Today I turned 6 years old. Not looking to bad for a middle-aged Boxer if I must say so myself. Actually, with all the compliments that I've receive on my good looks and ripped bod, I really don't have to. Sure, I've started to get a little grey around the ears, but what's a guy to do ̶ break out a black Sharpie to cover it? Don't laugh, I've seen it done at dog shows already.
Newman on his 6th Birthday
Speaking of dog shows, Mom and I will be at the upcoming American Boxer Club Regional Specialty being held in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania from October 7-11, 2013. The week-long fierce "Battle for the Best Boxer" will commence with "Celebrate the Boxer Day" on Monday, October 7. We hope that you can join us for a fun-filled day of educational activities for all, including a Triathadog course, an AKC Sanctioned Boxer Puppy Match, a costume contest and ice cream social.
Also on tap for the day is an educational handling seminar with none other than Diego Garcia, professional handler of "Scarlett the Boxer," one of the most winning ̶ not to mention beautiful ̶ Boxer bitches in the country; DNA testing for degenerative myelopathy; and a Breeders Forum on "The Boxer Head," one of our most defining attributes. Check out the schedule below:
At the end of February after talking with my Aunt Beth Downey, I learned about Sassy Mae, a petite brindle boxer who had been viciously mauled by another dog. Touched by the story of her will to survive, I convinced my brother Roger, a French Bulldog, that we could sell homemade dog treats produced at the infamous Brushtown Barkery to raise money to help with Sassy Mae's medical bills.
So, armed with only an apron and rolling pin, Roger and I set out to wage war against Sassy Mae's vast vet bills. Recognizing Roger's innate talent of taste-testing, he was immediately promoted from bus boy to Sr. Quality Control Tech and charged with ensuring that each and every batch of biscuits meets the highest quality standard established by Beulah Ruth.
With the help of our loving Mom, we baked 3,224 biscuits and raised $1,000 which we donated to AABR specifically for Sassy Mae's vet bills. In an effort to publicize Sassy Mae's tragic, yet heartwarming story, about how so many people pulled together for her benefit, Roger and I decided we needed a platform on which to present our check.
So being an affiliate of the Potomac Boxer Club, I decided to capitalize on the crowd of spectators who I knew would show up at our Specialty Show held last Saturday at the Maryland State Fairgrounds.
We are especially pleased to report that Miss Sassy Mae was healthy and happy to participate in the festivities while donning a dazzling tiara and custom-tailored Boxer Rescue sash. Elaine Hauck, a long-time volunteer of Adopt A Boxer Rescue, gratefully accepted the check on behalf of AABR.
After I was recently featured on the cover of GQ magazine, Dad and Roger took their wardrobe queue from me and wore identical navy sports coats, dress shirts, and ties. Definitely not a fan of copycats — or cats in general — I was embarrassed yet a bit flattered to know that they respect my sense of fashion so much that they want to emulate me.
Front row left: Roger, Sassy Mae, Newman Back row: Pam Knowlton, Beth Downey, Steve Knowlton, and Elaine Hauck
The outcry of support for Sassy Mae has been incredible. I won't list everyone for fear I'll miss someone, but you know who you are. Give yourself a pat on the back. And, if you have a Boxer, Frenchie, or other furry friend nearby, give them a hug to show just how much you love them.
AABR's mission not only includes hands-on rescue, but also education about the realities of responsible pet ownership including the importance of spaying and neutering.
AABR depends on donations, like the one from Newman and Roger, to continue to help needy boxers. AABR also relies on volunteers, like Aunt Beth Downey of Amity Hall Boxers, a life-long proponent of Boxer Rescue, who agreed to foster Sassy Mae in order to get her into the AABR system. Undoubtedly Aunt Beth's dedication and commitment to take Sassy Mae to her daily vet appointments, certainly helped pave the road to her recovery.
In addition to foster homes, AABR is always looking for volunteers to organize fundraisers, perform clerical tasks, and work at adoption events throughout the area. If you would like to volunteer, or want to learn more about adopting through rescue, please visit the AABR Web site.
With the exception of teenagers who find begging for money second nature, there aren't many people who enjoy doing it. I admit it. I detest solicitation pleas as much as the next guy. That's why I limit my begging to issues which I feel are of the utmost importance.
Like my late sister Beulah Ruth, I find donating to charities that are near and dear to my heart personally rewarding. Yesterday, I found out about a sweet, brindle boxer girl named Sassy Mae who desperately needs help to pay for extensive medical bills because of injuries she sustained from an attack by a Pit Bull/Dingo mix.
Injuries Sustained from Pit Bull Attack
I personally have nothing against Pit Bulls and will not make this a platform about their ferocity. My intent is only to solicit funds to help nurse Sassy Mae back to health, which will hopefully include being able to save her front left leg from amputation.
Sassy bandaged up
Aunt Beth Downey will be fostering Sassy Mae until she is well enough to be placed in her "fur-ever" home through Adopt A Boxer Rescue (AABR). While Sassy Mae couldn't have a better foster mom/nurse, she still needs our financial support. Her hospital bills are already several thousand dollars. AABR depends on donations to survive so any amount of donation is very much appreciated. Although Roger doesn't know it, I have already pledged to donate his weekly allowance, as well as mine, to the "Sassy Mae Fund." Every penny counts.
Additionally, we will be selling homemade dog biscuits to generate funds. If you'd like to place an order, please e-mail me at NewmanOnTheBlock@gmail.com. So, if you're looking for a perfect treat for a special K-9 companion's Easter basket, consider buying a bag of biscuits from the Brushtown Barkery. Each bag contains a Baker's dozen of assorted flavors and costs $3.00. All proceeds will benefit the "Sassy Mae Fund."
Make no bones about it, times are "ruff" for everyone right now. But, if you can find it in your heart and wallet to reach out for Sassy Mae, I encourage you to do so. You can donate by PayPal or credit card on the Web site of Adopt A Boxer Rescue and note "Sassy Mae" when you make your donation. Checks should be made payable to "AABR" and sent to P.O. Box 423, Harrison, NY 10528. Any amount is greatly appreciated! All donations to AABR are tax deductible, too.
Finally, while not the journalist that I am, Aunt Beth does a wonderful job of telling Sassy Mae's story on the Amity Hall Boxers Web site. I encourage you to visit often to view her progress.
