I must agree that naive, first-time wanne-be owners need to do deep, extensive research. Basenjis are supremely unique and definitely not a good choice for a "beginner."
I adopted an 18-month old 3/4 Basenji (other 1/4 is Min Pin, yet another quirky little breed, with some "bad" similarities to B's). I was somewhat familiar with B's, but not even a little bit of "enough!!" Gosh, Izzy-Bella was a piperoo!! A little 18 pound bundle of energy, destruction, and escapism. BUT, I have always loved bad boys (9 years working in a high school), so a little bad girl was a sort of delight. But, again, it takes many years before these dogs mellow out and mature and maximize their amazing intelligence. Izzy is SO SO smart: her early unbridled destructiveness has pretty much ended, and now, at ten years old, she amazes us every day with her intelligence, innate understanding, observational skills, language acumen, and comedic skills. And at ten years old, she acts like a three year old! I hope this means she will live forever.
Once you have bonded with a Basenji, you are probably done and gone. But
first-timers REALLY need to do their research and homework.
Someone referred to entrusting their dog
to a family member. I would entrust my B to nobody except a bona fide Vet hospital/kennel, with big-time fences and enclosures, B's are exceptional diggers-under-fences and escape artists. And a Number One cause of
death for them is traffic. Their prey instinct sends them careening into
traffic. Dumber than deer.
But, bottom line: do your due diligence Basenji research, and understand early on that these dogs are singularly unique: indescribably destructive; escape artists; independent thinkers and behaviorists; smarter than you can even begin to imagine (I swear my Izzy understands everything I say and reads my mind!); and prepare to have lots of tissues on hand as auxiliary food, because apparently, Basenjis require wood pulp
projects to prosper!! I don't get it.
Basenjis in Boston
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I'm good for tomorrow. If others want to join, we can do anytime. I'll send you an email also.
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Just to let everyone know
The play date is tomorrow Saturday July 25, 2008 at 10:00am
Here is the site with directions.
Hope to see people there
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DARN! I can't make it tomorrow.
Well, Maybe…I will try....I have to go try on bridesmaid dresses tomorrow (blech)
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THAT WAS SO MUCH FUN! We have to do it again (and bring a camera)
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How about we get together August 9 at 1pm.
Here is the site with directions.
Hope to see people there
If anyone is interested in starting an email list for getting together please email me at
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PhocoenaGirl => we go to MasterPeace, we really like it. We too the summer off, but are looking at some classes to start up soon. Hope to see you there!
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Ahhh, we have family plans in NH on the 9th, we are not far from Sharron and would love to know when the next get together is.
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I am going to be there tomorrow with Jack. He is really looking forward to it.
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Unfortunately Indi and I had a change in plans we are getting ready to move to VA this weekend. So we will not be able to be there have fun with Jack
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Unfortunately Indi and I had a change in plans we are getting ready to move to VA this weekend. So we will not be able to be there have fun with Jack
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We missed you guys! Maybe next time. How is everyone's schedules on Sat. September 6th? DH is home then, and would love for him to get to come and meet everyone!
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We will try to keep the 6th open. Depending on how things go next weekend we might shoot to go done on Sunday.
