Welcome to Rejection Collection Boxer Rescue

Sadie
We did a meet and greet with Sadie (thanks, Lucy!) on a frigid day in a McDonald's parking lot in Tomah, WI in early February, 2021. It was so cold we probably lasted all of 5 minutes outside. We wanted to see how Sadie would do with our resident dog, Nick...who was in desperate need of a friend and playmate. It went smoothly enough that we decided to take Sadie home and "just foster her" to make sure it was a fit. Given space limitations, rushing out the door with two little kids, and the excitement of it all, I didn’t take a crate with us. When it was time to load Sadie and Nick up in the car, they were going to have to ride together in the back, unrestrained, for several hours. I had no idea how that would go over. Well, within 5 minutes they were cuddled together, snoring soundly the way two deaf boxers do. I knew then Sadie wasn't leaving, and within a few days we made it official and adopted Sadie. Within two weeks, Sadie had to have a mast cell tumor removed. It was a MAJOR operation, and recovery was very hard. Her sensitive skin meant lots of wound care. Though she hardly knew us she tolerated us handling her and cleaning her wound- which I'm sure was painful- with her gentle, stoic demeanor. Over the 6 months or so it took to nurse her back to health, an unbreakable bond was formed. Sadie came into our lives when mine turned upside down. I had long COVID and had to take medical leave from work due to PTSD. There were days where getting out of bed was impossible, and I slept almost all the time. Sadie would stay right by my side, snuggling close and not moving until I did. Wherever I went, Sadie was right there. She was truly my inspiration to keep fighting. She is what got me out of bed most days. Sadie was an amazing sister to Nick. She was fantastic with our children. In short order she learned cats were not for chasing. Sadie was by my side through all of the worst life had to offer- sickness, job loss, divorce, moving- she kept me going. Sadie was my most faithful companion, my rock. After losing Nick, we decided to foster Dora. Sadie instantly accepted Dora, and the two grew quite fond of each other. Though there were always multiple beds to choose from, they always snuggled together in one. Sadie was SO patient with Dora's special needs....our walks became very slow, and very short, and she didn't complain one bit. It's like she just knew that Dora needed extra help and patience. Sadie came with me to the vet the day we escorted Dora across the Rainbow Bridge. She laid down right next to Dora, staying very still and calm, comforting her friend until her last breath. Then she immediately turned her focus to me, helping me process yet another big loss. Exactly one week after losing Dora, we learned Sadie's cancer was back, and it was aggressive. I did all I could to keep her comfortable as long as possible, but within a few weeks she let me know she was in too much pain. With a now completely broken heart, I held her in my arms while she crossed the Rainbow Bridge to rejoin Nick and Dora on April 16th, 2024. I still miss her every day, which is why it's taken so long to write this tribute to her. There will never be another like Sadie Lady. We don’t deserve dogs.

Sasha
Back in May 2021 we fostered sweet Sasha for just a couple of weeks before she was adopted. When our 16 year old dog, Penpo, passed away in November 2021 we were heartbroken. We said we would not get another dog for a long time. Well, that did not last long!! Sasha came back to the rescue and we did not pass up the opportunity to foster her again. We picked her up on January 1, 2022, and she settled back in right away. This little girl had a mind of her own and knew we would do anything for her. She loved sleeping in our bed, cuddling, going for walks, and especially looked forward to car rides to get her pup cup! Wherever we went, she went with us. She loved seeing all the neighborhood dogs when they walked by and always went to greet them. She was perfect for our family, so in June we made it official and adopted her. We did not have a lot of time with Sasha but we know she was happy and she filled our lives with a lot of love. In September she peacefully passed away licking a bowl of vanilla ice cream. Our house is again a quieter place, but the memories of her will always be with us! We love you Sasha!

Stillborn puppy to Vanilla Cupcake
"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most space in your heart." Pooh Bear You were born silent, perfect and beautiful. You never had the chance to snuggle your siblings, nurse from your momma, feel life run through your body and participate in the joy of being someone's special pet. But we miss you just the same as if you had been born with a beating heart. You have left a huge hole in our rescue hearts. We will never forget you, sweet little puppy girl.

Storm
Sadly and unfortunately I have to announce Stormie crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I only got to spend a little time with Storm. I thought I was only gonna foster him and his sister, but after a week I decided these two precious dogs needed me as much as I needed them, so I adopted both of them. Everything seemed to be going real good and then poor Storm started eating less and less. I changed his food constantly to anything he would eat. He would eat something new for about a day or two and would just lose interest. I took him to my vet that I’ve had for about 18 years. She unfortunately gave me the sad news. Poor Stormie’s pancreas is shutting down and there’s not much we can do, especially since he’s an older boxer. I was crushed. I felt so bad. I felt like I had failed him as a dog parent. Poor guy had to leave his furever home. The only one he’s known for 9yrs, comes to this new strange home and gets very, very sick. I was just crushed. Still kinda am. We did have a lot of fun before all this though. He loved going on rides and this guy was the ultimate cuddler. No matter which of his sisters I’d be loving on….in would come ol Stormie’s paw or leg or his head would peek through just to get some more love. We are gonna miss him deeply. Run free Storm! Love you to the moon and back buddy. Thank you for letting me love you and thank you for loving me.

Sweet Georgia Brown
Sweet Georgia Brown crossed the Rainbow Bridge November 18, 2022 Sweet Georgia Brown told me she was tired of fighting and it was time for her to go. No longer able to be comfortable while she slept and having no tolerance for the cold she'd had enough. I loved her dearly. Even though she was food aggressive and human food aggressive, she was willing to work with us. She had to be fed separately but we could eventually share a snack with her and the other dogs. Steak, hamburger, cheese, she got to have whatever she wanted. Thank you Rejection Collection Boxer Rescue for allowing me to help her these last few months.