My name is CAPTAIN!

09/17/10: The Value of Life, The Plea for Benevolence, The Necessity of Compassion



NBR currently has 7 dogs who are living in boarding kennels.....Ava, Gustoff, Captain, Rock, Wilco, Tuck, and Phoenix. Sadly, we have not found appropriate foster or permanent homes for them.. The most disheartening thing about this situation is that all of these dogs have the potential to be wonderful dogs, but they can not seem to get a break. They have all been mishandled by people and because of this they are now considered "hard to place".

These dogs have trust issues because people have let them down and NBR is committed to rectifying the wrongs that have been done to them. We are looking for people to foster or adopt who genuinely want to help a dog in the truest sense of the word. Please do not consider taking any of these dogs into your home if you have a big ego or if you are not tolerant enough to allow the dogs to adjust at their own pace. These dogs need someone who understands that their adjustment period could be long, and they will need kind people who have lots of patience. Some of these dogs have been in a foster home previously but they "failed' because the people (who had good intentions) did not comprehend the commitment needed of them. Every time these dogs have a change they are set back in their progress so we are being very cautious about choosing homes for them. NBR will provide as much moral support as you need. We have been very successful turning dogs such as these around and you will need to be able to trust our recommendations and follow our lead.

Ava, Gustoff, Captain, Rock, Wilco, Tuck, and Phoenix all have much love to give, but they will expect you to earn their trust. They will no doubt teach you more about dog behavior then you will ever learn in a book, and you may learn much about yourself and other people as well. Once you earn their trust you will be blessed with a companion who will truly be your best friend forever, and you will be rewarded with the satisfaction that you truly made a difference in a needy dog's life.

Unfortunately boarding costs are expensive and they are draining our bank account. We have set up a Chip-In account to try and offset these expenses. If you cannot help us by taking one of these dogs into your home, please help pay for their expenses until suitable placements can be found. Every one of these dogs would have been killed if NBR did not take them into our rescue program. We feel that all of their lives have meaning and we are proud that we saved them. You can share in that pride by doing whatever you can to help.



07/23/09: Captain sets sail to a new foster home (new pictures!)

Captain has been in his new foster home for about a month and is different dog, the rewards of properly placing a dog regardless of how long it may take is priceless.

An update from his new foster family will post soon, please check back....

04/07/09: CAPTAIN IS SEARCHING FOR LAND ON THE HORIZON
Captain really needs to set sail and land in his forever home. His current foster home has really helped us further understand what this little guy needs. Captain’s foster parents really think he is a great dog but the setting he is in now in is not ideal.

Captain is enjoying and benefiting from being in a home with a big fenced yard to burn off that boxer energy. He pounces on his toys and does laps, full bore, around the yard. Since Captain has been able to exercise, he has shown a more docile side.

He is calmer in the house and surprisingly has no interest in the cats since there are more interesting things available for him to focus his attention. He is more receptive to listening but Captain still needs some work.

He is having a difficult time adjusting to the other dog in the house and vice versa. They are both males and they are clashing. Charlie (the other K-9) is an older lab mix who isn’t very receptive to sharing his space nor engaging in Captain’s boxer play habits. On the other hand, Captain does not have spatial boundaries which causes tension between the dogs.

Charlie is jealous of Captain and does not want to share the attention from his human friends; it is almost as if he is saying, "I was here first Buddy, earn it". Captain can be a bit of a pill and will push Charlie to play which can cause a scuffle. Captain then gets scared and looks to escape.

Captain is still young and would do well with another active, easy spirited dog who is familiar with the boxer style of play. He must be placed in a home with a fenced yard because, if he does not have a place to run around and play, he gets antsy and starts to act up. If Captain is allowed to build pent-up energy, and is ignored when he wants to play, he will find a way to get your attention; sometimes it’s being destructive or other times it’s barking at you and nibbling at your hands or feet.

Captain has improved since he first arrived in his foster home, but he will need lots of activity and positive training to make sure he is given every opportunity to behave appropriately. Captain can be very stubborn and needs someone who has experience in positive reinforcement training. He is a very quick study and loves treats. He knows how to sit and give you his paw (and his other paw) when asked.

He is terrified of the crate so a person who is home most of the time is ideal. Captain would not be good with children as their activity would over stimulate him and make him too anxious. Captain has had no leash training and is very strong, he will need help walking like a gentleman. He LOVES car rides, running around the yard, sleeping on the couch, and playing fetch; he did not know how to do that until recently.

All and all, Captain is a great dog. He just needs the love, trust, and activity that he should have received when he was brought home as a puppy. We as humans often overlook the true meaning of commitment when we think about adding a dog to our family. Most of the dogs who come into our rescue, like Captain, are the ones who pay the price. Please consider Captain’s needs and help this beautiful boxer boy land his forever home soon.

03/15/09: PLEASE HELP CAPTAIN - FOSTER HOME NEEDED
We have spent more time with Captain and discovered some things about him that we did not know previously. Typical of young boxers who have been raised in a home without the proper guidance, Captain has never learned self control. He is very easily over-stimulated by things that never faze a well socialized dog.

Poor Captain does not mean to misbehave but he has been emotionally stunted and responds to some things like a young puppy. Puppies can be easily redirected to do the correct behavior, but an adult dog with the emotions of a puppy is obviously much harder to handle. He can be defiant when he is intent on getting what he wants and, if the situation is too stimulating for him, he does whatever it takes to get his way.

Captain needs a quiet home without much activity so he is not distracted while he is learning how to behave. He will need people who have experience with positive training methods such as clicker training; they will also need a lot of patience.

Captian would do best as an only dog at this time and NO CATS. He will need a fenced yard so that he can burn off his high energy. He would be much too overwhelming for a family with children. Captain has a tendency to jump and needs some direction with manners.

On the plus side, Captain is housebroken and craves affection. He is also very well behaved in the car. We are urgently looking for a foster home for Captain for he is not ready to be adopted at this time.

PLEASE contact us if you think you can help. Time is of the essence.


03/01/09: A DAY WITH THE CAPTAIN

One of our volunteers spent the day with Captain so we could define his needs (a big THANKS to Barb and Derrick). Here is her report:

"I had the lucky opportunity to take Captain out for the day. What a beautiful boy.

When I first drove into the yard, Captain was outside waiting. He was interested in whom he was about to meet. At the same time, he was insecure about meeting a stranger. Captain sniffed my hand, allowed me to touch him, and then backed up and barked. He was shaking all over. Not from excitement but from insecurity of the situation.

He wanted to go for a ride but was unsure of the strange vehicle. Once inside, and riding down the road, Captain was ready to make friends. He was now full of tail wiggling and kisses. Soon he was in the front seat between my teenage son and I. He loved the attention and riding. He took food from my son's hands and was very gentle doing it. He also waited until it was offered.

We took Captain to a local Pet Smart. In the hands of experienced and confident Boxer people, Captain was more then willing to meet every person and dog in the store. He was friendly and doing boxer wiggles. He sniffed all the dogs and was a perfect gentleman. There was no barking or fear this time.

Captain sounds wonderful right? He is wonderful but will need an experienced dog person. He does not have much training, and he pulls very hard on lead. He is better with a harness, but still pulls. Captain likes to jump on people to say hello. He also gets over stimulated easily. While playing with my 4 year old Boxer, Daisy, he was overexcited and needed to have a stop put to the play time.

The best home for Captain would be without children. He may play too roughly without realizing it. He needs a family that will exercise him, work on his training skills, and socialize him. He badly wants to be part of the family, snuggle with them, and be included in their lives.

When I returned him to his current home he did not want us to leave. Captain was staring at us as we climbed back into the truck and he was trying to run back to us. He formed an attachment easily. He could become a wonderful companion with a little hard wok, understanding, and love."



01/26/09: This Captain Is Looking For A New Crew

Captain is a handsome 14 month old male, reverse brindle. He is all boxer in heart and spirit. His favorite things are running and playing or just being with the people he loves snuggling on the couch. Captain is good with people and other dogs, likes everyone he meets, and seeks their attention.

Unfortunately, Captain's present home can not give him the attention he so wants and needs. So he is looking for a home with a family who has the time and love to give him what he deserves. He spends too much time alone now. With ample attention and exercise he will be a great addition to any family.

We are hoping to find Captain a foster home or a “foster to adopt” home. Please submit an application if you can help. He is neutered and up to date with all vaccinations and is ready to go.
Can you donate to help offset the costs of care for Captain?

You can send a check directly to: Northeastern Boxer Rescue
P.O. Box 95 Sunderland MA 01375. or use PayPal

Northeastern Boxer Rescue
Jane Scott - janescott@boxerrescue.com

Pam Fosco - pam@boxerrescue.com