My name is Walker!

03/01/14: Walker Is In A Kennel And In Need Of A Home

Walker has been in a foster home since we had him treated for heartworm and he recovered with no problems. He was doing remarkably well with everyone in the household until recently when he started having issues with the oldest male dog in the home. Both dogs were having recurring fights. Walker had no problem with the female dogs in the home and was good buddies with his young male foster brother. He also had no issues at all with the resident cats. Keeping two dogs separate was very difficult for Walker’s foster family and, although they love Walker, he had to be moved since the fights were escalating. Since we did not have an available foster home, we had to place Walker in a boarding kennel. Needless to say, we would love to find Walker another loving foster or adoptive home. He is a very sweet boy.

2/12/14: NEW FOSTER HOME NEEDED ASAP - WALKER IS NOT GETTING ALONG WITH 1 OF THE DOGS IN HIS FOSTER HOME (does well with all the others)

Walker update from his foster mom:

“Wow, where has time gone? Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve written an update on Walker. Walker was very skinny, shy, had no manners and was nowhere near house broken when we first got him as a foster. He was a verrrrry energetic boy puppy!!! Walker has been our 3rd foster and definitely the most challenging.

After many conversations and encouragement from Christy and Jane. Walker has been successfully housebroken. I couldn’t have made it through without their words of encouragement and advice. Thanks ladies!!

Walker has done great from the beginning with our cats and has done well with our dogs too. I have one male dog that likes to remind Walker who is in charge but we’ve worked through that. Christmas Eve we took in a dog (Cole) that was dumped and he has become fast friends with him.
We have been working on sit and wait and he’s doing really well. The little guy just gets so excited on “wait” that he backs up until he’s given whatever he’s waiting for. We are continuing to work on this. I do kennel him on the rare occasions I run errands and he kennels as soon as I tell him “kennel up”…of course I always give him a treat and a bone to chew on so he knows good things happen. Even If I need some “quiet time” he will kennel and be fine.

Walker LOVES to snuggle when I’m watching TV or at night. He didn’t know how to “play” when we got him either and he’s learned that well too. His favorite is to go out in the backyard at night and chase a laser pointer, it’s adorable beyond words. During the day if the sun is out he looks for the refection from our door on the back fence and chases it. He also loves to chase a ball, though he’s still learning to bring and drop. It’s been beyond wonderful to see the change in him; I just can’t find the words to explain. He is a lovable, playful, eager to please boy.

I asked my 12 year old son his thoughts on Walker for the update and he said “Walker is a really sweet, cute, loving, and adorable dog”.

We will be sad to see him go but we know that we are just a stop on his way to his happily everaFURter :-D “


10/22/13: Walker Is Ready And Waiting

A lot has happened for Walker in the last two months and he is now ready to be adopted. His heartworm treatment was uneventful and he has been given the OK by his doctor to resume normal activity. He has also been neutered and received his inoculations. Walker is a typical adolescent boxer who has lots of energy and a zest for life. Below is the latest report from Walker's foster mom:
"Our boy Walker is recovered from his heartworm treatment and is so happy to be able to move around without having his freedom restricted. He's really enjoying being in a family environment.

He loves to eat pancakes (ok, it's an occasional treat), cuddle, play and just being loved on. Walker seems to learn quickly and enjoys playing.

Walker asked me the other day "mom, when am I getting my fur-ever family?" I told him not to worry that NBR is working on finding him his perfect home.”


08/14/13: Walker Was Left Behind and We Could Not Let Him Die

We were receiving daily notices regarding five boxers in a high kill shelter that needed rescue and we were keeping close track of them to make sure they would all be safe. In days, four were rescued by other organizations. However, a young white boy named Walker was left behind. He was the only one of the five dogs that had medical needs. He was listed as being Heartworm positive and would need treatment.

Walker had been posted by the shelter for a two week period and was obviously deteriorating rapidly. His physical condition plus the added stress in the shelter was taking it's toll. When we were notified he was now on “the kill list“, we contacted the shelter to let them know we would take Walker into our care since no other rescue came forward. Once again, we did not have an available foster home for another dog but we would not let him be killed.

The shelter’s policy is to have all dogs neutered/spayed prior to their release (which all shelters should be required to do). When Walker was anesthetized his gums became very pale which caused concern. The doctor felt that neutering him at this time was much too risky and decided not to proceed with the surgery.
We quickly contacted our vet for advice and she said that Walker might need to see a Cardiologist. She suggested we get him to the vet for an initial evaluation and tests. More medical information is needed to determine if he will need to see the heart specialist.

We made arrangements to get him from the shelter the following day. The volunteer that picked him up was shocked at how horrible he looked compared to the initial shelter photos we received. His decline was appalling. He was emaciated, very pale, and probably anemic due to the infestation of hookworm which was noted in his records. This morning he was brought to our vet and we are awaiting word from the doctor.

Walker is obviously a sweet, lovable and enchanting boy. He appears to be good with dogs, cats and people. We are learning more about his disposition and personality, however, his medical needs are our priority.

If you're interested in adopting this sweetheart, please fill out an application at http://www.boxerrescue.com/application.htm and to learn more about our rescue, and to get additional details about this dog, visit us at www.boxerrescue.com