George's Adoption Story

Pet's name: George

Adopted by: Katherine Burns-Christenson

From: Minnesota Boxer Rescue

George's story originally appeared on (DOG)SPIRED, a blog dedicated to dogs and the people who love them. 

Meet George. At six-years-old, he is now retiring with us in northern Minnesota. After a hard life, he has earned his retirement. Big time.

You see, George was ignored, neglected, and used like a breeding machine for the first five years of his life. But thanks to some wonderful people in Kentucky and Minnesota Boxer Rescue, a non-profit rescue group, he was rescued, along with his female companion, Mary.

Both dogs had been found in an old abandoned building in Floyd county, Kentucky. They were thin, with red patchy skin, swollen faces, and runny eyes. When they were rescued, they didn’t even know how to eat food from a bowl, as they had been fed only on hard ground.

Mary and George began to recover in Kentucky with the financial support of Minnesota Boxer Rescue and the loving care of a Kentucky volunteer rescuer. They learned the basics of home living. When George and Mary were recovered enough to travel, they were transported from Kentucky north to Minnesota. Minnesota Boxer Rescue took in both dogs and continued to give them the medical attention and human contact that they needed and deserved.

In Minnesota, both dogs lived in a foster home together. Mary was adopted first. George was adopted by the foster family and lived with them for a year, until he was targeted by another dog in their pack. With his safety at risk, George was put up for adoption again. The foster family was heartbroken, but put George’s wellbeing first.

This is where we come in. We adopted George. Lucky, lucky us. We continue to be in contact with his first Minnesota adopted family. We share stories and photos often. We are beyond grateful to have George. How animals can forgive and still trust humans inspires me. Seeing George run giant Boxer circles in the yard, snoozing on the deck, and playing with our other Boxer, makes my heart sing. We all could learn a lot from George. Resilience. Courage. Love. Forgiveness.

George at the lake

George with friend Lucy

If you adopted a pet from a shelter or rescue group and you'd like to share his or her story, please email me. I'd love to hear from you!