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New kid in Virginia

Member Introductions
  • L

    Hi All!
    I am a retired Air Force officer, currently living in Northern Virginia (for the fourth time – I actually went to high school here for a couple of years eons ago). I have always had cats (and recently lost our cat of 18 years to old age), but my husband is very allergic to cats so we are considering a dog. My kids are out of the house (one married and the other at college), I am mostly retired but my husband is still working and travels quite a bit, so my interest is in a companion animal.
    Basenjis interest me based on their size, low grooming needs, and independent nature -- I don't want a dog that is a couch potato or terrified of the world! I look forward to learning more about the breed (I've checked out the BRAT web site, and several breeders' sites) and meeting some owners.

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  • mauigirlM

    Welcome!! The forum is such a great resource. It will be especially helpful as you start to do your homework towards getting a pup.

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  • AlexA

    Welcome to our community! There is plenty of information and great members always willing to help.

    Basenji Forums Staff

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  • JannekeJ

    Welcome to the forum! B's are great :D

    Tillo's website

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  • Ninabeana26N

    Welcome! What part of Northern VA if I may ask? My boyfriend & I are both from the area & recently I moved back up to MD from Florida.

    Nina & my baby boy Dallas

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  • BDawgB

    We're in the area too! Let me know if you want to have a meet up!!
    If you're going to be around, the Reston Town Center is having a Pet Fiesta (and Dog Walk) this Saturday from 10am-4pm. We'll be the ones with the two basenji's… ;) hahahah...

    I would definitely recommend meeting the breed in person, if you haven't done so already. This forum is great- it will show you all the woes, laughs, and loves that come with having a Basenji in your family. :)

    Miles & Lexi's Mom

    www.stelladot.com/barrick

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  • Ninabeana26N

    @BDawg:

    We're in the area too! Let me know if you want to have a meet up!!
    If you're going to be around, the Reston Town Center is having a Pet Fiesta (and Dog Walk) this Saturday from 10am-4pm. We'll be the ones with the two basenji's… ;) hahahah...

    I would definitely recommend meeting the breed in person, if you haven't done so already. This forum is great- it will show you all the woes, laughs, and loves that come with having a Basenji in your family. :)

    Oh man!!! I know exactly where that is as my boyfriend lived in Ashburn prior to us moving to Florida last year. Too bad I am out of the state until Saturday night :( But we'll definitely have to meet up somewhere now!!!

    Nina & my baby boy Dallas

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  • L

    Welcome. So glad you have found this forum. It is a wealth of information for you as you consider if this great breed will be a good fit in your life.

    To you

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  • L

    Thanks – I'll stop by. Reston Town Center isn't too far from me. If I don't see any Basenjis tomorrow, I'm going to try to get to the MD outing on 1 June.

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  • Ninabeana26N

    @ladyeagle1998:

    Thanks – I'll stop by. Reston Town Center isn't too far from me. If I don't see any Basenjis tomorrow, I'm going to try to get to the MD outing on 1 June.

    The one in Westminster?

    Nina & my baby boy Dallas

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  • BDawgB

    Hopefully Lexi & Miles made a good impression on you, LadyEagle1998!!

    Miles & Lexi's Mom

    www.stelladot.com/barrick

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  • CyrusVirusC

    Welcome! I strongly agree that you should meet a B in person. They are very catlight in their movements, and Cyrus even grooms himself like a cat. Cyrus is very independent, but also very strong-willed. To further complicate matters, he is clever and good at gettting his own way. If you want a challenging yet loving breed, a B is a good choice. Once a B decides you are a worthwhile human being, they are very devoted but not in a needy way like some other breeds. Enjoy the forum!

    Cale and Jenn, and of course

    The Boys - Cyrus, Hemi, and Oscar ![](images/smilies/cool.png "Cool")

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    I saw the DNA kit in an Orvis for Dogs catalogue (you can't spend more money for a dog than with Orvis!) and in at least one other as well. I'm sure you can find one via the internet! Good luck,. Anne
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    New member in New Jersey

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    thunderbird8588T
    Welcome to the forum, Comet and Kip are lovely :)
  • R

    New here

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    R
    I wouldn't recommend getting a basenji until you've organized your new schedule with baby. basenjis are wonderful dogs, but require a lot of attention and stimulation. If you can't provide that, he could become a frustrated dog and cause mischeif. I've also read that they aren't the best with children. I haven't had the best experience with my basenji and daughter. It has a lot to do with the fact that we can't give him sufficient attention and exercise like he needs. he also hasn't adjusted to my daughter's presence either. that may not be a problem for you because you're having baby first then dog. they say its always a plus because it allows the child to establish a dominence over the dog, since child was there first. i don't want to be a sour apple, but i just want to let families with children know that it can be difficult and dangerous if proper care isn't given. its also unfair to the precious breed if they cant have the active life they need and crave.