We have been testing him in the house alone for short periods of time with only slight damage to pillow. "Foster Mom's" bequeathed can of pennies helped him understand that was not his toy. Today everyone was back to work and Mr. O'Reilly spent eight hours home alone and was a good boy. Much praising going at our home this evening. He is a very smart boy who seems to learn quickly. We will keep you all updated on the life of Mr. O'Reilly. Signed- Mr.O'Reilly's forever parents-Robin & Jim

1/17/05 - Mr.O'Reilly formally "Reilly" arrived at his forever home on Valentine's Day after a six hour trip (thankfully snow free). He was a very tired guy who attempted to sleep with one eye open so he wouldn't miss a thing. His "foster mom" did a wonderful job helping him on his journey to his forever home. Mr. O'Reilly is a beauty and we feel privileged that we can be his forever family. He is settling in well and starting to trust that we will be there even when he closes his eyes. His
first night at his new home, he slept snuggled up in his new mother's arms. He did cry at the door when his new dad went to work but with some prompting snuggled back into bed until morning potty walk. Mr. O'Reilly had his first outing today to visit our vet Dr. Jeff. We are happy to report that he was negative on roundworm which was successfully treated in his foster home. He does have a small lump on his head that Dr. Jeff wants to check out to error on the side of caution. He will
go back next Tuesday to have it checked out with mild sedation only. We are hopeful for good news but for peace of mind, we will have it checked out as our first two boxer boys had cancer. Mr. O'Reilly registered in obedience training today to help reinforce the good manners taught to him by his foster mom Deb. He is still very much a puppy that does not know his strength or when to stop playing. He is a smart and alert guy who I'm sure he will be a quick study. We start classes in March and will keep you updated on his progress. This Valentine's Day will be forever special as the day we gave Mr. O'Reilly his forever home. Thank you to all the "Boxer Angels" that brought this sweet boy into our home and hearts! Signed, Mr. O'Reilly's forever parents- Robin & Jim

2/14/05 - Hey Everyone..I wanted to let you know that Mr. Reilly....now...Mr. O'Reilly, named by his new Forever Mom & Jim, his new Forever Dad... went home with these very nice people on Sunday. They drove down almost, I do believe they said, 6 hours. Stayed at a pet friendly hotel in the next County, then drove another hour out to me to come get their baby. Everyone was thrilled with each other. Reilly took to them like he knew them all his life. When Jim put the leash on him, he didn't pause & look at me like...hey, what's going on here..?? he took the end of the leash at Jim's hand & starting tugging him toward the door..*wiping away the tear....he never even looked back at me. He gave me my kisses and walked toward the door with a pride about him, got into the back seat with Jim, found another chew toy they placed in there for him and he never looked back. I am very happy for them all but.......BOOOOOOO HOOOOO my Reilly boy is gone! I got a message from Robin today, they all made it home safe & sound & Reilly was all over the house checking out his new digs, a very happy boy! I know he will be truly living The Life of Reilly with Robin & Jim and I know we did our "part" for him. Alls well that ends well!

2/10/05 - Reilly is pending adoption.

2/5/05 - Hello everyone...we wanted to let you know that Reilly's neuter went very well...he is a real trooper! He did just fine and within 2 days, he was his old bouncy self! And they said..."try to keep him quiet , no bouncing, no jumping, no high level activity for at least 5 days".......yeah RIGHT!! LOL...he was ready to be his beautiful bouncy ol' self 2 days after his surgery.
Reilly is doing very well in the "settling down & listening" department...far, far better than a few weeks ago. He is learning there are boundaries that he is expected to respect. And the boundaries we have been working on with him are....his roughness with the humans when he is in play mode. By NO means...does he mean to harm a soul....he just LOVES to play rough. He is a rough & tumble Boxer and to him.....it is all just playing, I know for certain, it is all just playing. But, as I said..he has learned to calm down in a much faster manner and he is learning that "No Reilly" does really apply to him.
Reilly is a real sweet boy, he loves everyone and he is definitely not too shy to show that love...be it a nibble on your fingers, a jump up on your lap to "whisper sweet nothings in your ear" or a complete hug with his 2 paws up around your neck and him nuzzling in your ear..stealing kisses, as many as he can get in there! :o}
Reilly has also learned respect when it is feeding time..he sits when you tell him to & he stays...until you give him the signal that it is o.k. for him to have his food. As I had mentioned before, this was a bit of a problem when he was first with us, he wanted his food NOW and he had no problem trying to force that issue, but now, he sits & waits like a gentleman. With the few & I repeat few flaws that Reilly came here with, as it was only a matter of his owners not doing the right thing by him....he has shown that all he really wants to do is to please those that love him. And he has proven that ten-fold in the short time that he has been with us. He just aims to please!
Honestly, if you have the energy to give back to this beauty & it really is just "typical Boxer energy"...don't let Reilly be the one that got away..as you would have missed out on a very beautiful, loving boy. If you set your sights on this baby...you would never be disappointed!

1/31/05 - Hello...one & all..time for Mr. Reilly's Foster Family Update :o} Reilly is a BEAUTIFUL, beautiful specimen of a true Boxer. He is loving, he is a mush, he is energetic, he is charming, he is "soulful", he is faithful, he is energetic, he is a hugger, he LOVES to play, he is energetic, he makes you melt with his facial expressions, he needs to be loved
unconditionally....he is energetic...
That all mostly "sums" up a true Boxer.
Reilly NEEDS to know...who's in charge..cause when he gets in play mode, he forgets that the humans get hurt. It is not quite as often now as it used to be, but...Reilly still forgets "how" to stop when he is in "WingNut" mode. The can of pennies is still our "ultimate discipline tool" as he sits himself right down & listens to what is being said at THAT very moment to him. Again, I definitely recommend Obedience training with this "big lug".
Reilly is officially trustable in the house for extended hours. He had the longest "test" today. We had gone out 2x yesterday for 2 - 2 1/2 hour intervals & he was most excellent, so today I left him out of his crate for the day, while I was @ work & kids in school. VERY VERY good boy! 8 hours, just him & my Bogey!
Reilly goes for his neutering app't tomorrow...2/1, so perhaps, this might also be a "key" to him calming down a bit. I certainly hope that I have not put Reilly in a negative "eye", as that would be an injustice to him...he is a ABSOLUTE doll. Every day I look at that sweet face and wish he could stay with us...finances is the ONLY thing keeping us from adopting him for our Forever Boy, it would be irresponsible of me to think otherwise. If "things' weren't as they were for me right now...Reilly would never leave our home or our hearts. He is THAT much a beautiful Boxer Baby!
I will try to let everyone know how his day goes tomorrow...I am sure everything will be just fine! ~~Til next time...don't forget to keep "peeking" at this gorgeous boy!

1/22/05 - Hey everyone..Reilly had his well-care visit with the Vet on Tuesday 1/18...everything came out well..no Heart Worm *yippee! Reilly does have round worm and is currently being treated for it. 5 days of medication, then we have to do it again in another 3 weeks.
He is doing real well here. He has proven that he is very good with my male Bogey. I have also run a few errands over the past 2 days...left Reilly out of his crate to see how he did in the house with no one around...marvelous...simply marvelous! I do still place him in his crate when I go to work...just for peace of mind & safety for both Bogey & Reilly. The only other time that I need to place him in his crate is when he gets too wound up with the kids and he won't listen to my commands to stop & come by me in the other room.
Another issue I am paying CLOSE attention to is..Reilly's "aggression" when the food is out. I heard my older son yell the other night for Reilly never to snap at him again! I asked what was going on, he said Reilly snapped at his fingers when he placed Bogey's food down, Reilly went to get it & Jesse grabbed him to stop. Today, while I was feeding them breakfast, Reilly went for Bogey's food bowl, I grabbed his collar to bring him over to his bowl & he snapped at my fingers..no skin broken..no injuries, but he did make contact.
Reilly does seem to be always "ravished" for food, treats, etc. he eats them so fast & furious, quite often he chokes on his food. Maybe it has something to do with his intestinal parasites, always being hungry. He really has not put on any weight since he has been with us & he does get up to 5 cups of food a day now. So, I addressed this situation tonight and I will continue to work on making him realize..there is PLENTY of food for him for the rest of his life. I will take over the feeding of Reilly..to be sure that this behavior is changed.
Reilly is a very very good boy..he is a absolute lover..he snuggles & hugs like there's no tomorrow...his personality is a very good one...all he requires is some hugs & kisses & he is mush! :o} He gives very nice hugs & kisses to me. He is learning...be easy with the people..and the loving he gets back..is all that he requires.
Reilly is definately the epitome of a Boxer lover's Boxer...he has all the right wiggles, kisses & personality of the breed we all fall in love with each and every day!
Update you again soon...thanks for reading about this beautiful boy!

1/16/05 - Hello everyone...it has been 10 days since Reilly has come to share our home with us until his Forever Family "finds" him.
He is a real beautiful boy! He is "mostly" obedient & I say mostly as Reilly does have a problem settling down when he is in play mode. Especially with the kids. That is why we are suggesting at this time that he not be placed in a home with younger children. Younger than 10, I feel personally, is not a good idea, but that could change as we continue to work with him. Reilly is very strong & when he is ready to play, he seems not to be the gentlest. He has over-whelmed my 8 y/o a few times now. I know in time & with consistency, this will change as Reilly does listen well at all other times.
Reilly has proved over the past 2 days that he is trustworthy with my male Bogey. He wants to play but Bogey is still unsure himself. Reilly does "respect" Bogey's space & seems to understand that Bogey is in charge here. We are still staying on the cautious side tho'.
This super looking boy is going to be a wonderful addition to a very lucky family. He is still very much in his "puppy years" and the only issue for him right now is when to quit when he wants to play. Not a bad thingy either. With love & consistency Reilly will be a perfect gentleman!

1/12/05 - Hello everyone. I am sorry this has taken so long to get done. Reilly has been with us since Jan. 6. He is a real BEAUTY of a boy! Very, very good with all sorts of humans, children, women, men. He is a real mush head! Very, very loving & affectionate. We are working on his "assault" of love & kisses, as he can be very powerful & insistent on giving you those hugs & kisses.
He listens well..but not real well yet. When he is determined to give his affection, your commands fall on deaf ears. I started using the "can of pennies" with him & I have gotten his FULL attention. The past few days he is actually stopping in a more timely manner.
Reilly is VERY good in the house. NO accidents, no tearing up anything, no raiding the garbage either. As I said, he knows & seems to have been taught commands, he just needs a little re-enforcement at this point.
The love this boy shows can melt a heart! He certainly has grabbed mine! He loves to snuggle & NEEDS to be REAL close. He is getting better at listening & giving more "space" when asked to do so.  I will hopefully have some pics. up here on this beauty by Sat. I've been rather limited to my activity this past week with some medical concerns, so hopefully tomorrow I will have the clearance to get out & about and have the pics. developed.
I know this boy won't be with us for very long as he is a REAL beauty. A definite Lovey.
I will send another post in a few days.