9/15/08 - Tyson has been adopted

9/3/08 - All of Tyson's lumps are benign and he is pending adoption.

6/16/08 - Tyson is doing great.  He has finally gotten in the swing of the crate routine.  He now walks right in and immediately turns around to get his treat.  This is a great dog.  He fits right in.  Sundays we host weekly family gatherings.  Everyone has commented on how well he has adjusted, you would think he has always been a part of our family.  He has been great with all of the young kids and even the pint size Chihuahua.
Well, with the weather warming up, Tyson got to find out what a swimming pool is.  We had a snow fence blocking in the pool in the back yard.  While taking it down Tyson strolled in and right onto the "Walk On" cover causing me to yell and him to stop and then run when he realized his feet were wet as the cover stretches slightly.  That cover was the best investment.  It was a good experience, because it made him more cautious when the pool was opened.  After that little incident, and before he had his training, he immediately knew the boundaries of the pool and is even warming to the idea of standing at the edge to get his refreshing rub down with his other 2 boxer buddies, Max and Mosby.  He has claimed a nice shady spot in the grass along the fence near the pool to lay down, previously a favorite of our former boxer Riley.  The other dogs know he gets first dibs to the spot and even move to let him have it.  He seems to have the respect of both younger dogs as the senior of the bunch.  He gets his loving from Max and his wrestling play from Mosby the 18 mo old boxer who loves to run with Tyson at full speed around the yard each one challenging the other.  The whole neighborhood loves to watch.  They will finally stop standing side by side breathing heavily, then suddenly one will pounce at the other and the circles begin again.  it is really fun to watch.  Tyson's back legs will eventually slip out from under him indicating its time to quit and he'll lay down saying play time is over.
Two Saturdays ago it was beautiful weather, so all of the boys got a bath out in the yard where they could air dry.  Tyson didn't like it very well and tried to get away a couple of times.  He loves any kind of rub down though, so once we got rubbing we realized to just keep someone doing that while someone else rinsed him off.  Now he smells so pretty.
Tyson has been to the Vet now for his checkup.  While he is in general good health, he does have a few lumps that need to go.  One is confirmed mast cell, others just suspicious.  So, in the next few weeks he will visit the vet again and schedule a little surgery.  I'm expecting he'll be a little trooper.  I'll keep you up to date. 

5/24/08 - Tyson, our sweet boy, follows me around every where I go and is napping at my feet now.  He is getting more accustomed to the work routine and the crate, it now only takes 2-5 minutes to coax him in and he actually walked right in on his own 1 day.  He seems to know he has to go in there, but still likes to give you that look saying "I really don't want to and you might have to make me" but then goes in anxiously waiting for his treat.  Tyson was a huge begger when we got him.  He seems to have let up on it a bit and isn't under foot in the kitchen as much or in our face constantly throughout the entire meal.  He has become more social sleeping together with his buddy Max on the same bed at night or letting Max groom him.  He loves kids, adults or actually anyone who will give him attention and a good rub down.  Initially he wouldn't let us hug him and would walk away quickly on a petting, but now lets anyone hug & squeeze, kiss, rub or snuggle with him.
Surprisingly and happily, he has become MY dog.  Initially he followed my husband everywhere and having come from a home with a single male we didn't expect that to change, but it did.  More family is coming to visit this weekend, but I don't expect him to have any problem with the people or the increased level of activity.  We have a pint size Chihuahua coming to visit so we will see how he does with small animals.
Tyson had his first vet visit with us.  Was really excited in office waiting to see the vet. However, once she started trying to exam him, he got a little snappy.  He had to be muzzled but still required a lot of muscle to manage him.  Overall, this boy amazes everyone with his high level of energy and strength for his age.  The exam aside everyone in the office commented on how beautiful he is, he is so handsome!  And, there were lots of kisses. Well, got to go, we're off for a fun walk and game of frisbee.

5/7/08 - Tyson is warming up to us more and more each day.  He is very playful, loves to go outside for walks or romps around the yard.  He loves to wrestle with his Kong Wubba with his new friend Max our boxer.  Tyson interacts really well with other dogs.  Monday night we were outside playing, when a neighbors dog came running into the yard unexpectedly and Tyson sat when asked to with his tail wagging excitedly.  He met my sisters 1 1/2 year older boxer on Sunday and took all that surrounding activity in stride.  He shows no aggressive behavior toward any people or other dogs he has met.

He has a very healthy appetite (he will stare you down begging) and drinks alot of water.  He'll let you know right away when that water bowl is empty by stepping in it and flipping it in the air with a sharp high pitched bark, very cute.  He has already learned the door for potty and the spot in the back yard that is preferred.  He is very smart.  Tyson seems to love all of the activity in the house and the extra attention he is getting from having kids in the house.  We've taken him for daily walks which he loves.  He tugs minimally on the lease.  The first few nights we could not get Tyson to sleep on his bed in our room, but he laid on the floor next to my husbands side of the bed, then last night he beat us to the punch by going up stairs and settling right in on his own bed and slept there the remainder of the night.  He has become increasingly more affectionate letting us hug him now.  I think the only thing Tyson is not happy with is when he is crated for our work time, he is very stubborn and difficult to get into the crate.  He is quiet once there.
We know that his previous owner did not crate him, so we will just have to see how time and routine affect him.  I have to say he is such a wonderful dog with such a great playful personality and beautiful grey face.  We already love this boy!

4/28/08 - Tyson will be going to a foster-to-adopt home this weekend!

4/17/08 - Hello, Boxer lovers, I’m Tyson. Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time alone. My owner got a new job far from home, and I’m all by myself for about 14-15 hours a day. Sometimes someone comes in around the middle of the day, but it’s very expensive for my owner to keep that up.
Even though I’m home alone, I NEVER have accidents. I’m an older gentleman, but I’m really like a puppy. I’m very active. I’ve met other dogs, but I don’t live with any. I’ve spent lots of time in dog parks and I get along with all dogs, big and small. I’ve never met a cat.
I lived with preteens, but also get along with kids of all ages. I’m an older guy, but I have a lot of life left in me. Want to give me a chance?