Congrats, Murry Christmas and Bauce (pronounced “Boss”).

DOUBLE DOGS OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH 2013 This month we present two dogs for the price of one, Murry Christmas and Bauce (pronounced “Boss”). Murry is a big and beautiful Boxer and Bauce is a lovable English Bulldog. They are the companions of Heather, an energetic, trim and accomplished marketer with a very big heart. They look so good because she is a Vegan who takes wonderful care of her “boys” and keeps them strong and healthy! Murry Christmas (yes, Murry, not Merry) joined Central Bark’s happy group of daycare dogs in August 2010 and he really “owns” that group! His best buddy is Ike, Dog of the Month July 2012. They are BFF’s because they are so similar in personality; bold, confident, and sensible. Boxers are instinctive guardians so Murry is always the first to notice anyone coming into or leaving the playgroup. He also thinks he must monitor the group and alert the handler if he believes some of the other dogs are having a bit too much fun (much like having your older brother at your high school dance). A perfect Boxer like Murry is well conditioned and is all muscle with no fat. A Boxer is a powerful dog with an intelligent and alert expression. A Boxer loves to be with his “people.” His personality has allowed them to succeed as couriers during wartime and as seeing-eye dogs for the blind. Appearing in both fawn and brindle colors, they were developed in Germany in the 19th century. Boxers were originally used for dog fighting and to run down and hold large game such as wild boar and bison until the hunter could arrive. The breed is known for standing up on its hind legs and batting at its opponent, appearing to box with its front paws. Imported to America after World War I, they began to grow in popularity in the late 1930’s. The Boxer currently ranks as one of the most popular dogs in the United States according to AKC® Registration Statistics. We stated that Heather has a very big heart. So big, in fact, that after adopting Murry and showering him with love, attention, and a wonderful home, she then adopted Bauce, the English Bulldog. He joined us at Central Bark in October 2012. While Bauce, a Bulldog and Murry the Boxer are short-faced dogs, known as Brachycephalic, there the similarity ends. Murry, quiet and reserved, Bauce, loud and gregarious. Murry, healthy and low maintenance, Bauce, prone to minor illnesses and accidents. Known for their loose-jointed, shuffling gait and massive, short-faced head, the Bulldog is unflappable, steadfast and dignified. A medium-sized dog, they are not your typical lap dog, but that is what they would love to be! According to AKC® Registration Statistics, the English Bulldog is one of the most popular breeds due to their lovable and gentle dispositions and adorable wrinkles. The Bulldog may be brindle, white, red, fawn, fallow or piebald in color. The English Bulldog is thought to have originated in the British Isles and the name "bull" was applied because of the dog’s connection with bull baiting. Theoriginal Bulldog had to be ferocious and courageous, and almost insensitive to pain. When dog fighting became illegal in England, fanciers set to the task of preserving the breed by eliminating the fierce characteristics. Within a few generations, the Bulldog became one of the finest physical specimens with an agreeable temperament. That is exactly what Bauce is…a fine physical specimen with an agreeable temperament…and so much more. These two (and Heather) should be congratulated for being our March Dogs of the Month. You will not find a handsomer pair of pooches! Congrats Murry Christmas and Bauce!