• Firstly, I think it's great you will be working with Chris from now on. The act of wanting to learn and grow to appreciate Basenjis responsibly is excellent. I would echo the thoughts of others in saying glean what you can from Pat (Tanza) and Lisa (lvoss) - they are lovely, informative and respected breeders who have a wealth of knowledge I'm sure they would share.

    I also think it's important that instead of feeling pushed away by the community, you seek to understand where the sentiment is coming from. As Basenji enthusiasts we too are deeply devoted to the breed, so when it's found that multiple litters are being born with no health testing and no outside mentoring - that is concerning. We have sat on this forum and watched many people buy puppies with no health testing, no pedigree information have their dogs develop Fanconi syndrome or extreme behavioral problems because the owners or the breeder were in the breed for profit or a cheap pup. We have hear the agonizing stories and extreme lengths members have taken to care for their ailing Fanconi ridden dogs - people who scheme just to get their loved family member to eat a little of something. Since this disease has had a marker test since 2007, we are of course angry to hear that new puppies are being brought into this world without testing, without regard to their future lives or their future owners lives. Outside of being legally questionable, not health testing is allowing innocent dogs to suffer a disease which is now avoidable. There has even been a story of a person who bred a litter of Basenjis just for her friends and family, and then one of the dogs was sold to a puppymill because there was no contract and obviously she sold dogs who were still intact. Responsible breeders have dedicated large parts of their lives to being involved with the Basenji community through events, shows, breed clubs etc. They know the genetics of their dogs, they know foundation stock, they arn't "talking shop," they are literally sharing parts of their lives when they speak about their breeding program. They are looking to improve the breed, not to have puppies for friends, or make money, or the novelty of puppies.. there is a purpose in what they do and their peers offer large amounts of peer criticism. Any person who wants to embark on something so serious as bringing new life into the world should welcome many advisers and be prepared and ready to hear things they don't like. It should not then come as a surprise when warning alarms go off when you are selling "show quality" puppies for $2000. No responsible breeder sells Basenji pups for that much. But commercial and backyard breeders sure do. Furthermore who is judging these puppies to determine if they are show quality ? It is apparent that you do not have the experience to say so, so who does ? None of the breeders I know personally define or price "show" pups and "pet" pups, they are pups and some will be shown and some wont. I say all this because I want it to be understood that the breeders on the forum and the rest of us are not trying to gang up on you (or anyone) and make them feel bad. We want what is best for the breed we admire, it sounds like you do as well.

    I urge you to keep getting advice and commend you for making the steps you have already made.


  • Re Pat's advice of giving breeders information they have a dog being rehome, rescue does that routinely.
    It the right thing to do, make sure the breeders know where they pups are ending up.
    Happy for me, most of the PNW breeders do take the dogs back, no matter what the age.


  • I'm older that dirt and I've never heard of them.


  • @dmcarty:

    I'm older that dirt and I've never heard of them.

    ROFLMAO… my saying is: Older than dirt and not near as useful.


  • @dmcarty:

    I'm older that dirt and I've never heard of them.

    Move that dirt over Lady…. and make room for me!!!


  • @Basenjiblogs:

    Debradownsouth, I realize to you and some others we may be looked at as a back yard breeder. I suppose I can understand why! Our goal though, is to be a responsible breeder.. I can admit that maybe we did jump the gun and had more to learn before breeding our dogs. but, We do realize this and are trying to take steps to correct this.. Such as, joining here on the forums in an attempt to make new friends and to learn as much about our beloved breed as we can.
    Though we might not have started in the correct manner we are looking to change that, We came here in hopes of meeting people that are knowledgeable of this breed and are willing to share their knowledge with us so that we can make responsible breeding choices. Although, I am starting to get the impression that some members of this community have no desire to help "new comers" and would rather push them away than take the time to guide them into better ways.

    Again, Maybe we got off on the wrong foot here on the forums. That was not my intent and I would like to start over if we can…. We do all share a common goal here and our love for this breed is what drives us all. 🙂

    I realize this was a rather old thread, "Basenjiblogs" but I just stumbled over it for the first time and I thought it might be a good time to see how much you have progressed in your knowledgeable breeding practices. I hope Chris and others have been helpful to you. If you have or plan to have puppies this year how much testing etc has been done prior to this years breedings?


  • Basenjiblogs. I hope you let us know how your doing.


  • I would NOT recommend this breeder. I put down my deposit for a puppy a year ago and still nothing. It was supposed to be born last December/January. I understand that you can't control when a dog breeds etc, but keeping people in the loop is very important; I had to keep asking for an update. The dates kept changing, and then the dog she was breeding changed as well. After a year I was approached by another breeder i had spoken to earlier who said she was having a litter soon and if I was interested. I reached out again and asked whether she thought she would be having the litter soon and if not, I would like my deposit back. I made it clear I would like to stick with her, being that I've already out the deposit down and have been in contact with her. This has been over a month now. Sent her multiple messages on Facebook that say she has read them. Send an email, nothing. Called, straight to voicemail. Extremely disappointed. I've tried being as patient and understanding as possible and now frankly I just want my money back. Save yourself the headache


  • @bkc134 I also know this thread is 5+ years old, however if someone researches her name along with the breed and this comes up, I think they should know what they're getting themselves into.


  • Far as I can tell from her website, nothing has changed much.
    She has only one dog of her own that has been shown (two others received show points through their original kennels).
    Checking the pedegrees of her dogs, and keeping in mind that her dogs are limited registration, there isn't much out there.


  • @wizard Except now she's refusing refunds for litters that aren't born.

    Update from previous post: I tried writing on her Facebook wall about getting my deposit back which was promptly removed and I was then blocked. So basically scammed out of 250$ and a dog.


  • I was going to give you a link to this thread, then saw you found it. Obviously nothing has improved with her.


  • Just an update...
    Lisa has been known to leave her dogs for weeks at a time with little attention, love, or even a decent amount of food.

    The kennel in Hagaman no longer has any dogs (or Savannahs) in it - the last one, Sizzle, having been sold supposedly. Of course, this was not until after leaving the poor dog alone (without kennel mates even) for months. Yes, she had shelter. Yes, she had rainwater. Neighbors would throw carrots over the fence, and even buy dog food to make sure she was being fed.

    Lisa is irresponsible at best, but the whole situation with the non-refundable deposits and so on is minor in comparison to the neglect. DAYS without food. WEEKS without attention, and when they did get it, it was only for her to come and talk 'baby talk' for 5 minutes while she gave some food, and then walked away.

    These dogs were NEVER walked or played with unless it was time to take one to a show. It was heartbreaking to hear Sizzle howling from loneliness (and maybe even hunger)... and it was getting to a point where neighbors from the whole village were questioning what was happening. At least one person filed reports with the authorities, and unfortunately since she was doing enough to make it appear as though the dog was not in distress, nothing was done.

    I'm happy to hear that sweet Sizzle has been homed and is getting the love and attention she deserves.

    But keep your eyes peeled for a new business, potentially new name, and definitely a new location - and please, for the love of animals everywhere - report anything suspicious.


  • @bkc134 You need to file a complaint with the better business bureau and you can also file theft by deception.


  • @DebraDownSouth I did file with the BBB but got a letter in the mail saying they weren't able to do anything because there was no response on her part, which to me makes no sense. I did contact multiple breeders and anything that was linked to her online as well to alert others of the scam. I had no idea she mistreated her animals otherwise I wouldn't have sought her out. Originally, I found her through the BOAC website so I thought she was a verified breeder, however she's since been removed. When I further looked her up I didn't find anything suspicious.
    I am happy to say, however, that I did get a puppy from Veronica Predale who's almost nine months old. https://www.instagram.com/bandit.the.basenji/ A very cheerful baby boy who makes my family and I just as delighted. 😊


  • Not familiar with Veronica Predale? What is your pups pedigree? Many of us are related by our Basenjis common parents.


  • @tanza http://veronicaapredale.wixsite.com/darkmoonbasenjis She's in Bangr PA. Very nice and even tried to help with the whole Lisa situation. I'm beyond happy with my pup.


  • Thanks, know the kennel name, just forgot her name....

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