"Warning" about Bs

[Shannanigan]

Chris and I are actually enjoying the challenge of keeping Paco entertained and happily exercised…it keeps us from becoming the lazy homebodies we were in our pre-Basenji era! We've already agreed that when the day comes that we move out of our apartment and buy a house, we're adding another b to the family.

[sonnyboy]

"2 are a lot of fun. They'll be fine. Give it some time too. Have them meet on neutral territory the first time, like maybe the beach or a park. I used to walk them all over town and people would see me in the store and say "your dogs are beautiful, you walk by my house sometimes". We want a post from you with pics too."

We're going down to CT to meet her & the breeder. I'm sure I'll have an interesting story by the time we get back that night! Sonny is bound to make this a roller coaster ride!

[basenjibratz]

I can't even imagine my life without a basenji or two, or three…..

[sharronhurlbut]

When I talk about b's to folks who are interested in them, I tell them the "bad" things.
But I also say they will never had a dog more loving or with a better sense of humor.
IMO, they are the only dog to ever have! Of course, 2 are much better than one!

[MacPack]

Well said (everyone), the special love a basenji gives is precious. When I am sick or injured, they stay close to comfort me. If I am upset, they snuggle extra close. With a basenji, it is a mutual relationship of love and respect, not 'owner and dog'.

[Kipawa]

As someone still waiting for the right time to purchase a basenji, I am grateful that I hear all the "horror" stories. It just keeps telling me that I know I can put up with the antics, craziness and calamaties in order to have a wonderful companion.

Thanks for starting this thread, because as I mentioned in another thread, I am so saddened when I hear that a basenji is not right for a particular family who was darn set on getting one.

Oh boy, are my bristles showing? Sorry, but this is a really sensitive subject to me. Animals are not commodities.

[lvoss]

Today, I took Rio and Sophie out to lunch with me and my husband. I got out of the car and almost immediately 3 people asked if they could meet me and my dogs. I said, "Of course". The one woman was telling the young man what an amazing breed basenjis are. She shared a story about how one had wondered into their yard one day. It spent the entire day at their house and was the most loving dog then just disappeared again. Since then she has loved the breed and was so happy to be able to pet my girls and talk with me.

The funniest thing was that the quality she was most impressed with about the breed and dared the young man to test was that they do not have a doggie odor. It was pretty funny to see him sniffing my dogs in amazement.

[TikaLynn]

@MacPack:

Well said (everyone), the special love a basenji gives is precious. When I am sick or injured, they stay close to comfort me. If I am upset, they snuggle extra close. With a basenji, it is a mutual relationship of love and respect, not 'owner and dog'.

That is so true! My Basenji is not allowed on the bed or the couches, BUT, whenever I am sick, she just knows, and it never fails, she will jump up and cuddle with me and be sweet… and she never gets booted off either, because the affection is warmly welcomed and appreciated.

[Kananga]

@lvoss:

The funniest thing was that the quality she was most impressed with about the breed and dared the young man to test was that they do not have a doggie odor. It was pretty funny to see him sniffing my dogs in amazement.

I always tell this to people, "smell him, he smells like a stuffed animal, no dog odor". They usually give me a weird look, but then are surprised when it's true.

[Kona]

MacPack told us our lives would never be the same with 2 B's. She was right. We can't imagine life without both of them.

Keoki is so in tune with my feelings and emotions. He knows when I need him to come cuddle and when I am sick he places his head on my chest as if he is making sure I am still breathing. This is all from a 7 year old dog that we have had less than one year.

[TikaLynn]

awww - everybody's stories are making me want to get a 2nd Basenji now. haha I think if I was allowed, I would take in every pet that ever came through our Humane Society though.

[Kipawa]

When I was at the Seattle Dog Show, I met with one of the breeders there and asked her if I could smell her Basenji. Oh, how I took in the deepest breath and was just greated by a warm, soft smell. It was heaven. Funny, I often do that to my cats - just stick my face on their fur and breathe in. My special cat Barney smells like caramel - no kidding. The other two don't really have a distinguishable smell. Oh that basenji smell was soooo good. Dogs are so into sniffing each other to gather information - who are you, what are you like, are you nervous right now, did you eat something better for supper than I did, etc. The breeder's basenji just smelled of love, kindness, warmth, intelligence. Hmmm… maybe I have a dog nose.

[EskiLovr]

Just wait until you 'smell' your own! Seriously, I smell my boy's feet almost everyday. They smell like chips!! And when he's sleeping in his little bed, sometimes I lie down and put my face in his tummy and just smell him.

I'm a freak…see my flag?

[Mango]

Thanks for the 'warnings' and stories, everyone. It all just makes me even more excited to have my own little one.

[Woofless]

Jibini came with a warning label stamped on his backside. I thought all Basenjis did?

His says "BASENJI'S GENERAL WARNING: This Basenji may be habit-forming; one almost always leads to another. Use of this Basenji may increase the risk of heart-warming emotions, high-pitched noises, and incoherent baby talk, especially in men. This Basenji may cause irrevocable damage to your bank account, furniture, wardrobe and possibly your social life; and you are at great risk of enjoying every bit of it. This Basenji is not a typical alternative to another breed of dog. Quitting Basenjis Now Greatly Decreases Your Chance At A Fulfilled Life."

Tana didn't have a label; but I figured it didn't matter since I was already hooked

[torchsong]

We've had She-Ra for four years now, and the following is some of the stuff I "warn" people about at the dog park/on walks/ etc. when they ask about our dog:

• She's spoiled my wife for all other breeds. We've talked about other dogs but only Basenjis will do.

• You will get a bath every night. No exceptions. The pack doesn't sleep until everyone gets a "good night" kiss. Or three. Or eight.

• If You Leave It Out She Will Get It. <- The Cardinal Rule.

• If She Gets It You Will Not Have It Anymore. <- Corollary to the Cardinal Rule.

• And of course the rule we all know by heart now: A Tired Basenji is a Good Basenji.

[TikaLynn]

How do you get a tired Basenji?? haha My husband took Tika for a 7 mile run/jog/walk yesterday, and when she was done, she wanted to play with her toys! But, torchsong, I love your list - it describes the breed perfectly!

[Shannanigan]

@torchsong:

• If You Leave It Out She Will Get It. <- The Cardinal Rule.

• If She Gets It You Will Not Have It Anymore. <- Corollary to the Cardinal Rule.

Amen. We warn all our guests; if it's on the floor or within his reach, it's Paco's.

[agilebasenji]

@TikaLynn:

How do you get a tired Basenji?? haha My husband took Tika for a 7 mile run/jog/walk yesterday, and when she was done, she wanted to play with her toys! But, torchsong, I love your list - it describes the breed perfectly!

not the solution for everyone, but my answer is "get a malinois". :p
Now, how to tire a malinois?

[Scoops]

Didn't think I could be converted did I, well how wrong can one person be !!!!

I have had Dobes for many a long year, but decided to down size. Dobes will always be the love of my life and I still have 2 and prob one more. However into my life came Cooper back in Jan 2008. Well…............what can I say, this whirl wind shot through the house like a rocket. The Dobes thought about backing their bags................as did I on several occasions !!!! It wasn't easy getting used to another breed even though I'd done years of research. The times I was asked would I have another and the times I answered no never !!!! The ones in the know said give longer you'll change your mind. Well............I have !!!!. I'm having a rest this year, no Dobe puppy or Basenji but no doubt a certain breed with a very curly tail will take up residence in the future !!!!!!!!

Marianne x