We have a second B!

[BasenjiDiva]

We took that old adage "you can't have just one" to heart and after much discussion, we got a playmate/companion for Cory. We are so happy with Cory that it made sense to go back to her breeder - Robyn of Sherwood. Robyn selected Jayden (Sherwood's Secret Keeper) out of her merry band of basenji thieves and marauders as the probably best match for our little diva (who wasn't aware that she needed a companion). Jayden is about 3 months younger than Cory and will be 1 yr old this month. Robyn allowed us to borrow Jayden for a 4 day trial at our cabin in north Georgia. It was close to Atlanta and more neutral than our home. The trip went well and the first hour at the cabin went well…....until Jayden (who is part boll weevil) walked over to Cory's crate and pulled out her beloved, cozy little fleece. THEN the fur flew and flew for the next couple of days. Cory emphatically told Jayden that he was not welcome and could pack his bags and leave....immediately. We did find that they did okay outside and asked Robyn if she would allow us to extend the trial and take Jayden to our home in Savannah to continue the trial for 2 weeks.

Here, the tension continued....unless the dogs were in the yard. There they got along fine. Fortunately, we have had a wonderful sunny warm spell and we were able to put them outside a lot. The first day I babysat my little grandsons, Jayden was fearful and snapped at (but made no contact with) my 2 y/o grandson, Anderson. I had Anderson pet Jayden and touch him a number of times during the day so Jayden could learn that this strange little human meant him no harm. By the end of the first week, we were pretty sure that this trial was going to be a failure and Jayden would be going back to Robyn....and we hated that because we were already attached.:( The start of the 2nd week brought a complete turn around in Cory's attitude. She pretty much looked at Jayden and said "Okay, kid, you can stay. But mind your manners!" From that point on, they got along fine! Periodically, Cory tries to get too bossy and Jayden either rolls over and looks at her coyly and playfully or he informs her that she isn't the boss of him. (Cory is on the petite side and was Robyn's smallest basenji. Jayden was Robyn's largest basenji.) When they play, Cory grabs Jayden's collar and tries to drag him around. Since Jayden outweighs Cory by a number of pounds, she is usually the one who is being pulled along. They love playing together and we have frequent episodes of the B-500 around the house and yard. Jayden is learning that Cory isn't a "morning person" and isn't willing to play until she has eaten, pooped & peed, and napped for an hour or so. Then...let the fun begin.

Jayden is pretty easy going - a Bubba (Robyn's own discription). He wasn't really familiar with squirrels (no sane squirrel would dare enter Robyn's yard) but was willing to chase them with Cory. Now he is occasionally the first one to spot one. Being taller, he is able to counter surf and he LOVES dish towels and hand towels. We have to be extra vigilant with clothing and other cloth items. I now have a wool throw with a hole in the middle and DH has a polo shirt with a hole in the middle. :eek:

I need to learn how to post pictures. (I get aggravated) But I think Robyn has some posed of him.

Pat

[nala121498]

Congratulations! I am happy that it all worked out! Looking forward to seeing the pictures when you can and of course, hearing more stories…

[tanza]

That is super, congrats on your new addition!!!!

[agilebasenji]

Sounds like a basenji-household to me! Congrats on your new bundle of joy.

[renaultf1]

Awesome…Congrats on your new "kid"!

[sharronhurlbut]

Oh, its all so worth the work to get them to bond, isn't it!
Keep those stories coming…I love happy endings.

[Ninabeana26]

Congrats! I can't wait to see pictures!

[WBL]

Woo Hoo Congrats, can't wait for pics!!!

[wizard]

Congrats on another addition to the family!

[nomrbddgs]

Congrats to both you and Robyn-sounds like you've both done well! You have a companion for Cory and Robyn has a safe place for Jayden!

[Quercus]

Yay! Welcome Jayden!

[Basenji_Boy]

That's great, welcome to the club…....pictures!

[YodelDogs]

One of the best things about being a breeder is the wonderful people who come into my life. Pat and Larry have quickly become very dear to me and I could not have asked for better "Basenji parents" for Cory and Jayden.

Jayden was a show prospect from my last litter. There are soooooo many things I like about this boy! Below is a stacked pic that was taken last month.

In motion

and a pic of Cory (in red) and Jayden (in blue) snuggling in a sunbeam at Pat and Larry's home.

[BasenjiDiva]

Thank you, Robyn, for posting the pictures and for the kind compliments. You know we think highly of you or we wouldn't have gone back to you looking for more trouble. Jayden did well at his Vet visit today and his diarrhea is probably due to the changes in his life. Everyone there told him what a pretty boy he is and he looked at them with his calm: "I know that" look. They were impressed that he was so unfazed by the presence of their cat. I explained that you have 4 cats who have trained your dogs quite well!

One of these days I'm going to concentrate really hard and figure out how to post pictures on this forum!! Meanwhile, I appreciate you doing so for me. I am so proud of my two "babies" and am glad everyone gets to see the Diva and the Bollweevil.

Pat

[tanza]

Wow, they look wonderful together…. what a wonderful match, even with all the wild times to get them that way...

[Basenji_Boy]

@BasenjiDiva:

Thank you, Robyn, for posting the pictures and for the kind compliments. You know we think highly of you or we wouldn't have gone back to you looking for more trouble. Jayden did well at his Vet visit today and his diarrhea is probably due to the changes in his life. Everyone there told him what a pretty boy he is and he looked at them with his calm: "I know that" look. They were impressed that he was so unfazed by the presence of their cat. I explained that you have 4 cats who have trained your dogs quite well!

One of these days I'm going to concentrate really hard and figure out how to post pictures on this forum!! Meanwhile, I appreciate you doing so for me. I am so proud of my two "babies" and am glad everyone gets to see the Diva and the Bollweevil.

Pat

Good luck Pat, I'm sure everything will work out just fine.

Good Breeder, good owners, good dogs…...everybody wins.

[MacPack]

Congratulations! Robyn does have very nice dogs, and having two is so much fun. I have found that the ice usually breaks at about a week, and then the fun begins.

Enjoy!

Anne in Tampa

[nala121498]

Beautiful pup!