Bella was named by Richard Mlynek in memory of their beloved Bella.

This beautiful one year old white female is named Bella. She was either kicked out or escaped after her first litter. She is deaf and backyard breeders seem to discard them. She is pretty, smart and likes nothing better than being near her humans. That attraction is the first, crucial step in building the trusting relationship you and your deaf Boxer need. She has learned the other dogs in the house are OK, and they have learned she is too; you see, she can’t hear the grunts, moans and growls Boxers use to communicate, so learning each other’s body language takes a while longer.

Bella is sweet and attentive and learning to “check in” with her foster parents for direction and praise; hand signals and gestures and lots of  praise and pets. She is house, crate and leash trained, and will sleep overnight in her crate if she goes to sleep before her people leave to go to  bed. Most deaf dogs do not like being left alone, although being with other fur buddies is usually OK. Some of our deaf buddies startle and young kids do not understand that, so ABR does not place deaf dogs with young children.

Bella is eager to learn and with patience and love she will. She is heartworm positive, but at her age treatment does not need to be difficult, and ABR always helps with that. Many people who have owned a deaf Boxer are deeply touched by the strong trusting bond they develop. Several deaf ABR alumni are trained, certified service and therapy dogs. It’s just extra special when your deaf Boxer looks to you for guidance and approval.