Hi All.
Ginger is much happier. I don't get much sleep anymore - how can such a small dog take up so much space on the bed… : )

They are adorable! congrats to Sophie.

Hi all,
Just thought I would send an update. The cat has been moved to another bedroom and tonight is Ginger's first night out of the crate. I have looked into doggy daycare and there is a highly recommended one near my work. I have scheduled an interview for myself and Ginger and plan to take her two or three days a week (assuming I feel comfortable with the place). The bully sticks worked wonders and she does not seem to have any problems with them. Thank you all so much for your words of advice! You all helped me very much!

Regards,
Sheri

Hi All,
Thank you all for your comments, I'm thinking that I need to move the cat. I have tried to introduce them twice, both times Cat (12 lbs) charged and attempted to attack Ginger (40 lbs). Fortunately no contact was made, so Ginger is fine (and the cat too).

Hi Sharron,
The reason she is crated at night is because of the cat. Before getting Ginger, the cat's "territory" was my bedroom. I have thought about moving the cat to another bedroom and I may still do that. However, the cat (appropriately named "Cat") hates change and would become very hateful for the next few months.

Dear Krunzer,
Thank you so much for the suggestions. During the day, she is in the crate for about 9 hours, at night, 6 hours. I hadn't heard of Bully Sticks, but will I will be getting some today. The dog walker is a great idea and yes, I am sure there are some in my area. I will put some pictures up in the next day or two, if she will ever sit still long enough for me to take any. The only time she is not in motion is when she is sleeping, it seems!

Happy New Year to everyone and their barooing buddies!
Three weeks ago, I adopted Ginger, a 3-1/2 year old Basenji mix from a local shelter. She is very sweet and smart and has all of the typical Basenji traits, other than she barks. She knows her commands, and will occasionally perform them when asked. We go out for daily walks and go the to local dog park once or twice a week (until she discovered that she could escape - searching for a new dog park). I have a cat that she barks at, but does not chase. Still, I keep the cat behind a closed door at all times to prevent a problem.

During the day while I am at work and at night, I put Ginger in a St. Bernard sized crate. She is not destructive, but I worry about her escaping the from yard or barking non-stop (there are other dogs in the neighborhood that do). My yard is surrounded by a 5 foot block wall with a small cast iron gate, but Ginger is a jumper. But, I am also worried that I am not giving her enough stimulation for her happiness by keeping her in a crate while I am at work.

I have considered taking her to Doggy Daycare - has anyone tried that for B's?
Second, any suggestions on the Ginger/Cat situation?
Third, suggestions on interactive dog toys? I have the Kong wooble food dispenser and a Nina Ottoson Dog Brick that we play with daily.
Any help is greatly appreciated!