By Susan Spisak
Second Chance Boxer Rescue, SCBR, was incorporated in New York in 2000. Before that date, they were Rochester Boxer Rescue and Maine Boxer Rescue. They are an independent nonprofit and are volunteer and foster based. They rehome their dogs in Maine, New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Their Boxers and mixes thereof come to them as strays from shelters or are owner surrenders for reasons such as divorce, death, or financial hardships. Nora Cummings, SCBR board member and Maine resident, said the rescue world has its own “little network.” Thus, they hear of needy Boxers by word of mouth including puppy mill dogs and those who were abused or neglected.
“We’ve had several Beabulls,” added Nora. (They’re English Bulldog/Beagles.) And they’ll take other breeds if fosters are available. They used to be purebred only, but Nora acknowledged people’s stance on adopting a mixed Boxer or another breed is different. “I think that’s changed a lot,” she chuckled, adding they likely aren’t adopting for breeding purposes.
If you are thinking of a Boxer, understand their personality. They’re very family-oriented, love children, and can be playful. They’ll thrive with plenty of exercise, meaning daily walks or jogs, and participating in canine play groups. Boxers have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, and their coloring is often fawn or brindle. They are sensitive, don’t like to be left alone much, and while they tend to be strong-willed, they’re trainable.
They always can use more qualified foster homes across the states that they serve. If you have an interest and are approved, you’ll become a member of their foster email group. This is their support group where issues, questions, and successes are discussed.
Considering it? It’s gratifying to foster and help a rescued pet. Nora said SCBR covers all costs, meaning fosters are reimbursed for food, vetting, preventatives, and are provided with a crate. They’re responsible for taking their charge to a veterinarian for shots, tests, and spay/neuter. And depending on where the foster lives, there may be a vet partner nearby who’s worked with SCBR and understands their policies.
SCBR doesn’t subscribe to the foster-to-adopt method, she said. They’re aware that Boxers may be dealing with the trauma of losing a home, might not have perfect manners, and will require training and guidance by their new owner. Because their dogs often need an adjustment period, they offer much post-adoption support.
They have stringent adoption policies. There’s a phone interview, vet check, landlord references (if applicable), and a home visit. Many of their dogs are fostered in New York and Connecticut, and adopters must travel to pick up their new pet.
For information on available dogs, adoption, fostering, and volunteering applications, visit secondchanceboxer.com/. They welcome donations on their PayPal link on the website’s home page. SCBR often utilizes volunteer transports, moving their rescues on leg-to-leg freedom rides to their foster homes in the Northeastern states. Follow them on Facebook to see transportation needs at facebook.com/secondchanceboxerrescue.