A Meet the sassy Boxer who has won life's lottery That's Life Andy Juniper Guest Contributor 7 | Thursday, February 26, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com round here, we call her `The Lottery Winner', a real rags-to-riches story. We could just as easily and accurately call her `The Diva', `Little Miss Gassy', or `Little Miss Sassy' -- although she's really not all that little, she's pure unapologetic gas `n sass. For the record, her actual name is Phoebe. She's a 55-pound Boxer that our daughter, compelled by the soft spot she has in her heart for all animals, rescued and brought home, much to our strident protestations. Not that we're not all for giving a dog a better life, just that we needed another dog like we needed, well, another dog. In other words, it was with great reluctance that we even allowed this hound to remain under our roof. Now, 16 months into The Phoebe Project, she pretty much owns that roof, and everything under it. Oh, let's be honest: it didn't take her that long to ingratiate herself into our home and hearts. No, for the most part -- aforementioned strident protestations aside -- she had us at hello. So, what does the life of a canine lottery winner actually look like? It looks enviable. Lots of exercise, tons of delectable treats. Long naps in the sunshine. And people catering to your every whim. Honestly, it's the life for which I long. You know, most dogs are pretty happy to greet the dawn of a new day. But Boxers tend to be beyond happy, they're ecstatic. Every morning Phoebe races into the kitchen, all goofy, with pent-up energy, wagging her stub-tail and wiggling her bum. Invariably she nds one of the million toys we've bought her, which she picks up and shows off to anyone in the room. Look at me. I'm a dog. I have a toy. Her enthusiasm for the new day, and the toy she's rediscovered, is enviably (and idiotically) boundless. For breakfast there's kibble. Then comes a round or two of begging while the humans eat. Unlike most dogs, she doesn't beg by whining. No, she just sits quietly, patiently staring, looking patently sad, drool dripping from her jowls and puddling on the oor. We give her something, anything, just to stop the drool. Her favourite snack is bananas. This dog is bananas over bananas. Do bananas cause gas? Because she's got gas. Our vet says she has IBS. Experts in the breed say Boxers are known for having faulty digestive tracts. Whatever. Little Miss Gassy can make eyes water within a three-room radius, and if anyone were to light a match, the situation could become quite explosive. When she's not being Little Miss Gassy, she's Little Miss Sassy. Which is to say, she likes to assert her will. She puffs her lips, stomps her paws and makes unearthly noises until she gets what she wants, which typically is exercise: either an on-leash walk or an off-leash run around the acreage. Racing across the property, she looks every inch the Lottery Winner, every inch something to behold: unlimited energy, athletic, with speed to burn. This dog can run a hole in the wind. Post-exercise, she slumbers in the sunshine until she's ready to once again sass her way into another run. It's called ruling the roost, or living the life of Riley. It's called winning the lottery and becoming one spoiled and pampered pooch. -- Andy Juniper can be contacted at ajjuniper@gmail.com, found on Facebook www.facebook.com, or followed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/thesportjesters. Personalized Tree Care in Oakville Call Storybook to assess your Trees Today 905-491-6860 · All gAmes plAyed in OAkville · prOgrAms fOr kids Aged 3-17 BALL HOCKEY LEAgUEs (AgEs 7-17) $149.99 (until March 31) 2015 oakville minor ball hockey league YOUTH BALL HOCKEY Includes jersey, shorts, socks $159.99 (after March 31) LEARn TO pLAY pROgRAm (AgEs 3-6) $110.99 (until March 31) 114.99 (after March 31) All Programs are offered on Sunday mornings/afternoons from April to late June. Includes jersey REgisTRATiOn TimEs & LOCATiOns glen Abbey Recreation Centre - meeting Room C Saturday Feb. 28th, 1-4pm Toronto Rock Athletic Centre - 1132 invicta Dr. Sundays 7-9pm, Tues, Wed & Thurs 8-10pm The Oakville Minor Ball Hockey League is the only league in Oakville that is a member of the Ontario Ball Hockey Federation (OBHF) and has an affiliation with Hockey Canada. The OBHF is the only Ball Hockey organization in Ontario sanctioned by the Canadian Ball Hockey Association (CBHA). The CBHA is an associate member of Hockey Canada. Contact us for Oakville Rangers Rep Ball Hockey Tryouts. visit www.oakvilleminorballhockey.com to register on-line CALL: 905.580.5794 For more inFormation "...perfect match for us ...she made the journey fun ...already referred to a friend ...exceeded our expectations" "...friendly professionalism ...a true expert in her field ...expert design flare" K Design custom cabinetry 490 SPEERS ROAD, OAKVILLE K D E S I G N C A B I N E T RY.CO M 905.339.2223 DIAMOND