As we prepare to celebrate 25 years of Carolina Boxer Rescue, we’ve found ourselves asking a simple question:
How do you even begin to tell a story like this?
We could start with the numbers, the dogs saved, the miles driven, the dollars spent, the years of dedication. And those things matter. They always will.
But the truth is, the real story of CBR isn’t something you can sum up in statistics. It lives in the people. It lives in the ones who said, “I’ll just foster one,” and somehow turned that into a revolving door of muddy paws, slobbery kisses, and permanent residents. It lives in the transporters who have logged more miles than they can count, chasing freedom rides and second chances across state lines. It lives in the veterinary teams who have worked miracles, patched up broken bodies, and stood beside us through the hardest goodbyes. It lives in the volunteers who have been here since the early days, the ones who remember how it all started and somehow kept saying “yes” as it grew.
And it lives in the quiet moments, too. The first tail wag. The deep exhale of a dog finally at peace. The bittersweet goodbyes that never get easier, but are always worth it.
That’s the story we want to tell.
Not just our version of it, but yours. As we build this 25-year celebration, we’re reaching out to the people who have helped shape CBR along the way. The long-timers. The behind-the-scenes heroes. The ones with stories that start with, “You won’t believe this, but”
We want to hear the funny moments. The chaotic ones. The ones that still make you laugh—or tear up—years later.
If you’ve been part of this journey in any way, we would love to hear from you. Whether it’s a single memory, a favorite dog, or what CBR has meant to you over the years, your story is part of this legacy.
Because 25 years of rescue isn’t just about the dogs we’ve saved. It’s about the people who made it possible. And we can’t wait to tell your part of the story.
Email Jackie at newsletter@carolinaboxerrescue.org with your memories, stories, and anything you would like to share! Your message may be featured in an upcoming article!
Bear’s story,
After losing our previous boxer to a heart condition, I started looking for someone to fill the void left by his passing. My wife, however, was adamant that we were not getting another dog. I persisted in looking at the Carolina Boxer rescue website and came across Bear. A Brindle English Bulldog Boxer mix, and her heart melted. She made the statement, “I want Bear, and no other!” As luck would have it, there were four other families interested in Bear, but providence won out, and we were able to adopt Bear. That was eight years ago, and when we adopted him, CBR wouldn’t just hand him over. First, he needed to have an extensive operation on his right rear knee. CBR paid for everything needed to ensure he had been properly taken care of before we could get him. This is why helping to fund CBR is an extremely important matter. Thank you, CBR, for adding a family member to our household. There is a lot more to Bear’s story as a family member. He helped raise our two grandchildren, but more importantly, my wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and throughout her illness, he stayed steadfastly by her bedside until she passed away. While he grieved her loss, he helped me through a very difficult time, and continues to do so.