How many here are BCOA members? How many would want to be? If not, why not?
Just curious as we are all concerned/connect to the breed regardless if you are a breeder, pet person, involved in rescue, have a rescue, have a show or performance dog…. We should all be stewards of the breed and their long term existance.
I am a member of BCOA, Willamette Valley Basenji Club & Evergreen Basenji Club.
I consider myself a pet owner. I do compete with my basenjis but do so as a hobby as I do not intend on becoming a breeder myself (thank you to all the wonderful breeders out there who dedicate their lives to providing folks like me amazing dogs).
I enjoy going to basenji events and socializing with friends, 2 and 4 legged. I feel it is important to support the clubs that put them on. It takes a LOT of work.
Please support your national & local breed clubs. A little volunteerism goes a LONG way.
Working on becoming a member, my ability to be on the internet 24/7 has been severely effected by actually owning a Basenji
Working on becoming a member, my ability to be on the internet 24/7 has been severely effected by actually owning a Basenji
Welcome to the wonderful world of Basenjis
And to all the members, remember it is your club, make your voice heard in the upcoming elections and vote. Vote for the member that you think will best serve your views and wishes to better the breed.
I tired to join years ago, was asked by a local breeder "Why I wanted to be a member?" and when I said because I love the breed and thought it was a club for people who loved the breed, I was told not really, it was for breeders and 'professional' basenji folks. I saw her several times over the years and finally she signed an application and went with me to another breeder to sign, as my sponsors.
Frankly I didn't understand why you had to have 2 members sign off that they knew you well to join a breed fancier's club! At any rate, after trying to get this membership for YEARS, I lost the application before I got it in the mail!
It was funny, over 10 years later I found that application but thought it waaaaay to late to send it in. Not sure what I ever did with it.
I don't know enough 'well known breeders' in person (to get signatures) to sponsor me to join the club. I guess I always figured it was a bit too snooty for me, anyway, if it required more approvals to join than a country club, haha!
So that's why, after 35 years with the breed, I am not a member.
I tired to join years ago, was asked by a local breeder "Why I wanted to be a member?" and when I said because I love the breed and thought it was a club for people who loved the breed, I was told not really, it was for breeders and 'professional' basenji folks. I saw her several times over the years and finally she signed an application and went with me to another breeder to sign, as my sponsors.
Frankly I didn't understand why you had to have 2 members sign off that they knew you well to join a breed fancier's club! At any rate, after trying to get this membership for YEARS, I lost the application before I got it in the mail!It was funny, over 10 years later I found that application but thought it waaaaay to late to send it in. Not sure what I ever did with it.
I don't know enough 'well known breeders' in person (to get signatures) to sponsor me to join the club. I guess I always figured it was a bit too snooty for me, anyway, if it required more approvals to join than a country club, haha!
So that's why, after 35 years with the breed, I am not a member.
That is really a shame that you were told that…. it is for sure NOT the case (just for breeders, that is just plain a very stupid comment, IMO). Every member is valuable and you don't need a well known breeder to sign, any member can sign your application. And I think that almost every regional club requires that an application be signed by members. Basenji Club of Northern California requries two members sign for new members, as does Evergreen.
There are so many things that non-breeders can do for the breed especially things like Education and Health. What better person then all of the pet owners to talk about the breed and what they are like to live with? Honestly, when people call me looking or asking about a puppy, I would much prefer that they first visit with a non-breeder first. That way the see what it is like to live with a Basenji is a total family situation. Good, Bad, and Ugly. Of course I want to meet them too, but if they don't know the breed and meet with a family/owner that is not a breeder I think they are are more likely to make a better decision if this is the right breed for them, with no pressure (real or not)
Anne, if you ever wish to reconsider, I would absolutely sign for you 
I don't breed or show, just do rescue. I have been a member for years. I will sponsor you
MacPac.
I am not, but would love to be..I am a pure "pet owner, sometimes shower (lol), but for sure lover" kind of a person..
I am not, but would love to be..I am a pure "pet owner, sometimes shower (lol), but for sure lover" kind of a person..
I would sign for you
I would sign for you
Thank you Tanza…will see if I can get another sign-on and then I'll sign up..
Thank you Tanza…will see if I can get another sign-on and then I'll sign up..
I can get another signature for you, just fill out the application. IMO, you have really prove a value to the breed. You have learned so much in such a short time… it amazes me!! Well Done
I can get another signature for you, just fill out the application. IMO, you have really prove a value to the breed. You have learned so much in such a short time… it amazes me!! Well Done
I was thinking the same thing, you should have no problem finding someone to sign for you If you need it, I certainly will
I'm a member. BCOA is actually one of the easier breed clubs to get into. Some of the larger ones are significantly more difficult.
Our local club requires two signatures too but that's usually not hard to get. If you know a BCOA member and don't live near them you can always send an application to them via the mail.
Anne, I would also sign for you if you reconsidered being a member.
