Who We Are

Austin Boxer Rescue, located in Austin Texas, is a non-profit organization that branched off from Lone Star Boxer Rescue of Houston. ABR is made up entirely of volunteers who are dedicated to removing dogs from bad situations and placing them into loving permanent homes. We receive dogs from shelters, owners, and dogs found as strays. The dogs in rescue are rehabilitated medically, socialized and are taught basic manners.  We service Austin, San Antonio, Temple, and the surrounding areas.

Our Volunteers

Jen

I am one of the founders of Austin Boxer Rescue. I worked with some really wonderful people saving boxers for Lone Star Boxer Rescue for about a year. We began growing so rapidly in the Austin area that I suggested we begin an organization to help better serve our community. When we got on our feet in December 2005 it became even more apparent that there was a great need for a boxer rescue in this area. ABR take in over 250 dogs per year and places them in wonderful loving homes. Although, I don’t make a dime for myself it’s the dogs that give me my payment. I rehabilitee the sickest of the sick and to see them thrive after a few months then find homes is incredible. No amount of money can bring me the happiness the rescue brings me. We have a very large, passionate and dedicated group of volunteers that work to save all these babies!

This is the most rewarding work I have ever done and that says a lot for me. I am an oncology nurse in “real life” and although I love my patients and my paying job, there is a deep satisfaction I get from helping these dogs. I was born an animal lover and advocate. All I ever wanted as a child was a dog and I used to dream about helping dogs in need. I have really found my calling and I can’t imagine what would have otherwise happened to these dogs if we were not here. In the future I hope to go back to school and get my masters degree in nursing, as well as, work on legislation for spaying and neutering to help decrease the number of unwanted pets in the Texas area.

Sarah

Rosco and Libi fund raising at The Old Pecan Street Victorian Christmas Festival

Because I use a walker, I have to limit myself to fostering and fundraising.  I started and continue to maintain our donation booths at Barton Creek Farmers Market and Old Pecan Street Festivals.

Victoria

I had never owned a dog before....actually, we had one once when I was little, but my family (sorry to say) did not know how to treat dogs.  My mom never allowed animals in the house and I was too young to give it a second thought.  When my husband and I decided to get a dog, we researched different breeds and decided a boxer would best match our lifestyle...truly a blessing that we did.  I can't believe how much my life changed for the better, being a dog owner. Katy, our boxer, will turn 6 this year; she's such an awesome girl and so smart!   I heard about Lonestar Boxer Rescue years ago, not long after we got Katy and sought opportunities to volunteer.  Then, through a mutual friend I met Jenn Pope, now the President of ABR.  I remember when she talked about starting ABR and I have been volunteering ever since. I have not been as active since my 2 children were born in 2009 , but I hope to get more active w/my children when they are older. In the meantime, I help maintain our Petfinder website and help with fundraisers when I can.  ABR is such a great organization, the core volunteers that run it pour their hearts and souls into what they do and I think they are some of the most amazing, talented group of people I have ever met.  I'm glad to be a part of this organization, and as former Treasurer, I can vouch for the fact that every penny donated goes toward our dogs in rescue.  Hopefully our volunteer base will keep growing and we can keep ABR going a long, long, time.  Our boxers deserve it!

Joni

My name is Joni and my daughter is the co-founder of ABR. When she got her first boxer I remember being a proud grandma but I had never owned a boxer myself nor have I ever interacted with one. My daughter would tell me about their cancers, blow knees and heart problems and all I could think is why are you getting one of these dogs! Once I got to know the breed I quickly understood the attraction. Although, my home was filled with dogs that were dumped on my property, I saw the appeal of the breed. I have since become a regular foster for ABR and have had 2 boxer babies to call my own. Zeus (posted here) was my first boxer love. He was an old soul and unfortunately he was taken away from me early due to Lymphoma. Our home was not the same after that so we adopted a second boxer, Trooper, aka Tickles, aka Ticks. He was almost dead when he arrived into rescue and today he is so full of life. He brings myself and my 80 year old mother, who lives with me, so much joy. We just can not imagine our lives without a boxer in it.

Additionally, we have had our eyes opened with working so closely with Jenny. We hear all the stories and see all the dogs at first arrival and find ourselves appalled with the way people treat their animals. We have visited shelters in our area and would like to become more active in our community to help as many dogs as we can. I am a school teacher and I hope to help teach the up and coming generations about the crisis many of the animals in our community are going through. I feel it’s the best way to make a change in the future.

Marlena

I met my first boxer, Sarah, while in college - she politely sat in front of my chair and looked up patiently while I pondered why she was staring at me. Suddenly, a huge tongue calmly crossed my face from chin to forehead. It was love at first lick and I knew I'd some day live with one of these things called 'boxer.' It took a few years, but destiny finally led me to my babies - Lucy, Oscar, and Plato. I met Jen, the President of ABR, during my first volunteer event for Lone Star Boxer Rescue, from which I was fortunate enough to adopt Oscar. I adopted Plato after fostering his litter when they were rescued from a puppy mill - who could resist those ears! Lucy - well, Lucy's my girl whose been here every step of the way- the first boxer who entered my home and taught me why they are all so beautiful. Thanks, Lucy, for making me feel like you chose me, when we all know now that you just smelled that pizza I had eaten. Volunteering with ABR has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. I've fallen in love with every boxer that has shared my home, regardless of whether  it has been for months or weeks. Now that I work on the website, following Jessica's bemoaned retirement, I feel even more blessed by the opportunity to help, in some way, all of these wonderful babies find new, happy lives. Thanks to all!

Marie

Boxers are a family tradition for me: I've had them most of my life and almost everyone in my family has at least one. In January '06 I lost my beloved twelve year old boxer, Atticus. A friend found the ABR website and within a few days I had a new little girl, Gemma Rose (named in honor of UT's recent National Championship!). I was so grateful to ABR for the work they were doing with these sweet animals that I soon started volunteering. In August 2007 I met an ABR dog who changed my life. He'd been owner surrendered to TLAC and was heartworm positive. When I met him he was scared to be touched, wouldn't make eye contact, and was pathetically skinny. The sad, confused look in his eyes haunted me and I just knew that I had to bring him home and foster him while he underwent heartworm treatment. Within a couple days, his personality started to change and I re-named him to Lazarus because it was if he was back from the dead! Sadly, we soon learned that Lazarus's heartworms were so advanced that he wouldn't recover; I was told he would probably die within a week or two. Blessedly, he did not. He lived over five months and died in January '08. In those five months he became a very happy, loving dog. He learned to give and accept affection, to play with toys, to enjoy car rides, and to love life as a dog should. He died feeling loved, cherished, and safe. I am so grateful to Lazzie for showing me just how little it takes to make a difference.

Mother Teresa once said, "If you can't feed the whole world, just feed one person". That's how I feel about my work with ABR; I'm just trying to make a difference, one sweet dog at a time. I truly believe that rescue dogs understand what you've done for them and, for that reason, are the most loyal and grateful pets you'll ever know.

Shanna

My husband and I have been volunteers for ABR for about a year now. We have always loved animals...as a child I wanted to be a vet and save all animals and he wanted to have a cat farm.  Even though that's not what transpired we fell in love with the boxer breed when we got our first boxer Maggie two years ago. We soon figured out once you go boxer you never go back and soon after got our second boxer Sadie. I learned about ABR after we got Sadie and now have a totally different view on breeding and adopting. I got both my girls through breeders and although there are good breeders there are just as many that are not doing it for the integrity of the breed.  I realized how important it is to spay and neuter your animals and adopt through a rescue because of the over population of dogs. I have been doing a little bit of everything with ABR...fostering, fundraising, working adoption days, helping at the rescue location, etc. I most enjoy fostering. I've had the privilege of fostering three amazing male boxers...Ripley, Domino, and my current foster Tressel. I keep in touch with my fosters on a regular basis and it brings me such joy to see them so happy in their new homes. The dogs that come through our rescue are some of the most amazing animals I've ever encountered. They actually bring me more joy then I do them. It's a privilege to get to know each and everyone of them and help them to find their forever home. I look forward to many more successful years as a volunteer for ABR. This is where we make a difference.

Kristina

I am a the webmaster for Austin Boxer Rescue and I am responsible for updating the website. I help to organize and keep track of all the dogs, applicants, fosters, and volunteers.  I am relatively new to Austin and was looking for a way to get involved in the area.  I grew up in backwoods Canada (and I mean out in the middle of no where......ask me I will tell you..) and I have always been around dogs.  I am most familiar  with hunting dogs and I have had my cocker spaniel Barkley for 11 years. 

I decided that Barkley needed a girlfriend and since he likes "long legs"  we decided he needed a boxer so I found Austin Boxer Rescue on the website.  We went to an Adoption Day and we saw Heidi and we knew she was the girl for us.  Heidi has fit in perfectly as she is a sleepyhead just like me and Barkley. (Ok, maybe she is more for me than him...but he was consulted on the decision)

I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of Austin Boxer Rescue.  We have a great network of people and dog lovers are the best.  I am truly excited to be bringing my work skills and passion together.  I will do whatever I can to help these dogs and this organization. 

DOGS RULE

Rachael

For over three years Rachael has been volunteering for ABR at the Sunset Valley Farmers Market and the Old Pecan Street Festivals.  This delightful high school student is active in sports and Girl Scouts. She also volunteers at PetsMart and Petco adoption booths for dogs and cats and has been a foster mom for cats.  She is an excellent student.  Although she doesn't own a dog now, she is loved by all that come to the ABR booths.  A very special thanks goes to Rachael.  ABR is fortunate to have such an awsome volunteer!

Sondra

I started volunteering with Florida Boxer Rescue in 1999, then picked up with Lone Star Boxer Rescue in 2004 and made the transition to Austin Boxer Rescue when Jen created and incorporated us in 2005.  I've had the opportunity to do so many cool things!: fostering (I can't count how many now, and I loved every one!), fundraising, transport, home visits, adoption days, kennel cleanups, etc.  It's a lot of hard work sometimes, but it's always worth it to see the boxer butt wiggle and big happy doggie smiles!

My true inspiration for all of this was my first boxer, Gilligan.  I got him as a puppy in late 1997.  He was my guinea pig; I'd never had a dog before and had no idea what to do or expect, but he rolled with it and taught me how to be a good dog parent.  I loved that dog something fierce, and in 1999, we decided that we wanted to give back to the breed that had given so much to us, so we did some research about rescues and offered to foster one.    The rescue (FLBR) looked at my home situation closely and matched me up with Flannigan, another white baby who was suffering with some skin problems.  They thought I could help her, so a day or so later, she came home with me.  Her skin problems ended up being hundreds of little tumors, a kind of cancer could only be treated by being cut out, which wasn't an option for her, and she was given 3-6 months to live.  I called the rescue back, told them she was staying with me for the rest of her life, and I vowed to make whatever was left of her life as awesome as possible.  Her previous owners had been really rotten, mean people, and she was scared of everything and everyone, so it meant the world to me to see her, over time, cease being so afraid, become affectionate, and just PLAY with Gilligan.  She lived another 10 1/2 years and died in August of 2010 at nearly FOURTEEN years old.  I guess she liked being pampered, and I loved doing it.  She and Gilligan both gave me far more than I gave them, whether they knew it or not!

Gilligan and Flannigan are now both gone, but they were the doggie loves of my life, and I dedicate everything I do in rescue to them.  I rescued them once, but they saved me many, many times.

Sheree
 
The first time my family became "boxerfied" was  when the oldest left  for  college. " Jethro" traveled to BCS with us, stayed in dog friendly hotels, and vacations to the beach- happy  to be included with family. My "boxer buddy" since November 2008 is "Ike" (aka" Slinky" from ABR). More boisterous than the first, he is still the loving, loyal, active dog- what I love about the breed.  Ike loves kids and people and thinks all feel the same about him!  In 2010,  Ike and I  "boxer sat" for an ABR Foster-( only a few days) while they took a trip out of town. Cagney needed to continue heartworm treatment. I learned so much about the great work ABR does and about the businesses that support rescues in those few days. It just WOWs me- the generosity and kindness of this group and those involved with it.  December, Barnes and Nobles gift wrapping was so much fun-I met  boxer lovers  of all ages, old friends who were glad so see me and Ike-luckily I responded early this year so I got a great time and location. Now let's not forget the Farmers Market- my goodness- Ike and I say- Thanks ABR - we would not have found each other without you!

JIM and LIZ

We are the application coordinators for the San Antonio and surrounding area of Austin Boxer Rescue. 

Our first boxer found us on a cold rainy October night over a decade ago.  As we walked outside of a bowling alley, this skinny little brindle female was there begging for food.  She was skin and bones.  Little did we know how that little girl would change our lives.  She taught us to love the boxer breed with all of their funny antics, their devotion to family, and their amazing intelligence. 

Since then, we have had the privilege of having several other boxers join our family as each one passes.  There is no better way to honor their memory than by adopting another deserving boxer through rescue. 

And what better way to show your love for your boxers than by volunteering, whether it is by doing home visits, fostering, helping out at adoption events, etc.  You cannot imagine how good it feels when you have helped a boxer that was in a bad situation find a loving home.

Serena

I’ve only been involved with the Austin Boxer Rescue as a foster and volunteer for a few months and it’s been a great experience. My love for boxers started over 10 years ago. My beautiful brindle 4 yr old male Harley has brought so much joy to me and my family over the years, he’s a wonderful dog that is loving, protecting, and just plain hilarious. He’s my running partner and playmate to my 1 yr old son. Our lives wouldn’t be the same without him.

We look forward to being a part of the Austin Boxer Rescue for many years to come, we believe in what they do. I always say everyone should own a boxer; they are the best breed out there. Someone once told me, boxers are like potato chips you can never have just one!

Jerry and Tiffany

We are Tiffany and Jerry and we have been volunteering for ABR for almost 3 years.  We spend most of our volunteer time fostering and transporting boxers.  We logged over 2,200 miles in 2010 transporting and attending events.   We enjoy what we do because we love dogs, in particular boxers.  We have 2 dogs are our own.  Duncan is an 11year old Boxer and Hunter is our spirited 4 year Cocker Spaniel. 

Jerry has transported over 30 dogs in and around San Antonio and between San Antonio and Austin.  Tiffany is starting her second year as the event coordinator for the San Antonio Chapter of ABR.  They both attend events at least twice a month plus spend lots of play time with their fosters and dogs.   People ask how they can give up a foster to a new adopter once they have had the dog in their home for so long and their response is….to help the next boxer in need.

Liz

Some of the best men in my life have been my boxers, King and Repo. Repo was one of the most emaciated and lifeless dogs I have ever seen and taking him in was an amazing experience. He became my best friend and my permanent shadow. I think that I've taken him every dog-friendly spot in Austin, Houston, and back home in Alabama!

Austin Boxer Rescue has been a great outlet for me to help the dogs that I love so much. I can't explain the excitement that comes with adopting out a foster dog and watching a sick dog come back to life. Volunteering with ABR has been amazing and really made my time at UT so rewarding. It's great to know that there are so many people that want to help this amazing breed.

Rebecca

Hello!  My name is Rebecca and I am the Intake Coordinator for the San Antonio Chapter.  I have been volunteering for ABR for a little over a year and initially got involved when I started looking for my 2nd boxer.  We are fairly new to San Antonio and volunteering has given me an opportunity to join a wonderful network of volunteers, meet some great people and save lives all at the same time!

I grew up on a farm in rural Pennsylvania and we had only had outside dogs that unfortunately, no one paid much attention to.  I never considered myself a “dog” person until I met Buster, my in-laws Boxer.  Buster was a typical Boxer who was full of energy, loved to play and loved his people even more.  He would always greet us at the door when we would go visit with the typical boxer wiggle, play with his Sponge Bob, cuddle when he got tired and enjoyed Christmas more than most people I know.  Unfortunately, Buster passed away in August 07, but his memory lives on and he has forever changed my life!

My husband and I adopted our first Boxer, Dixie, from the Humane Society in El Paso in 2006.  She was a sad, skinny little girl who has since grown a huge personality and was my saving grace through my husband’s first deployment.  We always knew we wanted her to have a brother and adopted Pongo in 2009 from ABR.  Although we do not have any human children, Dixie and Pongo are very much our kids and we couldn’t imagine our life without them.

I love volunteering with ABR and hope that one day no boxer will ever go unloved or unwanted!

RIP Buster – your memory lives on!

Jeanne

Hi, my name is Jeanne and I’ve been an ABR volunteer since 2008.  I’m currently the San Antonio Boxer Matchmaker (Adoption Coordinator) and help with scheduling some of our boxers vet appointments.  My first boxer love was a fawn puppy named Madly.  One of her first nights with us she woke herself up in the middle of the night rolling off the futon.  Hearing a thump, I turned on the light to see her sitting on the floor half awake with a “what the…” look on her face.  She made me laugh everyday of her life and made it impossible to live without an incredible expressive boxer face in my life. 

Cookie introduced us to ABR and is the smartest dog I’ve ever known.  I swear she understands English perfectly well.  I started volunteering and fostering and when our 4th foster, Duncan, came to us with his skinny body, big head and stage 4 heartworms we fell in love with him and he fell in love with Cookie.  He successfully went through heartworm treatment and is now healthy, happy, full of energy and a total mush ball.  He also keeps Cookie entertained and proves the theory that two boxers are easier than one.

I love volunteering for the boxers, and the people are pretty cool too.  But don’t take it personally if I remember your dogs name and forget yours.