LIVING HAPPILY TOGETHER . . .

I couldn't resist snapping this photo last night - and yes, Dooley did fall off the couch with a big thud shortly after the flash went off . . . there's never a dull moment with the Doolster - he's way too much fun - just ask Blossom, sleeping at his left and the big pillow under him named Rocky :-)

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Just had to post the new picture from last weekend's Fun Match - a/k/a socialization time for the Beast - he needs all he can get! There was no snarling or growling between Betty and Dooley this time - they even posed for a picture!

Next we will be traveling to Dubuque, Iowa in mid March to show Echo and Dooley - we're looking forward to it more than most because his breeder will be there to see how handsome (and ornery) he is! Echo just needs 3 points to finish so we're hoping she will get er' done! I'll keep you posted!

Shrek meets the Princess

Now, you have to remember that Dooley thinks he's a 65 pound boxer and not a 15 pound Boston Terrorist . . . so when he came face to face last weekend with Julie Wilson's petite little silver poodle he just didn't know how to act or what to say! He soon alienated her completely with his jumping and "balls to the wall" behavior and she let him know in no uncertain terms that she wanted nothing to do with the likes of him! Can't say as I blame the princess as he no doubt would have drooled on her pom poms and mussed her spray - she is a gorgeous little rock star and if he's ever going to hang with her, he needs to learn his manners!

We had fun at the Des Moines show nonetheless - Dooley's WD and BOS was for naught as there was no competition but we always need the practice and gentle reminders for him to keep all four on the floor and not try and chase down the dog in front of him . . .

We're off to reunite Shrek and the Princess this weekend in Seward at a fun match - maybe he'll be so enthralled by her he will act like a gentleman - but being a realist, he will probably jump on her and want to box with her just like he does with Echo at home . . . Shrek indeed!!!

Here's Dooley's first Best of Breed win - isn't he a handsome little Ogre??

WE CAN'T LEAVE OUT ROCKY & DEMPSEY!!!

Rocky & Dempsey never graced the show ring - but they didn't have to - - - they have their own special stories and places in our hearts . . . Dempsey is on the left above and Rocky is on the right. Spencer and Prissy are the beautiful Sr. citizens in the middle who gave me that little fawn puppy that I must have rubbed too hard . . . Here's the story of our boxer boys:

DEMPSEY (aka Dempers, Dempsey Doodle, Dempster)

We still miss Dempsey and his noise and his lack of manners . . . but we couldn't help but love him because of his unconditional love for us! He was an "only child" born of Spencer and Priscilla and I take full responsibility for spoiling him creating a monster only a mother could love. His claim to fame was almost getting his first leg in agility - - - I worked so hard with him for almost 2 years and he really did well for a boxer - his problem was that he couldn't get past the temptation to leave the course for an imaginary piece of food that might be out there somewhere! But he could clear those weave poles in record time and he loved the jumps and tunnel! I will always feel bad that I "quit on him" but I only had to relive the day he took off for the hills after "something" at the American Boxer Club National amidst the laughter of the crowd and I know I did the right thing! Self control was not one of his greatest qualities, but Pat and I loved the big sweetie right up to his last day - - - and just like Spencer, he was devoted to Pat and lived out his last days as his best bud.

ROCKY
Rocky is that dog that everyone dreams of but few are lucky enough to love . . . Rocky brought Pat and I together and is still our heart dog with that beautiful grey face and a spirit like no other. You would never know he had such a rough start at the hands of his first owner - he was tied to an old car without food or shelter and through Lee Mitchell and Boxer Rescue, he found his way into Pat's heart and home and eventually, into mine. He's everyone's favorite and a poster dog for rescue - unconditional love and unending devotion with nothing expected in return. Rocky has raised and housebroken every puppy and rescue dog we've had and in his gentle way, has shown them the ropes like a wise old grandpa. He's getting old and a little tired now but he's survived a stroke, his limited vision and is a little more unsteady on his feet than he used to be . . . but everyday we celebrate that he is still with us. He treats Echo and little Dooley with a fatherly gentle nature but once and awhile he still gets that old burst of energy and entices Echo into a good romp. When he sticks his butt up in a play bow and sends his deep bark message to Pat to come and play, he's a puppy again for a few minutes before he crashes back into his big soft bed for a 6 hour nap. We can't even think of life without him him so we don't allow ourselves to go there - we just love and kiss him everyday and tell him how special he really is!

INTRODUCING DOOLEY . . .

HOW IT ALL BEGAN . . .

Pat and I first met because of our love for boxers -and we have had so many happy times with our dogs and some sad ones too - - but we enjoy a full and happy life together chasing this dream and we'd like to share some of those times with you!

Of course, our wonderful families take priority in our lives. We have 8 children and 14 grandchildren between us but unfortunately, most of them live far away - - - so we rely on our dogs and friends to keep us active and busy and that is an understatement! We are now showing what we hope will soon be our fourth AKC Champion and here is our story:

Going way back to 1991, my first boxer, Spencer, was bought as a "pet" quality boxer. Unknown to me, he was destined to be much more than that. After a successful show career, Spencer became our first Champion -- Ch. Loretta's Special Joy. This picture was taken after his first big win when he went Best of Breed over Specials -- we were both as green as the flowers next to the stand but this win carved out a path and new circle of friends in the Missouri Valley Boxer Club that I never could have imagined. Spencer was always special and sometimes a joy - but as with most boxers, he could also be a real pain! But he matured and turned into the Lion King and became the perfect pet, Pat's best "pal" and the love of our lives. When Spencer finished his Championship, he made his sire, Ch. Barisles Special Premium a Sire of Merit. We will always be grateful to Patty Chandler for her mentoring and help with this grand dog! We miss him every day that goes by and will never, ever forget him.

We got lucky again with our second boxer - a female we bought from John Smith (Xcel Boxers) - - - though she came to us mostly to keep Spencer company. Priscilla was a cute, typy little girl with a "mug" to die for. She was sired by Ch. Shieldmont's Let's Make a Deal, but she was the runt of the litter and we weren't sure if she would ever get big enough to finish. We had to keep little Prissy in the Am Bred Class but she eventually became Ch. Xcel's Shock A Kahn. Everyone loved Prissy and she finished in spite of my amateur handling skills. Johnny Johnson put the last winning point on her to make her a Champion while I was in Kansas welcoming my new grandchild, Bailey. I will always be grateful to John Smith for "tricking" me into a second boxer and helping me with Prissy - she was truly a sweet heart and the foundation of our small kennel. Her sweet temperament lives on today in her grandkids . . .

Priscilla produced our next champion, Gabby, BISS Ch. Ravenoaks Calalily of Xcel - a beautiful, spunky girl we co-own with Lee Mitchell of Echo Bay Boxers. When Gabby was bred, she produced three beautiful females who are currently being shown. Though all four girls are what the boxer world calls "plain" (lack of flashy white markings), it hasn't stopped them from being stars in the show ring - all three siblings have points towards their championships and their 8 year old mom, Gabby recently went Best of Breed from the Veteran class at our 2008 Specialty Show! Thank you to Lee Mitchell, Shelly Staats and Melvin Mobley for this great ride!

ECHO BAY'S MERGER OF MAXIMUS

We are so proud of our Echo, who has garnered 12 points towards her championship - a big thanks to Lori McClain for being such a great professional handler and friend - without you Echo would not be shining in the ring like she is today! Also, a big thanks to Ashley Hamling and Savanna Hulstein for the points they have put on Echo. Truth be told, Echo would rather be home on daddy's lap or playing with her new little buddy, Dooley but in every show, Lori transforms her into a beautiful show dog who always takes my breath away!!!

AND NOW . . . THE OTHER HALF OF BACK NINE'S BOXERS & BOSTONS . . .

DOOLEY - BACK NINE'S ACE OF HAPPYTAILS

Mr. Doodle, Doodle Bug, Doodle Man . . . it doesn't matter what you call him --- he comes running to you every time with his big personality, little body and adorable happy face! He thinks he is a boxer and we'll never tell him any different! Dooley is an amazing little guy and once again, we got really lucky with our first pick. A huge thank you to all of the people who made him happen for us - Amy Bieri of Happytails Kennel, Cindy Pagurski of Di Amores Kennel and Diane Peluso - and of course Kathy Hulstein & Lori McClain for being his biggest fans and our mentors. We need all the help we can get showing Dooley ourselves but so far so good! The little guy went Group 3 in his first puppy match and now has 6 points at 8 months - he's as fun to watch in the ring as he is at home at making us laugh!

A little history - - - Pat had Bostons growing up and had toyed with the idea of getting one again but I'd never had a "little" dog and wasn't too sure I wanted a yippy ankle biter . . . I assure you Dooley is none of that! He thinks he's 75 pounds and bigger than life and he has brought laughter to our home like nothing else! His antics and funny little quirks keep us in stitches every day - whether it's grunting like a little pig or doing circles with his favorite toy, he is entertainment we never bargained for!