Haley was the first Boxer to
come into our lives. At the time we knew little about the breed and were
just looking for a companion. Little did we know she would steal our hearts
and be the beginning of our love for the breed and a journey filled with
laughter, love, and many wonderful friends. She had
the most incredible temperament and was always patient with new additions
whether they were puppies or rescues. She always made sure they knew she
was top dog in her own strong but gentle way. She was everything I could
have asked for in a best friend and more.
I had always thought she was
a locally backyard bred boxer. An elderly man sold the litter she was in
when he became ill and the person who bought the litter didn't
know anything about her breeding. It wasn't
until she was eleven years old that I decided to get her pedigree. I didn't
think I would see any familiar names in her pedigree but I was pleasantly
surprised. I knew either way she would always be my very special girl.
In June of 2004 Haley was diagnosed
with hemolytic anemia caused by lymphoma. After a four week battle she
let us know it was time. Although I miss her terribly I feel so blessed
to have had the opportunity to love and be loved by this extraordinary
girl.