Those cuties in the photo are Vesta (mom) and Venus (pup). They were rescued last week by Florida Boxer Rescue. Mom was used as a breeding machine. She was unable to deliver her last litter naturally, so a c-section was performed and she was spayed as a consequence. That made her useless to the breeder, so they tossed her out along with her pup Venus who was weaned at 4 weeks and weighed half of her normal weight. Since these two are newly rescued they aren't available for adoption yet, but if you have any interest in them, you can contact FBR at info@flbr.org Saving Venus and Vesta is just a small dose of the good work that FBR does.Florida Boxer Rescue began in 2000 with a mission to identify and provide support for Boxers who have no other means of support and would otherwise be euthanized. Since their inception, they have rescued 2,648 dogs in central and western Florida. Rescued Boxers are vaccinated, tested for heartworm and other parasites and neutered or spayed if needed. In 2003, FBR also began microchipping as many dogs as possible before adopting out. Dogs are sheltered in qualified foster homes, where they are treated as one of the family and started on basic obedience and house manners.
FBR's adoption committee processes almost 100 applications a month. Applicant's must fill out a detailed questionnaire, provide references and allow a home visit from an FBR representative. Adoption fees range from $175-$300 and help to cover vet expenses. Adopters must also agree to return the dog to FBR if they feel they can no longer care for it. Great care is taken to place dogs in homes deemed appropriate to their individual needs. Adopters are encouraged to continue contact with FBR after they receive their dog to ensure the new union is a success. This is a group that takes extra steps to create happy Boxers in happy “forever” homes. They have a wonderful website that covers breed characteristics. To view dogs that are up for adoption along with information that will help you decide if a Boxer is appropriate for your household, please visit http://www.flbr.org/. Be sure to read through the spotlight and success stories on the site. They will brighten your day.
FBR has a major fundraiser coming up on Saturday, May 31 called "The Art of Rescue" a “Ruff” exhibit. The event will include a silent and live art auction, as well as beverages and hors d’oeuvres prepared by the International Culinary students from The Art Institute of Tampa. The silent auction starts at 5:30 at The Art Institute of Tampa, 4401 Himes Ave. , Tampa . You can read more about it and other FBR events on their calendar page. .
