Kai, The Boxer Mix

Shelby Nungester’s best friend is her 2.5 year old boxer mix named Kai. She describes him as the sweetest, most loving boy — very energetic, but not the best listener (they’re working on it). “He is curious and expressive,” Shelby says. “Kai's breed is very sweet and strong. He is also intelligent, affectionate, loyal and stubborn.”

Shelby chose Kai because boxers are often abandoned. They need close attention and training, and have a lot of zest.

“I knew that I had the time and the energy to love a dog like this,” says Shelby. “I have met other dogs like Kai and they were always really good dogs.”

We spoke with Shelby about Kai, and her little family!

Dog Whisperer: So it’s you, Kai and your partner Nate. How did Kai warm up to Nate?

Shelby: Kai and I recently moved from Cincinnati, Ohio to Colorado to live with Nate. We live in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Denver. Kai liked Nate right away, even though he was a little jealous. Nate would go on walks with us when he visited us in Cincinnati and would find cool hikes to take us on when we visited him in Colorado. Nate is actually really allergic to Kai, but that has never stopped him from playing with Kai or carrying him around. Kai loves to be held. I don't think he realizes he is 70+ pounds. When I'm not around, Nate takes really great care of Kai. He has taken him to the lake, taken him out for special snacks and has taught him to catch food when you throw it to him. Nate also got him a special doggy cake for his second birthday. I love our little family.

DW: How long have you had Kai, and where did you bring him home from?

S: I’ve had Kai since he was six weeks old. I first met Kai through a coworker. I had been carrying around food, a leash and a collar in the trunk of my car because I figured that someday I would come across a dog that had been abandoned or in need of a home. However, about a year later, my coworker asked me if i was still looking for a puppy, and told me that his mom's friend's dog had just had a litter. I didn't know what Kai's color or gender would be in advance. My friend's mom picked him out for me and I picked him up from her place in Amelia, Ohio the next day.

“Kai is my best friend. A few years ago we went on a cross country road trip together. We drove from Ohio and visited friends in Colorado, Oregon and Washington. We spent every moment together for two weeks, even sharing the backseat of the car as a bed. We got to do some really fun hikes in the mountains and along the coast. Kai was able to meet some of my friends and make friends himself.”

DW: What is your relationship with Kai like?

S: Kai is my best friend. A few years ago we went on a cross country road trip together. We drove from Ohio and visited friends in Colorado, Oregon and Washington. We spent every moment together for two weeks, even sharing the backseat of the car as a bed. We got to do some really fun hikes in the mountains and along the coast. Kai was able to meet some of my friends and make friends himself. On our trip, Kai got to meet dog friends Pono and Starbuck. He really enjoyed getting to play. He also got to go to a restaurant that had a menu for dogs. We have taken lots of long road trips together. He is the best travel buddy. Kai is also an ESA (emotional support animal) so he can technically go on a plane, but I don't think we're ready for that yet.

DW: What are Kai’s favorite activities?

S: Kai enjoys chewing on nylabones or licking peanut butter out of a Kong toy. He likes to cuddle and loves to be pet. His favorite activity is probably going on long hikes or walks. Kai has hiked up to 10 miles. If he has snacks and lots of water, he's good to go for a long time. Kai has been camping a few times and seemed to really enjoy that as well. He had a great time running around in the woods and chewing on sticks.

DW: What are your pup’s favorite foods and snacks?

S: Kai is allergic to poultry so we have to be careful about his food and snacks. He loves peanut butter, coconut oil, carrots, cheese, yogurt, watermelon and blueberries.

DW: What are some fun facts about Kai?

S: Kai has a lot of nicknames: Peanut Butter Prince, Sir Mushington, Piggy, Bunny, Bubby, Kyle and ‘the one who drinks Monster and punches drywall’ (when he's being bad). He also has webbed feet. Nate says he imagines Kai as a mix between Tyler the Creator and Goofy.

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