vBOXER continued from page 27 There are multiple opportunities for the community to become involved. “Fundraising is a huge part of the success of NPBR,” Tucker said. “Adoption fees rarely cover the cost of care of a boxer while in foster care. NPBR puts on many events in which extra hands and expertise in fundraising are needed. NPBR has many events throughout the five state region - the website http://www.everyboxercounts.com has a schedule of events. Our biggest events upcoming are the 7th Annual Boxers & Bikers Poker Run which is June 18th and September 24th the 7th Annual Boxer Walk.” Foster families are also always welcome. “NPBR always is in need of committed foster homes,” Tucker said. “Foster homes are the foundation of rescue, or referred to as the “gold” in rescue. Without committed foster homes, NPBR could not continue to save the boxers in need. A foster family is asked to supply basic obedience, assessment of the personality of the dog and what type of family would be the best match. NPBR supplies crates, food, and medical care.” Tucker and her family have been through the process themselves. “Presently, our personal boxers are Hanna (9 yr. old female) and Howie (4 yr. old male) who were what rescue refers to as ‘foster failures’,” she said. “This is the term applied to when a family who fosters a boxer decides they want to adopt and make the dog a permanent addition to the family.” According to Tucker, Hanna came from a failed attempt to sidestep a ‘no pet’ rule at her owner’s apartment complex and 28vHERVOICEvMAY/JUNE 2016 Howie came from an ‘accidental’ litter with an owner worried that good homes would not be found for the puppies. The Tuckers also foster a two-year-old Boxer named Declan who is heartworm positive. “He was picked up as a stray by animal control in a small town in TX,” Tucker said. “The owner did step forward but decided not to claim him when they learned they had to pay a fine. NPBR was contacted by a family in MN (who was alerted by her family in TX) that this boy needed rescue. Her friend drove Declan the miles to be a NPBR boy. He is presently being treated for heartworm disease. The treatment is expensive and painful. Had he been given heartworm preventative (at the mere cost of $9.00) a month, he would not have to endure this process. Adoption fees rarely cover the cost of vetting. Taxdeductible donations and fundraising is what allows NPBR to continue to save boxers in need.” It’s well-rewarding as Bijou’s foster family has found, though they have faced challenges in fostering her. “But she is also an incredibly sweet old girl with an amazing, warm smile, who loves to be near you and give kisses,” they wrote. “She’s learning how awesome toys can be. She’s learning how comfortable a pillow can be. With as horrible of a background as she came from, she still has so much of that wonderful boxer personality that I have come to love and treasure. Just because she had a rough start to life doesn’t mean she can’t have a wonderful rest of her life. Every day that goes by more of her personality starts to shine through.” For more information visit http://www.everyboxercounts.com or the NPBR Facebook page. vBy Sara Wetzel