UPDATE 6/20/08 - Newman is slowing down significantly. The Vet had noticed a slight trace of
weakness in one of his hind legs that has really become apparent. He has trouble w/ stairs, and I have
to lift him - "haul"
would be more accurate as he is so "front end loaded" ;0) - onto the bed at night. He can't deal w/
slippery surfaces - like a tile floor - at all bc he can't get his back end underneath him! Aside from that,
he is an incredibly loyal companion - always thrilled (!) to see me - brings a toy or a bone, - very verbal
- funny really - about communicating, sometimes just for the pleasure of telling me how he feels! The
dogs have bonded into a tight little family, which is a blessing. Newman has realized that Shep is not a
threat at all, and even tolerates Shep chewing on his nose - sometimes.... He's great w/ all the cats, and
little Ambrosia and he are always cuddled together.
update 12/7/07 - Newman continues to thrive and surprise us. He met my daughter's boxer, Tristan
(SCBR 01), over Thanksgiving. I was concerned because his relationship w/ my male Shepherd mix
was a bit bumpy, and the saving grace is that Shep is probably the most nondominant, nonagressive dog
I have ever met. Tristan has always been our "Will Rogers" of boxers (never met a dog he didn't like),
but also would not be likely to put up w/ a dog trying to assert his ownership over the home Tristan
grew up in and considers "his"! - Anyway, turns out we had nothing to worry about. It's interesting, but
I really believe that Newman and Tristan "got" each other better than Newman has ever understood my
"wild child", Shep, purely because they are both boxers. I have the cutest picture of short, stubby
Newman, sitting next to tall, lithe Tristan. My daughter dubbed them "Ernie and Bert" ;o))).
Newman has graduated from his basic obedience class with flying colors, and he and Shep are getting
better at reading each other so that Shep isn't in Newman's face constantly trying to entice him to play,
and Newman isn't as nervous about Shep's antics. Newman and my little mix from St. Croix have
become fast friends. She cleans his face, and he snuggles up to sleep with her and keep her warm and
safe. No animal seems to phase him - cats, poultry, horses, goat, or Norbert, our rescued pot belly pig.
Newman went on his first home check with me and made a smashing impression.
All is well.
UPDATE 10/28/07 - Newman is doing just great!*!*! He is one bundle of love who is currently a
complete velcro dog. This has eased up a bit - i.e., I am no longer in danger of tripping over him bc he
is so closely glued to wherever I am..., - but he is clearly a loyal dog w/ lots of love to give. We go
everywhere together. In the morning he comes out to take care of the barn and feed the menagerie, all
of whom he has taken completely in stride. We go on daily walks and rides, and Newman receives
compliments and attention wherever he goes. I feel like he's a "ringer" at obedience class. Someone
clearly put a great deal of effort into training him once upon a time.
The "ladies" (two little mutts from St. Croix) have taken quite a fancy to Newman - or to his new dog
bed we picked out together, not quite sure which is the draw.... My poor old Shep (shepherd x) has
had a rougher time of it, as Newman took a long time to recognize that my wild child merely
desperately wanted to play w/ him and wasn't the least bit of a threat! Newman also has the potential to
become possesive of me, so I have had to insist that he stay on the ground - not on the furniture or in
my lap. I think that's harder on me than on Newman, as he's such a great snuggler, but insisting on this
has helped Newman to not try to become alpha, and potentially dangerous, to Shep. Fortunately Shep
is about the least dominant dog you could ever meet, and although I doubt they will ever play together,
much to Shep's disappointment, they can now come and go and even lie down together w/out tension.
Newman is that big "old world" style boxer that I just love. Hopefully he will be with us for many years
to come.
9/27/07 - Newman has been adopted!
8/25/07 - Nearly 3 weeks into his Heart worm treatment, it is difficult to believe that there is anything
wrong with this gentleman. When out of the crate for any period of time, he has to wear his "boy
diaper". No, I have not taken pictures as he is brindle and the material is denim and wouldn't show up.
He usually goes outside without the company of other dogs. He stays right with his person and takes
care of business pretty well. A few times he has decided to "kick up his heels" and promptly stopped
when told to. He has shown absolutely no signs of distress other than not liking the crate for such long
periods of time. At least it is a wire crate with good ventilation and visibility. He loves his food,
promptly cleans out his dish and looks around for more. Since he is on Prednisone, he doesn't get
"more". He doesn't need to become a balloon! His recall in the yard is very good, and he will go right
back into the crate after coming into the house. He usually sleeps well all night and if he does fuss it is to
go out. It doesn't happen very often.He will make some family a very nice dog once his treatment is
complete and he is neutered. That is all from the Log Cabin.
8/10/07 - Newman is quite the gentleman! He most definitely does not like his "boy-diaper" but seems
to be getting used to it. He was very happy to get "sprung" from the vet office yesterday. We are being
very careful to keep his activity level to a very low key. He only goes out on leash! Not to his liking, but
for his health. He doesn't care for the crate and will fuss incessantly if put in. He wants to be right with
you at all times. He has already developed a "fixation" on ME. If I sit down he wants to be in my lap.
He leaves Fred for me! He is such a sweet dog. I suspect he is very insecure. Heart worm treatment is
not easy for anyone, especially for the dog involved. At least he isn't into a lot of playing and running so
it just might be a bit easier to keep him slowed down.
8/6/07 - Newman is slowly adapting to our home. He will be sleeping in the crate nights, at least for
now. Crate training is good. He is also learning the use of the dog door. He is super smart, but that is
because he is a boxer.He refused to eat last night until I put him and his food in the crate. Then he
scoffed it down. Same thing this morning. I think it is more secure feeling for him. Considering that he
was in the shelter for a very long time, for a boxer, he is doing really well. He is getting along very well
with my crew and there have been no harsh words between them. This morning while I was here
working at the computer he was asleep and
dreaming at the head of the stairs. His feet were twitching and he was snoring. Suddenly there was this
terrific racket: Newman rolled down the stairs! The stairs are carpeted. He does not appear to be hurt in
any way: no limps, no fussing (but then he is a boxer), and not even a whimper when he went down the
stairs! So lucky! He is my second "long tailed" boxer-foster and he also still has his dew-claws. Both
rather unusual for a boxer. I have him on canned pumpkin to help him adjust to the food change and
hopefully he will straighten out soon. He is having loose bowel movements.We did have a "marking"
incident. He marked my recliner and I think that Sam may have covered his mark! I have used the
peroxide recipe in hopes of removing the odor. I shall have to be much more vigilant! This gentleman is
about the same size as Rose, but just a bit huskier in the chest area. He is not a big guy!
I will try to get some pictures of him out in the yard. Tomorrow he gets to see Dr. Matt and get his
heart worm treatment started. So many changes in such a short time for him. Enough for now from the
Log Cabin.
7/29/07 - I was invited to visit family that were camping here in CT and figure since Newman will soon
be starting his heart worm treatment he deserved to have a little vacation and I also thought it would be
good to see how he acted in a crowd of people and dogs. We had the best time. It was an 1 1/2 hour
drive and going there Newman was nervous in the car. He would not really settle down and kept
panting and pacing. He was
thrilled to meet my his fur friends and was very nice to my family members. No jumping and no
annoying pestering for attention. He ate his dinner there was giving treats with the other dogs and no
sign of food aggression. He even shared the water bowl. After dinner we all settled around the camp
fire and all the dogs laid on their respected beds. It is so great having a dog that you can take places
and not have to worry or
consistently having to tend to. The drive home was the complete opposite. He was very content and
sleep most of the way home. He had a great day and so will you if you take this boy into your home
and heart.
7/25/06 - Newman has been here less then a week, and I can not begin to tell you how much this boy
had changed. When he first arrived he would not eat, not house trained and had a bad case of
dandruff. I was told that with better eating this would clear up and after just getting two full days of
decent meals it has. He does not need to be crated and does great in the house while I am gone. He
sleeps with me at night and will sleep as long as you do. He likes to cuddle when we first go to bed but
then moves away and sleeps at the bottom of the bed which is great for me. I hate being pushed off
the bed......
We had our vet visit and he is now updated on all shots, but was found to have heart worm so I believe
he will be on medical hold till we get that cleared up. Please keep him in your prayers. This boy will
make anyone in any situation happy. With children/grandchildren, with or without other pets, a single
person, or a whole big family. I really can not imagine a home where Newman will not fit in. He had
such a hard beginning won't you think about taking care of him for the rest of his life?
7/22/07 - Hi my name is Newman. I am not sure how it happened, but I ended up in the big
house...you know the lock up, the prison, the hoosegow! I was really scared there and since I have a
few grey hairs no one seemed to want me. Then this really nice guy named Marty who is with SCBR
sprung me and from what I heard it was just in the nick of time. He has since passed me on to my
Foster Mom. Finally someone is finding out what a great boy I am. She can not believe how well I
listen. She says sit and I sit until she says ok. I think I am her first foster that she does not even need to
put a leash on. We were in the back yard and I just want to stay close by, not running away (I'm no
fool, I know when I have it good...) I even go in the crate without a problem, although I do not think I
need to be there, but she is not sure that I have proven to be housebroken just yet. But, what the heck
I was in lock up remember??? There was no way to let them know you need to go, so you go...But she
says she has high hopes for me. Did I mention that I am the gentlest boy? I have no need to be alpha
and get along with everyone. I love to play with other fur mates or love to lay by your side. I am not a
jumper or counter surfer. I do love to give kisses and hoping you love to pat. She tells me that once I
meet the Doc I will be ready for a forever home. I am a little nervous about meeting the Doc but even
more worried that no one will want me forever. I have asked my Foster Mom to dye my few grey
hairs, but she keeps tell me that everything will be okay and once we tell everyone what a great boy I
am they will also fall in love with me. I am going to take a nap now and dream about what my forever
family will be like. Hope to meet you soon!
STATE: ME
AGE: 7 years
WEIGHT: 53 lbs
SEX: MALE
NEUT/UTD: Soon/Yes
COAT COLOR: Brindle
DOCKED TAIL: NO
CROPPED EARS: NO
CHILDREN under 4: YES
CHILDREN OVER 4: YES
SEPARATION ANXIETY: NO
OTHER DOGS: YES
CATS: YES
CRATE TRAINED: YES
HOUSE TRAINED: YES
OBEDIENCE TRAINED: SOME
LEASH TRAINED: YES
MICROCHIPPED: NO
ADOPTION FEE: $150 FEE WAIVED IF YOU HAVE ADOPTED FROM SCBR IN THE
PAST
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING NEWMAN!
9/3 - Thank you everyone for your help for Newman! He has a few more weeks to go on his heartworm treatment and then he can be neutered and go to a new home!
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