You Did What?!?

I'd like to introduce the newest member of our family . . . BELLA!

We have been thinking/talking of adding a dog for the past two years. I had always thought we would get a Lab. My family had Labs growing up and it was natural to want one for my family too. When my husband thought of the family dog his thoughts went to the Boxer.

Initially I was turned off by the look-they look mean! Upon further research I was hooked! For us it is the perfect family dog.

I haven't completely lost my mind because I knew that I did not want a puppy at this point in my life. I had been down the puppy rode before Cooper was born and knew how much hard work training a puppy can be. Housebreaking alone can put me in the loony bin. Then add to that chewing and hyper activity and I am over.

I had heard about a Boxer Rescue from a friend and got in contract with a woman from the shelter. She knew about my family and was on the look out for a dog that would fit into our family.

Sunday evening I received an email about a possible match and I quickly jumped at the opportunity. Wyatt and I went to met her face to face and I instantly fell in love.

I spent Monday running around town getting a crate, dog treats, a collar, dog food and toys for her arrival that evening. After dinner I packed the three boys in the van along with the HUGE crate.

Bella has exceeded my expectations. She has a sweet, sweet spirit and very laid back. She is about two years old and had caught on to using the bathroom outside from her foster mom before she came to us. The boys were able to interact with her today and she is very patient with Abram and lets him crawl all over her and love her in his own way. Cooper & Wyatt think she is great and ask if she can sleep with them at night.

I am very pleased we decided to adopt from the shelter. The people there are very helpful and have done all they can to insure we got a dog that would mesh with our family. I have been able to pass over the potty training, chewing, over-hyper phase, yet am still able to enjoy having a family dog who loves all the positive attention.

There is still work to be done as we will be attending a basic dog obedience school very soon. She is great with the big tasks of housebreaking, staying off the furniture and not jumping on the boys, BUT I want to work with simple commands of sitting, laying down and staying. I look forward to seeing all she can learn as Boxers are known for their smart mind!

Welcome to the family Bella!