Rapunzel was also known as Heart (because she has a tan heart shape on her) was rescued by us after being neglected by her owner. Rapunzel and her mother Gabby were surrendered by their owner to PRBJ, see Gabby’s story. Rapunzel is one of Gabby’s daughters. Both she and her Mom are painfully shy. Not a mean bone in their bodies and loves other dogs, just not sure about all the new smells & sights, and activity.  We’re hoping that we can find a wonderful forever home that with love and patience will cherish her. She deserves to be turned into a fabulous girl!

Foster Update: Rapunzel continues to amaze me with how good, easy, and sweet she is!  She is enjoying her walks on the leash much more now that she has figured out that getting out in the big world can be nice and fun!  At first, she was just afraid to leave the place that she knew was safe.  She has the BEST personality- so friendly!  She absolutely loves people and doesn't know a stranger.  I have been taking her to the dog park and she loves it.  She greets everyone who comes in with her tail wagging as fast as it can go.  She gets along very well with all the dogs, but is usually more interested in socializing with the people!  We have just found out in the last couple of days that she is interested in playing ball.  If you throw it for her, she will go get it and come back to you with it but doesn't drop it yet- we are still working on that part.

Foster Update 9.5.11: I cannot say enough about Rapunzel!!! She is so special- probably not the dog that someone would stop and take a second look at her picture and want her, BUT if you meet her, you immediately fall in love with her and want to take her home! I know she is a shelter favorite amongst staff and volunteers. I was not planning on fostering anymore after we adopted out second dog (especially puppies!) until I met Rapunzel!! 

Rapunzel is a little shy (definately more so at the shelter) but so incredibly sweet. I thought shewould spend time being fearful and cowering in my house, but she has not done that at all. She has even played a little after only being here for a day. She definately feels most comfortable and secure when sh is around people.
One of the most surprising things about her is that she does NOT act like a typical 6 month old puppy- she is very calm, quiet, GENTLE, and never jumps up. Here are some other important points of interest about Rapunzel:
*HOUSETRAINED and cratetrained!!!
*Does not try to chew things she shouldn't
*Does not feel comfortable on the leash- needs to be coaxed to walk which I am sure will improve with time, patience and practice
*Good with other dogs
IF YOU ARE READING THIS AND CONSIDERING RAPUNZEL----MEET HER!!!!  iT WOULD BE THE BEST DECISION YOU COULD AMKE- SHE WOULD NOT DISAPPOINT!!! 

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Boxer's ancestors were two German mastiff type dogs, the Bullenbeiszer and the Barenbeiszer. They were later crossed with the powerful ancestors of the Mastiff and Bulldog. Early on, these dogs were prized for hunting, bull baiting, and for pulling carts. A bit farther down the family tree, Boxer ancestors became cattle dogs, and were used to round up livestock. They were also popular circus and theater dogs because they learned tricks so easily. Breeding was rather indiscriminate until the first Boxer studbook was started in 1904, stabilizing the breed standard. In spite of its German origins, "Boxer" is an English name that suitably describes the dog's punchy fighting style. Though early Boxers may have been quite ferocious, the breed today is a very gentle, loving family companion. Some of the Boxer's talents are watchdogging, guarding, police work, military work, search & rescue, competitive obedience, schutzhund and performing tricks. The Boxer is happy, high-spirited, playful, curious and energetic. Highly intelligent, eager and quick to learn, but can be stubborn and sneaky. The Boxer is a good dog for competitive obedience. Constantly on the move, bonding very closely with the family. Loyal and affectionate, Boxers are known for the way they get along so well with children. A well brought-up and properly socialized Boxer will also get along with his own kind and other household pets. However one Boxer owner reported; their Boxer is best friends with their many barn cats and second dog, but will chase and eat their ducks and other farm birds. The female boxer will often get into fights with other female dogs, trying to display her dominance. If one owns a female boxer and another female dog, they will get along and even play most of the time, however they will most likely fight from time to time. It has been said that the name Boxer came from the way the Boxer likes to use is front paws for just about everything. If you have ever watched a Boxer go about his business you may have noticed the way he paws at his toys, food bowl and you for that matter, in a very playful cat-like way. Some Boxers have been known to paw at their food or water bowl if they are empty. Playfully barking, pawing and playing with the bowl, flipping it upside-down and putting their front paws on the top of the bowl, sliding it around the house barking and whining until someone fills it for them. It looks like a silly game, but the Boxer knows what he is trying to tell you, he's hungry! While participating the sport of schutzhund, Boxers are known to jump up and use their front paws as if they are boxing. They are very clownish and playful and have been known to grab and carry ANYTHING around including your knickknacks if he thinks he can get away with it. The Boxer's nature is to protect you, your family, and your home. Known visitors will be welcomed boisterously. They are always keen to work and play. Boxers need lots of human companionship. They can be rather boisterous and even in old age are still extremely athletic. Teach the Boxer not to be boisterous and especially not to jump up at people. Boxers LOVE to jump. This breed is noted for courage and makes great guard dogs. Boxers have a wide use in military and police work. Training should start young and be firm and consistent. This breed requires a dominant owner. An excellent watchdog, the Boxer will restrain an intruder in the same way a Bulldog does. They have a life expectancy of 11-14 years.