Sid Needs a Home

[Quercus]

In *this case it might be better if BRAT helps find this dog a home, especially because he can stay in his home until a new one is found…that way it doesn't overburden the foster homes. I believe that Sid will have to 'choose' his new people...he doesn't like everyone, and it takes a loooong time for him to trust someone. It would be a shame to have a breeder all the way across the country find a home for him, and then have him hate the new people once he gets there. It would be a greater loss, in my opinion, to have the breeder take the dog back, and then euthanize him because he has a bite history.

As we all know, euthanizing a dog for aggression is a very personal choice and there are many factors that go into that decision. No ethical breeder or rescue group takes that decision lightly. But different people draw the line of what is acceptable in different places.

[DebraDownSouth]

It is sad, but a dog with a bite issues probably should NOT be taken by any rescue, including BRAT. That this dog lived with a responsible knowledgeable breeder who made the decision to euthanize throws up flags I don't think anyone should ignore.

Is it at all possible that the vet who took full responsibility, or the ex-husband who wanted the dog, might be able to help? Sadly, dogs who bite rarely get more than one chance and since this one has not worked out, it doesn't look bright.

[Quercus]

This is why I hope that Debbi will contact me, and maybe even Vickie,so she can get a clear picture of what happened to cause this dog to bite, and the circumstances that led Vickie to decide to euthanize him.

Frankly, I am amazed that the vet put himself, the owners past, present and future, and the dog in this situation. And I am saddened to tell you that this is not the only time this vet has done this, he seems to think he knows the dog better than the owners…

Personally, I DO NOT want to see this dog euthanized, partly because I have known him most of his life, and partly because I believe that he could thrive in the right situation....and because I know first hand he can be sweet, sweet, sweet. And unfortunately because I already have two males who hate each other, I can't possibly add another one.

[debbi j.]

We have already been in touch with Vickie, and we know what happened and why she and her husband made the decision to euthanize Sid. I know that it was a heart breaking decision for them.

I am also amazed by the vet's decision to place this dog.

Andrea, I'll be in touch with you soon. Is your email address in the roster correct?

debbi j.

[Quercus]

Yes, Debbi…that one will work. I am so glad you were able to talk to Vickie about this.

[basenjilover11]

For all of you who know or have heard the story of this dog through the grapevine I appreciate your input. However I have had Sid for a little over 2 years now, I also have heard the story of why the previous owners chose to put him to sleep and I disagree with their decision completely. It is a shame he bite in the past and it is a shame that because he did that people think harshly about him. I can say this, in the 2 years that I have had him he has bite me and my ex one time only. The first time he got away from us and was running running for hours and when he finally came to the back door I grabbed at him and scared him and he bite me, he knew what he did was wrong. The second instant he bite my ex, he was using the bathroom, number 2 on the pavement and my ex pulled him by the collar to try to get him in the grass, he bite again. Aside from those 2 instances he has never showed ANY kind of aggression what so ever! He has been around children, crowds, other dogs, adults, you name it he has been there. He is a very good dog and he listens very well. He just disliked my ex for some apparent reason. He is actually more friendly with strangers than what someone listed above. He will let anyone pet him, he does not run, growl, etc. The only thing he does not like is when my cat jumps on his bed while he is sleeping, he snips because it probably scares him. However he has never sniped or snarled at me or anyone else for bothering him while sleeping, eating, walking, playing, etc.

Just so everyone gets this straight, I am not replacing Sid because I think he is a bad dog, I don't like him, etc. I am placing him because he deserves someone who can give him a good home and he deserves to be in a home with other dogs. He has been with dogs his whole entire life and now that he has been away from them I feel for the guy. That is the reason, that along with my hectic work schedule. So while I appreciate everyones concern about him biting, his previous owners decision, etc, whoever decides to give him a home will not be displeased. As long as they know how to act around a timid rescue dog, spoil him and give him whatever he wants I think whomever decides to take him will do just fine.

[basenjilover11]

Also I thought everyone might want to know that I had a call today inquiring about Sid. She lives in GA and has 3 older basenjis. She just recently lost Sid's grandmother over the rainbow bridge. She is older and very interested, she just has to speak with her husband and obviously meet Sid. Wish me luck and please if anyone has any questions about Sid and his present behavior feel free to ask. He has been by my side and I above anyone else feel that I am inclined to say what kind of dog he is and what he behavior is for me and for those around me.

[basenjilover11]

Andrea, Sid will never be put to sleep. If he is unable to find a forever home I will keep him and give him the best life I possibly can. Contacting BRAT seemed like a good option and considering his progress with me gives me faith that he will place just fine with a home with other dogs where he can be the happy dog he once was.

[sharronhurlbut]

Christy, having owned a b that has bitten, I understand how you feel.
I hope this b can find a home where he will stay. This society is very aware that dogs with a biting history, any biting history, will be expensive
lawyer wise, if the law comes into in. I only hope good things for this boy.

[DebraDownSouth]

Christy, please try to understand. Long ago, many rescues took dogs such as Sid. We all know that dogs placed in the right home often can be rehabilitated. You have obviously done a great job.

But as both a breeder and rescuer, I have to object to your disagreeing with the previous owner. When a dog gives a single bite, even one, if you place that dog, you open yourself as an owner or rescue, up to serious legal issues. I have known two rescues shut down due to the expenses related to placing dogs with bite history. So from that viewpoint, you have to ask if you have a right to risk your family's finances or the rescue from helping so many animals, just to save one. Further, you have to ask if you have the right to RISK someone being severely bitten because you don't want to stand up and do what is a terribly hard choice, which is to put a dog to sleep. Ultimately, I cannot imagine placing a dog that has bitten several times. Sure, if the dog was hurt and bit, yes. But Sid has bitten from being startled. He has what we call a very low bite threshold. All it takes is ONE idiot visiting the home to do something stupid and get bitten.

Would I personally have ANY qualms about taking Sid? No, of course not. It is obvious that he has done well with your family and can be managed. Sadly, I can't risk him upsetting the balance between my 2 bitches. I honestly thought about it, just so you know.

And I am praying that the placement works out, but please, cover yourself with a full release of responsibility from any liability if he bites. It may not hold up in court, but if you include his bite history, it should help. It will be a rare home that takes an older dog who has such a history, so hopefully her connection to his line will help. Please let us know. And if she is anywhere near me in GA and needs any help, she can call on me– though it sounds like she is experienced and will be fine!

[sharronhurlbut]

Debra is right. You can lose you home, and your future incomes by placing a dog with a bite history. Its a fact in this country.
I hope this ends well for all. I really do.

[Quercus]

@basenjilover11:

Andrea, Sid will never be put to sleep. If he is unable to find a forever home I will keep him and give him the best life I possibly can. Contacting BRAT seemed like a good option and considering his progress with me gives me faith that he will place just fine with a home with other dogs where he can be the happy dog he once was.

I am really glad to hear this Let me know how things go with his possible adoption; I will help any way I can

[curlytails]

Whatever happens, I'm rooting for Sid. I hope the greater B community can and will step up for this special guy. All this talk of risk and legal possibilities makes my stomach churn, because he sounds far from hopeless as the law would make him out to be.

[basenjilover11]

Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. I have high hopes for Sid as well. He has been chased around by 3 year old twins more than once now..tail pulled, ears grabbed, hugged, kissed and rattled around by them. If that was not my tell all for him than I don't know what is. Was I hesitant about them rattling him around? Of course I was, because of his age and because I had no idea how he would respond to children. But he was fine, he looked nervous of course but he always does. I am confident that whomever does decide to take him will be well aware of his bite history and well aware of how to handle dogs that may bite. He has never shown any aggression to guests in my home nor even in a crowd of people. He was recently at a graduation party that took place outside. I bring him everywhere and as long as its fenced I let him run and interact. Speaking of crowds, he has been to every family event, holiday event for the past 2 years with me. It's hard for me to even think he has a bite history because he has never shown any aggression other than those 2 instances within a month of us having him.

Well enough about biting..I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping GA pulls through!

[DebraDownSouth]

Oh Christy, sending mega prayers it works out. ((hugs))

[Patty]

Christy - I hope that all will be well with Sid if the people concerned will take him. He sounds a very special dog. Without knowing the cause its difficult to say but if he bit when he was grabbed I must say that thoseare extenuating circumstances.

I obviously don't know his history but I feel that a knowledgeable Basenji owner could cope with him.

I pray for Sid.

[Patty M]

@basenjilover11:

Andrea, Sid will never be put to sleep. If he is unable to find a forever home I will keep him and give him the best life I possibly can. Contacting BRAT seemed like a good option and considering his progress with me gives me faith that he will place just fine with a home with other dogs where he can be the happy dog he once was.

Christy, I also admire your protective love of Sid…. it's easy to sit at home, read this forum, and give advice on what you should do... and sometimes, the advice I read on here sounds less like "advice" and sounds more and more like "orders".

You must do what YOU believe is right, for you, Sid, and (perhaps) his new home. You are being totally honest about Sid's history, and you are making sure the new owner's understand the theoretical risks.

(Compare that to my new Zeba's situation, where she was sold on Craig's List as if she was a perfect young dog......... Instead, I paid $$ for a non-potty trained, worm infested, flea bitten, scared AND scarred little girl. She was snarky and ready to bite any male, and over the last three weeks, little Zeba has blossomed wonderfully. She's almost completely trained.... still leary of some people, but with the help of the local PetsMart Hotel staff, Zeba is a totally different, HAPPY girl! They have patiently cared for Zeba during the day, and all of their staff knows of her leariness and use the proper caution. There's nothing better than waggly tails and beautiful roos at the end of a workday! )

Hats off to you, Christy!

[Patty]

Patty M - your story of Zeba can give everybody hope. You've obviously done wonders with her.

[basenjilover11]

BRAt decided not to place Sid I do wish that the sources that spoke with BRAT would speak with me so I know why his past is such a huge issue. In my eyes he is the sweetest dog and aside from biting within a week of having him I could never envision him hurting a fly. He deserves a good home with friends, now I am left to find that on my own. Thanks for all of your help and words of encouragement.

[Patty M]

Christie, have you contacted http://www.basenjirescue.us/
They are out of Indianapolis, and not as well known as BRAT, but their rescue mission reads as follows:

Our Rescue Mission
1. Assist with the placement of full-blooded Basenjis, Basenji-mixes, Shiba Inu
2. Assign a Rescue Coordinator, who will evaluate the dog and screen prospective owners
3. Provide foster care for the Basenji or Shiba Inu in need
4. Provide medical care and socialization, as needed
5. Assist with transport
6. Provide follow-up information, support and advice
7. Rehabilitate Basenji and Shiba with issues usually caused by people
8. Special care and home for elder Basenji

If this isn't an option, I will try to help you, too. It's amazing how many people meet Zeba and Lola at the dog park and comment that they've been looking for basenjis…. I met a lady today at the dog park that was so happy to see them~ she hadn't seen basenjis for 20 years!

There is still hope!