• Wiley was helped over the Rainbow bridge today. Some of you may remember that he was in the much photographed litter of 7 5 tris and 2 reds. The puppy in a basket picture that I've attached I know has been much copied.

    Wiley had a bried show career and was a spectacular dog in the back yard - but would put his head down and 'mutter' all the way around the ring at a show. In spite of himself he did win some points but he so didn't like it. Wiley had a wonderful family for 9 years of his life - then their teenagers friends would come over and not always close the gate quick enough and out he would go after the Scottie down the street - he hated Scotties. Rather than lock the gate and have the kids come to the front door - they decided to get rid of the dog so he came back here. Sometimes I don't understand why people make the decisions they do but he was my dog and my responsibility.

    For a couple of years I tried to find him a new home but everyone wanted a puppy and at 9 they thought he was too old so he lived with me and my gang. He had slowed up a lot lately and was showing signs of canine dementia frequently not knowing where he was and 'drinking' out of empty bowls. He was largly blind and had arthritis in his pasterns. Lately - he would trip over his back legs sometimes and fall over. This last winter was hard on the 14+ dog but I had hoped that he would enjoy one more summer.

    I made the decision because while summer is coming - his ability to enjoy was greatly limited. It's the hardest thing we ever do as dog owners and as breeders. I know that he will be greeted warmly by his other old basenji friends both 2 legged and 4 legged. I have found that these dogs don't often tell you when they are hurting and I would rather do this 2 days to early that 2 seconds too late and have them suffer.

    He was neuterd and out of CH Calypso Evening Shade and CH MIJOKR's Klondike Kate. He was not tested for Fanconi but had test striped clear as recently as last week. While he did not live as long as his dad (I think 18) he did live longer than his mom who died at 12.
    attachment_t_5839_0_wiley-cute.jpg
    attachment_t_5839_1_wiley-takes-the-cake.jpg


  • I'm very sorry for your loss. Hugs your way.


  • He is now free and running with all that have gone before him… hugs...


  • Sorry to hear of your loss. Big hugs


  • Very sorry for your loss. Hugs, too.


  • Its awful to love and lose a pet.
    Hugs, hugs, hugs.
    We will see our beloved animals again.
    I truely believe this.


  • I always get choked up to tears when one of us has lost a dearly loved furbaby. The pics of Wiley as a pup make it even harder. But he was a cutie pie and obviously loved it. I'm so glad he got to live his life with you. His world couldn't have been better. I'm so sorry for you loss - it is a tough choice when you know it's either "2 days early or 2 seconds late." You're in my thoughts and prayers. Run Wiley - get those pesky rabbits and squirrels!


  • You know - I just had a thought - if there are any of those pesky Scotties at the bridge - they best start running.

    Thank you all for your kind thoughts.


  • I'm sorry to read about this. Especially the part about his "family" not doing right by him. Thankfully he had you for his breeder. Run free little boy.


  • It is never easy. My sincere condolences Diana.


  • Lots of tears and hugs. Sorry for your loss.


  • I'm sorry for your loss, run free Wiley


  • I am so sorry you have lost a nice boy. He is lucky you were his breeder, else he would have been in a shelter and not have had the nice long life he had with you.


  • I'm sorry for your loss. 😞


  • I'm so sorry for your loss…

    Hugs....


  • I am sorry for your loss. It is never easy to say goodbye.


  • I am sorry for your loss. 😞


  • I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending hugs also. You can't have too many at a time like this.

    Pat


  • I believe there was a reason Wiley came home to you. What ever that reason was, I'm sure he found unconditional love and comfort in your arms for the remainder of his years.

    Condolences to you and your family.

    Dawn


  • Sorry to hear of your loss Diana. I'm sure Wiley will be watching over you after the wonderful life you gave him.

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