Hello,
I’m Lorna.
Many years ago, I had the privilege of taking care of my Aunt & Uncle’s Basenjis for 2-3 weeks every summer for 6 or 7 consecutive years. They had three (two females and one male) Basenjis. Loved these guys… my Aunt & Uncle too! Growing up my mom and I lived in a very small trailer so having a basenji of my own was out of the question, but Chihuahua (Harry it) was great. She joined the basenji pack each summer. Now that was a sight!
I’ve finally retired; I’m ready to bring a new four-legged member into our home. I believe a Basenji would get the love & attention she would deserve. I also know she would keep me on my toes.
My challenge is I’m also married. My husband was not raised with dogs. When we met, I had a rescue Chow, Willie, and they bonded. I became the odd man out but I loved it that he got to experience the bond and joy of a four-legged family member. When Willie passed, my husband took it very hard and we agreed to wait until I retired before adding a new four-legged child into our family.
My husband has never seen a basenji (other than YouTube). I’ve been “educating” him about all their wonderful qualities (e.g. highly intelligent = highly stubborn) and wonderfully loyal. I need to find ways for him to meet Basenjis. He recently shared with me that he couldn’t get the image of the sweet little puppy with all the wrinkles out of his mind.
As much as I know a Basenji would be wonderful, it is only fair to “Ruby” (yes, I’ve named her!) if he too falls in love with the breed before a sweet lady joins us. For this to happen, he needs to be around a few first.
We live in Northern California and here is my request… Does anyone know of a breeder who I might reach out to who would let us come visit, or perhaps an upcoming event, or dog show? I’m open to suggestions. Thanks
You can find breeders at www.basenji.org there is a link to search for breeders by state. There are a number of shows, many in the Vallejo, Ca at the Solano County Fair Grounds. Go to this link and then click on CA for shows in California. http://infodog.com/show/state_shows.htm?_p=Y Also there are performance events like lure coursing... there are trials this weekend (April 28 & 29) in Oakley, CA at the O'Hara Park Middle School. May 12 & 13 at Solano Community College
If only you lived nearer - you'd be more than welcome to visit my two and take them out in the forest to chase squirrels ! Shows are OK but it is much better that your husband gets to meet Basenjis in a home environment so he gets a chance to meet some in a relaxed atmosphere, away from the stress of a show. I often have people here, we always have done, to meet and experience Basenjis first hand. Your husband needs to see them as house pe(s)ts.
Watching how my pack reacted to the visitors was always a guide to me - should we sell them a puppy or not ?
Anyway, good luck !
I believe Basenji Club of America has a Northern California "chapter". Perhaps you could contact them and meet up with a local breeder to develop a relationship and spend time with his/her b's. Also, there is a website called Nextdoor.com - you could join for your area and then post an inquiry to see if anyone has, or can introduce you to someone who has, basenjis. (Caveat: Be careful when making arrangements to meet up with strangers - you just never know.)
I got two of my Basenjis from Pat Cembura of Arubmecbasenjis.com. You can probably meet up with her at a dog show or visit her home. Check her website to reach out to her. You can let her know that Pat Chew referred you to her.
My first basenji.. (I did not buy from Pat)... 5 out of 8 greatgrandsires/dams were Arubmec. My second was a half-bro/sister oops litter and 1/2 Arubmec. Both had severe autoimmune issues and I heard others in the litter also had issues. The 2nd also had "impressive" (said the UGA eye specialist) PRA. I have heard nothing bad about her or her dogs, and OBVIOUSLY the issues could just as likely been from the not-Arubmec lines. But it does illustrate my advice -- no matter who the breeder or how well known or respected, please be smart and check OFA for testing. If you need help, people here can show you how to check for OFA health checks.
Thanks for the recommendations. I'll check out the site. Much appreciated, Lorna
Sally,
Yes, Ideally, the best way to get to truly know a Basenji, would be to meet them in their comfortable environment. I wish we could find someone, but close to our home who would let us visit. That would be ideal. Thanks. Lorna
Pat,
Thank you. I'll reach out to her! Much appreciated, Lorna
Debra,
Thank you for the guidance. Yes, I will make sure we check the breading lines and health registries before we commit. I'll defiantly reach out for assistance. Thanks, Lorna
I'm sorry, I probably spoke out of turn - but over here most, if not all, breeders will encourage visits. My pack, even when we were up to 8, of which three entire boys and five nubile ladies, was always open to visitors. Now I no longer breed - anno domini - the least I can do is help wannabe owners to make up their minds. If people are geographically unable to visit me, I can always put them in touch with a breeder nearer to them.
I guess living on a small island has its compensations !
