About Abby, Zoe and Otis

Abby

Abby was a 10 1/2-year-old Boxer. She was cute and furry and brown. Her favorite things were treats, walks, rides, toys, butt scratches, ear rubs, canned Science Diet ID food, and whatever the people around her were eating.

I decided to call this blog an adventure for a couple of different reasons. Like many dog owners, we’ve used codes to disguise words like “ride” and “walk” and “treat” when we were talking about those activities, but they weren’t necessarily going to happen that instant, and we didn’t want to tease the dog. So when I didn’t want to get her too excited for a car ride, I would say that we were going to have an adventure soon. And obviously, it turned out to be quite the adventure for all of us.

Abby was diagnosed with lymphoma in July 2007. She went through treatment until January 2008, when, sadly, the adventure ended for her. This blog has been a therapeutic way for me to keep her spirit alive and relive the good times, while learning to deal with the dog-shaped void in my life.

Zoe

Zoe came to us in April 2008, with the help of Minnesota Boxer Rescue. The house was just too quiet without the familiar Boxer sounds, and we wanted to give a rescue dog a home. Zoe reminds me physically of Abby (reverse brindle, well over 70 pounds), but she’s definitely her own dog. She’s very chatty, and it’s fun to have her puppy energy around.

Otis

Otis came to us in August 2008, also through Minnesota Boxer Rescue. He was originally called Thunder, although I think it was an ironic name because he’s a little nervous when he hears loud noises, and he’s quite petite. He’s a very cuddly little guy, and like Zoe, he can also be vocal.

Although I still miss Abby, Otis and Zoe are a source of constant entertainment and joy.