I have been a boxer owner since 1969. Who am I? My name is Sharon (Sherrie) Baird and I live in Grass Valley, California (approximately fifty miles north east of Sacramento).
I fell in love with the breed way back then, and over the years I have had several pet boxers, all living out their lives from puppyhood through their senior years in my home—paving that indelible path of love and devotion along the way. Each one has left with me special memories that I hold dear to my heart.
When a friend mentored me in breeding one of my female boxers, I was off and running, joining the world of boxer breeding. From that point on, my knowledge of the boxer breed grew. Eventually, I entered the world of show dogs, and that was it: I had to try the show ring myself. Lottie was the first dog I attempted to show, followed by DeeDee; both were pointed at the time they retired. Apollo was my first home-bred champion. He was wonderful, and to my delight, he finished his championship at 17 months old.
Ch. Bayridge’s Circuit Breaker “Cienna” and REO’s “Pilot” are the boxers that currently share my heart and home. Their excitement and persistence is a reason to get up in the mornings, and their heads in my lap and paws resting on me in the evening let me know it’s time for bed. These two pups, in typical boxer fashion, keep me company throughout the day, make me laugh, make me cry, give me comfort in times of sorrow, and give me a reason to go on. What ever would I do without them?
My first boxer was a pup named “General.” He was a plain fawn male, purchased from a “back yard” breeder. General was a great family pet, guardian and playmate to my children as well as to the kids in the neighborhood. He was not exactly what I would call a “good looker” as far a boxers go. But he had heart and soul and dedication to his family that you could not help but love—and that makes boxers unique among dogs. General was the reason I fell in love with the breed, and I have had boxers ever since.
Ginger integrated into the family to such an extent that each time the kids got sick, so did she—sympathy pains, said the vet. Her biggest thrill was to pull my son on the skate board. I still remember the huge grin on my son’s face matched by one on Ginger’s face as they enjoyed the thrill of the ride. Ginger was so devoted that she never retired to her own bed until the last member of the family was home and in bed, too.
Shanna was the first little girl that I bred. She had three beautiful litters. Her name should have been Lady as she was a perfect little lady from the time I brought her home. Living to 12-1/2 years, Shanna left her legacy, “ Page”.
Page had those beautiful eyes that spoke volumes; with those eyes, her eyebrows and expressive face, she practically talked out loud to me. I still remember waking to those eyes peering at me as I slept, her head resting on the mattress. It seemed she just could not wait until morning to see me again and would sneak into the bedroom just to be near me. Page’s only son gave me DeeDee.
DeeDee was the ruler of all dogs in the house, social butterfly to visitors, and relentless at engaging everyone in playing ball. The epitome of a desirable obedience dog, her talent was natural and un-taught. She just automatically knew the rules, conformed to them herself—and made sure everyone else did, too. DeeDee was loving and devoted with every ounce of her being; I miss her still.
Lottie was my little rescue girl. Stoic in nature but smart as can be, she lived up to her naughty Lottie self.
Apollo, my first home bred champion, was my shadow, never letting me out of his site. Devoted to a fault, he would dash out the door when he knew we were going for a ride, but would stop every few feet and look back to be sure I was coming. Then he would dash again toward the car.
Pilot wasn’t mine initially, but he is the pet that I just could not part with. It was more that he chose me than the other way around. He has so much love to give, and I think he has no other goal in life than to be at my side. What a boy!
Cienna is my current handful of trouble and joy. She came to me through Deborah Schenher of Bayridge Boxers. Cienna is my daily challenge and strength. Quite the little show girl, she has attained her Canadian and American Championship. She is now content to patrol the backyard to chase off any rabbits, birds, or squirrels—and to bark relentlessly at the deer on the other side of the fence until they decide to move on. Then, job completed, she takes up her chosen space on the couch.
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