Hi everyone,
This is such a hard email to write, because if you read my post on the Knoxville thread, then you already know that I lost my Zeba last Friday.
"Words cannot describe"… I've heard that saying before, but now I truly understand how words cannot describe the depth of grief that I feel for losing my Zee-Zee. I was so happy watching the transformation from Zeba being a snarky, scared abused girl.... to one that begrudingly accepted the fact that people aren't supposed to hit basenjis.... to a waggly-tailed girl who found her roo'ing voice to welcome me at PetSmart daycare!
I feel so honored to have known Zeba, and to have her in my life. She was an instant sister to Lola, and the two of them were inseparable. When I would go to bed, Lola would be at my feet, and Zeba at my pillow- their territories mutually understood!
My husband was gaining acceptance from Zeba, and the night before she died, she decided to hop up and sit between Todd and me. She did her circle and gently plopped onto his lap... put her nose down and gave a big "SIGH". I looked over and softly said, "Wow! That's progress!" and he said right away, "As long as she's not sniffing out her next dinner!".... Zeba was showing awesome progress around men, and based upon her actions that night, she knew that ALL humans could be warm.
So, as you go to bed tonight, please hug your basenji. Please know that they love you, and please love them back. I have so many fond memories of my Zeba, and I try to re-create the past... knowing that despite what I can imagine, there's no changing what happened.
Rest in peace, my Zeba girl.