Tiki is the reason I got into boxer rescue work. 

My husband and I were taking a country drive right before Easter, 2001. An electric company crew warned us "Watch out for the dog in the road up ahead!" Then we saw her... a grizzled, graying boxer running in the field. She was terrified and it took me 15 minutes to coax her over to our car. We got her into the back seat and started driving around and knocking on doors. Many had seen her running loose over the past few days, but no one claimed ownership. Can you imagine?

Rather than take her to the shelter over the holiday weekend, we took her home. She was skinny, covered in ticks, dirty and stinky, yet someone had obviously owned her because she was wearing a choke collar with no tags. She had sagging mammaries... who knows how many litters she had. No one answered the ads or checked the shelters and Tiki became our baby. 

Although she often picked fights with my other dogs, we made it work. Her multiple health problems never interfered with her love of all people. Tiki became a certified therapy dog, visiting nursing homes, 
childrens programs and pet expos. Because of her, I became active in rescue and together we screened applicants and went on home visits.

Tiki's death came suddenly. In the evening of June 5th, 2003, she suddenly became lethargic and wouldn't eat. I took her in that evening and ultrasound confirmed a large mass in her abdomen. The next morning we attempted surgery but it was already too late... the tumor had ruptured and she was bleeding to death. I was holding her while we put her to sleep on the operating table.

When we found Tiki, we didn't know how long she'd be with us. We never knew Tiki's age and considered each day a blessing. Tiki meant more to us than she'll ever know and I'll always be grateful for the blessings she brought into our lives. I know we'll see her again someday.

Laurie Lessig
King of Prussia Boxer Rescue
a Northeastern Boxer Rescue affiliate