The Mama's Boy: Duke

Often times, I have a hard time believing that Duke hasn't been a part of our lives for even a full year yet. I guess we were lucky to have a boxer boy blend in so well with our household and the crazy lives that we lead. But, we were lucky in a lot of other ways too, or should I say that I am lucky?

Duke is a Mama's Boy! He loves his mama, and I'm lucky because I'm the recipient of this adoration, and believe me, I don't doubt for a minute that this sweet boxer boy completely adores me. I don't think a minute goes by when I'm at home, that my sweet boy doesn't know exactly where I am in the house, and frankly, he's never very far from where I am. When Duke is on the job with me, he hates being left in my office and protests quite loudly and comically until I bring him out to prove to him that I'm just fine. I can tell without even looking that the tongue on the other side of the shower curtain belongs to Duke. I can tell without even looking that the paw on my knee definitely belongs to Duke. I can tell without even looking that the loud, freight train like snore keeping me up at night, most certainly belongs to Duke!

I've been more observant of these things lately, maybe because Duke is becoming even more of a mama's boy than he was a few months ago, or maybe the love that I've had for him since the first time I saw his sweet droopy face is deepening. I'm not entirely sure, but something is going on between Duke and I.

The other day, I was curled up in the recliner, book in hand, big fuzzy blanket on my lap completely comfortable. Out of nowhere, here comes Duke... He landed perfectly on his mama's lap and proceeded to get comfy with his head resting on my knee. As soon as he settled in, he let out a very deep, very contented sigh. It would seem that as long as he's close to me, he's perfectly happy. (I should mention that Lucy was madder than a hornet by these events and proceeded to let Duke and I know in no uncertain terms that she was not cool with this!)

I finally got a break from work yesterday, and hurried home at 12:30 to spend some time with my pups and hopefully get a nice long nap. When I walked in the door, Duke seemed so relieved to see me, while Lucy darted for the nearest toy. It was a beautiful day here yesterday, and I couldn't wait to spend some time in the sunshine with the kids, and I thought that they would hit the yard running. Lucy hit the yard running. Duke sat next to me on the step with a paw on my leg, and he didn't move until I got up to go in the house.

And when I curled up in bed for my nap, Duke was right next to me. Last night, he and I fell asleep with both of our heads on my pillow, his paw was over my back. I can't think of anything sweeter! There is definitely a special bond between me and my little boy!

Dale: A Tribute To A Boxer Friend

As I get older, I think I appreciate people and things more. And when something bad happens to someone who has made a real difference in my life, it impacts me in a big way.

As many of you may know, since the adoption of my first boxer, I have become a member of a wonderful family otherwise known as the Boxer Mailing List. While I don't know the exact details of when this list was started, I know that it's been a huge part of my life for the last 2 years. I've made wonderful friends, laughed, cried, said prayers for the boxers and their humans, and received wonderful advice and loads of support for many different situations in my life.

The founding father of this wonderful family was a man named Dale Ulmer. Daily he would update us on the activities of his two boxer rescues, Lou and Ella. I would wait for those pictures, and laugh at their boxer antics. In addition to the daily updates is the BML family; a huge group of people from all over the US, Canada and abroad. Over the last two years, I have shared with them as they rescued and adopted puppies, toddler boxers and many seniors. I have cried plenty of tears as fellow members of my family have said good-bye to their precious boxers, and I have learned more about this wonderful breed than I have ever thought possible. One of the greatest things about this list is that even though we're all eager to help each other with boxer related things, there is also a tremendous amount of support here for everyday things that go on in our lives.

Over the last year or so, Dale has had several health problems, and we have all hoped and prayed for the best for him. After all, he's the one who brought us all together. Yesterday, we all received the news that he had passed. I can't help but think of what a better place the world has been because Dale was in it. He was such a sweet man, with a very obvious love for his sweet Diane, his kids, and boxers everywhere. And I can't help but think of all of the wonderful boxer greetings and wiggles that he must have gotten as he went to meet several of the boxers and his friends that preceded him in death. I know that several of my fellow BML members commented that they felt so much better knowing that Dale was now with the boxers that they've lost over the years. I guess you could say that I have an image of tons of boxers running and wiggling to greet him, and it sounds so lovely!

I sat with Lucy and Duke last night and I prayed for Dale and his family, and thanked God for allowing me to be a part of his life and his family. What a blessing it has been in my life, and I know that while I never had a chance to meet Dale, his wife Diane or Lou & Ella, that my life has been impacted in a very positive way.

Godspeed Dale, and thank you for being a part of our lives!

Indoor Games

Winter has finally struck us in Pittsburgh, and I'm left with no other option than to tire my boxer babies out indoors. Lucy doesn't mind the cold, but 3 or 4 minutes outdoors in our chilly temps are more than enough for Duke. Thank goodness for the Christmas toys!

"Here ya go, Ma! Dis is da toy dat we need to play wits tonight. Will yous throw it's?"


Why is it that no matter what toy Duke or Lucy has, the other one always has to go after with it a complete and total vengeance?

It's always easy to tell when the boxer children are beginning to tire out. Lucy always shows signs first, she'll lay down on the ground and get comfy, but she still won't give up the toy!


"We's is waiten here for ya, ma! It's times to go to bed! Are you's coming or not?"

Whose Bed Is It, Anyway?

I'm pretty sure our King Size bed has gone to the dogs. What do you think?

Kiss me!

I really enjoyed the following video and hope that you all will too!