11/21/11:

Here is the latest update from Martha and Mel's foster mom:

"As it turns out a few small issues did arise with Martha but, with a little patience, they were quickly resolved. She would start to growl at her foster brothers if they passed her while she was being petted and any dog brave enough to even look at her squeaky toy was in for it. After about 4 days of this she learned there was enough love and attention to go around (no more growling) and I learned she should only have her squeaky toys at night when she was alone with Mel. She is now to the point where she will lay and take a nap on the same blanket with the other dogs.

Martha's one quirk is that she will not enter the house from outside if she can see you. Once she is in she is fine. She has only had one accident since being here and that was because I overslept. She is very food motivated and we are slowly and gently working on her manners using treats (sit, stay, down and leave it). Martha is such a sweet dog she will be devoted to her new family. I do wonder how she has kept her trusting and loving nature given what must have happened for her to end up on the street with Mel.

Mel is just ever so cute. His favorite pastimes are running after his mother so he can bite her ankles, trying to eat my slippers as I'm walking, and laying in my lap for a nap. He has been doing very well with using the big boy potty and as soon as he sees a treat in your hand he sits and waits for it. At meal time he gulps half his food down, lets out a BIG burp and starts all over again. I love his little hop, jump, and run when he goes after a ball usually ending in a tumble.
Martha and Mel become more of a joy every day."

11/4/11: Martha and Mel Have A Story To Tell

How or why this wonderful boxer mom and pup ended up as strays in a kill shelter we will never know. What we do know is that they needed to be rescued and we could not resist the urge to help. Their story is all too common and the countless animals who have no one to speak for them is heartbreaking.

Martha is a young boxer about 3 years old and her little boy Mel is about 12 weeks old. They are both wonderful together and we would like to place them as a pair.

Below is a report from Martha and Mel's foster mom.

“Sweet Martha and her adorable puppy Mel have settled in nicely. Their first day Martha was somewhat protective of Mel when he interacted with his foster brothers but she is learning to trust more everyday. At night Martha and Mel sleep in the master bath with the door open as she seems nervous in confined spaces.

Martha has had no accidents in the house and Mel is learning that the big boy potty is outside. Mel is also learning basic manners and listens very well for such a young puppy. Martha is very well mannered, very little jumping for a Boxer ( we are working on that ) and does excellent around children. She is a very sweet dog who loves to be loved. She dotes on Mel, perhaps because he is the only puppy not taken from her.
Martha loves her squeaky toys and often carries them with her wherever she goes. Mel explores and finds fun in everything. He loves to play with his mom, toys, and his foster brothers. We are amazed at how well they have fit into our family in just a few days. When you see them together they melt your heart and make you smile.”