Aptly Named

It is because Cleetus was such a great dog that we are able to heal in the happiest of ways, by getting another boxer.  Originally, we had no intention of getting another one, because we worried it might be too much of a reminder of Cleetus or feel in some way like we were replacing him - an impossible task.  Then, we saw her photo, this photo.

Meet HOPE

Hope came to us in a dream.  Well, not really.  But, it sounded nice as I wrote it.  Actually, she came to us as a recommendation.  Once we saw her photo and read about her condition, our hearts sank with a big aw and re-inflated with a big we love her. 

Hope is a one-year-old "rescue".  We didn't rescue her.  Someone else did.  That someone volunteers at Atlanta Boxer Rescue (ABR).  We simply paid an adoption fee, had a home inspection, and then met her and her Foster for final approval.   While the volunteers at ABR didn't scale a wall using grappling hooks or utilize ninja tactics during her actual rescue, they did take her from a horrible situation where she was neglected and...well, to be kind, the "owner" was a real piece-of-shit.

Some people worry about getting a dog with a bad history, but not us and not with a boxer. That's where Cleetus posthumously plays his part.  His awesomeness, loyalty, good manners, and pure love for people is what we drew from.  We already know she has the same qualities.  She's super sweet, gives lots of sugary kisses, wiggles her butt in anticipation, loves to play as hard as she can (which is a great remedy for our flabby parts and lazy heart rates), and has already learned important training skills.
 
While I don't believe in destiny, I do believe she was aptly named; Hope is just what we needed.

Other Apt Names for Her

Eva Knievel - she demonstrates daredevil tactics by performing her own stunts such as leaping over the entire couch.

Snuggle Butt - while it's not a clever name, she certainly loves to snuggle and cuddle people. 

Poots - self-explanatory.

Julia Sloberts - she is a beautiful, toothy starlet.

Snorten Anderson - snorty and sporty; she is sure to break records.

Mama - despite the fact she is barely a year old, she is already a mama.

Tug McSqueaks - tug-of-war and squeaky toys are classic combos on her menu.


I hope you have been fortunate enough to experience the love of a happy pet.