Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Basenji Talk
  3. Getting depressed

Getting depressed

Basenji Talk
  • JazzysMomJ

    @youngandtired:

    Depressed is finding out through DNA testing that your beloved Basenji has tested probable affected with fanconi syndrome. My family loves this dog so very much, she is like our only girl, my son is 25 and we just think she is the greatest dog out there. I got her from a petstore, (I would never do that again, didn't know about puppy mills) and paid this huge amount thinking I was buying a healthy purebread dog. My whole family is depressed about this, I can only study about this disease, test her each month (beginning at 2) and provide her with top notch vet care. She will have the best doctor, she is our joy and I hate the thought of her being sick. Now this is depressed my friend.::(

    First of all, don't beat yourself any more over pet shop thing –even quality breeders produced dogs with Fanconi. Remember,the DNA test for that is very new.
    And be thankful that YOU are the person who DID buy her from that pet shop. Imagine what could have been her future w/out an owner who cares enough to learn about the testing, the illness, and the treatment.

    I'm in the same boat as you -- Jazzy is probably affected, and her dam actually was diagnosed shortly after the birth of that litter 3.5 yrs ago.
    No pre-breeding testing was available, and there was no apparent family history, so...

    Don't be depressed -- a "probably affected" result is not even a guarantee that your dog will ever show symptoms. Even if she does it is not a death sentence, it will just signal a lifestyle change for her and for you.

    Yes, it is sad. But like many have said before, SHE doesn't know she's affected. She's living well and loving her life; learn from her example!

    The thing is, you can learn a lot before your dog even shows any symptoms.
    Learn and be ready IF you ever need to be.

    Did you see my other posts about Dr. Gonto? Check through the Fanconi threads for those. I think you'll find them helpful.

    0
  • tanzaT

    @youngandtired:

    Depressed is finding out through DNA testing that your beloved Basenji has tested probable affected with fanconi syndrome. My family loves this dog so very much, she is like our only girl, my son is 25 and we just think she is the greatest dog out there. I got her from a petstore, (I would never do that again, didn't know about puppy mills) and paid this huge amount thinking I was buying a healthy purebread dog. My whole family is depressed about this, I can only study about this disease, test her each month (beginning at 2) and provide her with top notch vet care. She will have the best doctor, she is our joy and I hate the thought of her being sick. Now this is depressed my friend.::(

    Hey, remember, she doesn't know that she has the Fanconi gene…. and know that you have lots of support.... and now you can spread the word to others that "might" buy from a Pet Store or Backyard Breeder that doesn't do health testing regardless of the breed.... You can only go forwarded from here and just love your girl and keep her as healthly as you can....

    And yes even with responsible breeders, we had Fanconi produced (before the DNA test) ... but at least we would tell people about it... that is the one thing that really fustrates me about pet stores/BYB.... they do not tell people about health concerns... and prepare them for "what" might happen....

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    0
  • youngandtiredY

    Yea, I know Sahara doesn't know she has the bad gene, I love her even more now. I will be positive and not spend any more time thinking negative, thanks for bringing me out of my doom and gloom. I will continue to pray for her health, the Lord knows how much me love our Basenji, I know he didn't give her to me to lose early. JazzysMom thanks for all the info, it will help.

    0
  • BasenjiDivaB

    @Kaycee2006:

    Do you think colour really is that important. Am i just being too fussy?:

    Once you make sure that you prioritize where you get your dog (either a good breeder or a rescue) I don't think you are being foolish for wanting whatever color you want. I think it comes down to HOW BAD do you want a tri? Are you willing to wait longer or pay more to have one shipped to you? On the flip side…if you go ahead and get a r/w or b/w, I know you'll love the pup BUT are you going to second guess your decision not to wait? Unfortunately, this isn't something we can tell you what to do. :( You are just going to have to do some soul-searching. Good luck!

    Pat

    0
  • kristinkK

    Hey, I thought I'd put in my two cents. I had a wonderful tri-color, and when I lost her, really wanted another tri, or even a brindle. But when I went to meet availalble adults at the breeder, Sol came right to me, wagged his tail (to a stranger-unusual B behavior in my experience) and licked me. After that color did not matter. Be open to good things when they come along!

    Kris

    0
  • renaultf1R

    @kristink:

    Hey, I thought I'd put in my two cents. I had a wonderful tri-color, and when I lost her, really wanted another tri, or even a brindle. But when I went to meet availalble adults at the breeder, Sol came right to me, wagged his tail (to a stranger-unusual B behavior in my experience) and licked me. After that color did not matter. Be open to good things when they come along!

    Kris

    That is EXACTLY what happened to me w/Ruby. I went to look at adults and wanted an adult male - preferably black & white or brindle. Ruby was one of the last adults Pam & Sheila introduced me to and when I met her, I instantly forgot about wanting any other basenji. My brother always says that she picked me, and honestly that is pretty much how it happened…she was AMAZING, so sweet, funny and super, Super, SUPER high energy. I was instantly smitten and 2 weeks later she made a new home with my family. I 100% agree about "being open to good things when they come along."

    0
  • K

    Thanks guys
    As it turns out there's only 4 litters available this year. None of which have tri. iv'e done a lot of thinking and realised that if i want one now then i can't have the colour i want, but in saying that, it's not Kaycee's colour i fell in love with. it was her.

    0
  • kristinkK

    Small world– I got Sol from Pam and Sheila too! Are he and Ruby related?
    More than year later he is such a joy. At first he was confused about he change, wondering when he was going back 'home', but I was gentle and patient, and now we are very bonded-- when he got out the gate several weeks ago because it was left ajar, he just waited by the back door for me. He is actually better adjusted than the two b's I raised from puppies were.

    Kris

    0
  • renaultf1R

    @kristink:

    Small world– I got Sol from Pam and Sheila too! Are he and Ruby related?
    More than year later he is such a joy. At first he was confused about he change, wondering when he was going back 'home', but I was gentle and patient, and now we are very bonded-- when he got out the gate several weeks ago because it was left ajar, he just waited by the back door for me. He is actually better adjusted than the two b's I raised from puppies were.

    Kris

    Too funny…I didn't even realize that Sol came from Eldorado :D :D . What is Sol's registered name? Ruby's is Eldorado's Bejeweled (hence Ruby). Brando who I just added 3 months ago is Sternhimmels Generis Sui (he's from Finland).

    Actually, I just found Sol on Eldorado's website and in fact, he and Ruby are related. Ruby's mom is Onyx (Barcelona) and she is also Sol's grand dam (I think that is the right term)! Joie (Sol's mom) is a half sib of Ruby. :)

    0
  • kristinkK

    There could be a thread on the things we do to registered names– Sol's is 'Solid Gold' but I call him 'Solomon' because he's a deep thinker, or 'Solace' because he is a solace to me-- I like the 'Ruby' adaptation!

    Kris

    0

Suggested Topics

  • L

    should I get a basenji?

    Basenji Talk
    21
    0 Votes
    21 Posts
    8k Views
    elbrantE
    @lovedogs @eeeefarm said in should I get a basenji?: wait until the time is right, even if you really, really want a dog now I agree... with everyone. Sometimes you just need to accept that (no matter how much you want a dog/car/kid/house) you aren't quite ready for it. I waited 5 years before I brought my Basenji home and it was probably the most adult thing I've ever done. I was still in recovery from a spinal injury and knew that I wouldn't be able to provide (her) the exercise she would want and require. Waiting made all the difference in the world. Whan I was finally ready, the most perfect little girl was ready for me. Don't fret about it. You can read, research, consider all of your options, and really prepare yourself. (Don't look at puppy pictures online! You'll fall in love without even meeting the pup(s) and it will pull at your heartstrings.) Remind yourself that "one day you will have a Basenji", just not today.
  • M

    Getting a new dog

    Basenji Talk
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    8k Views
    eeeefarmE
    Her face looks Basenji, maybe not the muzzle however. Are they destructive? Can be, don't have to be. I don't like to crate and I never have, beyond the initial puppy stage or with a rescue until I can get a handle on what to expect. I do restrict access to areas of the house that might be vulnerable until I am sure of the dog. Not all can be trusted to have free rein. Be consistent in what you expect or will tolerate, and be very watchful until you understand what behaviour is "normal" for your new dog. Are they really that active? I would say no. She is likely excited to be in a new place and curious about everything. She should settle down. Of course, with a rescue there may well be reasons someone gave up on her, and it's not always immediately apparent if a dog has problems. Hopefully she will fit in well with your family. Invisible fence......likely not a good choice for a Basenji, particularly if there are coyotes in your area. You need to protect her. Coyotes will go after a small dog, and sometimes even a not so small one. I know someone who lost a Jack Russell when he was lured by coyotes and then attacked once he was beyond his master's protection.....and Jack Russells are tough little dogs! However, invisible fence can be useful to back up a physical fence if your dog turns out to be an escape artist. Regarding landscaping.....there are some deer fences that blend well and become almost invisible. Perhaps combined with invisible fence that might be a good option. Otherwise, walks or biking your dog should help, and definitely challenge her mentally. Basenjis are clever and I believe they enjoy learning. I taught my boy to retrieve objects by name.....it was fun for both of us. Good luck with her.
  • H

    Thinking about getting a Basenji

    Basenji Talk
    1
    0 Votes
    1 Posts
    2k Views
    No one has replied
  • MayaM

    Look What Maya Is Getting!

    Basenji Talk
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    2k Views
    KipawaK
    Maya looks great in that picture, and I am sure she will look spectacular in purple.
  • L

    When should we get him fixed?

    Basenji Talk
    2
    0 Votes
    2 Posts
    1k Views
    E
    we waited the full year. We thought we might want to do agility and lure coursing, and had read that early neutering could lead to thinner bones. Thinner bones means more chance of injury, so we figured we'd wait. He seemed to sail right through the surgery, recovery wasn't too bad. I say, why not wait, if there is no intact female in your household, and the dog is properly contained.
  • eoyE

    Considering getting a Basenji

    Basenji Talk
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    1k Views
    lvossL
    Yes, early socialization and positive experiences is the best way to go. I think the most important thing about puppy kindergarten is that it is positive based and focuses on socialization with both people and dogs. Some basenji don't necessarily do well with the small dogs and other love them. Sophie was always the best with the new pups of any size in her puppy class, she just had phenomenal dog language and would make herself as small as possible and go at their speed. What you want to be careful about is people who have already formed a preconceived notion of basenji behavior. My mom's first puppy class instructor always expected her boy to be aggressive even though he never showed any aggression and was always very appropriate in his interactions. I crate puppies next to the bed while housebreaking and it works fine. I have always used a large stuffed toy in the crate and this year used SnugglePuppies, they were wonderful. The pup snuggled right up to warmth and fell asleep, provided we did a good job of tiring him out for the night. I got my first basenji while I was in Grad school and lived in an apartment. It is doable as long as you are willing to make sure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.