Since Phoenix came to us we had our fingers crossed that she wouldn't need to be labelled as a special needs dog. Unfortunately this didn't happen. We appreciate the fact that her condition means that a lot of homes aren't going to take a chance on her.

Phoeinx is now a 44 pound bundle of fun. Can't you see that?

When we got the call about Phoenix, one of our volunteers went to see her. Phoenix was an SPCA cruelty seizure we were asked to help with. We were told that she was a 2 year old dog, but to see her that first day she appeared to be a senior dog on her last legs. She was filtyh, skinny, very beat up and had sores all over her lifeless body. Over the next few weeks Phoenix's body condition began to improve and her wonderful personality shone through.

Phoenix was a chained dog all of her life. She was scared of other animals and needed a lot of time and socialization to begin to trust. She was taught nothing in her two years but fear and abuse. But yet, this gentle soul put herself out there to learn. She learned what a house was, what stairs and hard floors were like (they were scary!), and what a walk on a leash was. She allowed our volunteers and the vet staff to medicate her and look over her.

Phoenix, before she was well enough to be spayed, went through a pseudo pregnancy. This was very hard on her. Immediately after that she went through a heat, which was even harder for her to endure. Finally, she was well enough to be spayed. Like a trooper, Phoenix made it through. This wasn't without difficulty, however. Phoenix bled out during surgery and it was discovered that she was anemic and could have had an autoimmune disorder. This was caused by the neglect she suffered throughout her life. Infestations of fleas or worms, poor nutrition, abuse, and being out in the elements probably all played a part. Phoenix is still undergoing tests and treatment, waiting patiently for a difinitive diagnosis.

That's not slowing this chick down though! She's still going to go full tilt and taste all that this life has to offer. Phoenix loves to play with her foster friends. She's made great pals with 3 dogs and 3 cats while staying at her foster's home. Sometimes she has to be reminded that she can trust these animals not to hurt her and also that she has to be polite. But, she's learned very well.

Oliver is a very special boy. He came to us via the Toronto Humane Society. He was actually a resident of the Society for 6 months and recommended for euthanasia a couple of times. But, Oliver and the staff there had other plans. Oliver had a problem with his bodily functions, we'll say. He had little-to-no control of his urination and bowel movements. He was X-rayed and it was found that he had a disk in his back that was either damaged, or wasn't formed correctly. He had physical signs of abuse, so we'd take a wager that it was from that. No matter, Oliver had nerve damage and a paralyzed tail which caused his condition. One of our volunteers had to try to save him. She was his only hope. So, Ollie made the flight to Nova Scotia, and the drive to Cape Breton. Her vet looked at her like she had rocks in her head. But, she was determined and sought out any option Ollie had. Ollie was put on a solid, high fiber diet, as natural and free of chemicals that we could get. He improved. Then, he was given evercise sessions and Tellington Touch sessions. He improved. Oliver was then given a round of homeopathic tinctured. He improved some more. Oliver's tail did have to be amputated. This was to avoid injury and relieve stress from his spine. But, he got through it like a trooper! Oliver continued to flourish mentally and physically. He was a happy boy. Oliver is now with his forever family and enjoying a nice relaxing life - the big goof.

Lola was bought from a backyard breeder to be a guard dog (grrr). Her purchasers soon discovered that she was deaf, and tried to discard her, as a deaf dog doesn't make a very effective guard as you can figure. She was dumped with someone who, luckily, found out about Boxer Rescue. Deaf dogs do require special homes, but are very trainable. Lola found that special home with Krista, Jack, Teagan and, Josie, our volunteers. Here's what her mom had to say about her, you can be assured that deafness doesn't slow her down!

Lola is a very unique girl, not only in her look but in her personality! She sure thinks she’s beautiful… she often admires herself in the mirror, tail wagging. She is very curious, just wants to check everything out, and taste everything! This has led to more trips to the vet than I care to remember!

We had to switch to body wash, as she would sneak and jump in the shower and swallow a bar of soap in one gulp. After about the third bar of soap, what can you do but give up? On one occasion in her early days, I walked in the dining room and found her on top of my dining room table, bum wiggling happy to see me when I turned the corner and found her there, as my jaw hit the floor.

The best thing I have to say for this boisterous boxer was flyball. We took three levels of classes with Pushplay! Flyball here in Fredericton, and played in a house league for a short time. She did really well considering she is deaf as well; you wouldn’t want to get in the way of her going for that tennis ball! It certainly was the best outlet for all that energy. Lola is almost four as I write this…. I figure another 10 years and she will be a very quiet and laid back dog!

She is my foster failure…and I am so glad that have her, even though she is like having a toddler that you have to constantly watch, that doesn’t grow up.

Sadly, Roxy is no longer with us. Roxy was passed around in a family whose situations were changing for the latter years of her life. She had a diabetic and hypothyroid condition which required a special diet and a standing order of insulin. This was never properly monitored. As a result, Roxy was overweight and had a skin condition. Roxy's caretaker at the time decided that she 'had to go' because they were going on vacation (see the steam from my ears?). A wonderful BRC volunteer took Roxie into her home and improved her life as much as possible. Through the BRAC New Brunswick volunteers, Roxy was given proper care until her quality of life declined so much that it was time to say good bye. Roxy was happy and enjoyed herself during her final time here on earth. Godspeed, dear Roxy.

Trooper was a stray, older boy that was never claimed. Residents had seen him around town, and he had reportedly been hit by at least 2 cars. A family came out to their deck one morning to find him curled up on one of their chairs. He was then brought to the shelter. Trooper was skin and bones when we first got him. But, his foster mom sure took care of that. Trooper, although battered and bruised, filled out and settled right in. He was a wonderful boy who enjoyed life and brought joy to others. Trooper is now at the Rainbow Bridge where he can run and play like a puppy once more without worries or consequences.

Sunni (also known as Nellie)is a colorful character. She came to Boxer Rescue through a call from the vet clinic which she was turned in to. You see, Sunni was hit by a car, leaving her with very serious injuries. The person who hit her didn't even stop. Luckily for her, a nicer person saw this happen and stopped to get her. She spent 3 days in pain at that vet clinic waiting for her owners to find her. That never happened. Sunni had a badly crushed pelvis. She would need a complete rebuild. The angels must have been looking down on her, because between BRAC, NS SPCA, and two great vet clinics, it happened! Sunni was never shown kindness. It was apparant through her sensitivities. But, this sweet girl made a full recovery on all fronts and is now the center of a happy family. Many thanks to the NS SPCA's Cinderella Fund (Cinder-Nellie), Dartmouth Vet, Cape Breton Vet, and, of course, Lisa - her foster mom who went the long haul with her.

Chimera wouldn't have had much of a chance if she was left where she was. At a young age, Chimera was terribly abused. She had been left outside in the cold and rain. This wee thing only wanted some love. Yes, Chimera is a pitbull - not a boxer. She had been yelled at, kicked when she jumped up, and was riddled with fly bites.If that wasn't enough, her 'owners' decided that her tail should be docked. So, to do this, they tied elastic bands around her tail in 3 different places. Poor Chimera was in terrible pain and was suffering. Luckily for her, a concerned citizen was able to get Chimera out of this situation. She was vetted and worked on to reverse these terrible damages. Unfortunately, her tail could not be saved and had to be amputated - it was too far gone and was horrifically infected. Chimera was afraid of people, and with good reason. But, Chimera entered foster care and made a complete rehabilitation. She stole the heart of her foster mom and is now a model citizen. She's now the dog who cares for other fosters who need it. Chimera also wants you to know that she's an active Therapy Dog with the St. John Ambulance. Greeting and meeting people is her passion and she's a wonderful example of what a pitbull can be. She's currently working on adding canine athlete to her resume.

Tamale Mae (Molly) got dumped! How could anyone dump this sweet face you ask? Well, it's simple. Molly was sick - deathly sick. Pancreatitis is fairly common in dogs. The degree to which they suffer, however, varries. Molly's case was severe. She declined to the brink of death and stayed there for over a month. Even with vet care, her future was bleak - nothing seemed to work. Her vet recommended that she be euthanised as he wasn't able to try anything else with her. Probably for the sheer reason that it's heartbreaking, Molly's family decided to take her home. Miraculously, Molly made a bit of a recovery. However, her kidneys had sustained a lot of damage. Molly was dumped back with the co-owner. This co-owner contacted BRAC, and we stepped in. Molly went into foster care to 'give it a go'. BRAC's attending vet had never seen a living dog with blood results at such levels. Molly was a medical mystery as to how she survived. With a lot of time and dedication, a special diet, and medical care, Molly has made as much of a recovery as possible (or moreso, really). Molly's kidneys will never return to full function. It's for this reason that we've never been able to find a home for her. Molly is now considered a permanent member of her foster's family and is quite happy with that.