Hi everyone!

Dixie is doing pretty good at the moment. She still has a good appetite and doesn't appear to be in any kind of pain. I think she is a very smart girl...because I am positive she knows what is happening and she wants to make the most out of what time she has.
When we are outside...she will stare at our house for five to ten minutes at a time and never move. She will watch the clouds in the sky. She seems to be tying to take in everything and burn it into her memory.
Sometimes she looks like she is lost or blankly staring at things (I am guessing from what I have read that part of that may be side effects of the Prednisone)
She still wags her little nub uncontrollably when I come home from work and comes to get her Good Morning hug and kiss. She is continuing to eat well at this point.
I was off from work on Friday and Saturday night...so Dixie, Brittany (hubby's boxer) and I, had pajama parites both nights. We played, had snacks, shared lots of hugs and kisses, then piled blankets and pillows on the floor and all slept together. Dixie hugged up close to me while we slept....something I will always cherish...because until now, she has never liked for me to lay down on the floor with her...she would bark and try to push me up. But now, it is as if she wants and needs that extra time together.
We went for a long drive in the country Sunday afternoon. She loves to go riding and seemed to enjoy it immensely. Then we came home, spread out a blanket and took a little nap.
I have really tried hard to be brave in front of her, but when I am at work at night, the flood gates seem to open. My head hurts so bad and I feel like I can't breath, I just can't hold it in any longer and the tears start to flow. Luckily, I work in an area where I am alone most of the time, so I work and cry, work and cry. Then I put the happy smile back on before I get home.
I love her so much....I wish there was something I could do that would give her years and years of time with me, but I know time is running out.

I have been doing a little research, trying to find a good breeder. I would like to have another boxer girl...not to replace Dixie...that isn't possible. But rather to honor her and the breed that I have come to love so dearly.
I think Dixie would like for me to have another 'friend' to love and spoil.
I don't know if it will ever be possible to love one as much as I do Dixie, but I would really like to try and make Dixie proud.

Has anyone got any tips on finding a good breeder? I have contacted a couple, filled out applications wanting to know my life history, and agreed to home visits if they wish. They are HOURS away from me, but I would gladly make the drive.
One of the breeders, hasn't told me the cost yet :dunno:
The other sounds kind of high...I don't want to Show, or to Breed, just a companion boxer. Which I explained to both breeders.

Anyone have any ideas as to the average cost from a breeder...at least a ballpark figure?

I love Dixie and would never trade a minute of the time I have had with her. But she came from what most people call a 'backyard breeder' and she has had so many health issues.
I thought going through a good breeder may be the better way to go.

Any advice?

Thanks so much!!

Jeanne,

I can't help you with a breeder, but I just wanted to comment on how special this post is. You brought back many memories for me and the time that was spent with Roxy. I did exactly as you did, I shed my tears at work, on the phone with a friend, but never in front of Roxy. We were very fortunate in bringing Sting home 3 weeks before Roxy left us. I honestly feel that Roxy knew we had a new boxer in our lives and we would be OK. Bringing a new puppy home is a tribute to the ones we love, never a replacement.

My wish for you and Dixie is many more happy days together.

Thank you so much for your kind words. It means more than I can say!

Jeanne,

I'm glad that you are getting to spend some very special time with Dixie, and that she seems to be feeling well. I do want to assure you that there is little to no actual pain with lymphoma. When the nodes are swollen, there can be discomfort...but they don't actually "hurt", which was important to me when we went through this with Bear. Big hugs on the tears.

Here is a list of breeders

And here is a link that describes how to decipher breeder websites

If there is anything I can do to help you find someone in your area, please let me know.

I am of no help with breeders but wanted you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you.Such a difficult time- store up the memories- you'll always have them.

Diana,

Dixie is in my prayers & thoughts.

Have you considered adopting from a rescue? I tried for months to search for a good breeder but I refuse to pay $2500 for a dog. There are so many wonderful dogs in shelters looking for good homes.

I wish you the best of luck.

I'm glad you are living your life with Dixie with no regrets. Enjoy every minute you can with her.

- Krysten