I live in CT, and it's becoming a lot colder than it was last year. My boyfriend and I have electric heat, and our bill is through the roof. We keep our home at 65 all day, every day. My B Kaeda stays home in a crate. We unfortunately need to tone down our electric bill, and my boyfriend wants to keep the heat at 50 when we're not home. Would 50 be too cold for her? I've already tried to argue that it is, but I need a second opinion. If he's really adamant, about 50 (which he probably won't be if I get a second opinion), would a blanket in her crate be enough to keep her warm?

@Chealsie508:

Love it!! Oakley and I are in MA and my boss is out of Meriden..funny! I took lots of pics but I can't post them from my phone to here so I have to use my laptop which is inconvenient. Looks like they had fun, I know Oakley did

Wow, it's a small world, huh? I hope you can post the pics soon!

@Buddys:

Love the little coat! Got a green one similar for my boy- can't imagine Uzie doing that snow thing! It goes below 40 degreesF, he is out-duty done-goes running back home up the steps (noted I said back home because I am a trooper mom and go out with him!) here they are after a cold morning out:

I feel like Kaeda doesn't mind the cold because that's all she's really known. She loves the snow, and keeps wanting to go out! lol

@lisastewart:

Most vets prefer to wait 2 months after the heat cycle ends, so plan on getting her spayed in late May, that will give you plenty of time for your tax return. Just keep her by herself and you should be fine, you can clean her with a wet wipe, but most basenjis self clean.

Thank you, I actually didn't know the 2 month "rule". So other than keeping her away from intact males, it's not that big of a deal it seems. That's good! I just wanted to cover everything just in case.

@tanza:

Those are the main things, no dog parks, no off lease, no in the yard alone and loose (unless you really have a secure area) and no playing with intact males….. And you could not get her fixed now, if she is in season, Vets prefer that they not be in season for a spay.

Thanks for the advice! I appreciate it.

Would it also be ok if I took a wipe to clean up the blood on her fur?

It's been a week since Nemo hit, and I took a lot of pics! Here are just a few. The little Shorkie is named Link. The snow was so deep, I was able to just keep her loose outside since she wouldn't be able to go far. She LOVED it all!

Congratulations! She is so adorable and I LOVE her markings!
(I haven't read much in this forum) Good luck on naming her!

Welcome!
She's super adorable!

Hi everyone,

Kaeda just turned 6 months a couple weeks ago, and I noticed that she was licking herself a lot. Being an always worrying mom, I had to check it out. I noticed that there was a little bit of dried blood on her fur and a little bit of discharge, MY BABY IS ALL GROWN UP NOW! I didn't know that basenjis get their first heat cycle this early. Being a dog that goes into season once a year, I was assuming (hoping) I wouldn't see it until late summer at the earliest. I'm not able to get her fixed until I get my tax returns. If it's a real serious problem, I have more than enough in my savings. For now, does anyone have any advice? I know she can't play with her intact male shorkie neighbor for a month, and she can't go to the dog park. Is there anything else to look out for? She's my first bitch, I've always had males before. Thanks in advance!

That might be a good idea, vickayx! I work at Bob's Discount Furniture in advertising, so I know exactly what you're talking about! I actually have one underneath my desk when it's cold. I think that I may do that and just move it from where she stays by herself when we're gone to the finished basement where everyone hangs out when we're all home.
Thank you for that suggestion!

She hates wearing sweaters, lol. I try not to make her wear them if I don't have to.

Thanks everyone for your replies and suggestions. I convinced my boyfriend that 50 degrees F is just ridiculous. So we are keeping it at 60 - 63ish with a bed and warm blanket for her to snuggle in. If she does seem too cold, I'll get her a heating pad if need be. I just happy I was able to convince my boyfriend! I don't care if I'm freezing cold in my house, but I DO care if it's my furbabies!