Eleven years ago, Tuni Coviello answered a call to Boxer Rescue. A 5 month old boxer was at the vet’s with an untreated broken leg, sustained jumping from a moving car. The owner was not willing to rehabilitate the dog and unless Boxer Rescue stepped in, she would be put down. Rajah III thus came into the lives of Tuni and her sister, Beth. 
As she made her recovery, several people came to see her but were not appropriate for various reasons. In the meantime, of course, she had gained the affection of her rescuers who named her Asia after a previous favorite rescue boxer. At about that time, Tuni found herself in need of a Junior Showmanship dog and decided to give 
Asia a try. At their first show together they took Best Junior. Asia had found her calling and the person she would share that calling with. As Asia’s showmanship blossomed, they decided to give conformation a try – in her first show she took WB. In her second, she took BOW at the NY Boxer Club specialty for a 5 point major.

She was not just a pretty face, but the smartest dog her family has ever known. She worked in obedience with Beth, and was such a stellar performer in class that she was evaluated by serious obedience competitors as future high in trial dog. Asia’s favorite part of formal obedience competition, however, was sitting patiently as Beth executed various heeling patterns by herself. She eventually had mercy and earned her CD.

She was the dam of two champions, Ch. Belco’s Riverdance of Two Cs and Ch. Kantu Belco Music of the Night, as well as three other pointed puppies. In her retirement years she won regularly in Veterans (including 2000 and 2001 Veterans class wins at ABC; in other years she was entered she finished second only to Tiggin). She jumped onto the grooming table up to her very last show Memorial Day weekend – her way of signaling that a REAL show dog was about to take the stage. 

In her final weeks she was being treated for a disk injury and seemed to be tolerating it well. On August 15 she saw Tuni for the first time in weeks and acted half her age with glee. That night with great determination she bypassed the measures that had been taken to keep her from injuring herself climbing on the sofas and made her bed where she was most comfortable. In the morning she could not move and the decision was made to let her go. 

Asia winning one of her many "Best Of Breed"s

Those who ever saw her work in Veterans whether at ABC or in a local show know that this was not an elderly animal being led through the paces, but a star who knew she was a star.

Some of that star power faded when she passed from this world last week. But the amazing thing is that much of it remains. In my mind’s eye I can see her working a picnic crowd for tidbits with her unique blend of charm and intimidation. I see her stiffen as lesser dogs presume to approach her ex pens. Mostly though I see her freestacking and grinning at Tuni, telling everybody ringside to look if they want to see what a boxer bitch is supposed to be.

I’m glad I did.

Maggie was shown when plain was not in!! Still she managed several major reserves as well as placing at ABC. Maggie was from my first litter and I’m fortunate to have had her. A doggie bitch with great movement , co owned with Susan and Patrick MacIntire.

I bought Kinder, sight unseen on the recommendation of my sister. She had seen her at a puppy match and heard she was for sale. I couldn’t have been happier. Kinney was a super house dog and wonderful producer. She did not like the ring and was retired with 11 points and numerous major reserves. Kinder is now almost 10 and is the treasured companion of Peterkin Seward.

I had reserved pick puppy from this litter and made my selection. Spirit was not the puppy I selected, she selected me! I left with two puppies. Spirit was right!! She proved to be a great friend and producer. Her calm tempermant lives in my dogs today. She is the granddam of Patti and dam of many wonderful companions as well. Spirit died tragically at a young age. She is truly missed.

Beth Coviello-Davis
Belco Boxers
beth@belcoboxers.com