8/12/06 - Jules is pending adoption

7/19/06 - Introducing Jules: one of the sweetest girls we have ever had stay in our foster home.  Jules originally found herself in a shelter because her elderly owner was taken into a home, leaving no one to care for her: she was left alone in an apartment without her person for a long time.

Luckily Jules eventually found her way to BAR and into our foster home where she rapidly became one of the family.

Jules was very sensitive to being touched on her back when she first arrived and could be fearful, even defensive: she had lost her trust in people and other dogs and had learned to keep herself from being harmed by snapping: this was her only line of defense and we didn't condemn her for this rational behavior: we simply showed her there was no need to be afraid.  We quickly realized that she was in pain and took her to our vet who confirmed our suspicions that she had Spondylosis ( Arthritis of the spine) in a few of her vertebrae. She is now on Metacam: a very economical pain management and is a happy girl.

Slowly she has come to understand that interaction with people is a good thing and doesn't lead to pain. 
She is however still cautious about being touched on her back without warning and for this reason we are recommending that she should ONLY live with children who are old enough to understand and respect her needs and not startle her. With a little care, this girl is a perfect companion.

Jules can be cautious of strangers at first (possibly due to her past) but as long as she is allowed to greet people in her own time and isn't pressured, she quickly shows just how friendly she can be.

Because of her arthritis, she likes regular but only moderate exercise, she loves to lead walk, run and play, at her own pace and for short periods and loves to play gentle ball games in the yard.

Jules said that she would love to live with a family that isn't too busy rushing around; maybe one that just likes to take gentle strolls rather than hiking in the woods. She enjoys the company of other dogs but needs time to get acquainted and would prefer not to live with any pushy dogs thank you, who might hurt her: she is very precious. She thinks that a retired couple or similar, with needs like her own would suit her very well.

Jules is a big hearted girl with a unique personality: she does need some understanding; parts of her life have been hard for her; she can be possessive with people if allowed but this is easily rectified by inviting her to come to you for cuddles, rather than responding to demands. With time she has shown us that she's able to trust again and share all of her wonderful "boxery' ways with  her people. 

Jules has melted many hearts since she came to us; she just oozes personality and charm: she's a girl that we will never forget.

If you think that you would like to share in the experience of living with Jules then please fill in an application form.