Wiley was helped over the Rainbow bridge today. Some of you may remember that he was in the much photographed litter of 7 5 tris and 2 reds. The puppy in a basket picture that I've attached I know has been much copied.
Wiley had a bried show career and was a spectacular dog in the back yard - but would put his head down and 'mutter' all the way around the ring at a show. In spite of himself he did win some points but he so didn't like it. Wiley had a wonderful family for 9 years of his life - then their teenagers friends would come over and not always close the gate quick enough and out he would go after the Scottie down the street - he hated Scotties. Rather than lock the gate and have the kids come to the front door - they decided to get rid of the dog so he came back here. Sometimes I don't understand why people make the decisions they do but he was my dog and my responsibility.
For a couple of years I tried to find him a new home but everyone wanted a puppy and at 9 they thought he was too old so he lived with me and my gang. He had slowed up a lot lately and was showing signs of canine dementia frequently not knowing where he was and 'drinking' out of empty bowls. He was largly blind and had arthritis in his pasterns. Lately - he would trip over his back legs sometimes and fall over. This last winter was hard on the 14+ dog but I had hoped that he would enjoy one more summer.
I made the decision because while summer is coming - his ability to enjoy was greatly limited. It's the hardest thing we ever do as dog owners and as breeders. I know that he will be greeted warmly by his other old basenji friends both 2 legged and 4 legged. I have found that these dogs don't often tell you when they are hurting and I would rather do this 2 days to early that 2 seconds too late and have them suffer.
He was neuterd and out of CH Calypso Evening Shade and CH MIJOKR's Klondike Kate. He was not tested for Fanconi but had test striped clear as recently as last week. While he did not live as long as his dad (I think 18) he did live longer than his mom who died at 12.
