There are a number of sorrowful experiences when one decides to take Boxers to the heart. Fortunately for all of us, however, the heart-warming instances far outweigh the aches.
Our Gretal came into this world in our whelping box. Her dam, our first champion, Ch. Sarkel's Stairway To Stardom, presented us with a litter of 12 puppies.
At six weeks Gretal left for her new home with Penny Hodges and for eight years I got updates, photos, and occasional visits to see this beautiful soul grow into a wonderful companion and excellent representative for our breed. However, after 8 years, Penny found herself in a position we all dread. Due to personal circumstances, she could not longer care for Gretal and turned to me for help. Thus Gretal returned to her roots where she lived, and lived well her remaining years.
Gretal gave me five years of pure pleasure. Because I lost her mother so young, I believe I was given another chance to watch how gracefully the Boxer can age. On November 13, 1996 Gretal left this world for a better place. The pain of a burst tumor of the liver and spleen was cut short; her eyes were soft and bright as she went to sleep in my arms.
My reason for relaying this tribute to you is not to bring you to tears. Gretal's life was rich and full the complete opposite of many of the dogs we see come to our rescue programs. I ask instead, as we expand our rescue efforts, to not forget these valuable senior assets to our breed. An elderly boxer is not impossible to place. The enrichment they give to the lives they touch is immeasurable.
