I don't really have a problem with people who see their dogs or other pets as "just a dog" or "just a cat" or whatever. I don't have a problem with anyone who takes care of their dog's needs but has them as an outside dog. And when I say "dog's needs", I meen food, shelter, water, medical care, and the ability to be with their pack. A dog doesn't need to be with their pack 24/7, though. Just like kids don't need to be surrounded by family 24/7. I can't begin to know how much time you and your family spend with Daisy, Tim. I hope it's enough time.

With that being said, I am "one of those people" who treats my animals better than most. My dog is a dog, but he is a member of my family. He is not a child, but he is most assuredly a family member. But, I understand and am ok with people who do not feel that way. As long as an animal has their needs met, I'm all right with people not letting them in the house.

Now. What bothers me is that you would get a dog like a boxer and think that it wouldn't be a playful, energetic hyper dog. People shop all over the darn place for the right couch and research the best deals on airfare to save money, but they will just choose a dog not knowing the first thing about the breed, just because "it's cute", or "I had one as a kid", or, in your case, "people around here are afraid of boxers". There absolutely has to be more thought put into bringing a living creature into your home, especially one who could possibly be in your care for upwards of twenty years. If a dog running through your house and knocking your children over was a problem, maybe an already trained adult boxer would have been a better option. I know it's obviously not something you can do anything about with Daisy. But, maybe consider it if you do decide to get another dog.