Rescue Spotlight: Carolina Boxer Rescue

WRITTEN BY: ALYSSA HELMS, Media Manager

What do you think of when you hear the word “boxer”? Do you think of Rocky Balboa? Mike Tyson or Muhammad Ali? Maybe not, because if you’re a dog person, you probably think of a nubby-tailed, bouncy dog breed of the same name. Well, you wouldn’t be too far off if you did think of a famous fighter, because boxers get their name from the way they play on their back two feet and “boxing” with their front feet. Some historians say the name comes its German heritage and from a group of dogs in Munich called Bierboxers and the now extinct breed that boxers were developed from, the Bullenbeisser, also known as the German Bulldog.

Today’s boxers are friendly, lively companions that are popular as family dogs. Their suspicion of strangers, alertness, agility, and strength make them formidable guard dogs. Boxers are the 14th most popular dog breed in America according to the American Kennel Club.

Because of their popularity, a breed specific rescue is a must. Enter Carolina Boxer Rescue. Carolina Boxer Rescue was started over 20 years ago by 3 women in North Carolina. The rescue has expanded into South Carolina as well as Virginia and parts of Georgia. CBR saves dogs from high kill shelters and also takes owner surrenders when families are no longer able to keep their boxers. Every year the rescue saves hundreds of dogs from euthanasia in shelters. They are entirely volunteer run and foster based and they do not have a facility- all of the foster dogs live as family pets in volunteers’ homes until they’re medically and behaviorally cleared for adoption. Some dogs are only in foster for days to weeks, others need a couple of months, and some stay with the rescue for the rest of their lives as hospice dogs.

As with any breed specific rescue, quite a few dogs come in with health issues that must be addressed. Many dogs come in as heartworm positive and need treatment before being

adopted- this treatment is both lengthy and costly. Other dogs just need vaccines and to be spayed or neutered. Others need skin or ear infections treated, or extensive surgeries or masses removed. CBR does not have any guaranteed funding source- all of the funding comes from donations, grants, fundraisers, and adoption fees. Since they are volunteer-run, all donations go towards the vet care of the dogs. The average monthly cost of vet care is $11,000- $18,000 for all the dogs in their care. Carolina Boxer helps 200 to 250 boxers every single year.

Courtney McDonald is the area coordinator for the Lowcountry and been volunteering with CBR for 6 years. Her love for boxers started quite a while ago. Courtney told us, “I got my first boxer about 15 years ago and fell in love with the breed. When we wanted to add a second boxer to our family 6 years ago, I wanted to rescue a dog in order to save a life. Boxers are like potato chipsyou can’t have just one! Once we had two boxers, we decided to foster to help more dogs. We knew the rescue could only help dogs if they had fosters, so we pitched in! Over the last 6 years, we have fostered somewhere around 80 boxers, adopting a couple along the way. We now have 3 boxers of our own plus fosters who stay for weeks or months.”

Courtney says their biggest need is for foster homes. The more foster homes they have the more dogs they can save. Volunteers to help with transports, events, and fundraising are needed as well. You can read all about how you can help on their website at https://carolinaboxerrescue. org/help-2/ways-to-help/

Tonks is one of 11 long term rescues at Carolina Boxer Rescue looking for their forever home.

Photo by Jeanne Taylor Photography

One fun way to raise money is their “Name A Nub” campaign. For a small donation, you can name a dog coming into the rescue. Their slogan “Save the Nubs” is featured on alot of their shirts, website and promotional materials and refers to the ever wiggly nubby tail of boxers.

While, they have a waiting list of adopters for young and middle aged dogs, the rescue has 11 dogs that have been waiting way too long for their forever home. Whether it’s age, temperament, or health issues, not all available boxers are puppies or young. Courtney wants people to understand that rescue dogs have a past and often have not had the best care by humans. Their dogs need adopters willing and able to give them time and TLC- to help them learn to be the dog they were always meant to be. Just like people, dogs have their own preferences and personalities- some like other dogs, some don’t. Some like crowds and outings, some don’t. Some like children, some don’t. And that’s all okay- we need to be willing to accept who a dog is and give them their best life. If a boxer is right for you, you should head over to carolinaboxerrescue.org and see who they have available. If adoption is not for you at the moment, maybe volunteer or foster as together we can all “SAVE THE NUBS”■