Hello Marian,
Welcome. What a happy home it must be.
We are Kees-Jan and Anne-Marie from Marken, north of Amsterdam. Where do you live? Maybe we can walk together some time? Also check http://www.basenji-club.nl/ for basenji walks.
We have two daughters from Abotere Khamau, Lela and Binti (2,5 and 3,5 years old) - our first dogs, and we recognize a lot that you wrote.
People warned us about getting a basenji, but we have not been happier since they took over our house and hearts. Lela came with us as a pup (enought to keep you busy) and Binti joined half a year later - it took her around 1,5 years to really settle.
Here's a picture with their big mama friend Kiko the Akita https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dNOYjJPSlhUGbZK3LZxvbwxZLf3J_PvRjNp46MdVlt4?feat=directlink
We hope to meet all of you soon.
Hello- Seeking Guidance
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You can find breeders at www.basenji.org there is a link to search for breeders by state. There are a number of shows, many in the Vallejo, Ca at the Solano County Fair Grounds. Go to this link and then click on CA for shows in California. http://infodog.com/show/state_shows.htm?_p=Y Also there are performance events like lure coursing... there are trials this weekend (April 28 & 29) in Oakley, CA at the O'Hara Park Middle School. May 12 & 13 at Solano Community College
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If only you lived nearer - you'd be more than welcome to visit my two and take them out in the forest to chase squirrels ! Shows are OK but it is much better that your husband gets to meet Basenjis in a home environment so he gets a chance to meet some in a relaxed atmosphere, away from the stress of a show. I often have people here, we always have done, to meet and experience Basenjis first hand. Your husband needs to see them as house pe(s)ts.
Watching how my pack reacted to the visitors was always a guide to me - should we sell them a puppy or not ?
Anyway, good luck ! -
I believe Basenji Club of America has a Northern California "chapter". Perhaps you could contact them and meet up with a local breeder to develop a relationship and spend time with his/her b's. Also, there is a website called Nextdoor.com - you could join for your area and then post an inquiry to see if anyone has, or can introduce you to someone who has, basenjis. (Caveat: Be careful when making arrangements to meet up with strangers - you just never know.)
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I got two of my Basenjis from Pat Cembura of Arubmecbasenjis.com. You can probably meet up with her at a dog show or visit her home. Check her website to reach out to her. You can let her know that Pat Chew referred you to her.
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My first basenji.. (I did not buy from Pat)... 5 out of 8 greatgrandsires/dams were Arubmec. My second was a half-bro/sister oops litter and 1/2 Arubmec. Both had severe autoimmune issues and I heard others in the litter also had issues. The 2nd also had "impressive" (said the UGA eye specialist) PRA. I have heard nothing bad about her or her dogs, and OBVIOUSLY the issues could just as likely been from the not-Arubmec lines. But it does illustrate my advice -- no matter who the breeder or how well known or respected, please be smart and check OFA for testing. If you need help, people here can show you how to check for OFA health checks.
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Thanks for the recommendations. I'll check out the site. Much appreciated, Lorna
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Sally,
Yes, Ideally, the best way to get to truly know a Basenji, would be to meet them in their comfortable environment. I wish we could find someone, but close to our home who would let us visit. That would be ideal. Thanks. Lorna -
Pat,
Thank you. I'll reach out to her! Much appreciated, Lorna -
Debra,
Thank you for the guidance. Yes, I will make sure we check the breading lines and health registries before we commit. I'll defiantly reach out for assistance. Thanks, Lorna -
I'm sorry, I probably spoke out of turn - but over here most, if not all, breeders will encourage visits. My pack, even when we were up to 8, of which three entire boys and five nubile ladies, was always open to visitors. Now I no longer breed - anno domini - the least I can do is help wannabe owners to make up their minds. If people are geographically unable to visit me, I can always put them in touch with a breeder nearer to them.
I guess living on a small island has its compensations !
