This weekend I notified my breeder about EL D crossing The Bridge and asked her to let me know if she hears of any adults that needed homes.
Lo-and-behold … she had four! So I went and looked and of course fell in love :o .
Later this week I'll be bringing home a tri-male (I'm partial to reds but this guy was so sweet) who's 10 yrs (no one else would even look at him) and still acts like a little boy. He is a retired show and coursing champion, has a reputation as a rabbit hunter, and was well socialized (his previous life partner became serioulsy ill and could no longer care for him).
My brother told me I was silly for getting another one so soon but what can I say. :rolleyes: I'm washing up the blankets and dog-bed covers and cleaning out the old toys. Maybe things will work out for the good.
I think that is great….. Is the breeder Sal W.? I think you are doing the right thing and I don't think that you are being silly... you are offering a home for a dog that needs one, along with the fact that you need one too!....
Yes it is a pup from Sally - her dogs are always so great I think.
Yes it is a pup from Sally - her dogs are always so great I think.
And I remember her talking about the Tri when she got him back… I think you are making a great choice!!!!! And doing the right thing... as you are not "replacing" EL D or his memory... but opening your home and heart to a new family member. I am sure that he is "clapping" his paws for you!
Can't wait for pictures
You have to do what's best for you, and as Pat says, you are not replacing El D, but making new ones.
I don't think its silly… I think its great. I don't know that I would have the strength to rescue a dog in need so quickly; I think you are doing a wonderful thing for this dog, and vice versa.
congrats. and i think it's a good idea to get a different color. sounds like you two need each other.
And I remember her talking about the Tri when she got him back… I think you are making a great choice!!!!! And doing the right thing... as you are not "replacing" EL D or his memory... but opening your home and heart to a new family member. I am sure that he is "clapping" his paws for you!
Can't wait for pictures
Ditto , Ditto, Ditto. I am happy for your and your new tri buddy and look forward to good stories.
Pat
How wonderful. Like the old saying, as one door closes, another opens. I think El D would be proud of you, opening your heart to a dog who needs a home. And 10 is the new 6!
Anne in Tampa
Wizard, bless you for taking a sweet senior - and isn't it nice that older basenjis are often still puppies in demeanor? - and bless that pup for being there to come into your life at this difficult time. El D must be happy to know you will not be without basenji love now that's he's moved on.
This is so wonderful of you. Sounds like a great little boy.
Please share pictures once everyone is settled in. 
Wizard, you are a wonderful person for opening your home and heart for a new pup! Please share his name and pictures if you have them!
The senior b's are the BEST!
I can't wait to see your photos.
We were in your exact position last spring. We lost our beloved Marley of 12 years and had said yes to Sheba ( 8yo, blind ) within a couple of weeks.
You will still shed tears for EL D especially when the new one does something that reminds you or you see those pointy ears in front of the fire place or the
food dish. You will get upset with yourself when you use the wrong name but it was the best thing we ever did.
EL D would be proud and more than happy to share your loving home.
Congrats!
I do believe our b's want us to be happy, once the pain has passed, opening your home to a new basenji, is a way to celebrate your love of all the ones who have passed on.
They would want us to have the love these dogs give.
what a great thing to do, to take an adult B…
My great wish is to get an older B, but my husband don't feel enough to take an older B...
Very much happiness, and i know for sure, El D, may have send this one to you
I agree with everyone. I know EL D is happy you won't be alone.. He was probably more worried about you being along then his own wellbeing. Congrats on the new family memeber!
Sorry I took so long to respond and let you all know how things are working…but a lot to deal with lately.
I picked up the new old-boy (10 yrs) on Thanksgiving morning (how appropriate). He's very sweet and seems content to be wherever I happen to be (which has turned into a small problem). Although he obviously had a call name (tommy) for most of his life, I changed it to "Luny" (pronounced loony) - he responds well to it already.
I was told he was crate-trained and his previous life-partners said he was well adjusted to being loose in the house. Unfortunately, the crate training was when he was young, and with retired life-partners and a 4-legged pal around meant he was never alone. Ooh get the picture?
So the first time I left the house to go shopping I left him in the crate and he tore up whatever blanket and toy was in there (no problem they were old) and spilled the water. The second time I left the house I left him loose as I wasn't going to be gone long and I thought it would be a good test. My neighbor said he howled the whole time I was gone. Stupidly I also left the blinds down on the patio door and he made a mess of them and peed all over in front of the door - so when I came in I stepped right in.
Now you understand why I'm calling him Luny.
I will have to keep him in the crate while I go to work until he gets used to my house and to being alone (tomorrow I will make arrangements to come home from work early and maybe eventually I can find a basenji pal for him). He has no problem going in the crate and I've been feeding him in there so I think it's just the being alone part that makes him nuts. He gets a little worried if he wakes up from a nap and doesn't see me right away but again I think that will work itself out eventually. This morning after being gone to church for a couple of hours, he at least quit howling soon and I made sure he had an old rug and more toys to destroy to occupy his time. Then of course I gave him lots of hugs when I let him loose (and luckily he doens't seek revenge).
It will take some time to work everything out (I won't get new blinds yet) but I think we will get along fine in the end. He has a dog bed or blankets in each room so he can be near me wherever I am and he sleeps in his dog bed right by my bed. I'll get a couple of pictures soon.
Congrats - I am familiar with the dog - it will be wonderful for both of you.
He is bound to be a bit insecure at first, but once he learns that you always come home, I'm betting he will relax. How about some of those pup-crate-training tricks, like a kong filled with frozen low fat creme cheese mixed with kibble or treats? Or peanut butter? something that will keep him busy for a while.
It is a major "life-style" change for him, he will get used to your routine , and if you get him a basenji pal…better yet!
Congratulations on your Luny!
Anne
