It's been ages since I've been on Basenji Forums! I just responded to a fellow forum member, and thought I should say hello to all of you and give you an update on how Kipawa is doing.
Kipawa is now 3.5 years old. Incredible how time flies, but that's probably because living life with a basenji has been so wonderful. Kipawa has grown into a solid 25.5 pounds. My wish, when we got him, was that he do pet therapy work, and that's what he does as his 'job'. He's also an avid lover of a 40 acre off-leash park 5 minutes from where we live. We get there about 4 times a week right now. There are still some pretty muddy areas there, and after every play time is a serious paw wash at home. 
Kipawa still sleeps under the covers with us. He did that the first night we had him in our home, and despite him forgetting that he should be laying vertically in bed, NOT horizontally, he still gets his way. Trust me, if we really hated it, we would have other sleep arrangements for him. 
He's definitely my little shadow. Unless he is taking a deep nap, he's right beside me, like paint to a wall. I know some people find this kind of behavior aggravating, but I find it endearing.
I'm posting a few pictures, as well as a link to a youtube video showing how much he enjoys damp facecloths. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kpCu_d7s_M
I hope you are all doing well.
cheers,
Fran and Kipawa
Truly a beautiful dog inside and out. Therapy dogs have amazing healing abilities!
Truly a beautiful dog inside and out. Therapy dogs have amazing healing abilities!
Thank you for the kind words. 
Hi Fran
Good to see you back. I have wondered how things were going for you. Kipawa is indeed a beauty. I see you like the close up head shots. One of my favourite things as well. And I love the action picture!!
Nice photos, he is a good looking boy, love the video and the music suits his delight.
Jolanda and Kaiser
Hi Fran
Good to see you back. I have wondered how things were going for you. Kipawa is indeed a beauty. I see you like the close up head shots. One of my favourite things as well. And I love the action picture!!
Hi! It's wonderful to see the names of so many people that helped me early on when I was researching getting a basenji. I've been quite busy over the last couple of years. My husband needs a little more care now (he's a quadriplegic, though quite capable) and of course we have a basenji that keeps us hopping. We love the walks and other activities we do with him. He's a joy.
Yes, I DO love close up shots of basenjis. Their eyes are phenomenal and say so much with a glance. I posted the close up of Kipawa because he said he wanted to give a wink out to all the ladies.
cheers,
Fran
Great to see a basenji as a therapy dog - the perfect size to share a bed with someone.
And what a beauty he is.
Great to see a basenji as a therapy dog - the perfect size to share a bed with someone.
And what a beauty he is.
Thank you so much for the compliment. I think pretty well any dog can be involved in pet therapy, though it might be hard for a Great Dane to share a hospital bed with someone. I believe it comes down to the disposition of the dog. Training is imperative, but it helps if you have an animal that is just born with the ability to pick up on peoples' vibes and give a little extra kindness when needed. We were fortunate to get a basenji with built-in sensitivity.
Welcome back. Glad to hearfrom you, hopefully you'll stick around
I am so happy to sign in and see you post! Especially with the wonderful pictures and videos. Both of our first basenjis do that to your HAIR when it's wet. I am going to try a wash cloth and see! I am glad your husband is doing better.
Welcome back. Glad to hearfrom you, hopefully you'll stick around
Hello! Life is busy, but I do hope to be able to check the forum out from time to time. Nice to see you are still around!
I am so happy to sign in and see you post! Especially with the wonderful pictures and videos. Both of our first basenjis do that to your HAIR when it's wet. I am going to try a wash cloth and see! I am glad your husband is doing better.
Well hello Debra!
It made me smile to see your post - I always enjoyed your comments, whether popular or not, because they were YOUR honest comments. I'm a huge fan of honesty.
We are all doing quite well here - still in the Vancouver, BC Canada suburbs. Kipawa is thriving, and he is a big part of our lives. Yes, you should do a video of your basenjis going wild with a wash cloth. My hair is longer and thick, so I think I have to keep Kipawa out of it when it's wet.
As every year goes by it seems I lose a major chunk of my memory. Are you still in the 'south'? Was it Georgia? And your basenjis' names - forgive me, I can't remember them. Boy do I love getting older, NOT!
