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CHAMP 10/16/04
#445

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Champ's Foster Journey - Rainbow Bridge 4/11/05

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Pertinent Information
4 to 5 yr. old  BLIND Flashy Fawn Male Boxer
  Owner  Surrender
Natural Ears and Docked Tail
Soon to be Neutered and UTD
Being Fostered near in Nassau County, LI
Adoption Donation $175

4/11/05 - Unfortunately Champ could not overcome his disability and sorrowfully we had to have him PTS as he became aggressive and bit a child.

2/15/05 -Hello everyone, here is a little update on Champ. He has become very protective of my mom who lives with me. We had an incident when my dad came to visit. Champ would not let my dad near my mom and growled etc at him. Well the other day dad stopped by again, this time I put Champ in another room and then brought him out to meet my father. Well needless to say by the time my dad left him and Champ had become friends. Champ was all over my dad, laying next to him on the couch, giving kisses and of course my dad now says that Champ is the best looking dog he has seen. Dad has been
instructed that when he does come over he is to knock softly on the door wait to be told to come in and right away say hello to Champ and praise him. Mom has been instructed also to make sure she tells Champ it is okay. So that worry is gone.
Surprisingly Champ has had two accidents in the house. Both times have been when we were gone for a couple of hours. However, I don't blame him, both times I should have made him go out again before leaving. This last time I could see where he scratched the door frame trying to get outside, he knew what he was supposed to do and was unable to hold it any longer, plus I think something disagreed with him. He knew when we came home he was wrong, however, he didn't get yelled at. Will make sure he is taken care of the next time before leaving and see what happens.
We have been out walking the neighborhood since we had some nice days. Champ has met many of the two legged neighbors as well as the four legged ones. He has a few neighbors who stop with treats and has made great friends with a special needs neighbor who is walking with us and will be walking him while I am at work once the weather gets warmer. She is all excited about taking Champ on walks and has stocked up on the treats already. It is a win win situation for both her and Champ, her parents are thrilled (plus we have a very calm neighborhood very little traffic and everyone watches for her during her daily walks). I am amazed at how calm Champ is with Tracy, where with me he pulls on the leash. Not with her..he senses her needs and she knows he is special also. That is our latest news..Champ probably should have been called King...he is the ruler of the neighborhood, lol.

1/14/05 - Hello everyone.. I will be going on vacation so I thought I would do the update on Champ before leaving. Champ as adjusted so well to his forever home. Everyone who meets him is totally surprised that he is blind. He has been on a couple of car rides (which he is getting better at). We took mom for her doctors visit the other day and right next door is a vets. We were outside walking around and people were coming up to meet Champ continuously. A couple even wrote down the Boxer Angels Rescue site. One of the vets came out when he saw me take Champ off his leash and walk him around the big open lot. He was amazed at how Champ follows me staying on the inside of me and the woods. Once he was walked around the area and realized no trees we started to run. Well needless to say I couldn't continue, but he seemed to realize he didn't have to worry about hitting a tree. Champ has brought such joy into the house. My mom (who I got Champ for) spends the entire day with Champ. Talking to him and he doesn't tell anyone what she says. He does talk back to her at times which is very funny. We have heard Champ bark finally. His bark is very horse sounding and he tends to bark at males or if someone knocks on the door. Once the person says hello to him he stops. He has a routine down already, getting up at 6:30 every morning (sat. and sun. also) doing his business, eating, treats and then goes and sits by my moms chair. However, on Sat. and Sun. he goes outside at 6:30 and I tell him time to go back to bed and he will run down the hall and get into my bed, lol. So we get a little quality time together also, lol, boy does he snore at times! Champ has also put on some much needed weight. I would imagine he is going to weigh in at about 60lbs when we go for our wellness visit. Thanks to Boxer Angels Rescue once again for realizing what a great match Champ would make with my mom, okay and me also, lol. Champ Sullivan is doing GREAT!

12/24/04 - Hello everyone, I wanted to give you an update on our boy Champ! The second day he was with us we had a scare, however, I believe it was just that he had been sleeping on his leg and it was numb and he went down (that is what I am hoping since it hasn't happened again). So here is the latest. Champ spent Christmas with his new family and what a welcome he had. Over the past week he has had numerous visitors from family to neighbors and friends. Well yesterday he had a house full of Sullivan's. His human cousins were all here ranging in ages from 6 months to 20 years of age. There were a lot of little ones here at one time, 6 months, 2 years, 2 1/2 years, 4 years, 9 years as well as numerous teens (13,14,15,16,18,and 20). Not to mention the parents of all these cousins. Well
some had not met our boy Champ yet and they have a boxer of their own. The little ones thought Champ looked like thier dog Casey and my brother could not get over how beautiful Champ is. Both him and his wife kept saying what a beautiful, smart, gentle dog Champ is. My brother who is not a dog person, sat petting Champ for about an hour and then proceeded to let Champ get up on his lap! He and Champ had a great time. The kids were all fantastic with Champ taking him where ever they would go. The gifts Champ received were numerous. Treats, balls, ropes, leash, collars, sweater and much more. He even had his own stocking from Santa!
Now lets not forget who Champ is for, MOM. She informed all the thieves that they were not taking Champ home with them. She loves her baby, he was a huge hit with everyone (she is telling me what to type) and NO you cannot have him back, lol. He is a very, very good boy and continues to tell Champ he is handsome, which of course gets that tail going a hundred miles and hour.
I can't express how much Champ means to this family already! He is truly loved by everyone. Mom said to me over the past week that Champ is the best Christmas present she received. I was careful with him around the little ones, but in the end...didn't have to worry at all, I was more concerned about the kids stepping on him.. no need to worry about that! They all love him and he was very gentle with all of them. Tended to stay away from the baby, but stayed with one of the 2 year olds (I think she kept sneaking him some of his chicken treats, lol).
Thank you Boxer Angels Rescue for recommending such a great dog for our family he has filled a hole and made the family complete once again!!

12/20/04 - I know I am early with this report, but I had to let everyone know how Champ is doing! It is amazing how quickly Champ has adjusted to his new home. He has met many new people in just the short two days that we have had him. Family, Friends and Neighbors have been stopping by the house to meet Champ and of course bringing a new toy or treat with them. Today Champ and I were outside before I had to leave for work. It was a cold morning and we had already received 4 inches of snow. We were out side for about 10 minutes with Champ doing his business. When I opened the door for Champ to go in the house Champ surprised me. He took off and ran right through the kitchen down the hallway to his Grandmothers room, jumped up onto the bed without stopping and was under those covers and snuggling with my mom. I guess you could say the two of them have connected, lol. Champ has been a wonder and a complete joy these past two days and has been a great boy not even having an accident! No one can believe he is blind. The grandmother (who the kids call Shoo-whoo) got yelled at yesterday by the grandkids because she put her walker in a different place and Champ bumped into it..she won't make that mistake again!! We are the lucky ones to get such a great boy. Thank you to everyone at B.A.R., but especially Gary and Jean!!! Happy Holidays will update everyone again shortly. P.S. just got off the phone with a neighbor who saw Champ and I outside this morning, she informed me that a sweater for Champ will be ready by this evening, she is knitting at this moment, lol... hmmm think he is going to be spoiled??

12/18/04 - My buddy Champ went home today :o)). What a perfect situation for him. A stay at home grandma, who wants someone by her side to talk to. Well, she has the right one for that :o))
Grandma could not make the 3 hr trip to pick him up, she just recently got out of the hospital, her daughter and friend came down to get him. Champ was great with them, and i just called a bit ago to see how things were. Grandma LOVES him, and a bunch of people have already come over to meet him.
EVERY can't get over him, the grandson, the neighbors, the friends...he had a busy day, and is crashed out on the floor when i just called.
Well, I could not be happier for this special boy, and he now has exactly what he craves, a mom of his own, who will dote over him, talk to him, pet him, and love him all the time.
A SUPER match BAR

12/11/04 - Champ is pending adoption

11/29/04 - Champ had the most wonderful thanksgiving at our home. There was lots of company and lots of hugs
and kisses from all the guests. From grandma and grandpa's to teenage nieces and nephews. They all loved him, and he loved them right back. He could not get enough of the attention...he was like a love sponge :o))
I have to say, if I heard it once, i heard it over a dozen times......"He's blind.....no...I can't believe it. Seriously...really, is he really blind?” You see, I did not tell anyone in advance that Champ was blind. So as the guests were meeting him, they were talking to him, calling his name, tapping their chest to indicate to him to lift himself up so he could lick their faces....so Champ was able to follow the sounds and he knew just when he was next to someone who was talking to him. And he did just what they expected him to do. So, it was after this demonstration that I sprung the big surprise, that Champ could not see. Total shock.... they really could not believe it.
Everyone also could not believe what a beauty he was. They all commented that he is just gorgeous, and he temperament is just A+++++++++.
Champ really enjoys the one on one attention. He is such a love bug! We are convinced that Champ will fit into any home, but if you are a home that loves to make your pets part of the family, and you love spending quality time with your dog, then Champ is the dog for you. You will be rewarded with such a strong and deep love and devotion; you will never remember what your home was like before you took Champ in. So get those apps in and ask for this boy by name!!

11/22/04 -This is Tina and I wanted to do a short update on Champ in hopes of helping find him a new home.
I got to meet Champ this past weekend and I have to tell you I fell in love immediately....what a super boy he is and I have to tell you those pictures do him no justice at all...he is a beauty.
Living with a blind dog is really not that different then a seeing dog. I have a blind dog in my home and the only real difference is not moving the furniture around and when you do, walk the dog through a couple of time for him to get use to it.....my girl races through this house and doesn't hit a thing....she races around the back yard, up the stairs and through our doggy door without missing a beat.
Champ seems to be doing very well in his foster home and has adjusted very quickly....he can and will do the same for you.
He can go out for rides in the car, for walks and play with you...he can do all the things a normal sighted dog can do...please please give him the home he needs for the holidays...you won't be sorry.
Any questions on living with a blind dog feel free to email me at tinaf@hvc.rr.com and I will be glad to help.

11/15/04 - Well, time to get caught up on Champ. He went in for his neuter on Thursday, and was home on Friday. He was immediately back to being the VERY sweet boy we have grown to know and love, like nothing ever happened.

Oh, and he has discovered toys.... well, a stuffed animal that he enjoys carrying around and sinking his teeth into. He is surely getting very comfortable here :o))

In my 4 yrs of fostering, Champ is the 1st completely blind dog i had. We have had over 50 dogs come and go thru my home, and i have to say i am pleasantly surprised at how well he is going, both in my home and with all the other dogs. Remember, Champ was NOT born blind; he only recently became blind due to total neglect by his previous owners. I have watched this boy become much more confident in his new surroundings. He is clear now where things are, when to step up and down. When in the house, he knows where the water is, and where some of our "middle of the room" obstacles are (like my treadmill :o))

Champ has that type of disposition we all want our dogs to have. He loves meeting new people, and loves people in general. When he is out, he does spend a lot of time just exploring the yard. He loves being outside; in fact, even the rain doesn’t seem to bother him. He does try to follow the other dogs, but quite a few of the dogs here are little guys...like pugs and shih tzu's, so when he follows them, he will sometimes step on them accidentally, which they don’t always appreciate :o)). Dogs his own size, like the 3 boxers we have here, he obviously doesn’t have that problem.

I feel as though Champ will do very well with another boxer brother or sister, who could show him around and help him with their companionship. He will do equally well with just one on one love from a family also. As I have said, this is one super boy. Don't let his lack of sight deter you from asking about this boy. I can't say enough about him; he is a super foster boy, eagerly awaiting his own family. Why shouldn't that family be yours?
 

11/3/04 - Champ went to the eye specialist today, and unfortunately, the news was not good. I find myself both sad and angry at what they told us. It seems Champ had multiple eye infections in his past that were apparently never treated, and this caused inflammation to both retinas, which ultimately caused retinal degeneration. The degeneration, in the vets’ own words, is so advanced that it cannot be corrected by surgery. This is very, very sad. We see all sorts of abused animals in rescue, and this negligence is just unacceptable. So, so unnecessary. With just the most routine of care when Champ's eye infections occurred, and this boy would have his sight today. Damn his previous owners!
Champ also has an old corneal ulcer, which is healing. We were given antibiotic ointment for the next 3 weeks, at which time he will be do for a follow-up appointment at the specialist.
During the exam, the vet used several different instruments and stains to examine Champs eyes, and the vet could not get over how well Champ behaved. (BTW, this vet, who I have used before, is a wonderful diagnostician, but has the worst bedside manner you could imagine. so ANY compliment from him is indicative of the impression that Champ left on him.) Champ not only impressed the vet, but also all of the office staff, who stood in line for kisses from this super sweet boy. I was so proud of him, but not the least surprised by it :o))
The vet also commented that Champ seems comfortable with his loss of sight, which I have to agree in my view of him in my home. He also gets a super happy tail whenever he senses people are around.
So, up next for Champ is his neuter, then the revisit to the specialist, and then, hopefully, on to his forever home. If you are quick, that home could be yours. Hurry!!

10/31/04 - It is well past time to update our newest foster Champ. Champ made the trip up to Long Island to see an ophthalmologist specialist to determine if his blindness can be corrected. A great big thank you to Kathy and her family for providing such a wonderful foster home while we were making the arrangements for his visit.

Champ needed to be brought up to date on all his immunizations, so we took him into our Long Island vet. He was just the best boy you could imagine at the vet. Everyone who saw him could not help but comment what a beauty he is, and how well behaved he is. I could not have been more proud of the way he behaved in the waiting room. Once we got into the vet, he continued to be just the BEST!!

Our vet checked his eyes and confirmed that his pupils had no sensitivity to light, and that he had no sight. Further tests will be done at the specialist.

During Champs stay here, he has shown himself to be the best boy one could ask for, and this is no exaggeration. He gets along with all dogs, both big and small. He has quickly learned his way around the downstairs (foster land) and outside, which has lots of decking and steps. He does like to explore the yard, and when he senses another dog, he gets pretty happy. My guys don't realize that Champ cannot see. A couple of times they have tried to engage Champ in a game of "run after me", but once they get about 10 feet away from him, he just stands there waiting for them to come back :o))

This guy is really as sweet as they come. His temperament is A ++++++++, you could not ask for a sweeter boy. Just calling his name gets his tail working double time. He wants nothing more then to be in the same room as you. It was not that long ago that he was being kept outside because he was "in the way". He is one very happy boy now.

His appointment at the specialist is this Wednesday, so lets with him luck. Maybe there is something that can be done for him? I sure hope so, but either way, someone is going to get one very terrific boy if they adopt Champ.

Stay tuned for further updates.
 

10/22/04 - We finally heard Champ bark the other day. I discovered that he likes to bark at my pot-bellied pigs. His tail goes a mile a minute and he barks and barks and barks. It is quite funny to watch, and it almost seems as if he can see them, the way he follows them up and down the fence of their pen. He continues to do well here. He really does love people food, and can be quite a beggar. He hears the refrigerator door open and is right there, sitting pretty, hoping for a treat. He is a real couch potato and will lay beside you for as long as you want. I came in from playing with Sophie tonight, and he was laying on the sofa next to my husband while he watched the news. It was very cute. He will make a great companion for someone special...could it be you?

10/20/04 - What a difference a few days can make! Champ has been making great strides each day, becoming more
comfortable and more relaxed in my home. He was understandably stressed in his first few days, but each day his sweetness becomes more apparent. He and Sophie actually PLAYED the other day. Just for a few minutes, on the floor, just pawing at each other and play-biting each other. I was so surprised! Also, he shocked me yesterday by coming up the stairs, something he hadn't attempted before, nor did I encourage him to do. I had to quickly block the steps and run downstairs to get his leash so he wouldn't fall trying to get back down. He has done it a couple of times now and just appears up here as if it's no big deal. Now I remember to gate the steps, as I do not want him to get hurt. He is doing really well, and enjoys lounging on the sofa and being petted most of all. He has never had an accident in the house, and has never gotten into anything when left alone. He will surely bring a smile to your face. With plenty of patience and love, he will be a very special addition to a very special family.

10/18/04 - Champ is learning his way around the house and yard. We are so surprised at how quickly he is finding his way around. He continues to be a happy, wiggly guy, who loves nothing more than to be right on you while you pet him. He still is not very fond of Sophie, and she is finally getting the idea that he does NOT want to play with her. He does not seem to have any issues with her when they are just hanging around the house, it is really only when she tries to play with him. I guess that's understandable...I would be a little unnerved if I couldn't see and someone was batting away at me! I am thinking he would probably do best as an only dog for that reason. He is starting to like the dog biscuits now, and continues to eat well. He will sit for a treat, but that seems to be the only command he knows. He pulls on the leash a lot, but does seem to calm down after a while. Last night I took him out into the backyard on the leash and ran around with him. I figured that way he could run off some steam and not have to worry about running into anything. Even though he is pretty mellow, I thought he might like a little extra activity, and he really seemed to enjoy it. He has the funniest walk, (as of course he is trying not to bump into anything) where he holds his head really low and lifts his feet up as if feeling for a step. He looks so goofy, but it is very cute! I am keeping my fingers crossed for him that the eye specialist will be able to help him and restore his sight. He sure does deserve it.

10/17/04 - For a guy who is blind, it did not take Champ long at all to figure out how to get up on the sofas! He also found the toy basket and claimed a stuffed block toy as his own. His appetite is good, and he has been emptying his bowl at each feeding. He does not seem to care for biscuits, but I have found that he loves American cheese. He is getting around ok, learning where everything is located, but not without a few bumps into things along the way. His little nub only stops wagging when he is asleep, and he is happiest when he is being petted and is around people.

10/16/04 - Champ has arrived and is settling in nicely. He has a sad story to tell...He lived with his family until he began to lose his sight. Then his family decided to tie him to a tree outside. Luckily for him, a neighbor took him in, but since the neighbor's son was allergic, he has spent the last few months living in the garage. I am told he may have glaucoma, and that surgery may restore some or all of his sight. He will be seeing a specialist soon. He also needs to neutered and brought up to date on his shots, since we are not sure when they were last given. After he is all set medically, he will be ready for his forever home. He is a very sweet guy, full of wiggles and kisses. Since he is blind, and I am trying to slowly get him used to the house. Right now he is gated in the kitchen, which he seems to be getting used to. He finally settled down enough to eat, and finished his two cups of Nutro Max with a little canned food mixed in. He likes all of the humans so far, but does not seem overly fond of my Boxer Sophie just yet. We will see as he settles in, but for now they will be separated. He seems so eager to please, and so full of love. Just looking at him makes me smile. His little nub wags non-stop, and he can bend himself into a pretzel shape! I know that once he's ready to go, he will make his forever family very happy.

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