Hello!

My name is Vincent and I am a "forever foster" with Lighthouse Boxer Rescue. Before I came to this group, my life was very difficult, to say the least. But I'm curious to know what breed you thought I was when you initially saw my picture on the home page? Pure Boxer? Boxer mix? What would I be mixed with? Boston Terrier? Chihuahua? Yeah, the volunteers at Lighthouse went through all of those possibilities, too. Well, let me start at the beginning...

To be honest, I'm not exactly sure what happened to me. All I know is that one nice summer day, I found myself being tied to the back of a garage by some kids and then they just walked away. I was so confused and scared that I just started barking my little head off. I call it barking but it really wasn't. It was more like a seal's cry because I had no abdominal muscles to make a real dog bark. However, it was enough to get the attention of the home owner who unfortunately was a geriatric and could not make it out of his house to see what was going on. Luckily he was smart enough and had the conscience enough to call the local Dog Warden. When! So here comes the warden -- he takes one look at me and labels me a Boxer puppy (lucky for me!). The shelter called LBR and a volunteer came to look at me. Her first impression was two-fold: I didn't "look" enough like a puppy but with my short stature, what else could I be? A mix did cross her mind and even though they deal strictly with purebred Boxers, she decided to pull me anyways. It was obvious that I was in desperate need of medical care and she knew that if I didn't get out of that shelter soon that I would have never made it out of there, if you know what I mean.

So she took me to see a doctor and she got some surprising news. The doc tells her that I am not a puppy, that I'm about two years old, and that I'm not a mix. He believes that I am a purebred Boxer but that I have been so severely neglected since birth that I just didn't grow. You should have seen the look on her face! What's the saying...oh yeah, "Priceless"!! So, other than just being severely emaciated (starved) and dehydrated, I was also diagnosed with a neurological deficiency and the doctor suspected that I was born without testicles -- a rare condition. Just to be sure, they performed a testosterone test and the results showed that I definitely do not have testicles. The doc also does not know what to expect medically in my future because of the state that I was in. What other damage is underlying? What conditions or illnesses will I acquire?

So I get to my new foster home and I've got 3 full size adult Boxers to deal with! Oye Vay! They were nice to me though...they too knew how sick I was. And so started the rehabilitation. It was slow going at first. There were many volunteers who weren't sure that I was gong to make it. My neurological deficiency seems to affect me in two ways: my eating and smelling abilities and the second is the bladder to brain communication. I have a ver difficult time eating and it takes me forever. Housebreaking has been dificult because my brain doesn't know I have to potty until it's too late! My foster Mom was diligent in making sure that I ate multiple times per day and received enough water and sleep. I've survived and am on the road to recovery, so now what? What will LBR do with me? When will I be available for adoption? Am I truly pure?

All of those questions arose and were discussed at "the Board Level" -- Board of Directors, that is! See how important I am??! One decision was made and that was to have me DNA tested...and the results?? I am a PURE BREED BOXER! Now, the Board took everything into consideration before making a decision in regards to my future: my current medical state, my unknown future medical state, the quality of my life in my foster home, etc. They decided that I will remain a Lighthouse Boser Rescue Forever Foster! Lucky me!! I went from having nothing to having everything! I have my Boxer siblings that teach me how to play and how to guard (like the big tough dog I am!) plus I get two meals per day and treats when I am good (which is all the time!). I get medical care when needed. I'm signed up for an obedience class -- can't wait to go to school! Life is good...what can I say? I now weigh in at 25 lbs but still have a few more pounds to go. I'm 20" tall and 30" long, I have muscles all over my body including abdominal muscles so I bark like a real dog and my back is straight and not curved anymore.

Meanwhile, my foster Mom is taking me places and introducing me to the world...my "new" world which is one of love and safety. I am so friendly and just love everyone, human and animal. Heck, I'm just thrilled to be alive! But my Mommy starts to notice how everyone wants to "look at the cute puppy" and "pet the cute puppy". My Mom says, "He's not a puppy -- he's two year old!" and the look of pure happiness on the faces of those taken by my absolute cuteness turns to a look of confusion at what they see before them. She tells them my story and it just melts hearts...how could anyone have done this to me??

I have since been diagnosed with kidney disease. This was caused by the severe malnourishment and dehydration that I endured. I am doing very well, considering my illnesses. Lighthouse has spent well over $1000 on me and I will require more medical care as I continue to grow and develop. Please help support my ongoing expenses and make a donation to me today! After all, if it weren't for people like you and those that make up Lighthouse Boxer Rescue, I wouldn't be alive today!

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely, Vincent