I often wonder how much our boxers change our lives for the better. Maybe for some more than others but we each (as boxer families) will have our own story to tell. Below is an amazing story about unconditional love, companionship, and support written by Betsy Powe. Grab your tissues for this one!
Hi. I first want to thank anyone who may be reading my story.
I want to tell you about the most amazing boxer I’ve ever had the pleasure of sharing my life with. Her name was Sasha. When I went to pick out a puppy they were only 5 weeks old. All the little ones were running around except for one. She ran straight to me. Sasha picked me. Little did I know then the impact she would have on my life. My husband and I had been looking for a boxer for a long time and I brought her home as a Valentine’s present for my husband. Sasha was incredibly smart even as a little pup. I had never had a dog before and had no idea how much love was possible between a human and a dog. But I knew from the beginning that Sasha was different…she was an angel in disguise. When she was 3yrs old our world just collapsed. My husband of 15 yrs died very unexpectedly from a heart attack. He was only 36. I was devastated as were our two boys. Sasha would sit by the door every evening waiting for daddy to come home. When he didn’t come home she would come get in our bed and lay on his pillow. That was the first time I had ever seen a dog cry. I remember one day the boys were gone and I was home by myself. I remember just sitting in the middle of the kitchen floor with my head resting on my knees sobbing uncontrollably. Sasha, who had been grieving as much as I had, put all that to the side and came and sat by me on the kitchen floor. She preceded to put her nose under my chin and pull my head up so she could lick the tears from my face. We developed a bond that I never knew was possible. She was like an angel sent from heaven. When she turned 6 she just stopped breathing one night. I remember praying to God not to take her from me as I was doing CPR. She lived and I thanked God everyday for giving me more time with her. She was officially diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and given 6 months to live. I prayed over her every night starting with her nose and working all the way to her nubbie. And if by some chance I would forget she would paw at me as if to give me a reminder. She amazed her vet time and time again. I could write a book about Sasha and her amazing ability to display selfless love for me. When she turned 10 on January 3, 2013 we celebrated her life. She never ceased to amaze me everyday. Sadly, she began to develop tumors in her hind legs that were making it difficult for her to walk. We had one removed and 2 grew back in it’s place. She would never let me see that she was in pain but I knew she was. I always told her she was the best part of my day because no matter how bad or stressful my day was, all I had to do was see her precious face and everything else just melted away. But I knew the time had come when I got home from work one evening and she was so happy to see me but was no longer able to get up. I made the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. I stayed with her until the end and she went so peacefully. I knew it was the right thing to do for her. She had been there for me all those years and now it was my turn to be there for her. April 14 of this year made 7 years since my husband has been gone and on April 20th I lost my precious Sasha. I believe God allowed our paths to cross for a reason. As sad and as lonely as I feel right now I wouldn’t change one thing about the relationship I had with Sasha. She taught me unconditional love and that it still exists in our crazy world…..sometimes when you least expect it. I thank God every day for her life and I hope one day my heart will heal and I can open it again to another boxer. I know Sasha wouldn’t want me to be sad. And I do believe I will meet her again one day. Thank you for reading my story. A true love story.
Thank you Betsy for your amazing story.
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In tears. Boxers are all the same, goofy, tender, protective and very, very intuitive. I got my first boxer when I was 6! Never had another breed. It’s so hard to let them go, even though you know it’s the right thing to do for them.
I hope you get another boxer. There really is no other breed as human like in their thinking, and loving us. I will be 50 next year, so I’ve had a few, and they are all so much alike and so loving. Get one to help your heart after so many losses. So sorry about your husband, and thankful you had Sasha to carry you through the dark days.
She will be there, with your husband whenever you leave and she will lick your face and wag her stub. Hold on till then. Thank you for sharing such a touching and moving story.
Thank you for your kind words Tracy. And you are right about boxers…..they never know when they get old. They have the same playful, protective and loving spirits they did when they were puppies. I know in my heart she is with her daddy, running free without pain….and I will seen them both again one day.
Thanks you for sharing your amazing story! I had a boxer too that passed away last December and he will always have a special place in my heart.
Boxers are the most loving and faithful dogs. As a child we had boxers and they gave us such unconditional love and so many memories. As a grandma to boxers I still feel the same toward the breed maybe even more. We just had to send our granddog Magic over the Rainbow bridge and I cried probably as hard as his parents did. He has been such a big part of our lives and we miss him terribly.
My heart dropped reading your story . As I began crying my sweet boxer boy Jeter came over and licked my face and made me realize how this breed is truly amazing . Jeter is my first dog as well :-)I thought I just had a smart loyal ,loving dog. After reading about Sasha , I see they share many of the same qualities . Boxers are amazing!
I can’t imagine your loss . Your a strong woman and I believe God gives his bravest battles to the strongest warriors . Find comfort that your husband has her and made sure that you got to keep her so much longer then doctors expected. You needed her more at that time. i think her passing right after his 7 year mark is testimony to that. Prayer ‘s powerful , because God is listening. May he lead you to another boxer that is meant to be in your life again . May you be open to all that he has in store for you always . Blessings to you and your two children . Although the road is bumpy , there is a plan .Thank you for.Your story …
Thank you Tonya and Carolyn for sharing your stories. I’m so sorry for your losses. It is so hard to lose our fur friends. Melissa, as I was reading your comment it reminded me so much of my sweet Sasha. Anytime I would have a bad day she would always be there to lick the tears from my face. I’m so glad you have Jeter….what a special friend. Your comment gave me great comfort and I really appreciate you taking the time to write. I prayed for a long time one day and asked God just to let me know that she was ok. He showed me something I hope I never forget (I wish I could paint so I would have a visual recording). I saw a tree-lined stream with my husband sitting on the bank. And next to him was Sasha. My husband had his arm around her and they both looked so happy. So I do know she is with my husband Melissa and that is a great comfort. I will never forget Sasha as long as I live but I know I will meet her again one day near that tree-lined stream! And one day I hope to be able to open my heart again to another amazing boxer.
Betsy, I am new to this site. Actually ran into it by accident. I know this is a bit late, but I just wanted you to know that I am thinking & praying for you and your sons.
You have had a terrible time, and I hope in time the hurt starts to lessen.
Thank you Connie. That means a lot to me. Thank you for taking the time to write. 😊
I came across dailyboxer.com on my FB timeline. I still miss my baby girl so much! Boxers are the best dogs ever. Thank you Daily Boxer for printing Sasha’s story! 💜