Help with newly adopted basenji!

[Patty M]

Hi everyone,

When I talked to my sister last night, she was more concerned with the dog's plight than she was with her injuries. I don't think she's given up on him, at least not now.
To answer some of the questions, I have no idea about the crating while in the car. I'm from Wisconsin, so I guess my opinion is that Wisconsin is not the leader in pro-active legislation… shoot! They just banned smoking in all restaurants/bars this July! I can understand your point, and I surely can see the plight of this overwhelming situation for the dog after reading all of your posts. My sister feels like she was responsible, in retrospect, or at least that she wasn't being responsible when she picked him up. In all of her happiness, she said, she overlooked what the dog may be feeling.

I also see where she was coming from, because when she rescued her first basenji, she travelled from OK to WI with him in the seat right next to her, without any issues. I've never seen a basenji snap, so it seems so out-of-character, in my mind.

My sister is also confused/angry that the animal control staff didn't clearly explain what they meant when they said, "he doesn't like his tail to be touched"... and I'm upset that they didn't keep the dog longer to work with him, as the worker clearly stated when he picked him up. It reminds me of when you go to get a rental car and it breaks down a mile down the road, and when you get back to the counter, the clerk says, "yeah, I figured that would happen"...AGGGH!!!

Anyway, thanks for the insightful thoughts. Hopefully we can have a happy ending after all of this. My sister really fell in love with this dog, and wants a happy-ever-after ending.

[Quercus]

Patty, it is really possible that they didn't see that behavior coming. Not that that excuses it. A dog who mildly indicates that he doesn't like something may not give a serious indication that under stress he may snap. Sometimes a VERY skilled evaluator might catch it…but nobody can predict everything.

[Patty]

I am sorry to hear about your sister's bad experience but I'm also sorry for this dog - he has obviously had a traumatic experience at some time in relation to his back end.

I can understand that your sister is so concerned about the dog's plight - and it seems that he had no real evaluation by the animal control staff but then perhaps it's not their remit. However let's hope that he is given another chance and is taken to a behaviourist by whoever does take him on. I hate to think of a basenji euthanised but I do realise that with the pressure of finding homes for all these dogs there is little time to concern over one who might be aggressive and do major damage to somebody.

My best wishes to your sister and I hope the bite soon heals.

[sharronhurlbut]

Please let us know what the outcome is…its just sounds sad for everyone.

[nkjvcjs]

I am so sorry to hear this. I wish your sister the best, whatever decision she makes.

-Nicole

[agilebasenji]

Any updates? I was thinking about your sister today; hopefully she's healing nicely.

[BasenjiByTheBay]

Wondering too how this is going - just read through it this evening. Sorry for your sister, sorry for this basenji.

Wiser heads than mine have already given you insightful answers. All I can say is that we dealt with similar issues with our rescued boy. He suffers from fear aggression and I have lingering pain in my knee to this day from a bite shortly after we adopted him. (Not as bad as your sister's - I can only imagine how dealing with that situation in a contained space at 60 mph must have escalated things.) That aside, our guy is an absolute sweetheart, much more affectionate than our well-behaved girl. It took many, many slow months of gaining trust and training to get there, but if it works out it's worth it.

As others have said, whichever way your sister decides to go - if she's given the choice by AC - is understandable. If she ends up with this boy in her home she may be in for a long haul, but the payoff could be huge. Warm wishes to her - and to you for caring - however things end up.

[Patty M]

Hi everyone,

When the Animal Control took the dog, they said that he would be quarantined for 10 days before any decision was made. My sister just found out that they euthanized him the next morning. She is extremely upset, as she was working with local basenji rescue
people to find options for this poor dog.

I really appreciate the support from the basenji family. The outcome was certainly not what we expected.

[lukris]

What a sad story for all concerned.

[nkjvcjs]

I am so sorry to hear this.
I talked to your sister, and she sounded really motivated to help this little guy. She must be devastated. Give her my condolences.

-Nicole

[Patty]

My sincere condolences to your sister - what a sad outcome!

[agilebasenji]

I was afraid this might happen. Perhaps if it is any consolation for your sister, we can be grateful this dog was not placed in a home with young kids. And I think it was better to euthanize him sooner rather than waiting 10 days then euthanizing him. Your sister made an honest effort to help and do the right thing. This is so not her fault, please let her know nobody blames her.

[cpeck1960]

Hi Everyone I'm the sister referred to in the posts. My name is Cathy and I'm new to the Basenji world. I rescued a 4 yr old Male at the end of May and he is the most wonderful addition to my family. He came to me with no history but is so very loving and gentle. As you know my 2nd attempt to rescue didn't go so well.

My hand is healing just fine, but my heart aches. This poor little dog did nothing wrong. It was all human error that caused his death and I'm so sad. Sad that my uneducated behavior had a part in his being destroyed. Mad that the organization didn't give me a better explanation of what behaviors he had been exhibiting.

If I could only go back and make changes…..but its too late for him

[agilebasenji]

Welcome Cathy! I'm Kim (with 3 basenjis, a hubby and a malinois) and so glad you made it to our forum, but sorry about the circumstances. I'm glad your #2 has not soured you on the breed. They are quirky little creatures. I know your heart (and hand) hurts and I hope you can find peace soon.

[Quercus]

Welcome Cathy! I am so sorry you had to go through this. Please know that this was no fault of yours…sadly this dog was probably quite dangerous because of his lack of bite inhibition. Hugs to you...and again, welcome...

[curlytails]

I'm so sorry this story had to end like this.
But thank you for checking in with us. I hope you will be able to have more, less tragic Basenji adventures with us for some time to come.

[MacPack]

Cathy, you just had a most horrible all-around 'rescue' experiences. I am so glad your hand is healing, but please don't blame yourself at all. Who thinks of all these things when you are adopting a cute dog from the shelter? I have had many basenjis who were "touchy" about their tails, but never such a reaction. I'm sure there are lots of things you would do differently if you could hit the 'undo' button, but nothing that you did was 'wrong' in any way. Try and look ahead and use your sad experience to educate (as you have done to us). As someone said, thank goodness it wasn't your face, or some small child…kids can't keep their hands off a basenji's tail. Like any accident,it all happened so fast (literally, at 60 mph) but it is past and try and put it behind you. Things work out for a reason, even if it makes no sense at the time.
Hugs.

[Patty]

As always Macpack comes up with the right words. I totally agree with her - you did your very best Cathy, and that's what we all try to do.

[Patty M]

Thanks, everyone, for welcoming my sister, Cathy. Anne, we've met once here in Tampa, but you feel like a kindred spirit, for your words of wisdom and love truly hit home. Thank you!

[BasenjiByTheBay]

What a sad outcome for that pup, but good to hear that you'll continue to love basenjis and basenji rescue. It's so hard to stop at one. :p Bet you'll be adding to your B family at some point, all the wiser.