Message from Basenji Rescue in So Cal

[curlytails]

I was hitting their website regularly when we were looking for our Basenji, and noticed it didn't get updated much. I didn't realize Petfinder was the place to go for their most updated listings, so thanks for this info. Not looking to adopt another at this time, but good for future reference, and also good when people ask the inevitable, "Where can I get one?"

Does she have much need for transport help? I've offered my car and my gas tank to BRAT, local Shiba rescue, and local senior dog rescue, but haven't received many calls to action. I suppose I can ask her directly…

[nobarkus]

@curlytails:

I was hitting their website regularly when we were looking for our Basenji, and noticed it didn't get updated much. I didn't realize Petfinder was the place to go for their most updated listings, so thanks for this info. Not looking to adopt another at this time, but good for future reference, and also good when people ask the inevitable, "Where can I get one?"

Does she have much need for transport help? I've offered my car and my gas tank to BRAT, local Shiba rescue, and local senior dog rescue, but haven't received many calls to action. I suppose I can ask her directly…

That would be great if you could call or email her as sometimes there is a Basenji that needs to be relayed down to So Cal.

[Patty M]

What beautiful dogs! I didn't find her on Petfinder either, but her website has wonderful pictures and descriptions…

[Heinz57]

It would be nice if the listing was available. I did two searches and nothing came up on either.

[DebraDownSouth]

@lvoss:

Medfly Basenji rescue is a reputable rescue who is just as in need of donations and support as BRAT if not more so because they do not have the legions of volunteers that BRAT has. Their website and petfinder listings are often behind because the large number of rescues they have to deal with and the small number of staff they have. The take responsibility for the dogs they place for life. If you don't know the organization then rather than imply that they are less responsible in order to plug BRAT maybe you should just not say anything at all.

If anyone is considering making a donation to rescue this season, I highly recommend making a donation to Medfly, your donations are tax deductible and Medfly gets far less visibility than BRAT.

Let me be really clear, my comment was about any of the smaller more private rescues that basically depend on one or a couple of people instead of an organization. Having worked in many rescues, the number shutting down each year is tremendous. So however much a single or few may WANT to always be there, I see so many closed that I know the risks are significantly higher than with a larger group. That is a fact. I'd take the time to list the 10 I found just in GA when looking for a cat rescue last month … rescues that had been around 10 or more years. But you know what I say is correct. I stand behind my comment that an organization provides better backing because they do have more people, more funds and hence a more secure hold. It was not to belittle her at all.

[tanza]

@DebraDownSouth:

Let me be really clear, my comment was about any of the smaller more private rescues that basically depend on one or a couple of people instead of an organization. Having working in many rescues, the number shutting down each year is tremendous. So however much a single or few may WANT to always be there, I see so many closed that I know the risks are significantly higher than with a larger group. That is a fact. I'd take the time to list the 10 I found just in GA when looking for a cat rescue last month … rescues that had been around 10 or more years. But you know what I say is correct. I stand behind my comment that an organization provides better backing because they do have more people, more funds and hence a more secure hold. It was not to belittle her at all.

Not sure what your point is? MedFly is the rescue for Southern California and has been for year… just as the group in Colorado. Both are able to support rescue and do so.... MedFly has been around for years... BRAT defers to MedFly as they do for the Colorado Rescue group

[tanza]

And to add, I agree about a donation to MedFly…. and I have done so...

[agilebasenji]

@tanza:

Not sure what your point is? MedFly is the rescue for Southern California and has been for year… just as the group in Colorado. Both are able to support rescue and do so.... MedFly has been around for years... BRAT defers to MedFly as they do for the Colorado Rescue group

http://www.coloradobasenjirescue.org/index.shtml
"the colorado rescue group"
just in case anyone is looking
Peggy Schflett does an incredible job of almost single handedly taking care of the rescues in this state.

[DebraDownSouth]

@tanza:

Not sure what your point is? MedFly is the rescue for Southern California and has been for year… just as the group in Colorado. Both are able to support rescue and do so.... MedFly has been around for years... BRAT defers to MedFly as they do for the Colorado Rescue group

I think you mean "refer" not defer, but no Brat does not generally refer to MedFly. Brat operates fully in California.

Yes, they refer to Colorado. BRAT lists Colorado on their web page, and adoptions are through the Colorado rescue.

[lvoss]

@DebraDownSouth:

I think you mean "refer" not defer, but no Brat does not generally refer to MedFly. Brat operates fully in California.

No, she means DEFER, BRAT does not operate fully in California and has always deferred to Medfly in Southern California and when Northern California had rescue they deferred to them not dealing with any dogs in California.

[nobarkus]

There used to be a women in N CA, Margret Hoff that did rescue out of her home but has since passed away. I got a Basenji from her in 94. Medfly is the main rescue in CA. They take Basenjis from all over the state. Her husband has driven many, many miles to get them. That's where I got Buddy last year.

[Kipawa]

I found this poem on another website. Warning - grab a Kleenex before reading it.

In my mind, anyone with the good will in their hearts, regardless of the size of the rescue operation, deserves our admiration and support. Merry Christmas to all of the furry friends that will be spending Christmas without a family.

A Christmas Shelter Dog's Poem (author unknown)

’Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,
every shelter is full—we are lost, but not found.

Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,
we hope every minute that someone will care.

They’ll come to adopt us and give us the call,
“Come here, Max and Sparkie — come fetch your new ball!”

But now we sit here and think of the days
we were treated so fondly — we had cute, baby ways.

Once we were little, then we grew and we grew.
Now we’re no longer young and we’re no longer new.

So out the back door we were thrown like the trash.
They reacted so quickly — why were they so rash?

We “jump on the children,” “don’t come when they call,”
we “bark when they leave us,” “climb over the wall.”

We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed,
now we suffer the consequence of the errors THEY made.

If only they’d trained us, if only we knew,
we’d have done what they asked us and worshiped them, too.

We were left in the backyard, or worse, let to roam.
Now we’re tired and lonely and out of a home.

They dropped us off here and they kissed us goodbye…
“Maybe someone else will give you a try.”

So now here we are, all confused and alone
in a shelter with others who long for a home.

The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat,
with so many to care for, they can’t stay to chat.

They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer…
we know that they wonder how long we’ll be here.

We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads
of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.

Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears –
our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.

If you can’t adopt us and there’s no room at the inn –
could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?

We count on your kindness each day of the year –
can you give more than hope to everyone here?

Please make a donation to pay for the heat…
and help get us something special to eat.

The shelter that cares for us wants us to live,
and more of us will, if more people will give.

– Author Unknown

[DebraDownSouth]

@lvoss:

No, she means DEFER, BRAT does not operate fully in California and has always deferred to Medfly in Southern California and when Northern California had rescue they deferred to them not dealing with any dogs in California.

That is not correct but you are free to check with BRAT personally if you wish.

You can check the BRAT page, and yes, even today, you will find BRAT dogs listed in California.
http://www.basenjirescue.org/DOGS/default.htm

[lvoss]

They do occassionally take dogs in California but as a former rescue coordinator for the Northern California club I DO KNOW that they DEFER to the other rescue organizations and are NOT fully functional in California. You will rarely see more than 1 or 2 dogs listed in California and they are from Northern California. I don't think people in other states understand the size of our state. Those dogs posted on the BRAT site are located over 500 miles to the north of where Medfly rescue is.

Medfly deals with the many, many dogs in Southern California. Where Northern California may get 5-10 dogs a year in rescue, Southern California will easily see 5 times that amount. So taking only dogs in Northern California is NOT being fully functional. And steering people away from the rescue that takes in the bulk of the rescues in this state is just plain wrong.

[Schouiffy]

Karen is a Saint - go back and read the posts during the summer fires… no one should knock any sort of volunteer service.

[Heinz57]

Does anyone know why Medfly isn't showing up on petfinder?

[Schouiffy]

It might be a computer glitch or it might be that Karen is updating… it's the holidays so I imagine it will get sorted a little while after Christmas. you can always call Karen to inquire, she is lovely.

[DebraDownSouth]

Again, I am not KNOCKING her. And again, contact BRAT if you think my info is wrong. Just a thought, but things do change.

If she is able to deal with so many that BRAT has few in CA, that is good. But it isn't because BRAT is sending her dogs or not taking any dog that contacts them and having them contact her.

Not sure why we are beating this to death. My opinion is I would go with a national rescue when possible. I am sorry if that upsets you. But stop accusing me of bashing her rescue.

[curlytails]

Don't know why Medfly isn't showing up on Petfinder, but searching just for organization name, I got this link:

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/CA1255.html

Clicking "Our Adoptable Pet List" brings up a search error message, though. I hope it's because things are being updated!

I have to admit, Petfinder's search engine is screwy sometimes. Well, a lot of times… I was using it very regularly around this time last year. In my opinion, Petfinder was most useful to get a sense of the rescue organizations in my area. Then I would go straight to the organization's homepage, whenever available. I wish someone with the technical know-how could help them totally rework their website and search engine!

[DebraDownSouth]

Yeah I think petfinders outgrew their ability to manage. I do the same thing you do, use it to find local groups.

Frankly speaking of Medfly… that might be a wonderful donation... someone help with the time issues by helping keep webpage and postings up! Give the people more time with the dogs!