I adopted Pup pup from NJBR in July '07. Pup was truly an amazing dog. She epitomized the Boxer spirit, overcame great obstacles, and always lived in the now. Pup was so sweet and gentle; she loved to be around people, lounge on the furniture, play with her pull toys, and sing her 'woo-woo' song if she wanted your attention. Pup developed Degenerative Myelopathy and Thyroid cancer in 2010. Despite her diagnosis, she fought courageously and lived her life to the fullest. Pup passed away peacefully on April 29, 2011. Pup--you taught us so much, you will be forever in our hearts. Till we meet again.

--Sean and Tara

We are very sad to report that Sweetheart has passed away. Sweetheart was found as a stray on Valentines Day, and brought to a local shelter. She was 10+ years old. She was emaciated, and had several tumors that needed medical attention. The shelter agreed to sign her over to Rescue so that we could tend to her medical needs, and place her in a loving home. We picked her up on Friday, and brought her to a wonderful foster home. During the entire 2 hour trip, Sweetheart gave kisses, took lots of belly rubs & treats, and wagged her tail (yes, a real long tail) non-stop! She was so happy and grateful. Sadly, on Sunday, Sweetheart took a turn for the worst, and her foster Mommy took her to the vet. Sweetheart's body had given up, and she was not alone when she passed away. What a lovely senior girl. We were so happy to be able to give her time in a loving, warm home, if only for a weekend.

NJBR Volunteer's

We adopted our sweet Suzy girl in December 2009. Because she had lived outside most of her life and was used for breeding, she had health issues that needed attention. Within the first month we had her teeth cleaned and bad ones pulled, boy did her teeth look so much better. She also had her ears flushed as they were caked with grime from years of buildup. Tumors were found shortly after and so we had them removed but it didn't help her. The cancer spread up to her lungs and eventually made breathing difficult. Chemo couldn't save her. The 10 months we had together were incredibly joyous. We loved watching her enjoy life, and smile. She was queen of our house. There was so much comfort knowing she was safe and comfortable. She was smothered with love everyday and she gave us so much in return. We miss Suzy and will always remember
her.

Diana & Jeff

We are heartbroken to have lost our Jasper this past October 1, 2010. Picked up as a stray he was sitting in a shelter when NJBR was called to rescue him. He was skinny, had fly bitten ears, paralysis from blunt force trauma to one side of his face, and multiple tumors in his mouth that must have caused him great pain. We are so grateful that NJBR took him in and provided him with the specialized medical care he so badly needed. We adopted him in July 2008. It is amazing how even after suffering from years of obvious neglect and abuse he could be so trusting and full of love. Jasper was a gentle soul appreciative of any kindness afforded him. We feel blessed to have him if only for a short time. It was a joy to shower him with love and affection, and he returned it tenfold. He will forever be in our hearts.

-The Bellarosa Family

My sweet husband Paul found our beloved Rosie dead in her crate Thursday morning. She apparently suffered a heart attack while asleep, at 7 years of age and in seemingly perfect health. One of us walked her almost every day. We are bereft and although very painful, it has helped a little to wade through my photos of our beloved girl. There are many pictures at the link below, because Rosie was so ever-present in our lives and so special... with a unique story. RIP Rose Pearl. We just can't quite imagine our home and lives without you. We will be forever grateful to Michelle and Howard Christensen for fostering "Lady Ro" in May, 2006.

Angels on Earth.

Online Photo Album of Rosie

We thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday, and days before that too.
We think of you in silence. We often speak your name.
Now all we have is memories, and your picture in a frame.
Your memory is our keepsake, with which we’ll never part.
Heaven has you in it's keeping. We have you in our heart.

In Loving Memory of Roxie Bella
July 4, 2004- December 22, 2009
Roxie, you were taken from us much to soon.

Tyson left us on February 16, 2010: exactly 10 years to the day from the date of his adoption. He grew from a 14-month old, emaciated and stressed young boxer to a bright, handsome, charming and loving companion who made us smile every day. He bravely fought the progressive paralysis of DM for over a year until it finally took his dignity and his zest for life. Letting him go was the hardest decision we ever made and while we are lost in our sadness, we are happy that he is at peace.

He was the best of all dogs and we will love him forever.

Jeannine and Pete Stewart

It was a sad night. We had to put down our 11 year old Brindle Boxer due to a DM. Degenerative Myelopathy.

Ikaika was a great dog. However his condition started to deteriorate. Not a curable disease. He will be missed by all. Especially his buddy Matt our son who took care of him.

I am sad to say that my beloved Buster Brown, who I adopted from NJBR back in November 2006, passed away yesterday. He had been in good health and his death was very sudden and unexpected. Such a shock! He was with me for just over 3 years and I loved every minute. I knew from the moment I met him that he would be a perfect fit in my family and he was! He was such a good boy, very sweet and loving, very obedient. I couldn't imagine why anyone would have surrendered him. Everyone that met him loved him. I will miss him dearly.
Phyllis

Sam was a DM boxer. We have had boxers all of my life and never experienced this illness. What a sad 6 months. He was a great boxer, full of life till the end. We will miss him. The part that was really tough was coming to grips with what was best for Sam. I think now he is running all over heaven with all of my other guys, full of life once more. God bless Sam and thank you for giving us so much unconditional love from one sloppy, snotty , goober, and gas filled friend!!!!

Forever a boxer lover Marty

Penny was a true rescue dog. She was used for breeding in a puppy mill, dumped on the streets of New Jersey, brought into rescue, lovingly cared for and restored to health in her foster home and then adopted into a family to live out the rest of her days. We were the family blessed to have Penny for almost 2 1/2 years. She was one of those dogs that stood out from the rest. She was smart and strong and beautiful. Though what we heard the most from everyone who came in contact with her was, "She is such a sweet dog!", and she was. Children who were afraid of dogs wound up playing with Penny. Men who said, "I don't like dogs", wound up petting Penny all evening. Even a young man with Down syndrome who loves every dog that he has ever met, after spending time with her, announced that Boxers were his favorite dog and he was going to have 2 Boxers, both named "Penny"!

That same young man summed it up when he said, "I don't want Penny to be gone. I miss her." We do too. Two years was not enough time to love Penny and to be loved by her. But it was the time we were given and for that we are very grateful. It was enough time to create memories which we will have for many years to come. We weren't sure about adopting a senior Boxer and some at NJBR weren't sure about adopting to a family with 6 (now 7) children. We are so glad that everyone took the chance and we were given the opportunity to spend those years with such a special dog. We cherish every moment we had.
Good-bye, sweet girl....

The Miller Family

Ralphie was an amazing dog. At 13 he still loved to run and jump. Although he was with us for only 49 days, the love we felt for him was returned 10 fold. His death, the day after his actual 13th birthday was devastating but, although sad, we remember him and his comical and curious nature with a smile. Would we foster again - in a heartbeat!

Here is a memorial tribute to Joe Boxer:

Joe Boxer was living proof that animals have souls.

With his huge heart, his sweetness and his loyalty, Joe’s impact on our lives was immeasurable. Words can’t describe how much we’ll miss him. We had the honor of having him as part of our family for almost five years, Thank you Joe, for all the love, and all the laughs. We’ll never forget you!

Mary, Bob, Christine and Michael April 17, 2009

It seems to me that every time I lose a Dog

They take a piece of my heart with them

And every new Dog who comes into my life

Gifts me with a piece of their heart

If I live long enough, all the components

Of my heart will be Dog,

And I will become as generous and as loving as they are.

Cheryl Zuccaro

I am writing to thank New Jersey Boxer Rescue, Ellen, and Lee and Dan for providing Zeus with a warm, caring and loving home in the last year of his life. Zeus was literally a part of our family as any human part. He arrived a curious puppy and grew into our best brother, son and friend, into his senior years. Due to an unexpected change in our living circumstances, and a new child that developed pet allergies we were not able to keep Zeus. Because of how much Zeus meant to us, knowing his need for closeness and sensitivity to change, his turbulent past year, and his age, I was reluctant to put him into a shelter and was literally going to put him to sleep, so we would have peace knowing that he was in peace. I telephoned New Jersey Rescue and was assured of the care and love he would receive, regardless of his age, until his passing. It was a final good bye when I handed him over to Lee and Dan his new parents. I thank the Lord for all of you at New Jersey Boxer Rescue for your selfless devotion to the care of these dogs in need, and to Lee and Dan for giving 200% to Zeus in his final year, for loving him and caring for him. The level of care was beyond my expectations, as well as the love and bonding. I have such a peace in my heart knowing that Zeus was loved by such caring and devoted persons until his final days, just as I had prayed for him.

Zeus is dearly missed. I long for a cushy warm snuggle and a squishy warm kiss! I miss those loyal, loving and full of expression eyes.....Zeus has touched our hearts in such a blessed and special way and he will live on in our memories forever.

I will always remember Tigger as he was the day I first met him. I drove to his home so his family could surrender him and was greeted with nothing but hugs and sloppy kisses from him. He came barreling out behind a baby gate and immediately jumped up, placing his paws on my shoulders so he could “hug” me. His goofy demeanor won me over from the second I met him.

Tigger, along with Winnie, spent many weeks in a kennel until a foster home opened for them both. Many of us spent much time with him at the kennel; taking him for walks, bringing him along on our weekend errands and just spending time with him. All of us became very attached to him. During this time, his spirit never broke. He even bounced like a Tigger when he saw you coming. He was nothing but a big mush and loved his Winnie, who always depended on him for support and reassurance. He was always happy, always goofy and always wiggling. Ten years old and full of puppy love up until the very end. He was happy just to be with you.

One thing we are grateful for is his foster home. If they had not opened their hearts and their home, Tigger would have never gotten to experience what it was like to live like a dog should. He and Winnie had a yard to play and “box” in, spending time outdoors playing together. Tigger would come in from the yard and lay in front of the fan. When the weather got cooler, his foster mom never had the heart to put his fan away. It was his favorite place to nap and so he did, even when the fan was not running.

Sadly, Tigger passed on November 14, 2008. Some say Tigger never made it to his forever home, but in his mind, he did. He was given love and companionship, even up to the very last moment.

We are grateful for the time we spent with him and what his forgiving and loving spirit taught us. Tigger will be greatly missed by his foster family and many NJBR volunteers.

For the ten years that you blessed our lives, there are no word that can describe our love for you. You were a friend, a companion and most of all you were our greatest gift. When we adopted you, we would never have expected such devotion from you. But you showed us that the love we gave to you, would be returned by you in way that had no boundaries. You loved us more than we could ever hope for. And in turn we loved you more than anything in the world. We all miss you! And you will always remain in our hearts and minds. We you love!

Love You Forever - Daddy, Mommy, your Sisters and Nana and Pop-Pop

The white boxer in this picture is 2 year old Jack, he is pictured here with his buddy Nikko, the Rottweiler. Unfortunately there is a very Unhappy Ending to tell. Jack was a New Jersey Boxer Rescue dog who was adopted out 2 years ago when he was a 2 month old puppy. He was adopted to a home who already had a dog, Nikko a Rottweiler (in the picture). This home had a large yard with an Electronic Fence. The fence worked well for Nikko, but once Jack entered the picture the fence was no longer effective. Jack being a Typical Young Boxer , did not let the shock of the fence deter him from chasing the local wildlife.

Unfortunately about 2 weeks ago, on February 22, Jack broke through the fence for the last time. Sadly Nikko followed him, or at least this is what we believe to have happened. After a 2 week search Jack was found frozen in a nearby Lake. Nikko has still not been found. Needless to say Jacks owners and all NJBR volunteers are devastated.

The discussion of whether or not boxers should be adopted to homes with electronic fences has been an ongoing one. We realize there are homes that have success with these fences BUT we also know that many Boxers will break threw them if they are tempted by a person or animal. Using these fences also puts the dog at risk because people and other animals can also easily enter the yard and cause harm. We all wish we made this call a lot earlier but effective immediately NJBR will no longer adopt to a home with an Electronic Fence of any kind. This is the least we can do to honor Jack. Please see our new policy on our Adoption Policy Page.

We pray that Nikko is found and that Jack is resting peacefully.

The first two years of life were spent in Show, awarded with many blue ribbons when she was retired to 'pet status' by her owners.

As a Boxer Rescue Volunteer for many years, Biscuit came to me one day as a Foster seeking a new Forever Home, from a very loving and adoring family that were no longer able to keep her due to an allergic reaction by a new baby to their home. A magical bond consumed us both and we instinctively knew she had found her new Forever Home. Biscuit became my devoted companion for many joyous years. I was granted the honor of cradling Biscuit in my arms when she crossed over the Rainbow Bridge one Christmas Eve day and will forever be grateful for her devotion and all the unconditional love she brought into my life. A piece of my heart went with her.

I miss you my darling girl, and will love you - forever and a day. -Donna

Even though Ben was only in rescue for about 2 weeks, we take comfort knowing that Ben passed in a warm place where he was being fed and cared for. Ben came to us from a shelter and was literally skin over bones. Blood tests revealed a problem and a very large, cancerous tumor was found after doing an ultrasound. Ben was a gentle boy who loved attention and he truly did receive lots of that in the end.

It is so very sad to announce the passing of one of our fosters, Roxanne, on August 25, 2007. Roxanne had lived her entire life tied outside until at 5 years old, she was surrendered to NJ Boxer Rescue. She spent two and a half days in her foster home before scheduled surgery to remove 4 tumors. In those two and a half days, little did we know, she would live her lifetime. Her foster mom referred to her as My Fair Lady. Because she had never experienced the inside of a home, she reminded her of a genuinely innocent, curious child. Not fearful, not hyper just curious. The first time she saw the TV come on, she looked, walked right up to it and with her nose on the screen, tried to smell and look at the picture at the same time.

The first time she looked in a closet, she just couldn't take her eyes off of anything. Roxanne wasn't the least bit hyper , the least bit skittish except when the foster mother took a shovel out of the shed. We lost Roxanne the first night home from surgery to bloat, though rare, can occur in deep chested dogs such as boxers. Just as Roxanne began living a normal life, it was ended. She was a beautiful, quiet sweet girl whose lifetime of love lasted only two and a half days, yet whose loving memory will be with us forever. We'll meet you at the rainbow bridge.

Nancy and Kim

It is with a very heavy heart we announce the passing of one of senior boxers. Maxwell was one of the sweetest, most well behaved, lovable boxers. He lived out his last 7 months under the care of his very special foster parents. In this home he was able to experience having a constant female boxer companion and was spoiled daily with love. He will be greatly missed. Godspeed sweet Maxwell

A note from Maxwell's foster parents:
In my mind I knew that Maxwell was not ours to keep, we were just his temporary loving family, a lay-over on his way to his forever home. We knew we would be sad to see him leave but we were prepared and happy that someone else would experience his joyful boxer soul. Max became ill suddenly and we had to let him go last night (5/23/07). We were not prepared for that. We get some comfort knowing that we gave him 6 months of love and protection and he gave us 6 months of love, adoration, and big sloppy kisses. It was a testament to the dog Maxwell was, that the vet who cared for him said he only met him once but loved him already. Maxwell, we miss you terribly. NIB, thank you for your unwavering support. Love, Sue and Dennis