| RIKKI |
UDPATE 5/18/11 - a little late on the yearly update again, but i forget! ricki has been part of our family
forever! well, three years now. and this past year we have really settled into a schedule, we are
communicating better than ever; i know is next move and he knows mine.
ricki still enjoys daily walks at Fresh Pond in Cambridge, which is just across the street from our house.
in fact, he has made quite a name for himself at fresh pond, and socializes with all the other 'regulars'
(human and nonhuman) daily.
we believe that ricki is about 5 1/2 now in age, and he is just starting to feel it. six months ago when he
was still doing constant flips in the air, i was beginning to wonder if his energy level would ever
decrease. we have noticed that he has slowed down a bit, but his energy is still high, his social skills
have kept up, his coat is still bright and shiny and he is still constantly mistaken for a puppy.
with his recent tameness, ricki also is glued to my side more than ever, and expects frequent shoulder
massages.
i can't say enough great things about ricki - he always behaves so well (the obedience training helped),
he's a gentle soul always so happy to social with both people and dogs, he shows his devotion and love
to will and i and i can tell he knows we are all family.
how could someone not want this little guys?? well anyways, it was a blessing because now he is my
life and i couldn't imagine life without him.
thank you again, SCBR, for helping bring ricki into our lives. here's to a happy and heathly three years
together!!
UPDATE 5/3/10 - last week was rikki's 2 yr anniversary with us. we've all been getting along so well,
i forgot to write in to SCBR!!!!!!! sorry! we celebrate rikki's anniversary as if it's a birthday, so he we
had a little party with his best mate cino, and he got lot's of new bday toys! even though we talk about
the fact that rikki is a rescue all the time, he is so naturally part of the fam now, i completely forgot that
it's part of the contract to write in yearly!
anyhoo, rikki is so amazing. we couldn't be happier and couldn't imagine life with out him!! now that
he's been with us for two years we've settled into a routine and things are pretty much great every day!
we still live near freshpond and that remains rikki's main hangout. my parents have a rescue dog, cino,
and he has become rikki's best friend. we try to make it out there at least once a week for dinner. life
is about long hikes, swimming, playdates, and eating, of course.
our next big adventure is switching rikki to a raw food diet. i have some collegues who have their dogs
on a raw food diet and after doing months of research, it seems like the next logical step for us. even
though, rikki eats great dog food EVO, i still wouldn't eat it, and that bothers me a bit. i'll keep you
posted!!
one last thought- after two years i am still amazed by rikki's social skills and eagerness to befriend every
human he sees (LITERALLY SEES). to think about the fact that he spent the first two years of his life
confined in a garage with little to socialization kills me. and now he is so outgoing, it's almost as if he's
making up for lost time!!! people are always amazed at his kindness. sometimes, it is more important
to him to say hello to the humans around rather than the other dogs.
thank you again SCBR for doing what you do and helping place rikki into our family. we love him so
much!!!!
UPDATE 10/21/08 - Happy Anniversary! It's been six months officially. We celebrated our
anniversary today with an extra special dinner and apples and peanut butter for dessert!
Looking back, we smile and feel as though we are the luckiest people alive to have this boxer boy
Rikki in our lives. We have now become a mommy and daddy to someone special, and we truly are a
family unit.
Somehow this six month aniiversary marks a feeling of history and Rikki truly feels like he's ours, (and,
of course, we are his!) We thank you Second Chance Boxer for placing this special guy with us. Rikki
is settled in to a wonderful schedule, has new friends at the park, and has become a total cuddle
monster!
Finally, he knows what a boxer boy's life should be.
UPDATE 9/22/08 - It's been five months and 1 day. Will and I have been working hard with
obedience training and Rikki's not only a complete sweetheart, but now a sweetheart that listens well.
Rikki is currently enjoying his first overnight house guests this weekend, and he has been so well
behaved. Of course, he loves them, because he is getting massive amounts of scratching and cuddling
time. People are awed at how well behaved he is, how friendly he is, and how good looking he is.
That's my boy!
Someone paid me the best compliment the other day at the park. Rikki and I ran into a woman and her
small dogs and started playing with them. As he was engaged in play, the woman and I started to talk
about Rikki and the fact that he is a rescue and his story since. She said that it was apparent that Rikki
and I really have bonded and that clearly he watches me and listens for me and seems like such a happy
dog.
Rikki is still struggling with finding the right food. We thought we had him on a great (and expensive!)
grain free dogfood EVO, but this last bag we bought him has made him sick. Will and I are considering
a raw food diet. It will take a lot of research and preparation, but might be well worth it. It seems you
can't trust this food at all!!
UPDATE 8/21/08 - Rikki and family had a lot going on this month. We have almost finished
obedience classes, (gratuation keeps getting postponed), we have taken vacation, and Will and I spent
time away from Rikki for the very first time since the adoption. Will and I went to the Cape with his
family for about five days at the beginning of August and could not bring Rikki. Which was unfortunate.
But Rikki stayed with my folks and their dog the whole time. We have been making day trips to my
parents, who live only 20 miles away, since we adopted Rikki, so he would become familiar with them
and their home. He loves them, their big fenced in back yard, and their rescue dog, Cino.
Word is that he had a blast. Except when we came to pick him up you could tell that he was not happy
with Will and I. He was very vocal. LOL. There were many trust factors involved. This was the first
time we had left him, and he did not know if we would return. But we did. And now I believe, more
than ever, he knows we are his forever family. Although, everything we've learned in obedience class
has gone straight out the window since we picked him up from my parents.
This all takes time. It seems like we've been together forever, and then I remember, wait - this is only
our four month anniversary today! BTW, Rikki keeps getting sick when he goes swimming in pond
water. No more of that. It seems swimming in fresh water after June is not healthy for him. Oh well,
there is always the ocean, which he goes barreling in, and chases waves with us all day!!
UPDATE 7/21/08 - It's been three months!! It feels more like 6, but everyday we grow together and
learn about one another.
This past month has been hot hot hot. We have been spending time at the beach or across the street at
the dog pond.
There is a beach, Whitehorse Beach, in Plymouth, MA that allows dogs all day 365 days a yr.
Rikki is a fabulous swimmer. He goes way far out with the Labs at the pond, and chases the waves
with Will and I at the beach. This is great fun, and it tires him out too! Something well needed for our
energetic boxer boy.
We've been learning a whole lot about one another good and bad. We've now learned that Rikki can
become extremely cranky when very tired. But aren't we all? We have also switched his food, as we
believe he does have a gluten allergy. His new food, EVO, a gluten free dog food, has made a huge
difference for us all.
Each day is a new day, and we are learning this is how it's going to be for a while.
With help from obedience class, we are learning better ways to communicate with one another, We
hope to hit the beach again and again to get away from this city heat!
We are having a blast!!!
UPDATE 6/21/08 - Hello Second Chance,
Well, it's been another wonderful month with Rikki in our home! He's just one of the gang. It really
feels like we've been together forever. I can't believe it's only been two months!
Weather permitting, it has been a great outdoors month. We have taken many hikes around the
outskirts of the city. We, also, go swimming, daily, in the dog pond across the street. Rikki goes all the
way in, and sometimes races the Labs to catch the sticks thrown all the way out there. Every one
comments about the 'boxer who swims'.
We have also taken Rikki to the beach this month. He will wade the water and luvs to play in the sand.
There is a great dog beach in Plymouth, MA that is for dogs all year round, all times of day. It's great!
I think this will become a popular spot for us this summer.
Otherwise, it is apparent that we are still getting used to one another. We are midway through our
training classes. I think through time, patience, and a bit more training, we will get there soon.
Everything is so new to him, including being around people and other dogs all the time. Sometimes I
forget that he did not have this before, and it may take sometime for him to settle down a bit. In the
mean time, we are all having a blast! Rikki is just naturally attracted to dogs, people, and children. He
wants to be every one's best friend.
We have recently joined the SCBR email network, which has been EXTREMELY helpful for questions
that I do have. It has come to my attention that Rikki may have a gluten allergy, his symptons suggest
that he does. Friends on the network have really opened my eyes to things I need to know about
Boxers. Things my vet has not even mentioned nor may know about.
We can't thank you enough. We hope to see you at an event soon!
UPDATE 5/21/08 - This is Rikki's first monthly update. Well so far... we are so IN LOVE. Rikki
truly is the best dog ever. Every moment we spend together Rikki tries so hard to be a good boy, he's
always in good spirits and is adjusting quite well.
It seems just these past two weeks, he's really started to feel comfortable. I can tell because finally he
is giving me boxer kisses on the lips, and I know he is comforted by routine smells and sounds.
Today was our second vet trip, Rikki received boosters for a few vaccinations. Last Sunday was our
first group obedience class. It was so great to hear the trainer speak aloud about the dynamics in the
room between Rikki and the other dogs. It was then I realized what an amazing boy he is. The way he
interacts with other dogs and humans is so polite and giving, and that is truly who he is. All he asks in
return is love and long walks and yummy meals.
It seems that Rikki has sensative skin, but the vet said this is a boxer trait. His food has already been
switched quite a few times, (throughout the whole foster and adoption process). We have him on
Wellness, but we are looking for suggestions to help him with his itchy feet and skin.
I have plenty of pics I would love to send along! We will be taking a trip to the beach this Sunday, (last
day before Memorial Day). Rikki loves to swim in the doggy pond accross the street at Fresh Pond
Res. We think he will love the ocean, too!
Well, for now, all there is to say, is that we are all having the best time together. For Will and I, it is so
nice to be outside and physically active with Rikki. For Rikki, I think he appreciates the trust and love
that we are building together. My feelings are that these are things he has missed before. Now, finally,
he gets to show someone what a great boxer boxer boy he truly can be.
Please feel free to contact Will and myself with any further needed information about Rikki!
We can't thank you enough!!!!!
4/21/08 - Rikki has been adopted!
4/11/08 - Rikki has settled in quite well. In the house he is a mellow fellow and his worst habit is
drinking out of the toilet. Outside Rikki is a speed deamon, running and bumping with Lucky Dog. He
has been helping the new neigbors move in which is comical, Rikki supervises their every move! He is
VERY curious about their tiny "pocket dog". Rikki LOVES a nice car ride and is very at home on the
sofa. He knows his basic commands, sit, wait and NO!
He is a sponge for affection and he gets along very well with the other two boxers here. Although he
did try to be a little dominant, the "boys" were having none of that. They now politely bowl swap at
feeding time. It seems that even though it is the EXACT SAME food it tastes better out of someone
else's dish!
Canindae food does not agree with him, he may have mild allergies I'm going to switch him to Wellness
and see if that helps, it has worked in the past. When he arrived his surrender information stated that he
was fed..."dog food"
If you are looking for a sweetheart with a toughguy face Rikki is your boy. He just wants to be loved.
Rikki will definitely need to go to obedience school. He is OK but not great on the leash. A fenced
yard will not contain Rikki, he will need a runner because he can clear a 6 foot fence with EASE! Here,
he gets his run on a 70' longe line which gives him plenty of opportunity to play and run with the boys.
4/6/08 - Help Wanted: One (or more) humans that are willing to teach me what a boxer's life should be.
You see I spent my first two years in the garage or chained in the back yard. That means I have had
little to NO training. I try very hard but, I need to go to school so we can speak the same language and
I can become the boxer you would be proud to be owned by. I respond particularly well to my foster
Dad but, since Mom has been feeding me and taking me for walks I listen to her too. I came from a
home with a 5 year old child.
I am supremely handsome, very muscular and VERY SWEET. Did I mention I can clear a six foot
wall from a standstill? You will need to ask my foster Mom about that, it was quite impressive!! I love
ALL sorts of humans but the parrot is looking particularly tasty at the moment(LOL).
If you are willing to invest the time you will have a very impressive Boxer boy. Rikki is playful but does
not seem to know about toys. He is a couch sitter and loves to be where you are. It does not appear
that he was crated. But, he does go into his crate and sleeps thru the night there. He does sit & lay
down and give a paw. We'll see what else we can teach him while he is here.
forever! well, three years now. and this past year we have really settled into a schedule, we are
communicating better than ever; i know is next move and he knows mine.
ricki still enjoys daily walks at Fresh Pond in Cambridge, which is just across the street from our house.
in fact, he has made quite a name for himself at fresh pond, and socializes with all the other 'regulars'
(human and nonhuman) daily.
we believe that ricki is about 5 1/2 now in age, and he is just starting to feel it. six months ago when he
was still doing constant flips in the air, i was beginning to wonder if his energy level would ever
decrease. we have noticed that he has slowed down a bit, but his energy is still high, his social skills
have kept up, his coat is still bright and shiny and he is still constantly mistaken for a puppy.
with his recent tameness, ricki also is glued to my side more than ever, and expects frequent shoulder
massages.
i can't say enough great things about ricki - he always behaves so well (the obedience training helped),
he's a gentle soul always so happy to social with both people and dogs, he shows his devotion and love
to will and i and i can tell he knows we are all family.
how could someone not want this little guys?? well anyways, it was a blessing because now he is my
life and i couldn't imagine life without him.
thank you again, SCBR, for helping bring ricki into our lives. here's to a happy and heathly three years
together!!
UPDATE 5/3/10 - last week was rikki's 2 yr anniversary with us. we've all been getting along so well,
i forgot to write in to SCBR!!!!!!! sorry! we celebrate rikki's anniversary as if it's a birthday, so he we
had a little party with his best mate cino, and he got lot's of new bday toys! even though we talk about
the fact that rikki is a rescue all the time, he is so naturally part of the fam now, i completely forgot that
it's part of the contract to write in yearly!
anyhoo, rikki is so amazing. we couldn't be happier and couldn't imagine life with out him!! now that
he's been with us for two years we've settled into a routine and things are pretty much great every day!
we still live near freshpond and that remains rikki's main hangout. my parents have a rescue dog, cino,
and he has become rikki's best friend. we try to make it out there at least once a week for dinner. life
is about long hikes, swimming, playdates, and eating, of course.
our next big adventure is switching rikki to a raw food diet. i have some collegues who have their dogs
on a raw food diet and after doing months of research, it seems like the next logical step for us. even
though, rikki eats great dog food EVO, i still wouldn't eat it, and that bothers me a bit. i'll keep you
posted!!
one last thought- after two years i am still amazed by rikki's social skills and eagerness to befriend every
human he sees (LITERALLY SEES). to think about the fact that he spent the first two years of his life
confined in a garage with little to socialization kills me. and now he is so outgoing, it's almost as if he's
making up for lost time!!! people are always amazed at his kindness. sometimes, it is more important
to him to say hello to the humans around rather than the other dogs.
thank you again SCBR for doing what you do and helping place rikki into our family. we love him so
much!!!!
UPDATE 10/21/08 - Happy Anniversary! It's been six months officially. We celebrated our
anniversary today with an extra special dinner and apples and peanut butter for dessert!
Looking back, we smile and feel as though we are the luckiest people alive to have this boxer boy
Rikki in our lives. We have now become a mommy and daddy to someone special, and we truly are a
family unit.
Somehow this six month aniiversary marks a feeling of history and Rikki truly feels like he's ours, (and,
of course, we are his!) We thank you Second Chance Boxer for placing this special guy with us. Rikki
is settled in to a wonderful schedule, has new friends at the park, and has become a total cuddle
monster!
Finally, he knows what a boxer boy's life should be.
UPDATE 9/22/08 - It's been five months and 1 day. Will and I have been working hard with
obedience training and Rikki's not only a complete sweetheart, but now a sweetheart that listens well.
Rikki is currently enjoying his first overnight house guests this weekend, and he has been so well
behaved. Of course, he loves them, because he is getting massive amounts of scratching and cuddling
time. People are awed at how well behaved he is, how friendly he is, and how good looking he is.
That's my boy!
Someone paid me the best compliment the other day at the park. Rikki and I ran into a woman and her
small dogs and started playing with them. As he was engaged in play, the woman and I started to talk
about Rikki and the fact that he is a rescue and his story since. She said that it was apparent that Rikki
and I really have bonded and that clearly he watches me and listens for me and seems like such a happy
dog.
Rikki is still struggling with finding the right food. We thought we had him on a great (and expensive!)
grain free dogfood EVO, but this last bag we bought him has made him sick. Will and I are considering
a raw food diet. It will take a lot of research and preparation, but might be well worth it. It seems you
can't trust this food at all!!
UPDATE 8/21/08 - Rikki and family had a lot going on this month. We have almost finished
obedience classes, (gratuation keeps getting postponed), we have taken vacation, and Will and I spent
time away from Rikki for the very first time since the adoption. Will and I went to the Cape with his
family for about five days at the beginning of August and could not bring Rikki. Which was unfortunate.
But Rikki stayed with my folks and their dog the whole time. We have been making day trips to my
parents, who live only 20 miles away, since we adopted Rikki, so he would become familiar with them
and their home. He loves them, their big fenced in back yard, and their rescue dog, Cino.
Word is that he had a blast. Except when we came to pick him up you could tell that he was not happy
with Will and I. He was very vocal. LOL. There were many trust factors involved. This was the first
time we had left him, and he did not know if we would return. But we did. And now I believe, more
than ever, he knows we are his forever family. Although, everything we've learned in obedience class
has gone straight out the window since we picked him up from my parents.
This all takes time. It seems like we've been together forever, and then I remember, wait - this is only
our four month anniversary today! BTW, Rikki keeps getting sick when he goes swimming in pond
water. No more of that. It seems swimming in fresh water after June is not healthy for him. Oh well,
there is always the ocean, which he goes barreling in, and chases waves with us all day!!
UPDATE 7/21/08 - It's been three months!! It feels more like 6, but everyday we grow together and
learn about one another.
This past month has been hot hot hot. We have been spending time at the beach or across the street at
the dog pond.
There is a beach, Whitehorse Beach, in Plymouth, MA that allows dogs all day 365 days a yr.
Rikki is a fabulous swimmer. He goes way far out with the Labs at the pond, and chases the waves
with Will and I at the beach. This is great fun, and it tires him out too! Something well needed for our
energetic boxer boy.
We've been learning a whole lot about one another good and bad. We've now learned that Rikki can
become extremely cranky when very tired. But aren't we all? We have also switched his food, as we
believe he does have a gluten allergy. His new food, EVO, a gluten free dog food, has made a huge
difference for us all.
Each day is a new day, and we are learning this is how it's going to be for a while.
With help from obedience class, we are learning better ways to communicate with one another, We
hope to hit the beach again and again to get away from this city heat!
We are having a blast!!!
UPDATE 6/21/08 - Hello Second Chance,
Well, it's been another wonderful month with Rikki in our home! He's just one of the gang. It really
feels like we've been together forever. I can't believe it's only been two months!
Weather permitting, it has been a great outdoors month. We have taken many hikes around the
outskirts of the city. We, also, go swimming, daily, in the dog pond across the street. Rikki goes all the
way in, and sometimes races the Labs to catch the sticks thrown all the way out there. Every one
comments about the 'boxer who swims'.
We have also taken Rikki to the beach this month. He will wade the water and luvs to play in the sand.
There is a great dog beach in Plymouth, MA that is for dogs all year round, all times of day. It's great!
I think this will become a popular spot for us this summer.
Otherwise, it is apparent that we are still getting used to one another. We are midway through our
training classes. I think through time, patience, and a bit more training, we will get there soon.
Everything is so new to him, including being around people and other dogs all the time. Sometimes I
forget that he did not have this before, and it may take sometime for him to settle down a bit. In the
mean time, we are all having a blast! Rikki is just naturally attracted to dogs, people, and children. He
wants to be every one's best friend.
We have recently joined the SCBR email network, which has been EXTREMELY helpful for questions
that I do have. It has come to my attention that Rikki may have a gluten allergy, his symptons suggest
that he does. Friends on the network have really opened my eyes to things I need to know about
Boxers. Things my vet has not even mentioned nor may know about.
We can't thank you enough. We hope to see you at an event soon!
UPDATE 5/21/08 - This is Rikki's first monthly update. Well so far... we are so IN LOVE. Rikki
truly is the best dog ever. Every moment we spend together Rikki tries so hard to be a good boy, he's
always in good spirits and is adjusting quite well.
It seems just these past two weeks, he's really started to feel comfortable. I can tell because finally he
is giving me boxer kisses on the lips, and I know he is comforted by routine smells and sounds.
Today was our second vet trip, Rikki received boosters for a few vaccinations. Last Sunday was our
first group obedience class. It was so great to hear the trainer speak aloud about the dynamics in the
room between Rikki and the other dogs. It was then I realized what an amazing boy he is. The way he
interacts with other dogs and humans is so polite and giving, and that is truly who he is. All he asks in
return is love and long walks and yummy meals.
It seems that Rikki has sensative skin, but the vet said this is a boxer trait. His food has already been
switched quite a few times, (throughout the whole foster and adoption process). We have him on
Wellness, but we are looking for suggestions to help him with his itchy feet and skin.
I have plenty of pics I would love to send along! We will be taking a trip to the beach this Sunday, (last
day before Memorial Day). Rikki loves to swim in the doggy pond accross the street at Fresh Pond
Res. We think he will love the ocean, too!
Well, for now, all there is to say, is that we are all having the best time together. For Will and I, it is so
nice to be outside and physically active with Rikki. For Rikki, I think he appreciates the trust and love
that we are building together. My feelings are that these are things he has missed before. Now, finally,
he gets to show someone what a great boxer boxer boy he truly can be.
Please feel free to contact Will and myself with any further needed information about Rikki!
We can't thank you enough!!!!!
4/21/08 - Rikki has been adopted!
4/11/08 - Rikki has settled in quite well. In the house he is a mellow fellow and his worst habit is
drinking out of the toilet. Outside Rikki is a speed deamon, running and bumping with Lucky Dog. He
has been helping the new neigbors move in which is comical, Rikki supervises their every move! He is
VERY curious about their tiny "pocket dog". Rikki LOVES a nice car ride and is very at home on the
sofa. He knows his basic commands, sit, wait and NO!
He is a sponge for affection and he gets along very well with the other two boxers here. Although he
did try to be a little dominant, the "boys" were having none of that. They now politely bowl swap at
feeding time. It seems that even though it is the EXACT SAME food it tastes better out of someone
else's dish!
Canindae food does not agree with him, he may have mild allergies I'm going to switch him to Wellness
and see if that helps, it has worked in the past. When he arrived his surrender information stated that he
was fed..."dog food"
If you are looking for a sweetheart with a toughguy face Rikki is your boy. He just wants to be loved.
Rikki will definitely need to go to obedience school. He is OK but not great on the leash. A fenced
yard will not contain Rikki, he will need a runner because he can clear a 6 foot fence with EASE! Here,
he gets his run on a 70' longe line which gives him plenty of opportunity to play and run with the boys.
4/6/08 - Help Wanted: One (or more) humans that are willing to teach me what a boxer's life should be.
You see I spent my first two years in the garage or chained in the back yard. That means I have had
little to NO training. I try very hard but, I need to go to school so we can speak the same language and
I can become the boxer you would be proud to be owned by. I respond particularly well to my foster
Dad but, since Mom has been feeding me and taking me for walks I listen to her too. I came from a
home with a 5 year old child.
I am supremely handsome, very muscular and VERY SWEET. Did I mention I can clear a six foot
wall from a standstill? You will need to ask my foster Mom about that, it was quite impressive!! I love
ALL sorts of humans but the parrot is looking particularly tasty at the moment(LOL).
If you are willing to invest the time you will have a very impressive Boxer boy. Rikki is playful but does
not seem to know about toys. He is a couch sitter and loves to be where you are. It does not appear
that he was crated. But, he does go into his crate and sleeps thru the night there. He does sit & lay
down and give a paw. We'll see what else we can teach him while he is here.
| HAVE YOU SPONSORED A BOXER TODAY?? You can make a safe, secure donation through Paypal and make a difference in a dog's life TODAY! Even $5 or $10 helps pay for food and medical care. Click here to donate today! or Mail your donation to: SCBR PO Box 525 Woolwich, ME 04579 |
State: CT
Age: 2 years
Weight: 60 lbs
Sex: Male
Neut/UTD:Yes / Yes
Coat color: Fawn with Black Mask
Docked Tail: Yes
Cropped Ears: No
Children under 4: Unsure
Children over 4: Yes
Separation Anxiety: No
Other Dogs: Yes.
Cats: Unsure
Crate trained: Somewhat
House trained: Yes
Obedience Trained: No
Leash trained: Some
Microchipped: No
Adoption Fee: $300
Age: 2 years
Weight: 60 lbs
Sex: Male
Neut/UTD:Yes / Yes
Coat color: Fawn with Black Mask
Docked Tail: Yes
Cropped Ears: No
Children under 4: Unsure
Children over 4: Yes
Separation Anxiety: No
Other Dogs: Yes.
Cats: Unsure
Crate trained: Somewhat
House trained: Yes
Obedience Trained: No
Leash trained: Some
Microchipped: No
Adoption Fee: $300
