camp-n-family wrote:
I'm wondering what you did to get your boxer to live to 14?! The average life span is only 8-10. What's your secret?
We have always had great luck with our pets. I had a cat who lived to be 17 (adopted from a shelter).
Sammie (boxer) was an extraordinary dog. Her story was that she was owned by a military guy who also owned a pit. One day he was playing with them and the pit got jealous. Rather than get rid of the pit, who he knew could never be adopted, he took the boxer to a rescue. She had scars on her head from the attack.
We had contacted a local rescue and went to the home of the rescuer. We met 9 different boxers of all shapes and sizes. The dog was going to be for my 8 year old (at the time). We sat in the living room and one by one met all of them. I though we were going to end up with the 8 month old puppy. I sat on the floor as each one came in the room. All the pups ran to me to meet. After we had met each one, my son said he just didn't get a feeling from any of them. phew .. no puppy!! The rescuer said, she had one that she had just gotten 2 days prior and didn't know her very well. She brought her in, she ran to my son, put her head in his lap and looked up at him with those beautiful, big brown eyes. We were smitten!
Sammie fit into our family perfectly. We had another dog at the time and they were sisters instantly. She was happy around all other dogs she ever met. She adapted to camping easily.
Our secret? love - plain and simple (not that anyone else doesn't love their pets).
They have been on all sorts of different foods (depending on their needs or our income). They get their shots and vet visits/medication if necessary. Plenty of toys, exercise and pillows (dog beds). Baths/nails when they need it. They are not allowed on our furniture or beds. Doggy door to go outside whenever they like/need. Our pets are always neutered/spayed (I believe that helps in leading a longer life). I am the alpha. They do not get table scraps.
