Thank
you for considering adopting a rescue boxer. Adding
one of these characters to your family is sure to bring you many smiles,
much laughter and much more.
Please note: effective February 2005, Boxer Rescue Ontario will no longer accept applications from homes with children under the age of 2.
Before
You Apply
Rescue
boxers can make a wonderful addition to a home but they require work and
commitment. Before you apply we ask you to consider the following questions.
Do
you want a ready made, perfect dog?
If so,
a rescue dog will not be a good choice for you. Boxers end up in rescue
for a variety of reasons, none of them their fault. Many people acquire
a cute puppy not realizing that seemingly perfect boxer their neighbor has
is the result of a lot of hard work. When the boxer puppy reaches the adolescent
stage and has no manners or training the family decides that this isn't
the dog for them. It is at that stage that many boxers end up in the hands
of rescue. Most rescue dogs have issues of some sort or another. Some are
minor and easily corrected others will take more time to work through (See
Ernie's Story). There is always
an adjustment period when bringing a new dog into your household. This period
can range from a few days to several months depending on the background
of the dog. If you are not prepared or committed to work through this period
you should reconsider. The worst thing that can happen is to have to uproot
a dog who has only been in a new home for a short period of time. It is
extremely unfair and damaging to the dog.
Have
you done your research on the boxer breed?
There
is a vast amount of information available today about the boxer and other
breeds. You must take the responsibility of educating yourself and your
family about your breed of choice. One of the best ways to get to know about
the boxer breed is to see them up close and personal. Dog shows are a great
way of accomplishing this. Most exhibitors are more than happy to share
their knowledge and insight about the breed. One note, please wait until
the dogs are finished showing before approaching their handler for a chat.
If you see a person walking a boxer don't be afraid to approach them. If
there is one universal rule it is that boxer people love talking about their
breed. Breed knowledge is an asset, but one of the most important criteria
is the applicant's willingness to learn.
The
Adoption Process
Each
Boxer Rescue Ontario dog is different and we do everything possible to ensure
that each dog is placed in the home best able to meet its unique requirements
and needs. We are only able to do this by first, assessing the dog through
our foster care program and then assessing each potential home for suitability
by conducting an interview and home visit. Our adoption process is listed
below.
Step
1: Online Application
At
the bottom of this page you will find a link to our online application
form. Once you complete and submit your application it is reviewed by
our volunteers and you will be contacted to set up a phone interview.
Step
2: Phone Interview
One
of our volunteers will go through your application with you over the phone
to ensure there are no errors and to clarify any points as necessary.
Step
3: Home Visit(s)
After
the Phone Interview, one of our volunteers will contact you to set up
a Home Visit at a suitable time when all members of your household can
be present. Our representative will, if possible, bring a boxer so you
will get an idea of how a boxer will interact with you and your surroundings.
Step
4: You Will Be Notified Of Our Decision
Shortly
after the Home Visit, you will be notified about our decision.
Step
5: You Will Be Matched With A Dog
Successful
applicants are matched with a dog. We
typically have a large number of approved applicants waiting but position
on the waiting list is secondary to finding an appropriate fit. Again,
our primary goal is to place each dog in the best situation possible.
This
can take days or months and is difficult to predict. We encourage you
to stay in contact with our representatives since we get new dogs in all
the time.
Step
6: You Add A New Member To Your Family
Once
we find your match we will make arrangements for you to pick up your new
family member. At pick up time, you will be asked to sign an adoption
contract and for an adoption donation to help cover our veterinary costs.
After you adopt we will follow up with you during the initial adjustment
period and we are always available to answer questions and provide help
when possible.
Step
7: You Become A Success Story!!!
We
wish you and your rescue boxer all the best. Remember you are now part
of the Boxer Rescue Ontario
family. Always feel free to ask us questions and send pictures. We love
to hear how our babies are doing!!!