Why should you follow this blog? What makes it unique? Well that is an excellent set of questions. We try to post some fun stuff on the blog and lots of pictures of Lucy (the title character of the blog) and an occasional video or two. We write about things that matter to dog lovers and especially boxer dog lovers. So, here are the details of who Lucy the White Boxer Dog is...

Lucy the white boxer dog has been in our family for a little over six years now. She is not truly white but rather what is referred to as a "check boxer" due to her spots. She is not an albino! She has brown eyes and splashes of black on her in addition to her spots. She is a full blooded boxer. She is also extremely healthy with the exception of having a sensitive stomach.

Want to learn more about Lucy and the things we write about her, follow her blog. Better yet, check out some of the older posts. There is a lot of information on the care of boxers and dogs in general... We look forward to see your comments on some of the posts... Happy blogging to all!


Wednesday, March 11, 2009

My Digital Camara


As many of you have probably guessed, I love to take pictures, and my favorite characters are my pet Lucy and my family. In the old days I use to shoot a lot of film in my old Nikon F1 SLR. I mostly shot black and white film and then would have it converted to digital media in order to send the pictures to friends and family or post them to a blog or website. Well over the past year I decided to bite the bullet and buy a digital SLR. This saves me time and money on developing film and gas for the Mini.

When I first started researching digital SLRs I was stunned at the variety of camera's on the market. And believe me,today, there are varieties of digital cameras to choose from! Whether you shop either at the department store or online stores, you will see lots of them. I caution you, different digital cameras offer different features and capabilities. This is the reason why choosing one is getting more and more difficult. Once you see what each have to offer, you will obviously have a hard time deciding which one to buy. This happened to me!

One of the usual mistakes that people commit when buying their own digital SLR camera is to be enticed by what the advertising mediums have to say about them. By the time they own that camera, they will realize that they are not as good as they first thought. At this point it is too late to return it and opt for another kind.

Keep in mind that getting a digital SLR camera should take a lot of consideration. Just like buying a car, you have to consider all aspects since this is one thing that you want to work well and would want to have for a long time.

Below are some of the things that will aid you in your decision making process before buying a digital photography camera of any kind?

1. The cost.

Ok, so you want the latest Canon digital camera out in the market (I prefer Nikon, but it's your choice). But are you ready to shed the needed amount of money for it?

Cost is a big factor when buying a digital SLR camera. It is obvious that the best camera comes with a price. And your budget may not exactly encompass its high cost. The entry level Canon Rebel Digital SLR will set you back somewhere around $600+.

This is not saying that cheap ones are not as good. There are those that you can get for a reasonable price and still works just as well as an expensive one. You need to shop around for the best deal first before you decide on one. Better yet, maybe you can save up on that expensive camera that you wanted all along. This also gives you the opportunity to research the software features the various digital cameras offer. The software package can make a lot of difference in you satisfaction with the camera.

2. The purpose.

Will you be using the camera to shot your family members? Or are you planning to shoot some good photos worthy of a professional?

By knowing what use your digital camera will have, it will be easier to determine the type of digital camera to buy. If you buy a simple one that can be used at home, you will not get the capabilities that you need if you plan on taking really good photographic pictures. On the other hand, it would be a waste of your money if you have the latest digital camera only to be used for personal photos at home.

3. The durability.

Since digital cameras are more expensive than the conventional film cameras, you definitely would want something that will stay durable for a long time. You want something that will last even through rough handling and seasons. (My old Nikon F1 has been in my family for over 25 years. I hope my new digital SLR lasts that long?)

If you happen to purchase a typical digital camera you may want to buy some accessories to protect it from scratches and damage. It is best however to get one that is known to have a good quality and durability. Nikon and Canon are both known as rock solid cameras. But they are two very different SLRs. My Nikon has the auto-focus feature in the lens where the Canons are body driven focused camera. The one draw back to having a body focused camera is when the auto-focus fails, you either have to have the whole camera fixed or repaired as opposed to just replacing the AF lens on the Nikon.

Get the best value out of the money that you will pay for a digital photography camera. Think hard about these important factors first so you will get it right the first time.

Ok, now it's time to tell you which camera I bought and why? I ended up buying the Nikon D-40 complete kit. The reasons are simple, my last Nikon has lasted me most of my adult life. The Nikon D-40 met my budget and has a superior camera body along with a super software package. It also handles much like my old Nikon and I can shoot the camera with all of my old lenses I have bought over the year, in manual mode on the camera of course! I also did a lot of research on the camera. The only negative about the Nikon compared the Canon is the pixels count. The Nikon only has 6.1 mega pixels compared to the Canons 10.0. But I'm not shooting professionally and I trust Nikon! The Nikon, in my opinion has a better software package and comes with everything you need to integrate with you computer. Any questions?

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Tips For Training Your Boxer


Although there are many training tips for Boxers, chewing is the most common. Boxer puppies love to chew, and will chew anything they can get (Lucy chewed the bottom cushion of two very expensive wing-backed chairs as a pup-ripped them to shreds as a matter of fact!). Although chew toys are preferred, there is a way that you can help your Boxer fulfill her natural instinct to chew, and help her to ease the pain of teething as well. This is what we did to help out with Lucy's problem...

To start, simply fill an old sock you have with several ice cubes. Next, put a knot in the sock and place the sock with the cubes in the freezer. When your puppy starts to chew on things, simply give her the sock. You can keep several socks with ice in it in your freezer if you want, so your puppy will always have a chew toy. Although this is great to use, you should never leave your dog alone with the sock. She could end up chewing the sock and swallowing pieces of it, which could lead to very serious health problems.

Leashes
During leash training, a lot of people prefer to attach the leash to the Boxer then drag him in the direction they want him to go. This isn’t the best way to train, as it often sends the wrong signal to the puppy. Instead, you should first get your Boxer puppy used to the collar and the leash. You can do this by putting his collar and leash on inside the house or outside in a fenced in area, so that she can walk around and move about freely with the leash on, dragging it alongside her. I actually prefer a harness to a collar, but use what you have available.

Once you have given her some time, pick the leash up, then start calling her to you. Once she comes over to you, start praising her for it, so she knows that she is on the right track. Always be patient when leash training, as it will take some time for her to get used to it. If you continue to praise her when he is doing it right and continue giving her time to get used to the leash, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Digging around
Digging is something that Boxers love, as it is essential to their nature. Digging can be somewhat frustrating if you don’t give your Boxer an area to herself, as she will dig holes in your yard. If you keep your Boxer indoors, she may try to dig in the floor, on the couch, or on the bed. Digging is part of their nature, and you should never punish a Boxer for digging. I think this was also part of Lucy's ordeal with the wing-back chairs!

To help her fill this need, you should give her an area to dig in. You can get her a kiddie pool or sandbox, filling it with either soil or sand. Then, try burying a treat or toy in inside, so your Boxer will dig to get it out. Once she learns this is where she should dig, she will more than likely head to that area when she has the need to dig. Later on, when she becomes a bit older, you should invest in obedience training classes that will help her to get her digging habits under control.

The above tips can help a great deal when training your Boxer puppy. Boxer’s are great dogs, although you’ll need to have a bit of patience with them. I'd actually say that Boxer's require an Alpha type owner. Even though they are very smart dogs, it may take them time to learn. Once they start learning however - they will become an integral part of your family that you couldn’t begin to live without. I just don't know what we would do without our Lucy!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Eye and Heart Disease


Eye disease is very common with Boxers. Most Boxer’s will generally have hereditary cataracts, which is a common eye problem. At an early age, with affected Boxer’s, one type of hereditary cataract will appear. Even though it may not cause interference with the vision of the Boxer, some dogs will progress into total and quite possibly severe loss of vision. White Boxers are especially sensitive to eye and ear deceases. It is said that approximately 18% of all White Boxers are born deaf or have some type of eye problems.

Sometimes, Boxers can get affected by non hereditary cataracts, although an examination by a board certified veterinarian can determine just how bad the cataracts really are. If cataracts are indeed suspected with a Boxer, then breeding won’t be recommended. Breeding a Boxer who has this condition can lead to serious problems, such as passing it on to the pups. Under no circumstance should you breed two White Boxers. It is probably best that you have any White Boxer spayed or neutered as a pup.

The White or Check Boxer breeds have been known to carry genes for CPRA (Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy), which affects the retina, and can result in permanent blindness for Boxer’s at a young age. There are other types of eye defects as well, such as retinal dysplasia, which prevents a Boxer from breeding.

Trouble with both the eyelid and eyelashes are also a possibility with Boxers, with some being the result of hereditary factors. The eyelids rotating in or out or the eyelashes rubbing on or in the eye are both common problems with the breed. Even though surgery can help to fix these types of problems, dogs that are experiencing this type of problem shouldn’t be allowed to breed nor compete in shows under any type of AKC rules.

You should always have your Boxer checked annually for eye disease, as it can develop during any age. When you take your Boxer to have her examined for eye disease, you should have a veterinary ophthalmologist do the exam. He has all of the necessary equipment, and the proper training needed to make sure that your dog gets the best examination possible.

Heart disease
SAS (Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis) is the most common and widespread form of heart disease within the entire Boxer species. Before you breed your Boxer, you should always have him examined for heart disease by a certified veterinary cardiologist. If the cardiologist detects a heart murmur, he will recommend additional tests for your dog.

In the event that the results prove negative, it doesn’t necessarily rule heart disease out, as some milder forms may still be present, although undetectable. If a Boxer is diagnosed to have any type of heart disease, he should not breed. Breeding Boxers who have heart disease can lead to serious and sometimes fatal results. To be on the safe side, you should always have your Boxer tested for heart disease before you plan on breeding.

Another safe guard for all dogs, not just Boxers, is to maintain regular checkups with the vet and have your dog examined and treated for heartworm. This is a totally preventable condition with regular treatment of heartworm medication. Don’t let your best friend fall victim to this preventable condition!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Just had to show off this picture...



Hey everyone, I know this blog is about Lucy, our boxer dog but I just had to show off a picture of one of Lucy's best friends. Our grand daughter Sophie just got a new bow and she thinks it's real cool! Here are a couple pictures of her discovering how cool it is to be a little girl...

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Crazy times...


Wow, what busy times these are for us! It looks like Lucy will be getting a new doghouse. Yes, we are moving and we are getting close to our move date. Once we get settled into our new place, I'll get busy updating this blog on our new adventures. We are looking forward to this move for several reasons but I won't bore anyone with the details. Just note the lack of postings is largely due to our pending move. Happy blogging to all!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Consider Adopting An Older Boxer!


Those of you who want a Boxer but aren’t ready to go through the trials and tribulations of a puppy, should look into adopting an older Boxer. Older Boxers are mature, and prove to be great in homes where they need to spend a quality amount of time by themselves. They are a very adjustable breed, being good tempered. No matter how old the Boxer may be, he will quickly become a valued member of your family in little to no time at all.

Many times, breeders will have older dogs for sale. There are several reasons for this, which include show dogs that have lost their potential, studs that have been used for breeding, female Boxer’s that have been bred a few times then retired, or other types of special conditions where a breeder is helping a friend get rid of his Boxer. There are other reasons as well, although whatever they may be - the adult Boxer will be available for anyone who wants him.

Most older Boxers are already housebroken, and known a lot of behavior patterns and how to adapt to a new and loving family. Although it will be a little hard on your new dog at first, if you give him plenty of love, attention, and patience, he’ll be just fine. You need to keep reassuring your new Boxer on a regular basis, and let him know that you are his new owner and that you love him and you are glad he’s a member of your family.

If you have been thinking of adopting an older Boxer, you should make sure that you learn everything you can about him. You should also determine his temperament, and whether or not it’s compatible with your family. You should also learn important things as well, such as his diet, likes, dislikes, daily routine, and his habits. Before you decide to take him, you should always make sure that the members of your family meet him as well, so you can talk it over and decide whether or not everyone wants the dog to be a member of your family.

With an older dog, you need to take care of him for the first days, and let him know where everything in your home is. You’ll need to show him where he sleeps, where he should use the bathroom, and where his food is. Take your time and be patient with him, as it will normally take him a few days to learn how things in your home work.

You should always give your new Boxer at least a month or so to get used to his new environment, before you start his new obedience training. Even though your new dog may have some prior obedience training, you should still enroll him in a new class. This way, he can brush up on training and you can work with him to help him understand. Once you have finished training, he’ll understand your commands better and you and him will get along just fine.

All Boxers, regardless of their age, love attention. Older Boxer’s on the other hand, may have medical problems that you aren’t aware of. You shouldn’t let this stop you from getting one though, simply because the rewards that you’ll find are far greater than any cons that may come to mind. Although many people don’t give a lot of thought to getting an older Boxer- they are perfect for families who don’t want to put up the time and troubles of raising a puppy.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Studing the Paranormal?


I've been watching a show this year called "Ghost Hunters" or "TAPS" allot! So, you know what I've been doing in my spare time! Well, I just found a really good ebook on the subject Click Here! . It's a good read! I've actually learned more on the subject than I actually wanted to know! I put the link in because I felt I had to share this with someone. The price of the book is somewhere around 15 dollars and I think it is well worth it. You'll have to read the splash page for yourself and make your own determination but I found it to be very interesting.

I was never a person to believe in ghosts or haunting spirits until I started watching the show on the Sci-Fi channel. I've seen and heard some things that just make me go- hum! I know this is totally off the topic of my dog Lucy but hey, who doesn't want to know more about the paranormal. Besides, Lucy watches the show with me!

I hope you enjoy the book if you decide to buy it! It doesn't hold any punches back good or bad... The thing I like is the fact that it defines all the different types of paranormal activity which makes watching the shows a lot more enjoyable!

Monday, December 29, 2008

Traveling With Your Boxer


Boxers love to be included in family activities, which includes take rides in the car and traveling. They love attention, and love for you to treat them just like they are a member of your family. When you first get your Boxer puppy, you’ll have to teach her how to enjoy car rides and traveling, so she can come to appreciate it more as she gets older.

When you decide to take her traveling for the first time, you should always give her food in small amounts throughout the day, while she adjusts to traveling. If you feed her a lot of food before you head out, she may get sick in the car and have an accident. By reducing the amount of food that she consumes, she’ll be much more in control of her bladder and herself.

When you are traveling, always plan to make frequent rest stops and allow your Boxer time to relieve herself. You should also take some time to exercise her and yourself as well, stopping every few hours for bathroom breaks and exercise. Boxers will hold themselves if they need to, although it isn’t good for them. No matter how far you travel, you should always be kind to your dog and stop every so often to let her have some time.

A common mistake that many have made, and one you should avoid at all costs, is letting your Boxer ride in a moving vehicle with her head out the window. Although you may think this is a good idea, your Boxer can easily get an eye, ear, or nose injury. Cars and trucks move at very fast speeds, and something can pop up when you least expect it and do serious damage to your dog.

When you stop for a break or to fill up your car, you should never allow your Boxer to be alone in the car with the windows up. Even though you may crack the windows for her, the heat of summer can result in a heat stroke if you aren’t careful. If your dog does get a heatstroke from being locked up in a hot car, she can easily die before you are able to return to the car. If you simply must leave your dog in the car, make sure that you park in the shade and give her plenty of air.

As long as you do your part and take care of your Boxer when you travel, she will love to travel with you. Traveling is something that your Boxer needs to get used to, although most adapt to it fairly quick! Once you have taken your dog traveling with you, she will know when it’s time to travel and eventually learn to tell you when you need to stop so she can use the bathroom.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Socializing your Boxer...

Socializing your Boxer is very important. As you may already know, all dog breeds behave different in front of strangers, with some dogs choosing to ignore people altogether. They may choose to glance at someone, then go on to pay no attention to him. On the other hand, some dogs are the total opposite and love to meet everyone they can. These types of dogs love attention, and will take any attention they can get.

Some Boxers are happy with those they have come to know in their own family, or those they have selected to be friends. Others on the other hand, may feel comfortable just around those of the same sex. Most Boxers like children, although there are a few rare cases in which certain types of Boxer like adults but not children. This is extremely rare, and is normally due to the way they were bred or raised.

When your puppy is between the ages of 8 weeks and 8 months, socializing him is extremely important. During this time, you should always do everything you can to ensure that your Boxer meets other people. Although he may be shy at first and not have much interaction, he will eventually come around. You will need to be patient with him during these times, as he will need quite a bit of reassurance from you.

Your dog’s parents also contribute to socialization. If the parents of your Boxer were good with people and other dogs, the gene could very well be passed on to your dog. On the other hand, if the parents were shy or aggressive dogs, those genes could be passed on as well. Pups inherit the traits of their parents ,which is why it is very important to make sure that the dogs being bred are compatible with each other - and share a passive temperament.

If your puppy was separated from his mother before he reached the age of seven weeks, he won’t learn many of the social signals taught to him by his mom and his siblings. Boxer pups that are brought to a new home earlier than seven weeks will normally tend to end up nippy or aggressive around people. Although they may be aggressive towards people, they may be shy or fearful around other dogs, as they lack the social skills needed to be themselves.

Sometimes, if a puppy was injured or frightened during his early years, he can end up with a state of trauma. This type of thing leaves a huge scar in the mind of a puppy, making it very hard for him to get past it. Most Boxer pups that have been injured or frightened by an individual never get past it. They may end up fearing humans in general, or being very aggressive towards them when they feel frightened. When you take your puppy home for the first time, you should always make him feel welcomed, and never let anyone or anything harm him.

To better socialize your Boxer, you should always make sure that he gets plenty of interaction with other people and other dogs in his breed. This way, your Boxer will learn how to socialize at any early age. When he gets older in life, he will carry these skills with him. Boxers that are sheltered or not given the proper amount of interaction will turn out shy towards people and other dogs. With your Boxer being your companion for life - you should always ensure that he gets the socialization he needs.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

I'm thinking about a ski vacation...

I've been thinking of a ski vacation and I wanted to share some of my
thoughts on the issue with you.

When you start thinking about ski vacations, you will find a lot of information about various resorts and packages. Finding terrific vacation spots isn't difficult,
however, finding ski vacations that fit into your budget can be a challenge.

To save money, look for lesser known resorts. This doesn’t mean that these resorts won’t provide you with a fun vacation – it simply means that they aren’t
quite as well known as other resorts, and therefore, the prices may be a great deal cheaper. Also look for ski vacation packages that will include your lodging, lift
tickets, lessons, rentals, and possibly even some meals.

Be willing to make some sacrifices if money is a real issue. For instance, instead of eating in an expensive restaurant each night, eat cheaper fast food, or make
sandwiches in your room. Borrow equipment from friends instead of renting it. Join a group for lessons instead of taking private lessons. Don’t stay at a
lodge, stay at a motel farther away from the slopes if necessary. There are numerous ways that you can cut down on the expense of your ski trip. It is all about
the powder after all!

One more thought in the process is bringing that favorite pet on the vacation with you. This is sometimes impractical unless you are driving and you use pet friendly accommodations. I really like taking Lucy on all my vacations whenever possible. Sometimes this is a limiting factor as to where we stay... Now where to go this year?

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Bedding for your Boxer

Bedding for your Boxer is very important, as this is where he/she will be spending quite a bit of time - especially at night. The ideal bedding for your Boxer should be a natural fiber, such as wool, as wool absorbs most moisture and will keep your companion warm. Where to get your blanket, you can try thrift stores, as they aren’t very expensive. You don’t want to buy an expensive blanket, for the fact that Boxers have been known to chew as a puppy. They can chew or tear the blanket in no time at all, which would make an expensive blanket a waste of money. Boxers are full of energy!

When bringing your Boxer puppy home, he may be a little upset having to leave his mom and the others of his litter. The scents and memories that he's come to know and love are now being replaced with totally new ones. If you provide a towel for your Boxer to sleep with, it may help to ease him a bit. Towels are a great way to remind puppies of their mom and their litter, which will help them to sleep and relax.

If you are planning to have your Boxer sleep with you, you should be ready to get up in the middle of the night and take him outside to use the bathroom. You should keep his food and water near his bedding at all times, so if he gets hungry or thirsty he can get what he needs. Then, you should plan on taking him out around an hour or so after he has eaten.

If you plan to leave your Boxer outdoors, you’ll obviously need to use a different style of bedding. Lucy never stays outdoors! Doghouses are essential for any dogs who stay outdoors, as it helps to keep them warm and free of weather. Inside of the doghouse on the other hand, most people tend to use straw so the dog can make a bed out of it. You can also use a blanket or quilt as well, so that your dog can wrap himself up in it should he get cold.

You can also use wooden shavings, as most dogs tend to like them. Newspapers work good as well, as they give your dog something to lay on besides a wooden floor. Although doghouses work great for outdoor dogs, you should take your dog for walks on a daily basis and let him join you in activities that he finds enjoyable. This way, you can build a unique and lasting friendship with your pet. Boxers can quickly become the best friend you've ever had - as long as you take care of them. Making sure that they have the proper bedding is a great place to start.

For a great selection of beds for you dog click here!

Monday, November 24, 2008

One more picture


I just had to post this picture of our family in Memphis. It's a picture of Terri and I with of course Lucy. Lucy is actually looking at the camera in this one. We had a great time hiking the camera and tripod into the area we took the picture in. The nice thing about this time of the year here in Tennessee is you don't have to worry about snakes. I hate snakes!!! But I really like the area down by this creek! The background was super for a picture!

It's cold in Tennessee


As you may well know, it's late fall here in Memphis and the weather has turn cold and wet for the most part. As a result, Lucy received an early Christmas present in the form of a new coat to wear on her walks in the weather. Take a look, she actually loves the thing. We let her sleep in it the other night just because she wouldn't let us take it off her. What a crazy dog! Boxers are almost human when comes to heat and cold tolerance. This dog really likes her comforts!!! We picked up her new coat over at Pet Smart for around $25.00, we thought we got a good buy. All we really know is Lucy loves the coat!!! I'll try to post some video of her prancing around in it when I get a chance.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Surgery and Recovery

Wow, I did not think that it would take me this long to recover from what I thought would be a quick surgical procedure and an even quicker recovery. I won't go into the details of the surgery but rest assured that it has not been a pleasant experience. The supposedly low pain procedure has turned into quite an ordeal. I take two steps forward and one back in recovering. Doctors like to push the pain meds as well. Most of the time I don't even like taking aspirin. Some of the pain meds that I've taken over the last couple of weeks would put most people on cloud nine. I've been trying to work during this recovery period but I have found it to be most difficult! Maybe tomorrow I feel better...Until tomorrow!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Hey everyone

Sorry about not updating the blog lately. I'm coming off my second operation in two months and my re-coupe hasn't been as quick as I'd like. The doctor wants me to do lots of walking and less setting at my computer for the next few weeks and I must comply. Just thought I'd take a moment to explain the lack of postings. Give me a couple weeks and we'll get all my sites back up to full strength. I hope and pray that everyone that reads my blogs is in good health and spirit. I know what it is like to be down. My constant side kick Lucy is doing well. She just has this gentleness about her every time I return home from the hospital. It's like she knows when I'm not feeling particularly well and adjusts to the role of spirit keeper. She sure brightens my days lately with her gentle, kind and entertaining ways. People can learn a lot from their pets.

See you in a bit! Good blogging to all...