"Arnold" (Sarkel's Terminator Too) doesn't completely fit the bill as a rescue. Arnold didn't turn out for the show ring and since my own resources are limited by time and space, I felt it best to place him in a pet home. I placed him first with a bachelor who wanted a "good looking Boxer" for a companion. Unfortunately, he was not home often enough to be a true companion for Arnold and I brought Arnold back home to find just the right spot for him. Being a responsible breeder, I strive to make sure every placement of my own Boxers as well as the rescue boxers is compatible to not only the humans involved but the dog as well. Arnold was not happy on his own. He was well cared for, had a beautiful home and yard to play in but playing alone was not what Arnold needed.

After his return to the fold, I began to check my list of potential Boxer owners. Suddenly I remembered a telephone call earlier from a lady in Arkansas who wanted another Boxer to replace a dear companion she had lost last spring. She had read my articles in the BOXER REVIEW and was convinced I was a good place to start her search. Mary had originally called about a puppy. When I told her I had no plans to breed until sometime later in 1993 she decided to wait but she indicated she might also be interested in an older dog if I had any that didn't work out for the conformation ring. I called Mary immediately and told her about Arnold. To say she was interested is probably an understatement and she decided Arnold would be her Christmas present to herself, what a perfect gift. Mary has two young girls, lives on acreage and is a big obedience enthusiast; Arnold would have the perfect home. A couple weeks later I drove Arnold to Arkansas and the perfect match was made. After a couple of days I made my first call to check up on things and Mary said Arnie fit like a pair of old shoes and she and her family couldn't imagine what life had been like before he came.

A few weeks later I called to check again and Mary continued to rave about her Arnie. I am a strong believer in destiny and these two truly were destined to be together. Arnie proved that when Mary related the following story to me.

During her holiday break from nurses training, Mary had the time to really enjoy Arnie and as part of their routine she would go for daily walks in the woods near their home. One afternoon, Mary fell during one of their walks and broke her ankle. The pain was intense and she could not walk! Arnie stayed close at her side, hovering like a concerned "mother". Mary knew that her father would come to look for her if she did not return but she didn't know if he could ever find her in the area she had fallen. Hours passed and Mary thought she could hear her father's voice calling quite a distance away. Arnie heard him too as he cocked his head and whined. Mary tried answering but she doubted that her voice would carry very far. She kept shouting, "Call Arnie". Her Dad either finally heard her voice or decided to call Arnie on his own, in either case when he called for Arnie, Arnie responded. It took a little encouragement for him to go to Mary's father, as he was reluctant to leave Mary's side. He did respond to the call and when he reached Mary's dad he led him back to where Mary was laying. Arnie is how the hero in the Ramey household and he truly deserves the honor. Arnie again proved that every Boxer has a place and a heart or hearts to claim. In exchange for the heart, they give us so much in return and will defend, protect and even rescue those they cherish. All in all a good trade, wouldn't you agree?