Welcome to Rescue with Carolina Boxer Rescue
Part two In Our Series Talking with Boxer Rescues
Boxer rescue fundraising has been excruciatingly difficult this year. Way worse than when I was trying to help rescues during Covid. Every year in September I hold my biggest fundraiser for rescue on my Facebook page called “Buckner’s Extravaganza”. And I was just looking at the totals from the past two years alone. In 2024, we raised $3480 in the auction and $1120 in a raffle. This year, we hit $2139 between the two and that doesn’t include what I contributed by bidding on items myself. Also, while we had some awesome artists return again (shout out to Spotted Prince Studio, Life With Riley, Grizzley Clan Ceramics, South Georgia Clay and 2ndhandboxerssigns), many artists did not. Which is not a dig at those that didn’t come back. I know I for one have seen a dramatic decline in my artwork sales this year. So I get it that donating work is difficult at this time. Everyone is hurting.
Right now one of my favorite rescues, Charlies Foundation, is closing intake because they don’t have the funds. Meaning they are not rescuing new animals but also, they are trying to figure out providing food, vet expenses etc, to the animals already in their care. Other rescues have been making similar pleas across social media.
I can’t fix the economy and I am not going into politics here because I think we are getting plenty of that from other places all day long. I get that people just don’t have the funds to contribute how they may have in the past.
I came up with this idea to do a series where I talk to the different rescues I work with, in hopes of educating people about issues facing rescues right now. So you can get to know more about these rescues and the people behind them. Become more connected. And better yet, learn ways you can help and participate beyond money. This week I am talking with Carolina Boxer Rescue. Who I began working with because of Mel (& Lola, who is pictured above). So please enjoy my conversation with Mel and Andrea of Carolina Boxer Rescue.
How do we know each other? How did you find 5149 & ½ Art?
Mel: I saw your donation to another rescue’s raffle and sent an email, explaining who we were and asking for a donation to our raffle. Luckily that event fell on your birthday so it was kismet. You’ve been supporting CBR ever since.
LOL I do remember getting your email and thinking, crap, I need to find someone who knows CBR and vet this person (because you wouldn’t believe how many people lie trying to get free stuff) I had a lot on my plate at the time. But then seeing the fundraiser was on my birthday and realizing ok, that is a sign (I’m a bit superstitious which I blame on my goalie days playing lacrosse in college). Now here we are years later!
So tell me a little bit about Carolina Boxer Rescue… how long have you been around? What area do you cover? What’s the rescue’s story?
Mel: Carolina Boxer Rescue (CBR) was founded in 2001 with the mission of helping abandoned, abused, and neglected boxers find safe and loving homes. What started as a small group of volunteers has grown into a wide-reaching network that serves both North Carolina and South Carolina, Virginia, and most recently, Georgia. Over the years, we’ve rescued and rehomed thousands of boxers, giving them a second chance at the happy lives they deserve. Every dog that comes into our care is placed in a foster home where they receive medical treatment, training, and love until they’re ready for adoption.
What are some of the issues your rescue is facing currently?
Andrea: Right now, the demand is greater than ever. Veterinary costs have skyrocketed, and more dogs are coming into rescue with serious medical issues like heartworm, cancer, or orthopedic problems. We’re also facing a shortage of foster homes, which limits the number of dogs we can save. Add to that the rising number of owner surrenders due to financial strain, and it’s a constant balancing act of resources, space, and funding.
What is the one thing you wish people knew about rescue?
Andrea: That rescue never stops. Every day, our volunteers are juggling vet visits, transports, foster support, fundraising, and adoptions—often after working their full-time jobs. It’s not just about “taking in dogs.” It’s a full circle of care that requires time, dedication, and resources.
And burnout is a huge thing. You need passionate people, but even then, burnout is an issue.
Is there anything people do thinking they are being helpful, but actually, it’s not at all helpful to the rescue?
Andrea: Yes—posting “free to good home” ads online or surrendering dogs to shelters instead of contacting breed rescues first. This puts dogs at risk and often creates more work for us trying to track down and save them. Another one is when people say, “I can’t foster but I’ll keep the dog until you find a home.” That’s not fostering—it’s a surrender situation that still requires vetting, supplies, and oversight.
*I’m going to add here that both times I have asked rescues this question, they are very careful about how to answer so as not to offend anyone. So one of these days I’m just going to get someone to answer off the record so you guys reading understand the shenanigans going on behind the scenes with some of these ‘helpful’ things people think they are doing.
If people can’t donate, what can they do that will help?
Andrea: There are so many ways to help besides donating. Sharing our social media posts, volunteering at events, helping with transport, or even just spreading the word about fostering and adoption makes a big difference. Networking is powerful—sometimes the right share leads to the perfect foster or forever home.
Mel: Agreed, share and like our posts. Follow our pages. Follow our supporting businesses pages.
What is the number one excuse you hear from people about why they can’t foster? What would you like people to know about fostering?
Andrea: The most common reason we hear is, “I could never foster because I’d want to keep them all.” We understand—it’s hard to say goodbye! But every foster who lets a dog go knows that it makes space for the next boxer in need. Fostering truly saves lives. You don’t have to be perfect—you just need to provide love and a safe place while we handle the medical care and support.
I have foster failed twice now myself lol First was Kona. I was just supposed to foster her for ten days while her foster family went on a Hawaiian vacation. And I saw the beginning signs of DM. That was it for me. I had to adopt her then. And of course, there is my current girl, Betsey, who I only agreed to foster for R&R because she was a senior with such a heartbreaking backstory. I think I made it two days before I messaged the rescue to say, ‘I’m probably keeping her’ lol I will say, both times I was nervous. But it was because I wasn’t sure how my son was going to react (he of course loved both dogs and keeps telling me now we need a ‘little Betsey’). But both times, it was so rewarding. I don’t have any regrets. And I feel like if people just gave it a shot, like volunteer to vacation foster with your local rescue. You would really be amazed how fantastic it feels to be a part of a dog’s journey to their forever home.
And while I am on the tangent of pushing fostering ;), I want to throw out there transport help. I just finished a leg of transport getting a boxer named Milo from southern California up to this his new home in Northern California. This beautiful boxer boy rested his head on my shoulder as a I drove and licked my face occasionally. I think to say he enjoyed my singing for two+ hours alone in the car! But not a bad way to spend a day at all. I highly recommend volunteering to do transport for those of you reading this. End of my shameless plug….
Ok, what misconceptions do people have about what rescue dogs need?
Andrea: Many people think rescued dogs are “broken” or always come with severe behavior issues. The truth is, most just need stability, patience, and love. They may need a little extra training or time to adjust, but they aren’t damaged—they’re resilient, grateful, and ready to thrive in the right home.
What do you wish more people understood about boxer specific needs?
Mel: Boxers are high-energy, social, and people-oriented dogs. They need exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship. They don’t do well isolated in backyards or left alone for long hours. They’re also prone to certain health issues like cancer, heart conditions, and allergies, which can mean higher vet bills. But for families who understand their goofy, loving nature, boxers are the most loyal and joyful companions you’ll ever meet.
Any big fundraisers you have coming up you can tell me the details on?
Mel: The 9th Annual Bull City Boxer Bash is coming up on November 1st. It is our biggest fundraiser of the year and all money goes to the vet and medical care of the boxers in our care. The Bash is a boxer-lover’s dream with boxers everywhere. But it’s also open to ALL well-behaved animals. We have local/hand-crafted vendors, sponsors, a food truck, cold beer and a huge raffle, along with some dog contests (best kisser, best wigglebutt, pupcake eating contest and musical sit) that are always fun. The Bash is a day for animal lovers to come together and just enjoy the day. It’s also a day where our volunteers can meet in person (sometimes for the 1st time!), meet up with old friends, make new friends and simply enjoy being in the company of other boxer lovers!
I just mailed out my contribution to the Bash this year btw. Got a really nice gift boxed set of Boxer Rainbow Angel Ornaments that will hopefully bring in some funds for you guys. Thank you both for taking time to talk to me today! And of course, thank you for all you do to help my favorite breed.
If you don’t follow Carolina Boxer Rescue on social media, please find them on those pages. Give them a like and support. The Bash is coming up soon and you can support them at the event and online as well.
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