Looking for Basenji

[spkight]

Hi, I'm new to this list. I have previously had 3 basenji's - one when i was growing up. And two as recently as 2001 (male died of throat cancer) and 2002 (female died of congestive heart failure - although i think it was more of a broken heart from my males death the yr before). We have been checking regularly on the BRAT web-site, but they don't place a lot of theirs with smaller children - we have a 6 year old. We were wondering if anyone could help us with this. We live in SC, but would travel to surrounding states to pick up pup if we could find one. I really miss my babies and would love to have another one or two. Please let me know if anyone knows of any available close to my area.
Thanks, Susan

[sharronhurlbut]

BRAT will rehome b's with 6 yr old, as long as the kids are respectful of the dogs.
You do have to just through a few more hoops...but they are all very open to home where the parents decide that the kids need stucture, as well as the dogs.
The homes that don't work is where the folks think the b's are toys for the kids, or allow the children, to do "anything" they want to the dog..
Please, post to the person in your area and have a home visit.
We need more home for these rescue dogs!

[lvoss]

You can start at the Basenji Club of America's breeder directory at http://www.basenji.org/?q=node/30

You can also contact me through my website listed in my profile and I can send you some information for breeders in neighboring states.

[BasenjiByTheBay]

I'm a huge fan of BRAT and their associated rescue groups, but it is possible to find a rescue basenji through other sources as well. We have been in touch with our local (well, 4 hours away, but our closest) official basenji rescue for a long time, and try to donate to them now and then, but nothing ever quite worked out for us getting a pup from them.

We found our girl Fiji through a Pennysaver ad, placed by a woman looking for a new home for her. Our second guy we found on Petfinder - he was in a shelter a couple of states away and it took a lot of logistic maneuvering to get him home, but he was determined to be with us :p

This process is not as clear cut as using BRAT. Petfinder lists an amazing range of dogs as basenjis - pretty much anything reddish in color or with pointy ears. :rolleyes: And some that aren't even that similar. But if you're willing to check their website regularly and slog through a lot of listings, pure basenjis do turn up in shelters.

If you find a pup being privately re-homed, you can ask a lot of questions, and they may even give you truthful answers regarding health, disposition etc. Shelters have a hard time providing much info, because they generally just don't know. A visit can reveal some things about temperament. Of course, basenjis seem to be clever enough to be on their best behavior until they have time to make you fall in love...then, look out! ;)

Unlike BRAT, where dogs are fully evaluated and you generally know a lot about what you're getting, shelter dogs may have a lot of challenges that surprise you. And that's even trickier when it comes to making sure dogs are compatible with kids, so be careful.

Our stories have had happy endings. Well, they're on their way to happy endings, anyway. Our new guy Bongo has been a little more challenging than our girl, but he's coming along. Of course, we have no idea what lies ahead health-wise for our kids since shelter dogs are not likely tested for Fanconi or other problems, or if they have been that info is not available.

The other thing you might consider is breeders near you that have adult dogs they are retiring from showing/breeding. http://khanisbasenjis.com/AvailableBasenjis.html
That would be a safer bet, since again you'd have a lot of info on the dog's temperament and health.

Good luck getting a basenji back into your family. Hard to live without them once you've gotten to know them, isn't it?

[sharronhurlbut]

Yes, breeders do sometimes have b's that either didn't work for showing, or come back to the breeder for some reason *usually NOT the dogs fault*.
I do suggest you find out where the b's are showing in your areas as well as the lure coursing events are happening.
The basenji world is a pretty small one, and even tho we have not met everyone we sure do hear a lots about EVERYONE! laugh.

[spkight]

Thanks Sharron. Maybe i'll try BRAT again. We were a little upset with them recently. There was a pair - Toby and Chloe - that we were interested in. Even their coordinator in PA was interested in us because we had previous B exp. They even said they would wait on us to have our home visit rather than place them with someone else who was interested. Then, about 3 days before our scheduled home visit, we get an e-mail that they had already placed them with someone else. Our local coord. Pat Dukes was even like - our SC couple thought they were high up in the running for these dogs. So, anyway, i ended up canceling the home visit because i could work and make some money that day, seeing that we were upset about them not waiting on our visit. The next day, i get an e-mail from BRAT that i've been removed from their listing - something i did not request. I've since had surgery and am around the house all the time - so i may try and do that home visit if i'll be accepted back by BRAT and not dumped again!

[sharronhurlbut]

I am so sorry this has happened to you.
I don't know about why this happened, but if you need to ask someone, I can get you an e-mail to ask questions...
We are all unpaid, and for myself, I do try to be honest and upfront with folks.
I don't know if there was a mixup or what, but do give BRAT a try.
When you re apply for BRAT, I would write a note and ask if you can have come clarification on to what happened, so it doesn't happen again.
Hugs for giving BRAT another chance.
WE do need a the good homes we can get.

[sharronhurlbut]

OH, I meant to add that BRAT just got another 10 b's into rescue.
I am not sure of the area, and I guess they are in pretty bad shape, as they have to have major vetting done.
So, if your thinking you can foster or adopt, please do try BRAT.

[spkight]

Basenji by the bay: Thanks for letting me know about finding B's on petfinder. I had looked before and the only ones that ever came up were the BRAT ones. Apparently I had put in "small" under size, and once i changed that, i found a few B's. I actually found a really cute tri male in OH. Now if i can just figure out how to get him to SC!!!

[sharronhurlbut]

I am delighted any b who is in a shelter is adopted by one of these informed folks.
Fingers crossed the boy in Oh is as lucky.

[BasenjiByTheBay]

The scary thing about B's on petfinder is uninformed folks adopting them because they're "cute". But since you're a knowledgeable B owner, it'd be a great thing for you to save that pup.

There is a list you can post to of folks that can help foster til you can get there, and sometimes even help transport. We weren't able to find anyone to transport our guy so we put together a chain of family and friends. But if it hadn't been for the BRAT chat list helping us find a woman who would spring him from the shelter and keep him til we could get someone there to pick him up, we might have lost him. Let us know if you need that info.

Warning: rescue is addictive. It's a great feeling to be able to save these little guys while you add to your family.

[sharronhurlbut]

That is always my fear re b's in shelters..often shelters will try to adopt them out over and over, when they are totally messed up, guess what, they call rescue...
Gee thanks...
Sigh.
We take them, but it would be so much better for the dog not to be given the trama of a non-smart basenji home...

[dash]

Basenji by the bay: Thanks for letting me know about finding B's on petfinder. I had looked before and the only ones that ever came up were the BRAT ones. Apparently I had put in "small" under size, and once i changed that, i found a few B's. I actually found a really cute tri male in OH. Now if i can just figure out how to get him to SC!!!

Did you figure out how to get this dog? If you are still interested, we are in OH and can help. We are in between fosters but I think we may be getting one of the 10 BRAT recently got.

[spkight]

Dash: I never heard back from his foster. We e-mailed a few times and he explained that Beau's problem coming back was an already dominant b in the household. So, i asked what the adoption fee was, was there an application to fill out,etc. etc. so if i could get my husband to drive up with me could we get him.... never heard back from his foster.

I also inquired about a smooth fox terrier at a closer pound (north augusta,SC) to us. The lady e-mailed me back to let me know that he was really good with kids and to fill out an on-line application...did it..... never heard back from her either. You would think with all these doggies at pounds or in foster care that they would be trying a little harder to get these doggies permanent homes. Maybe i'm being a little hard on them, but i'm kind of frustrated. We may just have to wait till we can just go buy a pup this year!

If i could get in touch with Beau's foster in OH, i could definitely use some help getting him transported. if we could get him just a little closer, i'm willing to drive however far to get him. Thanks, Susan

[dash]

Dash: I never heard back from his foster. We e-mailed a few times and he explained that Beau's problem coming back was an already dominant b in the household. So, i asked what the adoption fee was, was there an application to fill out,etc. etc. so if i could get my husband to drive up with me could we get him.... never heard back from his foster.

I also inquired about a smooth fox terrier at a closer pound (north augusta,SC) to us. The lady e-mailed me back to let me know that he was really good with kids and to fill out an on-line application...did it..... never heard back from her either. You would think with all these doggies at pounds or in foster care that they would be trying a little harder to get these doggies permanent homes. Maybe i'm being a little hard on them, but i'm kind of frustrated. We may just have to wait till we can just go buy a pup this year!

If i could get in touch with Beau's foster in OH, i could definitely use some help getting him transported. if we could get him just a little closer, i'm willing to drive however far to get him. Thanks, Susan




Bummer. Maybe they found a home already or maybe the foster parent decided to keep him. Who knows. Good Luck.

[sharronhurlbut]

I really do try to get info to folks who have posted in interest in a basenji, even if its not something they want to hear, the dog was not given to rescue, or another home is found.
I so apprecaite all the folks who work to help these b's needing homes.
Hugs.

[snorky998]

Bummer it certainly is:( , but don't you think a follow up email or a courtesy call would be nice in cases such as spkight's.

I had the same unwelcoming attitude from our local "Orphans of the Storm" and it really leaves a bad taste in your mouth. I have never called them again about a rescue, stray or feral.

It truly breaks your heart and your trust when you start to love a "maybe pet", then get shut out. I have been told from a respectable, local animal control officer that it is a common practice for some shelters to have a "walk in" want a pet that has been slated for possible adoption, then the walk in offers more $$$ to the shelter, and wham-bam-thank you-ma'am, it's a done deal, you're "maybe pet" is gone to the highest bidder regardless of home, yard, or experience.:mad:

[snorky998]

Sharon, I didn't see your post before mine (was cooking dinner in between). Just wanted to clarify, I was NOT including BRAT rescue in my post. I have only dealt with the agency on line, and not in a personal (email-phone) manner.

[sharronhurlbut]

Oh, ok, I do understand.
I have had shelters call me re getting a basenji into rescue and then not call back when I phone them.
I don't know if they are just overwhelmed or what...but they do *imo* need someone who calls and says we don't need you...
Laugh..what is for dinner???

[snorky998]

:D :D Oven roasted Perdue chicken, stuffing, and garden veggies (those not already pureed under the feet of the 2 residential garden marauderers-Ty & Kate).

What do you have planned? I keep running out of ideas:o . Do we need a recipe topic??

[sharronhurlbut]

Laugh, funny you asked as I let my husband cook or do take out..I am way to busy..laugh..nope, just lazy. You dinner sounds wonderful!
BRAT does has a cookbook they made up for sale.
Lots of good ideas, and tested dinners in it.
I think they still have some more to sell...not too expensive.
http://www.basenjirescue.org
and ask for the cookbook.
If I cooked, I would use it...laugh, but I did give it to some friends who did and they like it.
To make it basenji related, both my b's like take out or homecooking...they are all around eaters!

[snorky998]

HAHAHAHA--my b's don't care if it's home cooked or carry out either....food is food...

BTW....the 'extra' man that lives here and takes up room in the bed (according my b's), also does the cooking on an alternating basis He's much better than I am. We try to share the responsibilities. He was raised on a dairy farm in central WI (Hillsboro) with MANY bro and sis. He was a younger sib so "ma" taught him how to cook. After 21 years married I still envy his culinary skills.

Sorry all, back to topic....anyone else have an experience at a shelter/rescue such as spight??

[rnasto]

Maybe???

http://www.basenjiforums.com/showthread.php?p=49475#post49475

Cross post about Oatmeal (in rescues)

[BasenjiByTheBay]

The OP has a 6 year old and this guy is aggressive with children, it says. Probably not the best match :-(

[BasenjiByTheBay]

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=11556476

[spkight]

Hi all: Thanks for helping me look for basenji's. Unfortunately, i'm going to have to put my search on hold for at least 6 weeks. Tuesday afternoon, my daughter (6yo) slipped and fell in wet grass while playing in the sprinkler at my mom's and broke her clavicle. Ortho guy says NO activity or playing and has to wear sling for 3 weeks. Then, we can take sling off, but still no sports or rough playing for 3 more weeks. I'm afraid if we got doggies right now, she'd be too tempted to play with them and that bone wouldn't heal properly. But, thanks again to all who replied and keep your eyes out for me. We may just end up looking for a puppy since breeding time is right around the corner. Susan

[rnasto]

Oh my.....wishes for a speedy recovery

[MSkulstad]

Hi Susan,
I hope your little one is better by now and that you are still looking for a Basenji. We have an 8 month old tri-color male who needs a new home. This guy loves people and other dogs (we have 6 assorted dogs) and even gets along with our cat. He is beautiful, even has some bridle color on his face, and he is very well-behaved (for a Basenji). We got him for our daughter who was moving to an apartment where she could have a dog, but before she could move, it burned down! This was in Nashville, but we are in east TN, north of Knoxville. We have copies of his pedigree back 4 generations. We hope to recoup some of our expences, $200, negotiable.
Thanks, Marilyn

[tanza]

Hi Susan,
I hope your little one is better by now and that you are still looking for a Basenji. We have an 8 month old tri-color male who needs a new home. This guy loves people and other dogs (we have 6 assorted dogs) and even gets along with our cat. He is beautiful, even has some bridle color on his face, and he is very well-behaved (for a Basenji). We got him for our daughter who was moving to an apartment where she could have a dog, but before she could move, it burned down! This was in Nashville, but we are in east TN, north of Knoxville. We have copies of his pedigree back 4 generations. We hope to recoup some of our expences, $200, negotiable.
Thanks, Marilyn
Just curious.. where did your Tri come from? And is the breeder not willing to take back the pup?

[mauigirl]

Hi Marilyn,

If you got your trindle from a reputable breeder he/she needs to be contacted if circumstances have changed such that you can't keep the pup. Responsible breeders have a livelong commitment to their pups. If you had a contract of sale that is where you would find the terms of this agreement. Sorry to hear about the fire and best of luck finding this boy a good forever home.

[spkight]

Hi Marilyn, just got your post. Sent you a pm about this little boy so look for it. Thanks, Susan

[tanza]

Please be sure that this boy has been at least DNA tested for Fanconi... and do yourself a favor and the breed and neuter this boy

[sharronhurlbut]

Placing an intact dog without fanconis testing is not a good thing to do.
Pat is totally right on this point.

[Janneke]

Please be sure that this boy has been at least DNA tested for Fanconi... and do yourself a favor and the breed and neuter this boy


Isn't it true that BRAT dogs aren't tested for Fanconi either? So the only diffirents is the fact that he is intact with only eight months? Still time enough to neuter this boy right?

As owner who's selling the dog.. I would neuter this pup.. As buyer I would not mind buying one who's still intact..

[achandl2]

I know this dog and have been in contacted with it's previous owners. He came from Rocky Top Basenjis. The only club affiliation that the breeder claims is with the ACA. Make of it what you will.

[Quercus]

Isn't it true that BRAT dogs aren't tested for Fanconi either? So the only diffirents is the fact that he is intact with only eight months? Still time enough to neuter this boy right?

As owner who's selling the dog.. I would neuter this pup.. As buyer I would not mind buying one who's still intact..

The problem with selling (or placing) an intact, untested dog is that he could very well end up in a puppymill situation, or anywhere that won't test before breeding...producing puppies that will develop fanconi, and selling those puppies to unsuspecting (uneducated) buyers.

BRAT dogs may not be tested for Fanconi, but they certainly are neutered before placement.

[Janneke]

The problem with selling (or placing) an intact, untested dog is that he could very well end up in a puppymill situation, or anywhere that won't test before breeding...producing puppies that will develop fanconi, and selling those puppies to unsuspecting (uneducated) buyers.

BRAT dogs may not be tested for Fanconi, but they certainly are neutered before placement.

Yes, I agree, but that's more important for the one selling the dog than for the buyer right? (if buyer is not puppymill himself.. I mean an educated buyer, who will neuter the dog)

[lvoss]

Actually, as a buyer the Fanconi test should be important. It is true that BRAT will not test but if I was looking for basenji and knowing there is a DNA test available for Fanconi, I would want to know the results of that test. Just like if I was buying a puppy from a breeder I would want to know that at least one of the parents is Probably Clear.

It is true that uneducated buyers are not going to know to ask. That is why so many breeders can still sell puppies not only if neither parent is tested but even when the dogs have been tested and are breedings that can produce Probably Affecteds.

[Janneke]

Actually, as a buyer the Fanconi test should be important. It is true that BRAT will not test but if I was looking for basenji and knowing there is a DNA test available for Fanconi, I would want to know the results of that test. Just like if I was buying a puppy from a breeder I would want to know that at least one of the parents is Probably Clear.

It is true that uneducated buyers are not going to know to ask. That is why so many breeders can still sell puppies not only if neither parent is tested but even when the dogs have been tested and are breedings that can produce Probably Affecteds.

Yes, I would also want to know the results of the Fanconi test. But I was more looking at the choice between this intact boy and a BRAT dog (as a buyer).

I agree every breeder should test and make decision based on the results to protect the breed and the (uneducated) buyer.

[Quercus]

Yes, I agree, but that's more important for the one selling the dog than for the buyer right? (if buyer is not puppymill himself.. I mean an educated buyer, who will neuter the dog)

Well, I don't know for whom it is more or less important....but for the breed in general, it is important that all intact dogs that might be bred are tested...IMO

In many parts of the US you can never assume that someone *will neuter a dog, even if they signed a contract saying that they will. So, if I was selling an adult, or older puppy I would absolutely have it neutered before placing...that way there is no possibility that it doesn't get done.

[Janneke]

In many parts of the US you can never assume that someone *will neuter a dog, even if they signed a contract saying that they will. So, if I was selling an adult, or older puppy I would absolutely have it neutered before placing...that way there is no possibility that it doesn't get done.

I think we agree on this point ;)

[sharronhurlbut]

Well, lets hope this boy gets fixed before he is rehomed.

[MSkulstad]

As I posted on the other thread; we have an appointment to get him neutered next Monday. We certainly don't want him to end up in a puppy mill situation. We just want him to go to a good home where he can live out a long and happy life. We are on a fixed income and just need to recoup what we have spent purchasing the dog and taking him to the vet. He is up to date on all shots and heartworm meds.
Thanks, Marilyn

[sharronhurlbut]

If funds are an issues, you can do what I used to do before BRAT came along.
Find out the vet of the family your placing him with, have the family pay you for your expenses and then take the dog to the new familys vet for the surgery to be fixed. Drop the dog off the day of the surgery and then new owners pu the dog.
They get to pay the bill.
That makes sure the dog is fixed, sets up a new vet record for the new dog in the family, and you don't have to pay anything out of pocket.
Mostly, you know the surgery WILL BE DONE.
Thanks for making sure he is fixed before rehoming.
That is so important.