Dan's lost Basenji, Buddy

[Maxie]

Hi everyone,
Dan's Basenji, named Buddy, got spooked by a truck and took off running! Last seen running west on Oak Ave near Juniper Ave in Redwood City, CA ? without his collar. Buddy is only 11 months old, tri-colored (black,white,tan), 25 lbs. He's not skiddish, but he is a runner. Please help if you can. I'll make photo-posters that can be emailed and also printed within the hour. Dan is out searching so please 650-714-2239 for sightings only, so Dan can stay focused on searching. Also, please help spread the word near that area in Redwood City CA! Again, Buddy took off without his collar. Thank you! Maxie (Leigh)

[jonny b.]

oooooh man. PRAYERS coming your way.... this is so frightening. been there. God bless.

[Rita Jean]

I wish I was there and could help. May god help to bring Buddy home safely my prayers are with you and Buddy.

Rita Jean

[Alex]

Dan, I hope buddy comes back! Our thoughts are with you.

[Alex]

Should we post a lost dog ad here:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/laf/
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/pet/

Title: Lost Dog: Tri Colored Basenji 25lbs - Lost Today 10/8/09

[Maxie]

Dan just called to let me know someone found Buddy way over in the NEXT town(!) and brought him to the dog pound there. The pound found his phone on the microchip and gave Dan a call. I had just finished making his photo-poster to email to pounds & shelters in surrounding towns. I know Buddy is a runner, but I cannot believe he made it to the next town in that amount of time. I guess "spooked" is a big deal for a basenji. Dan is so relieved! And I bet Buddy will be glad to see him later this evening. Anyway, Thank you all. Maxie (Leigh)

[Maxie]

Hi Alex,
Good thinking, and thanks! I'll save these links in case anyone else every needs them. Buddy was just found in the next town by someone who brought him to the pound there. Thank God! Should we post a lost dog ad here:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/laf/
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/pet/

Title: Lost Dog: Tri Colored Basenji 25lbs - Lost Today 10/8/09

[tanza]

Wow that is great news..... and thankfully Dan had him chipped....

[Quercus]

Thank God!!! I was imagining the worst...

[lvoss]

For everyone who has had their dogs chipped, next time you are at the vet have them scan for the chip. Microchips save lives so make sure you dog's chip is still there and functioning.

[agilebasenji]

Oh, wow! I'm so glad this had a happy ending!!!!

[Rita Jean]

Dan and Buddy bless you both happy news for you.

Rita Jean

[nobarkus]

Hi everyone,
Dan's Basenji, named Buddy, got spooked by a truck and took off running! Last seen running west on Oak Ave near Juniper Ave in Redwood City, CA ? without his collar. Buddy is only 11 months old, tri-colored (black,white,tan), 25 lbs. He's not skiddish, but he is a runner. Please help if you can. I'll make photo-posters that can be emailed and also printed within the hour. Dan is out searching so please 650-714-2239 for sightings only, so Dan can stay focused on searching. Also, please help spread the word near that area in Redwood City CA! Again, Buddy took off without his collar. Thank you! Maxie (Leigh)

Thank you again Leigh for your efforts!!
I think God was watching over Buddy today. Please make sure your B is wearing a collar with tags as well as having a chip. Saved by the chip! My stupidity today! When I get home everyday I check to see if the front gate is closed before letting him out. Today I carelessly didn't and let him out in front and the front gate was left open by the Mailman or UPS driver. I didn't notice for about 2 minutes and the stupid thing was he didn't have his collar on. So I ran out and he's 3 doors down darting across the street and around the corner like a bullet down a street blocked off because tractors and heavy equipment where working on the street. I drove everywhere for hours. Nobody had seen him. There were alot of people walking their dogs too. I get home and the SPCA left a message that someone named Megan has Buddy and here's her number. She got Buddy 2-1/2 miles from my house and that was 30 minutes after he got out so he was moving fast with heavy commute traffic. He crossed a very busy four lane road too. Megan and her Mother took Buddy all the way to the SPCA which is about 15 miles away and had his chip read. The SPCA called me and gave me the girls number and said they have Buddy with them. I called her, Megan and she was super nice and said her and her mother would bring Buddy right over. Megan and her Mother are volunteers for the SPCA and she said they find dogs all the time wondering around up where they live near the hospital. They were super nice and very concerned to find the all stray dogs owners. I have walked with Buddy in every direction at least 250 times on these streets so if he got out he would know where he lives. Not the case. My previous 3 Basenjis never would venture more than 2 houses away if they got out lose ever. I was lucky to get him back! Thanks everybody!

[jonny b.]

So glad everything worked out. What a great ending. :)
and glad my pups are chipped!!

[crystalncody]

He's a lucky boy! I'm so glad he's ok.

[Nemo]

I'm so happy for you! I'm glad he is okay.

[renaultf1]

Wow...glad he's back safe and sound. What a scare I'm sure.

Do you know his original history...was he originally found roaming the streets when Medfly got him or was he an owner surrender. The reason I ask is if he was found roaming the streets, it sounds like maybe his street instincts took over in this case, once the noises/vehicle movement spooked him. That could explain why he went further afield instead of heading home. Just a guess.

[barklessk9]

Whew! I'm glad Buddy is home safe and hopefully your nerves are not too frayed!

[thunderbird8588]

Just read this post, thank goodness you have him back safely Dan.What a terrible scare.

[nobarkus]

Wow...glad he's back safe and sound. What a scare I'm sure.

Do you know his original history...was he originally found roaming the streets when Medfly got him or was he an owner surrender. The reason I ask is if he was found roaming the streets, it sounds like maybe his street instincts took over in this case, once the noises/vehicle movement spooked him. That could explain why he went further afield instead of heading home. Just a guess.

Yes, he was found wondering the streets in So Cal. No chip and no collar. The girl said last night that when they went in the SPCA to get him scanned he reacted a bit irritated like he was reminded of being in the shelter back in So Cal. Last night he was beat and a bit weirded out. This morning he didn't really get up for a while and after the walk he just got on the couch. Usually he runs in and grabs his toy to play. His appetite is fine and he has no injuries. I can't believe he ran up to an SPCA volunteer. Is that luck or what! :)

[imbj]

Glad Buddy is okay and back home!!! :D

Regarding microchips - make sure you go to the vet and scan it (every once in a while) to make sure it's working... My first B had a microchip and was okay when I first got it for her but a few years later, the vet just happened to re-scanned it and it wasn't working (or got deactivated or something)... Anyway, she got it working again... Just my$0.02...

[Basenjimamma]

Dan,
I am so sorry this happened to you and Buddy..I had no clue, just saw this thread.
Gosh, I can not believe it.. thanks heavens he is Ok and safe and in your home again..
He might be slightly "shellshocked' from his adventure, maybe that is why he is laying low today..

[tanza]

Glad Buddy is okay and back home!!! :D

Regarding microchips - make sure you go to the vet and scan it (every once in a while) to make sure it's working... My first B had a microchip and was okay when I first got it for her but a few years later, the vet just happened to re-scanned it and it wasn't working (or got deactivated or something)... Anyway, she got it working again... Just my$0.02...

And sometimes they just migrate and can't be found... so, yes I agree..... have your dog's chip checked.

[nobarkus]

Glad Buddy is okay and back home!!! :D

Regarding microchips - make sure you go to the vet and scan it (every once in a while) to make sure it's working... My first B had a microchip and was okay when I first got it for her but a few years later, the vet just happened to re-scanned it and it wasn't working (or got deactivated or something)... Anyway, she got it working again... Just my$0.02...

That's why we should always have that collar on as well in case that chip does not scan. I got lucky it scanned and the person was more than willing to go all the way to the SPCA too. Had the collar been on she could of just called me right then from her home. I offered her money for her time and gas but they flat out refused saying it was no problem at all and that they are SPCA volunteers. If you could pick someone to find your B it would be this girl Megan and her mother. They totally love dogs. Maybe Buddy knew what he was doing when he went up to her on the street.

[lvoss]

Ever since this spring when we had Sophie scanned and couldn't find her chip we have learned that the most common reason for them not to scan is because they aren't actually there. What happens is they are implanted and then scanned and everything seems fine but the chip can migrate right back out of the tract it went in. Next time the dog is scanned there is no chip. So a very good practice is to have your dog scanned every year when it goes in for its regular check up and to have it scanned a couple weeks after implantation so the tract has healed and you can verify that it stayed put.

[nobarkus]

Ever since this spring when we had Sophie scanned and couldn't find her chip we have learned that the most common reason for them not to scan is because they aren't actually there. What happens is they are implanted and then scanned and everything seems fine but the chip can migrate right back out of the tract it went in. Next time the dog is scanned there is no chip. So a very good practice is to have your dog scanned every year when it goes in for its regular check up and to have it scanned a couple weeks after implantation so the tract has healed and you can verify that it stayed put.

Good idea Lisa! We have learned something here that we cannot assume that just because the dog was scanned it will always work.

[renaultf1]

So a very good practice is to have your dog scanned every year when it goes in for its regular check up and to have it scanned a couple weeks after implantation so the tract has healed and you can verify that it stayed put.

Yup, that's exactly what I do - it is part of their yearly exam. I've always heard about them migrating, but never heard of them actually being absent, so this is a good reminder. Does make you wonder where they go though.

[lvoss]

According to both my vet and the mobile vet, the scanners are very good at picking up the chips even if they have migrated, especially on a dog that is basenji sized. If the battery in the scanner is good they can detect from about 6 inches away from the chip. Their procedure is also to wand the whole dog if they don't find it between the shoulders because of migration. If you have ever seen a chip then you know they are pretty large, about the size of a grain of rice which leaves a wound tract that they can follow right back out. The one vet said he sometimes has found them caught in the long hair of some dogs after they came out.

[Rita Jean]

What can cause them to stop working or not to work? Then what do you do about it?

Rita Jean

[lvoss]

They usually do not stop working. Occasionally there is a bad one that for whatever reason doesn't give off a consistent signal. That is one reason the vet should test scan it before implanting it. Unless you have your dog x-rayed when you don't get a signal from the chip after implanting you won't know if it stopped working, which if it did the vet can report to the company and your replacement should be free, or if it just isn't there anymore.

[Rita Jean]

Thank you was not sure how they worked or did not.

Rita Jean

[agilebasenji]

I know Zest's migrated. I felt it the first day I got her and suspected that's what it was. I asked at the vet's office for them to scan it. The tech tried - nope. The vet tried - nope. I said scan right there, and pointed to the ribcage behind her right elbow. Sure enough, that's where it is. I asked if she was lost would the animal control find it there, she said no. So I'm not really sure the scanners will pick it up from 6" away.

[nobarkus]

I know Zest's migrated. I felt it the first day I got her and suspected that's what it was. I asked at the vet's office for them to scan it. The tech tried - nope. The vet tried - nope. I said scan right there, and pointed to the ribcage behind her right elbow. Sure enough, that's where it is. I asked if she was lost would the animal control find it there, she said no. So I'm not really sure the scanners will pick it up from 6" away.

Wow, now what? Does anybody ever get another chip put in?

[lvoss]

I didn't really believe that the scanners would pick them up that easily though I am sure it depends on several factors also. As for whether a shelter will find a migrated chip, it depends on the thoroughness of the shelter. The one in my county scans the entire dog because the chips migrate. I am sure that some probably only check between the shoulders and are likely to miss ones that migrate. There is now also the issue of different frequencies being used by different companies. It definately makes a case for tatooing in addition to chipping.

[Maxie]

Wow, now what? Does anybody ever get another chip put in?
I agree - Now what? If chips can: Migrate back out thru insertion holes or to other areas. Become defective. Stop working. Someone said batteries (yikes).
The vet here said pounds & shelters may have different scanners, so cannot read all chips. And as we all know, Basenjis can be escape artists, bolt, get spooked, chew doors, scale fences, or back out of collars. My 3 basenjis could back out of any collars, martingales and harnesses. Any other ideas besides lockdown, collars and chips? Thanks, Maxie (Leigh)

[lvoss]

Tatoo. My eldest basenji is tatooed on his inner thigh and though it is a little blurred it is still readable. It is his AKC number with AKC written above the number. He is registered with AKC's Companion Animal Recovery program as are all my dogs so if they called AKC they will be able to provide my phone number.

The hard part is finding a good tatoo person. There used to be a really good person who would come out for the club's fun match and do it there.

[MacPack]

I just read this thread, whew, I am soooo glad Dan has Buddy back, safe and sound. What luck Buddy found great people to rescue him this time. A very quick happy ending!

[nobarkus]

Buddy says "hello and thanks to all".

http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss238/mybasenji/IMG_0440.jpg?t=1254965211

[jonny b.]

i teach 4th grade and a student told me today miracles happen. another kid piped up a lot of disasters happen too. so i said you cannot have miracles unless you have disasters... all the kids shook their heads and agreed.... kind of thought provoking for 10 year olds... :)

[nobarkus]

i teach 4th grade and a student told me today miracles happen. another kid piped up a lot of disasters happen too. so i said you cannot have miracles unless you have disasters... all the kids shook their heads and agreed.... kind of thought provoking for 10 year olds... :)

I shared this story with Petra (Basenjimamma) that happened to me with my first Basenji. I'll post this little miracle as well.

Talk about the dog Gods. When I moved into this house on Halloween 1983 I thought for sure I lost my first Basenji Nipper. It was my second to the last trip moving stuff and I brought Nipper. Then went back to get the last load. OK, no cell phones, no computers and no implanted chips. So I get back and the neighbor and my best friend who was sharing the place with me says "Nipper got out". I guess the kids left the gate open trick or treating. I was like "OH NO"! So me and my friend jump in our separate cars and go looking. Street after street, nothing, no kids have seen her and it's drissling rain out. I can't believe it my friend goes to the park, 7 blocks away and looks under parked cars and there she is shivering. I could not believe it! How did he ever know to do that? I think about that to this day. It's a miracle.

[Basenjimamma]

Pretty Buddy, looking content as all get out..

[Basenjimamma]

I looked all over the net for tattoers for dog in the houston area and you are right, they are hard...I mean impossible to come by..I might just have to open my own business..

[Maxie]

Here's my gate solution. I went to the hardware store where I bought mega eye screws and a great big spring with hooks on each end. Ranchers use them on barn gates. I took the 2 eyescrews and screwed one on the fence and one on the gate. To those, I attached the two spring hooks. Now the gate "slams shut" on its own. For backup, I did the same with a heavy duty bungee cord. I'm going to do it to my front door as well. Now, Victoria is no longer tempted due to its high-powered "slam shut" feature.

[Basenjimamma]

Very smart and inexpensive..

[nobarkus]

Here's my gate solution. I went to the hardware store where I bought mega eye screws and a great big spring with hooks on each end. Ranchers use them on barn gates. I took the 2 eyescrews and screwed one on the fence and one on the gate. To those, I attached the two spring hooks. Now the gate "slams shut" on its own. For backup, I did the same with a heavy duty bungee cord. I'm going to do it to my front door as well. Now, Victoria is no longer tempted due to its high-powered "slam shut" feature.

Thanks Leigh! I was thinking today about putting a spring on that gate. Did you get my email?

[thunderbird8588]

Love the pic of Buddy, Dan, he looks like butter wouldn't melt :D
When i ferst got Benji he kept escaping through the front door when we answered it, me and the kids would franticaly hurtle after him as he got nearer and nearer to thye main road. One day his luck ran out and he was run over, my eldest son saw it happened and shouted "oh no !!"
I am pleased to say he survived with a couple of head wounds and a scraped bottom. When he recovered he was very reluctant to go out a walk with just my son and i'm sure that because he heard James voice as he was hit he blamed him for the accident :D

[wizard]

Glad Buddy is back home safe and sound.
Also thanks for all the reminders about chips and collars and gates!

[Maxie]

Thanks Leigh! I was thinking today about putting a spring on that gate. Did you get my email?

Yes, I did get your email. And you can take a look at my gate spring contraptions when you come here for our dog visit. I look forward to seeing you and Buddy. Leigh (Maxie)

[Tegs]

I need to echo everyone else here who has suggested making sure your dogs' microchips are still where you put them and working! Every year (and sometimes more often) I have the vet scan both of my boys to make sure this chip is still in the same place, active and displaying the correct ID #. I carry a dog tag on my keys that has their microchip numbers and the phone # to the company so I can immediately call and report them lost.