My daughter, Kelli had begged me forever for a puppy, so for Christmas, my son and I decided to add another boxer to our family and give Kelli her long time wish. We searched the paper for a boxer puppy and finally found a reputable breeder (or so we thought).

We were sent pictures of their available puppies that would be ready for Christmas. My son and I feel in love with a little white boxer who was just born 3 days before. We told the breeder that we wanted him and we sent her the money, $650, because he was so rare. We were sent frequent updates and pictures of our baby and he was delivered to us 3 days before Christmas.

We gave him to Kelli and she decided on the name Astro. He was only 7 weeks old, and was kind of sick. We hoped it was just missing mommy, but he got progressively worse and Christmas eve, we spent the night at the Emergency Pet Hospital. We were told he had a virus, and he would be fine, we were also told more than likely he was deaf and that normally breeders put deaf puppies to sleep. We were shocked, but had hope that the vet was wrong.

Over the next couple of months we started noticing signs that he was deaf, he slept through everything, and did not respond to his name or his cute blue bear that sang "rock a by baby". I contacted the breeder to let them know, and they never responded back to me.

I do want you to know that there was no way I would have traded him for another pup or put him down, we were 100% in love with our little Astro. In away, I am thankful that the breeder did not warn us, because at the time I don't know if I would have choosen him, I now know that Deaf animals are no different than a hearing, except they hear with their eyes. Astro is indeed a rare one, he is funny, loving, playful, he's our baby and he is forever part of our family!