Description:
Marni is a purebred boxer that came from a rural puppy mill. She had spent her life as a breeder, and never lived a day of her life as a normal pet in a home, with the love and attention a pet deserves. Marni spent all of her time confined to a kennel, with another breeder girl. It had a hard, cold concrete floor, with no bedding. In this small space, these two girls had to eat, sleep and potty. Because she lived in such terrible conditions, she has calluses on her elbows and paws from laying on the concrete. Fortunately, she was rescued from that terrible life.

Marni has adapted amazingly well to family life. She is a happy, friendly girl, and just wants to soak up all the love and attention she can get.

Note from Marni's foster:

Marni is a very special dog and will require someone who is willing to work with her. Marni's behaviors are textbook description of dogs that have been in Puppy Mills.

Marni is extremely cautious with people, crawling on her belly when she is startled. She will hide in her kennel box and needs to be coaxed out. She is very nervous when there is activity in the house (cooking and moving around). She is hesitant to eat, won't make eye contact and nervous when outside. I am still working on housetraining and she is successful when on a schedule.

BUT, for the person that takes on the task of working with Marni, they will be rewarded tenfold. In the month that Marni has been a foster dog at my house, it warms my heart to see her lean her chin on me and when she curls up at our feet for hours. She WANTS to be near people. She WANTS to trust and love. She follows me from room to room, always staying a few feet behind. The first time she wagged her Boxer tail at me, I melted. She is a beautiful boxer, petite and athletic. She is very gentle and quiet. She has never barked, chewed or scratched at anything. She is great in the car, she stays behind a baby gate, she does not go in the garbage or counter surf. She does not go on furniture, though I allow her on my bed and she wants to cuddle for hours. She enjoys walking on a leash. She loves other animals and would be best with another dog to show her how to play.

Marni needs to be drawn out of her shell. I see moments of the typical boxer playfulness, tail up and a bouncing run. She has a gentle soul that was very damaged by years of neglect or abuse. With much patience, love and guidance, someone can give this dog her life back. And that is what makes it worthwhile.

Please feel free to fill out an Adoption Application on our main website, www.midwestanimalrescue.org, by clicking on the Form/Applications link under Website Features.

Thank You!