Donatella the Emaciated Boxer Mix's companion, Francesca the Former Emaciated Shepherd Mix (adopted) can also be seen on our website.
Donatella the Emaciated Boxer Mix's companion, Gianni the Emaciated Boxer Mix (adopted) can also be seen on our website.

Sponsors: Thank you to Donatella's wonderful sponsors: Marjorie and Jeremy Mapes; Jean Sohl

Description:

Donatella is a sweet little boxer mix whom came in us from a high kill shelter. The e-mail read,  "Very Urgent.  These three dogs were abandoned together, one male (bottom left), two female... all three are about 1 to 2  years old.  All were emaciated, all need tlc and vet care.  There has been no interest and no offers to help."  Attached was a collage photo of all three dogs, nothing but skin and bones, one being held because it could no longer stand.

Oh, it makes me want to throw up to look at these dogs!  Someone moved out of their house and left them behind.  Think about that.  Those three dogs watched as everything was taken out of the house.  Do your pets get nervous when you pack a suitcase?  Mine do ~ they know something is up.  Don't you think these three did as well? And then there was the moment that the person shut the door on them.  You just know that  he had to squeeze by to get past them as they gathered at the door, tails wagging, faces looking expectant.  And then he shut the door.  And walked away.  We don't know how long they stared at the door, how many times they jumped up and looked out the window because a car or a person walked by.  We just know that it was long enough that they almost died of starvation, that the smallest one almost chewed her tail off in anxiety, that right now she can barely walk.  Who are these people that treat animals in such a callous way?  How can they not care?

Donatella and Gianni are already gaining weight and  showing their happy spirits.  Francesca is in poor shape and will take time to recover.  Her hair is falling out, her tail is a mess and she struggles to walk. Until they are ready for adoption, we hope that you will consider sponsoring one of them.  We know that they will find wonderful home once they have recovered from their ordeal!

Foster Update:  She has officially been with me for two days and is full of energy.  She seems to be settling well with the other dogs.  Honestly other dogs are not an isue for her, my dog Schatzi is the one that didn't want to be bothered with Donatella.  At night she goes to sleep without an issue, she knows it's nap time and goes to sleep.  Donatella's only challenges so far are that she does not like sleeping in a dog bed, she much rather prefers the futon or the sofa.  She is not potty-trained as of yet but I am working on getting that routine down and hopefully she will start learning soon.  She is a little monkey though...she is starved for attention and loves for you to carry her and she is all over you trying to kiss you.  I just can't imagine that the people who had her before and leaving her without food.  The poor baby scarfs her food down like it's her last meal.  She did jump on my counter (I wish I had a camera, because I want to know how she did it) and ate the dog food my Schatzi left.

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Boxer's ancestors were two German mastiff type dogs, the Bullenbeiszer and the Barenbeiszer. They were later crossed with the powerful ancestors of the Mastiff and Bulldog. Early on, these dogs were prized for hunting, bull baiting, and for pulling carts. A bit farther down the family tree, Boxer ancestors became cattle dogs, and were used to round up livestock. They were also popular circus and theater dogs because they learned tricks so easily. Breeding was rather indiscriminate until the first Boxer studbook was started in 1904, stabilizing the breed standard. In spite of its German origins, "Boxer" is an English name that suitably describes the dog's punchy fighting style. Though early Boxers may have been quite ferocious, the breed today is a very gentle, loving family companion. Some of the Boxer's talents are watchdogging, guarding, police work, military work, search & rescue, competitive obedience, schutzhund and performing tricks. The Boxer is happy, high-spirited, playful, curious and energetic. Highly intelligent, eager and quick to learn, but can be stubborn and sneaky. The Boxer is a good dog for competitive obedience. Constantly on the move, bonding very closely with the family. Loyal and affectionate, Boxers are known for the way they get along so well with children. A well brought-up and properly socialized Boxer will also get along with his own kind and other household pets. However one Boxer owner reported; their Boxer is best friends with their many barn cats and second dog, but will chase and eat their ducks and other farm birds. The female boxer will often get into fights with other female dogs, trying to display her dominance. If one owns a female boxer and another female dog, they will get along and even play most of the time, however they will most likely fight from time to time. It has been said that the name Boxer came from the way the Boxer likes to use is front paws for just about everything. If you have ever watched a Boxer go about his business you may have noticed the way he paws at his toys, food bowl and you for that matter, in a very playful cat-like way. Some Boxers have been known to paw at their food or water bowl if they are empty. Playfully barking, pawing and playing with the bowl, flipping it upside-down and putting their front paws on the top of the bowl, sliding it around the house barking and whining until someone fills it for them. It looks like a silly game, but the Boxer knows what he is trying to tell you, he's hungry! While participating the sport of schutzhund, Boxers are known to jump up and use their front paws as if they are boxing. They are very clownish and playful and have been known to grab and carry ANYTHING around including your knickknacks if he thinks he can get away with it. The Boxer's nature is to protect you, your family, and your home. Known visitors will be welcomed boisterously. They are always keen to work and play. Boxers need lots of human companionship. They can be rather boisterous and even in old age are still extremely athletic. Teach the Boxer not to be boisterous and especially not to jump up at people. Boxers LOVE to jump. This breed is noted for courage and makes great guard dogs. Boxers have a wide use in military and police work. Training should start young and be firm and consistent. This breed requires a dominant owner. An excellent watchdog, the Boxer will restrain an intruder in the same way a Bulldog does. They have a life expectancy of 11-14 years.