Adopted Very Basenji-looking dog from Africa!

[Segbwema]

That's for posting as it is always exciting to see basenjis and basenji-ish dogs from Africa.

I lived in West Africa in the 70s and many of the local dogs looked like basenjis to some degree. I had one I named Joe who was larger that Bs here but otherwise looked like a basenji. Joe was a great watchdog for other dogs but liked almost all people he met.

It is hard seeing dogs and other animals who live among people who have so little as life is tough for all. In my village (I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Segbwema, Sierra Leone) people did not have clean water or electricity and very little health care. In the hungry season (when the rains first came in July-Sept) food was very short and people died from malnutrition and hunger, especially young children. So the dogs had for the most part to fend for themselves and most had worms and skin disorders.

I have been reading about dogs and cats being rescued from Iraq and Afghanistan and am impressed with how far people will go to save animals. Let's hear it for the human spirit!

Merry in Columbus

[Kananga]

Her eyes really stand out with the dark fur, very striking. Kudos to you for bringing her with you.

[Patty]

I agree, Segbwema.. These rescues warm the heart to the human race . Africanmutt is one of these wonderful people. (I hope Lalita doesn't read - I'd hate to think she knows she's been described as a mutt!!!). How about Ethiopis Canis?

[AfricanMutt]

Thank you all for your kind words! It almost brings me to tears of joy right now to see her laying in the grass by the pool on a beautiful sunny day in California and knowing that shes gonna be OK. Of course I wish I could have done more for more dogs in her village (I DID help bring 2 of her puppies to the US though, they have arrived safely in Colorado today!)

Segbwema, I know what you mean about the dogs having to fend for themselves… The village where I lived for 8 months didn't have any running water or electricity... so it definitely put things in perspective! Right now Laliti and I are BOTH feeling like we've won the lottery : )

Patty, yeah I hope Laliti doesnt take the word "mutt" the wrong way : )

I think I'd pin her to look a lot like a Basenji/Black lab mix.... (obviously shes not mixed with any lab, but just for the sake of describing her appearance) because she has a diluted Basenji appearance with a larger body and a thicker coat like a black lab....