Pupdate 10.15.26
Meet Drax!
Drax is a big, brindle Boxer boy with snazzy white boots, a handsome mask, and 85–90 pounds of pure charm. At 7 years old, he has the perfect mix of playful goofball and loyal sidekick. Whether you're working at your desk, relaxing inside, or spending the day outside gardening, Drax is happiest simply being near his people.
This handsome guy is sweet, smart, and very people-oriented with people he knows. He knows several cues, including sit, wait, “in your bed,” and sometimes lay down. He's also 100% house trained and does well having free run of the house. At night, he sleeps in his crate in the bedroom—ideally with the door open so he can choose his cozy spot.
Drax really loves having a routine, and he's not shy about letting you know when it's time—whether that's time to get up, time to take his foster brother to daycare, or time to start putting together the dogs' meals. He thrives when he knows what to expect from his day.
Drax currently lives in a foster home with another dog and a cat. He gets along well with the dog, though his play style can be big and enthusiastic. Cats are a little too interesting for him, and while he can be redirected, he would likely do best in a cat-free home. Because he is large, strong, and still learning not to jump or “box” when excited, he'll need a family that can help him continue polishing his manners. Good news on that front: Drax has started working with a professional trainer, focused on helping him stay calm when meeting new people. He's making progress, but he needs a home that is 100% committed to continuing this work on his reactivity toward unfamiliar people and dogs.
When Drax meets new people or dogs, he shows a fair amount of anxiety that comes out as reactive behavior—jumping, loud barking, mouthing, and charging toward them. Keeping him busy and working (with treats, cues, or a job to focus on) goes a long way toward easing his nerves and making the introduction safe and calm for everyone. Slow, thoughtful introductions are ESSENTIAL for this lovable guy. We're currently working on clicker training and engagement games to help him stay calmer and more focused when meeting someone new, and we've also started teaching him to use a specific mat as his “calm place”—somewhere he can go on his own when things start to feel like too much. Once he feels comfortable, his sweet, silly, affectionate personality shines through.
Health-wise, Drax is being well taken care of. A DNA test confirmed he's 100% Boxer (we had wondered, since his face doesn't quite look like a typical Boxer's, but the genes don't lie!). He's on Apoquel for his allergies, and he recently started Carprofen and a joint supplement for some soreness in his joints. Since starting that regimen, he's been a different dog on his feet—showing a lot more willingness to walk and even run, and he's asked the resident dog to play chase a few times! It's been wonderful to watch him get some spring back in his step.
Drax is not a big toy guy, but he loves chewy treasures like filled bones and cow hooves. He also loves food and eats with typical Boxer gusto—honestly, he may be the most food-motivated dog we've ever fostered, which makes him an absolute dream to train with treats. He can get a little rough taking treats at times, especially when he's stressed or anxious about changes in his environment, so a family who can work on gentle takes will help him along. We use puzzle slow feeders, a lick mat, or a snuffle mat for every single meal to keep his brain busy and his eating in check. He also eats separately from the resident dog, since given the chance, Drax would happily eat his own bowl and everyone else's too. He still tends to guzzle water, which means he appreciates frequent potty breaks during the day.
Because Drax is very big and strong, he'll do best with an adopter who has Boxer or large-breed experience and is comfortable using tools like a harness and martingale collar for safe walks. He can be crated for short periods when his people leave, especially if another dog is nearby, but more than anything, Drax wants to be part of the family. He's still very much a shadow dog who wants to be near his people, but after a few months in his foster home, he's settled in enough that he no longer feels the need to follow everyone around every time they get up. He's able to stay calm and relaxed even in a room where he can't see his people for short periods of time.
If you're looking for a loyal shadow, goofy garden buddy, office nap companion, and full-time best friend, Drax may be your guy. He's handsome, loving, smart, and ready to find the people he never has to be away from again.
