What is a Silver Boxer?
Boxers over the age of 7 are referred to as “Silver” Boxers because of the silver or gray hair that often appears on their muzzles and the rest of their bodies.
Silver Boxers are very majestic and beautiful. Many Boxers over the age of 7 end up in shelters or rescue programs, because their owners choose to no longer care for them or would rather have that new, cute puppy. These dogs don’t have much of a chance at adoption–competing against younger, rambunctious Boxers, who don’t have a gray hair to be found!!
Remember, these dogs were once young too, and now they need help retaining their dignity in their old age!
Silver Boxers deserve to live out their lives with families who care about them. With today’s medical advances, Boxers can live past their life expectancy of 10-12 years! If you are an individual who doesn’t care to go through puppy proofing your house and the potty training bit–consider an older Boxer. They are calm, loving, and quiet. They deserve a family to love, and who will love them in return. Consider adopting an older adult Boxer, and show him he was worth saving.
Don’t be fooled! Some Boxers have gray hair on their muzzles at age 2 or 3 yrs! So, be careful and don’t assume a dog is “too old” if you see the gray…
If you wish to read a lovely tribute to a very special Boxer boy by the name of Bo, please read My Best Friend Adopted Me.
Benefits of sharing your life with an adult Boxer.
- Older Boxers are usually potty trained!
- Older Boxers usually have some basic background in obedience, and often know the commands: “sit,” “stay,” “come,” “heel,” etc…
- Adult Boxers are more calm and well-mannered than their adolescent counterparts! They still enjoy play and need exercise on a daily basis, but lack the “Energizer Bunny” energy of a younger dog.
- With an older Boxer, there is no guesswork involved with what they will look like or act like as an adult Boxer, because they already are adults!
- Older Boxers seldom will “chew” as they are past the teething stage. Many will not even jump up on people and are perfectly content to be a couch potato.
- They are also extremely appreciative of love and attention; and seem to be grateful for the opportunity of adoption.
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks…right?
Wrong! The old saying, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is completely untrue, especially when you’re talking about a Boxer! Many people erroneously think older dogs are “set in their ways” and that the new guardian would not be able to train or “break habits.” This is false. The Boxer dog LOVES his human, and aims to please! They are loyal dogs who will knock themselves out to please and make their humans happy. A few kind words and a pat, hug or kiss, and that Boxer will jump through hoops for you!
Something to think about…
If you have an older pet please be responsible and keep that family member for his entire life, even when his health starts to deteriorate. Remember, you will be old someday too. Wouldn’t you want your family to give you the respect and dignity that you’ll deserve in your golden years? Show that same respect to your pet and repay his lifetime of loyalty to you, by standing by his side in his old age.
An Old Dog’s Prayer
One by one, they pass by my cage,
Too old, too worn, too broken, no way.
Way past his time, he can’t run and play.
Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way.
A little old man, arthritic and sore,
It seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed.
Now my muzzle is gray, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn’t belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.
Whatever excuse they made in their head,
Can’t justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
The younger dogs get adopted away.
When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw my face, and I finally had hope.
You saw thru the gray, and the legs bent with age,
And felt I still had life beyond this cage.
You took me home, gave me food and a bed,
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.
I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.
And I promise to return all the love I can give,
To you, my dear person, as long as I live.
I may be with you for a week, or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.
And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the person who made my last days so dear.
~Author Unknown~
