BOXERDOGBLOG ~ What's cookin' with Chef ?: Vote for your favourite Dog of Valor

Vote for your favourite Dog of Valor

May 13 /09

There's a very special contest being held by The Humane Society of the United States, honouring dogs who have performed extraordinary acts of courage. Some of the things these dogs have done are nothing short of heroic. Their stories will amaze you.

This is the second annual Dogs of Valor contest and there are 15 finalists, all deserving of the title. Each and every one of them showed how devoted dogs can be when called upon to defend and protect human beings.

There is a panel of Judges, including Benji (with the help of her humans, Kathleen and Joe Camp) but your votes will help determine the Valor Dog of the Year and three runners-up.

There are only two days left to vote, so please go over to People's Hero Award The Humane Society of the United States, read about their spectacular acts of bravery, and cast your ballot.

If you read this post after voting ends, check out the link anyways because just knowing what these dogs have done will make you very proud to be a member of the dog kingdom.

Polls close Friday, May 15th at 5 p.m., Eastern Time.

16 comments:

Moco said...: We have voted. All of those pups are special.; Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Mango the Maltese kiddo said...: I'll read and vote, are you in there, Chef?
I'll vote for you in a beat 'cause you gave me your prized blanket!
Love ya; Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Trailboss said...: I'm headed right over there Chef, thanks! I love stories like this.; Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Mason Dixie said...: How cool, thanks for sharing with us. =); Wednesday, May 13, 2009
NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...: Heading to paw a vote but I'm sure it will be a diffikhult choice!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra; Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Duke said...: We voted! What awesome stories they each have to share!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch; Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Abby said...: Hi, Chef...

They are all pawsome...It's sooo hard to vote for just one...

Thanks for sharing this with us...

Abby xxxooo; Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Lacy said...: w00fs, wish me cooda voted fur all of them..

b safe,
~rocky~; Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Lorenza said...: Thanks for sharing it, Chef!
Yes, it is not easy to choose just one!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza; Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Hoover said...: Hey Chef! Thanks for visiting my blog. You can cook for me anytime. You do cook Right?

I'm gonna go check out the hero dogs now!

Hoover; Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Raising Addie said...: Hi Chef!!!

That is really cool! We will head over and vote!

Chasing my Tale...
Addie, Lucie, and Hailey; Thursday, May 14, 2009
Dewey Dewster said...: Thanks Chef...

We visited the site and voted fer the Westie....what a smart doggie he was alertin' his parents ta that hurt neighbor....hope the man is OK now....

Dewey Dewster here....; Thursday, May 14, 2009
i said...: Thanks for sharing this. We're going over to check it out.

Have a good weekend!; Friday, May 15, 2009
Eric said...: Hi Chef. Doh. I arrived too late to vote. But all of those smart dogs deserve an award don't they? Hope I would be too in those situations. Though my vote went to Tyson who raise the alarm when the baby fell into the swimming pool or maybe the doggie who pulled the boy from the river...so hard to choose.

Wiry wags pal. Hope your Mom is taking you stickpiling.

ERic xxx; Sunday, May 17, 2009
Nibbles Treats said...: Hi Chef.

Stop by our blog today. We gave you an award!

Tinkerbell, Oscar and Tucker; Monday, May 18, 2009
Anonymous said...: Hi Chef! Woops - I guess it's too late to vote, but I'll go check out the site. I love stories about heroic dogs!

See ya!
Joey; Monday, May 18, 2009

Another rap song from Beasley

Chef is way awesome and I’m so thankful to have such a great friend like him. In fact, OH CRAP!!! I feel a rap coming on!!!!

Wicky Wicky, his name is Chef and he’s a stylish dude.
Right now he’s trying to win the ladies and is trying not to be rude.

He likes this girl Gucci and wants to sniff her butt!
He told me I need to find a girl and all I could say is…WHAT!

My main man Chef he’s got this quirky face
that always shows that love and sticks are always coming in first place.

Sticks come first, love comes second then some belly rubs…well why not? He’s already naked!

Hehehehe WOOT WOOT! Much love to you Chef!!!

On-line petition to end animal cruelty in China

Over at Fleasgang's blog, we read about an online petition sponsored by the French animal rights group, One Voice. They've posted an online petition to combat the terrible cruelty inflicted on animals in that country.

The tortured existence of zoo animals is beyond belief. It is also part of that country's culture to kill and eat dogs in their restaurants.

It is hoped with the Olympics soon to be held in Beijing, the Chinese government may now want to present a more civilized country to a world audience than the one that has existed until now.

The link below will take you to One Voice's site if you'd like to learn about the situation there and to sign the petition. What you will see will break your heart. All the more reason to lend your support.

History of the Boxer

Fédération Cynologique Internationale:

"The small Brabant Bullenbeisser is thought to be the immediate ancestor of the Boxer. In the past, the breeding of the Bullenbeissers was in the hands of huntsmen, who the dogs assisted during the chase. Their task was to seize the game put up by chasing hounds and hold it firmly until the huntsman arrived. For this job the dog had to have as wide jaws as possible with broadly spaced teeth in order to bite firmly and hold onto the prey tightly. A Bullenbeisser which had these characteristics was best-suited to this job and was used for breeding. Previously only the ability to work and utilization were considered. Selective breeding was carried out which produced a dog with a wide muzzle and an upturned nose."

United Kennel Club breed history:

"The Bulldog is an ancestor of the Boxer; various terriers were also part of its make-up, which gives the breed its speed, agility and more graceful body. The term ‘boxer’ is British, but the most recent home country for the breed is Germany. ‘Boxer’ seems appropriate since it uses its front legs in combat, much as a man would in fighting. The breed was virtually ignored until World War II, when it was brought into use as a military or police dog. This helped to insure instant popularity with returning servicemen, and the breed was in great demand in the United States. The Boxer was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948."

The Boxer is part of the Molosser group, developed in Germany in the late 1800s from the now extinct Bullenbeisser, a dog of Mastiff descent, and Bulldogs brought in from England. The Bullenbeisser had been working as a hunting dog for centuries, employed in the pursuit of bear, wild boar, and deer. Its task was to seize the prey and hold it until the hunters arrived. In later years, faster dogs were favored and a smaller Bullenbeisser was bred in Brabant, in northern Belgium. It is generally accepted that the Brabanter Bullenbeisser was a direct ancestor of today's Boxer.
In 1894, three Germans by the name of Roberth, Konig, and Hopner decided to stabilize the breed and put it on exhibition at a dog show, which wa held in Munich in 1895, and the next year they founded the first Boxer Club, the Deutscher Boxer Club. The Club went on to publish the first Boxer breed standards in 1902, a detailed document that has not changed much to this day.

The breed was introduced to other parts of Europe in the late 19th century and to the United States around the turn of the century. The American Kennel Club (AKC) registered the first Boxer in 1904, and recognized the first Boxer champion, Dampf vom Dom, in 1915. During the war, the Boxer was co-opted for military work, acting as a valuable messenger dog, pack-carrier, attack dog, and guard dog. It was not until after World War II that the Boxer became popular around the world. Boxer mascots, taken home by returning soldiers, introduced the dog to a much wider audience and it soon became a favorite as a companion, a show dog, and a guard dog."

BOXER ADOPTS A KID

This is why we love Boxers:

Billy the Boxer has adopted an abandoned goat as his surrogate baby.

The big-hearted Billy has become the constant companion of the 12-day old kid called Lilly. He sleeps with her, licks her clean, and protects her from danger at the Pennywell Farm Wildlife Centre in Britain.

The kid was abandoned by her mother when she was only a few hours old. She was adopted by Billy when his owner, Elizabeth Tozer, began hand-feeding the goat last month.

"Lilly follows Billy around which is really quite amusing to watch, and Billy sleeps with her and cleans her mouth after she feeds," says Elizabeth.

Lilly was the smallest of a litter of three kids and her mother abandoned her because she could only care for the two stronger ones.

Wonder if Billy was named after Billy the Kid; it would be so appropriate!

BOXER CAN VOTE

A six-year-old Boxer from Dublin, Ireland, named Charlie, recently received a certified polling card in the mail. Charlie's owner, Michael Walton, 35, was surprised to find the official document bearing Charlie's name delivered to their home.
Mr. Walton told reporters, "Someone must be barking mad."

So Charlie won the right to cast a ballot. But despite the historic opportunity for the country's canine constituency, Charlie opted not to go to the polls for a referendum vote on Mar. 6. Mr. Walton explained the dog's reason for abstention: "I don't think he has any view on abortion, and he hates politicians. He always sleeps through political discussions, and he shreds their literature."

DOGGONIT. MY TRUCK'S MISSING

Police in Azusa, Calif. say Charles McCowan parked his pickup in front of a mini-mart recently, leaving his 80-pound Boxer named Max in the passenger seat. When he came out, the truck and Max were gone.
McCowan called police, assuming the truck had been stolen. When officers arrived, they found the pickup across the street in a fast-food parking lot but had no idea how it got there.

In security video, the truck was seen rolling backward out of the store lot and across the street, threading its way through traffic and out of view.

Police said that after McCowan left the truck, Max knocked the vehicle out of gear and sent it rolling backward.
Both Max and the truck emerged without a scratch.

Max really drove his owner crazy !

BRANDY'S L-O-N-G-T-O-N-G-U-E

Brandy the Boxer has been featured on "Ripley's Believe It Or Not" because she has a tongue that's an incredible 17 inches long!

The Michigan pooch was bought from a local breeder in 1995 and her new owner was assured the dog would eventually grow into her
l-o-n-g-t-o-n-g-u-e. She didn't.

On the TV show she was shown performing tricks such as eating from a bowl 13 inches away. Owner, John Scheid, says Brandy likes sunbathing and even gets tan lines on her tongue, but says the beautiful Boxer is fit, happy and healthy, so her unique tongue isn't a problem.

REJECTED BOXER BECOMES A FAVOURITE

In 1985, a white boxer dog called Bomber was snatched from a vet's operating room by an veterinary nurse and later appeared in the UK television series, Oliver Twist.

It appears the dog's previous owners decided to put their pet down when they learned he didn't meet new Kennel Club standards for his breed.

In the film, Bomber portrayed a dirty, flea -bitten, dog. but he had a dressing room all to himself and was congratulated on giving a superb performance.

Good for you, sweet Bomber. And growls to your previous owners.

ANOTHER BOXER COMES OUT ON TOP

To anyone who loves dogs, particularly Boxers, Solo was as beautiful as any other of her breed. To her owner, Joyce Lang, she was more than just beautiful dog in the world. She was a faithful friend and a beloved member of Joyce's family.

But not everyone thought so.

In 1982, in Burgess Hill, England, an anonymous letter arrived addressed to Solo, which said, "I think you are the ugliest dog I have ever seen."

Whoever wrote such hateful nonsense probably meant to upset Joyce and they succeeded. Letters continued to arrive with disgusting comments like, "Why don't you get your mistress to take you for a face lift?"

One letter even enclosed a paper bag which the idiot sender said should be placed over Solo's head.

When local newspapers heard the story, reporters rushed to Solo's defence, and wrote a story proclaiming her to be a most beautiful Boxer. She drummed up a lot of support among readers and she became a local hero.

Her new popularity among people living in this small town must have really upset the cowardly correspondent because the hate mail stopped coming.

Solo, you go girl!

More on Boxers

A Boxer called George was used in advertisements in the early 1990s and became so wel-known that he eventually had a fan club all to himself. George’s strange expressions appeared in ads for Coleman’s Mustard and eventually he became a household name and even made guest appearances at public functions and schools.

Boxer Zoe’s owner, Cathy Walker, in the UK, was told by a medium that she is surrounded by all the pets she had lost. That certainly seems true of Zoe, a tan and white Boxer bitch who died several years ago, aged eleven. The Daily Mail of November 6th, 2001 printed an amazing photograph of the bark of a tree under which Zoe spent her last day, showing what can only be described as the image of a Boxer in the bark. Cathy said how she was a great believer in life after death and claimed the image of Zoe strengthened that belief.

What we know about the origins of most breeds, including the Boxer, is largely owed to early sculptures, painting and drawings. In the Boxer’s case, a carving of a dog looking much like a Boxer can be seen on a tomb in Arnstadt where lies Elizabeth of Hohenstein who died in 1368. Flemish tapestries from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries show dogs resembling the Boxer engaged in stag- and boar-hunting.

Boxer became very popular in Munich where the breed is thought to have originated. But the history of the breed has not been without controversy. In fact the first Boxer Club in the UK was closed because of disagreements over almost everything pertaining to Boxers. By 1905, however, the most enthusiastic followers of the German Boxer met to develop a standard for the Boxer which would be accepted by all. The Munich Boxer Club drew up the standard which exists largely unchanged even today.

The first Boxer dog in America was imported in 1903 from Switzerland. The new owner of the dog was New York Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals, Irving Lehman, who imported many other Boxers. The first Boxer dog registered with the American Kennel Club was in 1904. The dog was Arnulf Grandenz, bred in America by James Welch of Illinois.

The Boxer gained rapid popularity soon after the Second World War ended, ironically more prominently in countries formerly opposed in war with the Boxer’s most likely native home, Germany. Listen to what Rowland Johns says in Our Friend The Boxer: ‘The re-emergence of the Boxer breed has added proof that warring nations do not carry their antagonisms for long into the relations between them and other nations’ dogs. Both with the Alsatian and the Boxer their popularity derives directly from the contacts made during a state of war. In those two wars the adoption of both breeds by members of the British forces provided some personal satisfaction and uplift of the spirit in long periods of exile from home, family, and friends.’

The Boxer Legend

"In the beginning was the Creation, and on the Sixth Day, after the world and the heavens were made, God created the animals to inhabit it, in every possible variety for every possible purpose; and he created Man to have dominion over the animals.

But so that man should not be alone among the animals, He made one, Man's Best Friend - the Dog. And he made the dogs in many different forms so that every man could choose his favourite companion - large and small, tall and short, brown, black, white, spotted and striped, shaggy and smooth. And God saw that they were good. So good that he said, ' I will make one dog who is supreme, one above all other dogs, who shall have beauty, speed, strength and courage blended subtly with loyalty, nobility, watchfulness and friendliness.'

So he took soft clay and fashioned the ideal dog in the shape of a Boxer, except that, like other dogs, he had a long sensitive, elegant nose, the most beautiful of all dog noses. As he put it aside to harden, God was pleased and said, 'truly this is the perfect dog.'

Now although the Boxer had not hardened, he was in all other aspects complete, and he heard what God said about him, which made him very proud. Therefore, as he went his way, he said, 'I am the perfect dog, because I heard God say so. Look at me and you must admit that I am a better dog than you.'

The little dogs agreed at once; the medium dogs were not so sure but were not prepared to argue with him; but the large dogs were decidedly annoyed, for were they not bigger and stronger than the Boxer? They said as much, taunting the Boxer for his size, until in a rage the Boxer hurled himself upon the largest of them.

But alas! He had forgotten that he was still soft, and his beautiful nose, the symmetrical perfection of all noses, was squashed flat, his smooth face was all wrinkled and when he saw this he was very worried.

Then God, who had seen all that had taken place, smiled, and said, 'Because you are my favourite, you shall have only the punishment you have made for yourself. For all time you must wear your face as you have made it this day.'

That this is true cannot be doubted, because to this day, the Boxer meets all small dogs with courtesy and will not harm them; but he has not forgotten the large dogs, and if provoked, will still hurl himself upon them."

BOXER SHORTS: I ♥

making my humans laugh when spitbubbles drip from my lips
Mama, Papa and Daniel... they're my A-team
finding sticks during my walks and proudly carrying them home.
jumping out of the bathtub when Mama is bathing me
chewing up expensive pillows
my Angus burgers
stealing the cats' food when they're not looking. I'm a real monkey!
playing with forbidden things - oven mitts, Mama's bra, Papa's socks. I just love flinging them around.
going to dog shows
turning door knobs with my paws to make my escape
making my human face because Mama comes and hugs me every time
stealing balls out of back yards
Happy Hour at the dogpark. That's really living at the edge !!
when Mama's cooking - I get to eat the crumbs
unravelling the toilet paper when no one's watching. Wheee !
all the attention from the girls in Papa's office
riding in the cool pick-up
my squeaky toy - Papa hates it but I looove it
my very own comfy couch in the den - with pillows !
looking at bugs and birds in the garden
sleeping on Mama's and Papa's king-size and hogging the quilt ... NOT their favourite thing
playing fetch in the hallway
playing with all my best friends, Audrey, Steak, Oakley and Sam

A Dog's Soul

Every dog must have a soul, somewhere deep inside,
Where all his hurts and grievances are buried with his pride.
Where he decides the good and bad, the wrong way from the right.
And where his judgement carefully is hidden from our sight.

A dog must have a secret place where every thought resides,
A sort of close acquaintance that he trusts in and confides.
And when accused unjustly, for himself he cannot speak.
Rebuked, he finds within his soul the comfort he must seek.

He'll love, 'tho he's unloved, and he'll serve 'tho badly used.
But one kind word will wipe away the times he's been abused. Al'tho his heart may break in two, his love will still be whole
Because God gave to every dog an understanding soul.

- Author unknown

Sleeping with my humans

From the South Florida Boxer Rescue Corp.

The Boxer is rightfully known to many as the ideal family dog. A trustworthy temperament paired with a love for children matched by no other easily place him in AKC's top 10 .

Those who love the breed know them to be exuberant, loyal and loving companions. They are NOT, however, the ideal breed for everyone. The same qualities and characteristics that endear them to those who love them may make them unsuitable for some households.

To those who are considering owning a Boxer, we offer the following information - not to discourage potential loving owners, but to help them in making the right decision.

Owning a Boxer is pure joy - adoptiong one demands a true commitment to the physical and emotional health of the dog.
I was once told, " If you don't truly love dogs don't get a boxer." This is so true. Boxers are an in-your-face breed who crave your attention and love to share your affection.

One of the main characteristics that must be taken into account when considering a Boxer is the high energy level common to the breed. Boxers are lively, active dogs. The proper balance of rest and exercise is essential. Having two makes it much easier. They tire eachother out and you have two well-behaved Boxers sleeping on your couch. A tired Boxer is a good Boxer!

Boxers are extremely people-oriented and have a great need for human companionship - another reason why they make wonderful candidates for Service and Therapy Work.

Boxers are easily bored and and love to be kept busy. They are also house dogs. While they do enjoy regular play and exercise outdoors they are not suited for outside living. Their short coats cannot protect them from long exposure to cold temperatures and their short muzzles make them susceptible to extreme heat. White boxers also sunburn easily and require sunscreen.

The Boxer is a natural guardian of his home.

As with any breed, obedience training is essential for a well-mannered, disciplined companion. Boxers are an intelligent breed. It is important to remember that an intelligent dog can devise more ways of getting into trouble than a dull one. Boxers must be trained in a firm but fair manner - they do not respond well to (or deserve) harsh treatment. Always make training fun and they will be eager to learn.

The Boxer's short, tight coat requires little grooming. Like most breeds, however, they do shed, particularly in spring and fall. The degree of shedding varies with the individual. The oils in a Boxers coat are different than many other breeds and they often avoid that "doggy" odor.

Boxers with large or loose lips may drool. Usually this is only with a special treat or after a drink in the water bowl. They may also snore. This varies with the idividual. Some only snore in a deep slumber and other snore just laying down.

On the rather delicate subject of flatulence the Boxer's digestion is sometimes less than perfect. Even when fed a high-quality food some have rather frequent and noxious episodes of passing gas. This varies with the individual and may not occur at all. ( Just don't say you weren't warned. )

BOXERDOGBLOG ~ What's cookin' with Chef ?

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Rapped by my buddy, Beasley

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On-line petition to end animal cruelty in China

One Voice Petition to end cruelty to animals in China

History of the Boxer

First Boxer Exhibition, held in Munich, Germany, l895

89th Best Dog in Canada

Championship /July 07

Boxer Club of Canada / Champion's Plaque, 2007

Best in Breed, Third in Group, Hochelaga Kennel Club, St. Lazare, Quebec, May 09

Group 4, two Best in Breed, Le Mouvement Canin Québécois, Quebec City, Oct. 08

First AKC ribbons, Vermont, July 08

Best in Group, St. Francis Kennel & Obedience Club, Brome, Que., June 08

Two Best of Breed, a Best in Group, Brome, Que., June 08

Third in Group, Iberville, Que., Club Canin Rive Sud, April 08

Third in Group, Club Canin Rive-Sud, Iberville, April 08

Chef's Championship certificate

Best in Breed, Club Canin Rive-Sud, Iberville, April 08

Best Puppy in Group, Chateauguay Valley Kennel Club, 07

Best of Breed, Cornwall District Kennel Club, 07

Best of Breed & Best in Group, United Kennel Club show, Montreal, Nov. /08

Best of Breed & 4th in Group, United Kennel Club show, Montreal, Nov. /08

AKC, Inludes Best of Breed, Glenns Falls, NY, Jan. 09

AKC: Includes Best of Breed, Vermont, June 09

Best of Breeds, Group 2s, St. Lazar, Brome & Ormstown, June/July 09

Best of Breed, Kingston, Ont., July 09

AKC: Finger Lakes, NY, Includes Best of Winners. Sept. 09

Some of Chef's other ribbons

Chef's most coveted ribbon

DOG BYTES - Who's in the News ?

BOXER ADOPTS A KID

Billy and the Kid

BOXER CAN VOTE

Charlie and his ballot

DOGGONIT. MY TRUCK'S MISSING

BRANDY'S L-O-N-G-T-O-N-G-U-E

REJECTED BOXER BECOMES A FAVOURITE

ANOTHER BOXER COMES OUT ON TOP

BOXER HAS HIS OWN FAN CLUB

More on Boxers

Check out Lolboxers, an amazing site that Bella and Bruno's mom, Carmen has put up.

The Boxer Legend

BOXER SHORTS: I ♥

Canadian Kennel Club

Canadian Kennel Club - Boxer standards

United Kennel Club - Montreal

United Kennel Club - Montreal

American Kennel Club

American Kennel Club

AKC Breed Standards

Boxer Club of Canada

Boxer Club of Canada -breed standards

Dog Channel.com

Canadian dog shows - conformation

Wikipedia - see Politics in showing