OUR BEGINNINGS

We are Ruth and Bernard Atkins and have had boxers since 1994.  During that time we have always tried to do what is best for our dogs and, in turn, the boxer breed in general.

Our first boxer, Ginger, was born August 24, 1994.  She was the sole reason that we chose the boxer as our breed.  She was the ultimate pet dog and a good example for the younger boxers.  Unfortunately, we lost Ginger on October 24, 2006 at age 12 years, 2 months old.  She has been deeply missed and will remain in our hearts forever.

Our first show dog, Ringo, was born February 25, 2002.  Janice Kollar encouraged us to purchase Ringo and show him in conformation.  Carol Korpal taught us to recognize proper dog structure and movement and Gail Hehn guided us through the complex AKC protocol of showing dogs.  In Vera Kollar's training class, Bernard learned basic handling techniques.  We had a lot to learn and trial and error became our teacher.  We have come to love showing dogs and truly miss it when we must store away our motorhome for the winter. 

Professional handlers, Holly Eldred, Kristy Falkenthal and Tessie Savage, have shown our boxers for us with skill and style.  We appreciate their efforts that have helped in bringing us success in the AKC Conformation Ring.

We have also found a home in the UKC Conformation Ring.  We, as owners, show our own dogs in UKC and have found great success.  Ringo, Jessie, Lil, Paisley and Corona have all won UKC titles.  Both Lil & Paisley have been nationally ranked with Lil ranking #1 in both 2008 & 2010.

Our boxers have also found success in AKC performance competition. 

We formally established our kennel in 2003.  It's name, Thunder Bay Boxers, was taken from a place where we had our vacation home and now live full time with our boxers.  We have been fortunate to be able to live in such a beautiful place where our dogs have room to run in a fenced yard and thoroughly enjoy themselves in a forested setting.

OUR BOXERS 

living with us in Galena:

  Jessie:  UKC CH Kimkar's Jesse's Girl
Paisley:  UKC GRCH Shira's Cntry Rose of Thunderbay RN
Corona:  UKC GRCH Shira's Tiki Crown of Thunderbay
EJ:  Lil's Polar Bear of Thunderbay

waiting at the rainbow bridge:

Ginger
Sophia:  Infiniti's Arabesque RN RA CGC TDIA 
Lil:  AKC CH & UKC GRCH Bavaria's Thunderbay's DimondLil
Ringo: UKC GRCH Can-Cia's Hard Days Night U-SOM

CANDID SHOTS OF OUR BOXERS 
&
 RINGO'S OFF-SPRING

 We are members of MidWest Boxer Club where Ruth is the Puppy Referral Person and members of Great Lakes Boxer Club where Ruth is the hospitality Chairman, the Sunshine Committee Chairman and the Puppy Referral Committee Chairman.
 

Contact us at:
Thunder Bay Boxers
Bernard and Ruth Atkins
815 776-9372 

Website designed by Ruth Atkins