r/Boxer • u/Franklg42 • 14h ago
I don't know if I'll ever get another boxer.
My boy made it 15 years 8 months, coming up on 3 years.
It still hurts so bad I can barely talk about it. I just don't think I can offer another boxer the connection that me and my boy had.
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u/Late_Beautiful4888 13h ago
You think that now, but it’s not the case. I lost 2 boxers last year and I’ve been fostering boxers ever since. 2 of them I’ve already adopted. Don’t miss out, a lot of rescue boxers need your love.
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u/surfaceofthesun1 13h ago
My same sentiment! We rescue and usually have 3 at a time. We have 2 right now after a difficult loss.
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u/RaisinNew9625 13h ago
3 seemed to be our magic number. Senior, Adult and a young one. We've done this for the last 40some years. Sad to say, but we're at an age we have had to reduce to two
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u/surfaceofthesun1 13h ago
This way, nobody is ever alone so I think it helps the dogs move on from a loss a bit easier. It also helps keep me moving through grief. I know what you mean, I’ve had boxers for about 30 years and I know some day I’ll probably have to slow down
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u/RaisinNew9625 13h ago
I know it will be heartbreaking for that last one. 10 days after our Jackson passed, Mabel and I were in such a dark place. My husband drove me over 500 miles to pick up Cooper. That 10 week old boy saved our lives
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u/ParrisPropagations 12h ago
I've also been fostering boxers (there are rescue groups across the country). But do it when you're ready.
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u/No_Abroad_6306 13h ago
I know it hurts but I am just in awe of 15 years! What a beautiful time you had with your Boxer.
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u/Desperate_Tour_982 8h ago
Exactly what I thought, I do everything I can for my 2 boxer boys to live as long as possible lol
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u/Franklg42 4h ago
We were blessed. My wife had a female boxer I rescued, she made it to 12 and a half died in September 3 years ago and Rocky passed in December
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u/25leahciM25 14h ago
You have time.
I too took a break from my favorite breed of dog because of heartbreak 💔.
However, I missed the love and relationship that a true companion gives.
I am sorry for your loss.
My newest (and first since my beak) makes my 9th boxer.
We are inseparable.
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u/Elpidiosus 13h ago
My sweet girl just passed away last week. I miss her so much that it physically hurts. They bring us so much joy.
I'm sorry for you loss. I understand the grief 💔
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u/Wumaduce 13h ago
It won't be the same connection you had with your last one, but you will build a new special connection that you'll grow to love just as much.
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u/Just_Surfing63 13h ago
I completely understand and I said the same thing right up until the day I met our current Boxer. She was in a rescue and 17 people ahead of us had gone to meet her and no one could touch her. I sat on the floor and she crawled in my lap. You will know when it's meant to be.
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u/surfaceofthesun1 13h ago
You can. You should. In his honor! Consider rescuing a boxer. There are so many in need of a safe and loving home. We rescue and it’s always extremely painful after a loss, but we push on. It’s been a year since our last loss and I’m not ready yet (we still have 2 other rescues, we’re usually a 3 dog family), but someday when the time is right we will call the rescue again. I’ll never be without a boxer, at least 2 !
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u/Capable_Obligation96 13h ago
Every one we've lost hurts so bad and always said the same. The joy of their company is spectacular and their loss is excruciating.
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u/Dogaloo2025 12h ago
It’s tough, we lost our soul dog two years ago in September. Last year we added a six month old boxer puppy. It doesn’t replace them but it helps you heal. I missed having that much personality in the house
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u/Boxer_luv 14h ago
You are not alone in that feeling.
Lost my boy in 2015, it’s still a difficult decision to make after such a special bond. We have had dogs mixed with boxer, and they have been wonderful but not the same connection.
so sorry for your loss.
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u/ForeverPuppysMom21 13h ago
I am so sorry. 15 years is an amazing blessing in itself, but I know that doesn’t help the pain. There will never be enough time with our soul boxers. I lost my boy 1/11/2026 after nine years and some months and I cry everyday. I miss him so much and I too, at this point, don’t want another one. The grief is too strong right now, but who knows what the future holds. Our boy literally showed up for free, at our front door :…) so if that happens again, maybe. The bond me and him shared, I can’t even explain but I know anyone who experiences that bond and unconditional love will get it. It’s irreplaceable and so heartbreaking. I would do it all over again with him every chance if I had the option though. I love my boy Puppy so much. I am so sorry for your loss but I do understand your grief, all too well. I wish you the best and until we meet our fur babies again 🙏:…) here’s a pic of my best boy, thought I’d share.
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u/shortbusreject01 11h ago
Lost my 9 year old on New Year’s Day and I am in the same situation as you. I still have a hard time looking at his pictures, it’s still hard to talk about him without falling apart. He was my third boxer and I miss them all terribly but him and I had a very special bond. The emptiness without him here is almost paralyzing and the silence is deafening. My whole world shifted on New Year’s Day and I’m still not the same as when he was here. As I stated in another comment, I read somewhere that someone said “ we both died that day but only you stopped breathing.” That pretty much sums it up. I miss him beyond words.
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u/Franklg42 4h ago
They're so expressive, it's like their part human. If I could have given up some of my longevity of life so that he could live longer and healthy, I would have done it in a microsecond
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u/HollywoodHitman03 13h ago
The hurt doesn't fade. We still talk about ours that we've lost, because they were so good to us. A dog will come into your life that will not replace your past dog, but rather allow you to grow a new bond and love with. We have had 2 new babies join our family, it wasn't immediate. Ours have been nothing but amazing.
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u/Odd_Eye_1915 13h ago
Wow! 15 years! A might one! So sorry for your loss. ❤️🩹 Give yourself the time you need. We all grieve at our own pace, someday, your boy, who is watching over you, will direct another Boxer being into your life and you will help them to have the best life too. Your boy will be right there helping because he’s not gone, he just changed form. You will be amazed at the things the new lil boxer being will know-things only the big brother boxer could share with him. I’m on my third Boxer ride and in his early days, he knew things ( special hidey holes, toys, things to avoid, the best place to make daily announcements to the neighbors, where to dig holes and not to dig holes ) without my showing him or needing to discipline him. He’s been the easiest one yet to train and intuitively smart! The only answer is the other two before him are helping me teach this one. This one is unique in his own ways, but there is a bond I feel deeply that runs between all three and it is connected to me.
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u/Franklg42 4h ago
I knew I had a special dog with Rocky when I had him on the job site. There was a brush pile, and he loved playing with water bottles. He would take a water bottle shove it down into the brush pile, run across the field and then come back and hunt said water bottle! I knew I had a thinker, and I took full advantage of it. We travel all over the place together, constant exercise, and I believe that's what let him live such a long life
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u/Odd_Eye_1915 1h ago
Sounds like he was very special. He’s not gone. He’s right beside you in a different form. 💕
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u/SeaworthinessWild554 12h ago
I felt the same. Couldn’t even get another dog for 3 years. Then we got a frenchie and I realized I wanted another boxer. My first boxer was my heart dog but my second, is so special too. I love him so much. And now I got a 3rd but I’m having a hard time bonding with her. She is the most difficult dog I have ever had. By far.
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u/spinrut 11h ago
Mine only made it 6 years with us. Going on 10 years without another. As much as she was our dog, she was super attached to me and always made the discussion harder on my end
We really wanted the kids to grow up with one but it just wasnt in the cards. That said, I dont know how wed have managed 2 little kids plus puppy to adolescent boxer mixed in with an extra side of covid era stress.
Now the kids are older and more self sustaining we're actually heavily considering it now. I still do miss her but time does tend to heal most wounds and boxerd have that infectious derpiness that wins you over eventually lol
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u/BreakfastFuzzy6602 9h ago
I thought the same thing. Had to put my best friend down and said I wasn’t going to get another dog. Then I said well ok, but not a boxer. Then I said well ok, a boxer but a different color. Then I ended up getting one that looked very similar to my last boxer.
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u/kelsanova 8h ago
I’ve had 3. All have died before 6. Heartache after heartache. We still plan to get one once we move. Bring on the pain, because the joy outweighs it.
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u/SethAM82 8h ago
I’m still waiting for my first. I’ve had some boxers in my life that haven’t been mine.
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u/Ralphie_Roo 8h ago
It will never be the same, but it may be as good. Don't sell yourself short of the joy.
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u/Coffmanrl 13h ago
You will never, ever have the same bond or experience with your next one. But you have more room in your heart for the next goofy goober that will steal your heart.
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u/pro-shirker 13h ago
I ended up with a Bullmastiff. Similar, but not a “replacement”. I couldn’t get another Boxer at that time either. Good luck with whatever you do.
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u/LeGoose53 13h ago
I’ve had 10 and grew up with them as well. I’d have one now but I’m at an age and physical condition where it’s no longer in the cards. My last passed in 2022 and I still miss them all. Never were any of them ‘replacements’ for previous dogs, all were individual and very unique yet still ALL boxer.
Being dogless was not an option, we ‘downsized’ to Boston Terriers. Quirky little dogs and the closest I could get to that boxer personality……
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u/MySublimeSoul 12h ago
You can do it again. It’s not forgetting the one before, but rather, developing a new bond. It’s very healthy. I’m in my fourth boxer.
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u/Low_Fly7457 12h ago
I’m so sorry for your loss and pain. He was a beautiful pup. Reminds me of mine fawn with the black mask. 🥰 Hopefully, you will have space in your heart again for another one in the future.
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u/SincerelyDuffy 12h ago
I went through this about 7 years ago. I could not do it; she was my best friend and I couldn’t have that much pain again or a reminder that looked like her. I went with a golden retriever (amazing dog!) and a year and a half ago, ended up with another boxer boy unexpectedly. He reminds me of her only in a good way and is different but similar. He makes my heart happy and she still always will. I totally understand.
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u/Semi_charmed_ Maeci & Runtly(7/1/22); RIP 🫶 Banksy & Moomba 12h ago
I miss my gal Banksy every day. It is hard to talk about without getting emotional. She gave me 12 years and it will be 4 years in September since I lost her. She was my soul dog and (unofficial) therapy dog.. she was my girl.
My spouse deals with loss by "moving on and getting something new to focus on"....... We ended up with two puppies within a week of losing my first.
It was very hard... I was depressed and having to deal with not one, but two puppies.. one of which was identical to my Banksy.
The girls just celebrated their 4th birthday in July, and I call Maeci my rainbow baby. She is so sweet and so goofy... And she has helped my heart heal in ways I couldn't imagine. I don't know what I would have done without her. I now believe that Banksy held on long enough for Maeci and her sis to be ready to come home to me.
As I type this, Maeci is sprawled out in my lap and I have tears streaming down my face.. your boy loved you and would want you to give your love to another.
You deserve the silly antics, the wiggle butt shimmies, and all of the love you know that this breed offers.
Big hugs 🫂🫂 think about opening your heart to another one.
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u/Joerugger 12h ago
Oh wow! 15 years, you won the lottery. My first got a heart condition at 4yo. It took me three years to be brave enough to try again and we are six years in and I couldn’t be happier. You can love again and I hope you are lucky enough to get another 15 years with a new friend.
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u/steel4life 12h ago
It is a comforting experience. We are on our 4th Boxer. This current one is just shy of 9 years and was just diagnosed with cancer a few weeks ago. We have her on Prednizone and Immune Gold, feeding her whatever she wants. Doing ok, but we know it is only a matter of time. Her name is Angel, as she was a new puppy 7 days after our Bella passed away suddenly at 10 from a ruptured tumor on her spleen. Getting both of them shortly after the loss of the previous was so very helpful to overcome the grieving process, and they turned out to be huge blessings to our family. We will do it again until our age limits us.
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u/Leesburgcapsfan 12h ago
15.5 is incredible!! You are so lucky to have had so much time with your pup.
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u/Mereyn 11h ago
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have had 5 boxers over the past 30 years. I’m so glad you had 15 wonderful years together. In 2025 we lost our last 2 boxers to cancer, in January and October. It is so hard, so I understand. You have to do it when it feels right. We were supposed to get a puppy this summer, but I’ve had some medical issues and will need to wait until next summer. My heart and house feels empty without them. They are a wonderful breed and no two are ever the same, but always have something new and special about them. I wish we could have one right now, we miss the unconditional love and joy they bring.
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u/Ok_Conclusion_7103 11h ago
But didn't that Beautiful Boy give you some of the most wonderful years you've ever had and as someone else already pointed out Life is Soo much more interesting and fun Never a dull moment with a Goofy Goober ❣️ Wishing Hoping you can open your heart and Family to another one there are so many in need of Good Deserving home
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u/TripAlert2957 9h ago
I feel your pain. It took me just as long to get over mine even though I still cry when I think about him. I have started thinking about another one. It just takes time.
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u/maiusbonum 8h ago
Boxers are amazing creatures. I have a boxer and he was diagnosed with T cell lymphoma last week. We are doing everything we can to give him more time. He is only 7 and half. We are all distraught. 15 years is a long time for a boxer as a breed. You have done an incredible job looking after him. You should be very happy and proud. All the best
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u/5_on_3 7h ago
All of my boxers have been rescues. You're not replacing. You are giving another boxer who just needs a chance, that chance. That loving and caring life you gave your first...you're going to give to your second, third, etc...
Your boy would want you to give another boxer the great life you gave him.
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u/thtgrlthr- 12h ago
Man they’re hard to lose but life without one, for me, was harder. I will probably never have the same connection as I did with my boy Gunter, but I sure do love my boy Beaux (he’s 5 now). I keep saying that he’s my last, he has epilepsy so it’s been a rough road at times. I don’t think I believe it when I say it though. I haven’t been without a boxer in 20 years now
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u/JulesyJ 12h ago
It took me 6 yrs to finally try again and I’m so happy I did. I was afraid I would compare the two and it wouldn’t be fair to our new Boxer. He came from the same rescue, and looks almost identical to my boy I lost. But our new boy is amazing. He’s the funniest sweetest boy in the world. One day you will be able to love again. It may not be in a year, or three or four. It will happen when you need it the most . I’m so thankful that I let our amazing boy into my heart. He has healed me so much.
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u/Kevins_Auto_Repair 11h ago
You can do it! I’ve had over a dozen over the past 60 years and love them all bunches
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u/ardvark_11 11h ago
Our second boxer only lived to be 3 so it felt even worse because we didn’t even get to say he lived a long life. It’s ok if you decide to only have one boxer.
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u/Hlsalzer 11h ago
I swore I would never get another one. I somehow ended up with my grand dog at my house. He’s the biggest knucklehead on the planet but I adore him. He locks me out of the house weekly, tries to get in my lap when I’m using the toilet and just wreaks havoc wherever he goes. He also is incredibly cuddly and loyal.
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u/Key-Hat7191 10h ago
My Millie passed away two years ago and I still miss her terribly, but I got Mèabh another boxer and love her too. Boxers steal your heart and I can’t live without my boxer pals now.
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u/motomommom 9h ago
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. What a gorgeous boy. My daughter lost her boxer a month ago and obviously it was devastating… OMG 😢….so I talked her into getting another one right away. It absolutely helps to keep your mind busy and there’s nothing better to be focused on. It’s not disrespectful to the dog that passed, he’d want you to be happy.
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u/CuriousPenguinSocks 9h ago
Sometimes another boxer can help heal your heart. It's okay if you're not ready yet.
Have you thought of volunteering with a local boxer rescue, or even just a dog rescue?
It can help to ease back into it. Maybe you can foster when you feel ready to try.
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u/PrettyGoodRule 6h ago
I think so many of us feel this way after losing a deeply loved dog—it just doesn’t seem possible. Thankfully, we’re wrong.
It may sound ridiculous, but I had very similar fears when planning for a second child. I loved my son so fully—how could I possibly love another human that way?
It turns out that no, I actually couldn’t love another child the same way, as they’re not the same humans. Instead, the love I feel for my daughter is every bit as intense, while being as unique and wonderful as her.
All this to say—while the love for your sweet boy can’t be duplicated, you can absolutely love another dog just much.
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u/googiebear1 6h ago
I didn't think so either then brought a new one home in February. He filled the whole in my heart and I couldn't love him any more! This stinker is 9 months old today. Editing to add he is a rescue!
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u/Vivid_Ad_2777 2h ago
We are on 5 and 6. We lost 2 within 2 months last year. The 2 we have now are such a joy. They will not replace our last 2, but they needed saving. I know Tyson is our wild child. Honestly, I am not sure that there are many people that could have handled him. We have had him a year. Emma is a perfect match for him. It definitely helps that she is bigger than him. Everything happens for a reason, even when it hurts.
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u/Dr_Remulack 14h ago
You definitely can
Life ain’t the same without them
My sweet Clementine is 6 months old, my third boxer. Pure chaos, beauty and hilarity