@tanza

I’ve considered it, it’s just a big task that I’m dreading because it’s hard to find someone whose good at what they do and good with Oakley. On the surface I landed at the vets because one of the techs has two basenjis (has since moved on), and I assume they could be from the local breeder here. I just figured if a staff member had basenjis that they would have some experience.

I’ll reach out, I’m open to suggestions. It’s a challenge here in MD right now that most vets are still doing curbside service and that definitely doesn’t work for our situation 😒

Oakleys been tested for Fanconi as well as had some additional AKC suggested tests.

Lastly, I wholeheartedly agree with you on the titer. Titers are my preference. For the majority of his years now I’ve only gotten him rabies and distemper, but since only rabies is required here I didn’t even flinch at the idea of letting the distemper lapse, especially knowing that one tends to be the most reactive.
He is behavioral, and that’s the challenge I could see in regards to animal control, but I go to great lengths to ensure he’s always safe and so are others (to include the ridiculous loose dog and such)…but I would still rather risk being in violation than getting him vaccinated.
I’ve printed the exemption form my vet said she “couldn’t authorize” to show it to her and ask her if she can’t or wont.

@tanza

Great to hear from you!

Yes, they were great and gave me a physical copy of all his records. I doubt my vet has really looked them over, and as such I seem to be doing a lot of advocating for certain situations, sigh.

His last full blood panel was done in the middle of his last bout of sickness the end of 2020, which involves two ER visits. I had my vet run the full bloodwork and all that was off were a few things we would expect (electrolytes etc)…but given the amount of persistent vomiting I wasn’t surprised.

Our new appt is 9-7 and I imagine we will need to do another full panel, or perhaps something kidney related. The uptick in water is the most discernible change tbh. At first I thought he was just recovering and trying to rehydrate, flush the meds (especially as he’s always sensitive to medicines), but he drinks throughout the day and now requires a bowl in my bedroom at night. His appetite is fantastic, but he’s still skinny to me (maybe that’s older age, idk). And for sure, he’s never had consistent burping in which it smells awful. And lastly, he is much more gassy…

For anyone thinking food related, we spent his early years trying every premium food available and he couldn’t tolerate any. At 2 we had an incident that led to us seeing the best behaviorist in the US, Dr. Dodman (Tufts) and I learned that for dogs predisposed to aggressive tendencies, higher protein diets exacerbate the behavior..so he was put on a lower protein food. Finding one with the protein content recommended isn’t easy and the one he’s on is by no means a great food, but he’s loved it and done well GI wise and allergy wise. I don’t want to think his foods now an issue as it never has been, but I’m open to the fact that his body could be responding differently now that he’s a)‘older b) gone through some recent med stuff that’s changed things for him.

I am also struggling with my vet wanting to provide a rabies exemption for him. He’s had serious vaccine reactions his whole life, well documented. Even the bet commented at his hair loss in his haunches from reactions: he was on a 3 year protocol to space them out and while he’s due, I don’t want him to get it. He’s 10.5, he’s not in optimal health and for anyone who knows us, oakleys environment is always strictly controlled due to his issues, so he’s not at risk for rabies…

@jengosmonkey

He has a decade of endless nicknames. I think we all probably call our dogs names other than their real names more than anything else. Some are cute, like ‘cookie bean’ and others may or may not involve the word, Menace. 😂

@eeeefarm

I know! With him the days are always long, but when I look back at the years they seem to pass quickly. I don’t even know what I’ll do with my freedom back once he goes! That said, knowing him..he’s going to live forever 😂

The secret to everlasting life is nightly toilet paper eating after dinner. Every. Single. Night

Hi all,

It’s been far too long since I’ve posted. I am sure there’s been a lot of new posters in the last few years, but I’m hoping to update the OG’s!

Oakley is 10.5 (11 on Nov 30th). I cannot believe what a long and arduous a journey it’s been with my medically/behaviorally challenged boy.

I’ve been a bit nostalgic lately as he’s shown signs of aging. I won’t lie, for those who know the many struggles I’ve had, there’s a part of me that is okay with seeing him age—but it’s always tough. His face started getting white around 10. He’s sleeping more and moving ever so slightly less. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still a pain in the ass and into everything!

He was sick with another big bout of gastro October-December, in which because we moved from Boston to Maryland his doctors and the local ER weren’t familiar with us like his team at home, and so it took longer to diagnose and treat him properly. Ever since he’s been a little different. Drinking a lot more water, burping something nasty, more gassy and definitely has not regained all that lost weight despite eating like a horse. I have him scheduled for a senior exam and to discuss these newer things (although I don’t have a lot of trust in this new team of his).

Enjoy some pictures of him over the last few years. Sending all of you who I’ve conversed with and sought advice from over the years, well wishes ❤️

@debradownsouth

Thank you Debra, your post means a lot as you’ve been one of the people who have been around for our entire journey. It’s definitely heartbreaking at times. I feel like an awful human to be pursuing this career in hopes of getting a chance at it....Nothing has ever come up where I’d choose it over him, but I just know I need to do this for me. And if it doesn’t work at least I tried.

I also agree with all your points about the post and the right of others to ask questions. And I agree that a lot of folks give up their pets without much thought, reasoning or legitimacy...I can’t fathom it. Truly breaks my heart.

Thank you again for your kind words, it really helps with the guilt ❤️

Absolutely. I agree. I know Oakley behaves “better” outside of my presence. For instance, although extremely agitated by our separation during my trip last week for work, he did not have any aggressive outbursts with his new (building relationship over 3 months) in-home caretaker. And despite me being honest about my worries about her bringing her 9 year old daughter- all seemed to go okay. It’s not out of the question, I just can’t imagine anyone who would willingly sign up for a job like caring for Oakley. Finding a likely single woman with ample at-home time and isn’t overly social at home...loves dogs enough to want to take on such a challenge but doesn’t have any other pets...the list goes on. I know a few things well enough and that’s that he will never be dog friendly or safe/bomb proof around food, and that he simply doesn’t enjoy social interaction with people that aren’t “his”. Some of me coming here, seeing this thread and deciding to share was that if any place has resources or suggestions of people who might want to meet him, would be this forum.

Thank you Nancy. No decision had been made but I certainly feel a clock ticking in my head. I believe I have at least a year before I have to make the decision and I would only make it if I was accepted in the 21 week training program for the job. I don’t however feel that rehoming is an option. Not to say i wouldnt try to find that unicorn home that fits his needs but I also don’t believe given his attachment to me he would live a very happy life with anyone else. Quite frankly I have moments I can’t imagine he lives happily with such anxiety.

More than anything I posted my struggle bc I think it’s important when someone has to rehome their pet (or worse) to offer support and understanding. Many
Of the members of this forum who have been longstanding members will know how loyal I have been to giving Oakley the very best. I have a feeling the original poster was struggling and her experience here made her feel even more helpless and defeated about where to turn. Lack of judgement is not warranted in all situations and I still feel internal judgement when I feel as though a person hasn’t met ‘’my burden of proof” for their reasoning, but I’m much more appreciative of the beating a person inflicts on themselves when giving up. I know for myself, I’ll never get another dog as I feel I’ve failed my commitment and responsibility...but it can sometimes be too much. I still treat him and give him the best everyday and love him endlessly but I know my own value as well.

While I know the original poster has (sadly) left the forum I would like to say this:

1. it is an impossible situation to decide you have to rehome a beloved pet. Not everyone is responsible but at the same time not everyone looking to give up their pet is irresponsible.
2. not everyone is privy to the agreement made between a breeder and an owner or whether it’s in the best interest of a dog to return to its breeder, in many case years later. In some cases it is just not in the best interest of the dog to return to its breeder due to reasons we may not know or for those in the industry know but don’t openly speak about. Sometimes people can find out practices after the fact that you would not want your dog returned into.

Oakley is now 8 years old and as many know I have been a member of this forum since the anticipation of his birth arrival. It has been a hell of a journey...a ton of medical expenses and a lot of difficulty. Oakley has separation anxiety and confinement anxiety (legit no closed doors in my home)...he is not dog friendly despite being raised differently, he is not good with strangers to the point I cant have people in my home, and he is food possessive. I have spent upwards of 15k for his care and have literally become an island at the age of 30...so that I could manage to keep him happy. We’ve had several incidents that I’ve worried would bankrupt me if taken to court and I’ve spent thousands seeing the best behaviorist in the country to little avail...the last year I have realized a career opportunity that would make keeping him near impossible and is a career I need to do sooner rather than later due to age limitations. More than a career it’s a dream for me and a service to our country...rehoming a dog like him is highly unlikely...although he’s a Peach if he gets all his “needs” met. I have always been ‘prepared’ to live this life without the husband, kids, or career I wanted as I knew I’d be late 30’s before Oakley passed...but it’s hit me hard lately that I can’t be 80 years old sitting in a rocking chair on my porch looking back at my life and be happy with myself over having given up everything to keep him until the end. The frank reality is that his life is a small portion of my overall life but the ramifications will far outlive him. It sounds harsh and I don’t mean it to be anything other than the reality of the numbers. I’ve been bogged down in these thoughts and it’s an awful place to be. A place I could never have imagined even a year ago. It’s so easy to judge until your faced with the weight of a decision like giving up your dog (at least for me).

All of this to say that I love Oakley more than anything and strongly believe I’ve done more for him than anyone else would. I’ve given up a lot. I’ve been guilty of judging people over giving up their pets or putting them down in situations...and I very often feel judged when I speak out about my more recent thoughts and upcoming decisions. It’s hard...and no one will be less forgiving of myself than myself.
I hope that everyone takes a little more time to realize the uniquesness or ones situation and to evaluate the person making the decision; if they’re legit then likely they know the best for their dog...even if it’s not the popular outcome.

@debradownsouth Thank you Debra!

@2baroos 30 years in MA, 14 in the same home and 13 with the same company...I must be insane to up and change everything! Lol. Oakley hates any change so I’m worried about how he will react but it’s happening so he needs to get oboard!!

@tanza thanks Pat, appreciate the thought. I hope you’re well! I reached out to Laura G. of Tammen Basenjis to see if she has any contacts, being that she’s in MD. One day I’ll have an easy dog that will just go with the flow and I don’t have to worry about a kennel, or a friend...etc. ((hahaha...wishful thinking!!))

Hi everyone,

For those that are long time members you will remember me...for the newbies, you won’t. Life’s been crazy hectic...Oakley will be 8 the end of November (I’m shocked)...I just accepted a new job and will be relocating from MA to MD. I am hoping our great network of folks can help me out as Oakley will need in-home dog sitting care if I need to travel for work. Relocation is beginning of November and my first work trip is January. Fairly certain the only other conference I’ll have to travel to is July. I’m thinkibg I’ll land in Columbia or Ellicott City- if anyone is near there and willing to meet and see if you’re a fit, I’d be so appreciative. Oakley is a difficult boy with a lot of quirks so finding vigilant care is key. Pay isn’t a problem and we can work out the details- the person doesn’t have to stay at the house but it’d be helpful as he has to eat 3x day. This is the most stressful part of the relocation to be honest so I hope I can find someone!

Thank you all
Chealsie

If you can motivate him to use it I say go for it..

I agree that you absolutely have your right to breed your dogs (I personally wouldn't have)....the only contribution I can add is that I would refrain from encouraging "everyone" to have at least one litter...we truly do have an epidemic in the states and the idea of perpetuating it is unsavory and in my opinion (my opinion)...an irresponsible thing to suggest. Glad everything worked out in your situation and you developed lasting relationship ships with your pups owners. @katoman

I don't come on here a lot either the last few years so I was so sorry to come on and see you post about losing Cody...just like Debra, I remember your posts. I'm so sorry for your loss and the tragedy surrounding his passing. I don't have words to offer as I couldn't imagine losing Oakley. All the best, and please keep us updated on your journey 💙
-Chealsid and Oakley

My boy was good with other dogs until he wasn't..I don't believe it had to do with under exposure at a young age but more that when he hit maturity he made up his mind (his insecurity doesn't help). He does get "along" with one dog who he grew up with when they were both pups but even then, it isn't reliable (I know there would easily be a set off point). I have tried a behaviorist and I now accept his limitations...he is who he is and he's not changing. If you can't get bubbles to be reliable with other dogs (near to the house or not) then I would not risk an off leash session. Basenjis aren't the easiest breed, some on this forum have excellent dogs that are bomb proof..my opinion is that with this breed, vigilance is important bc more often than not..there is something to manage!

@DebraDownSouth

I agree very much. In my particular case, I have a dog whose fearfulness is shown through aggression (food possessive and Dog intolerant) I have a very small margin of error with him and in his training I have had to make major adjustments for my expectations and change my approach. Cesar Milans training would send Oakley into a tailspin.

I would suggest, ESPECIALLY with a breed such as a Basenji- his methods are not conducive to any positive outcomes for a well adjusted B.

I sleep in Oakleys bed...he's kind enough to let me :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

Basenjis are considered to come in four colors: red and white, black and white, tri color and brindle..of course there are variations not "recognized" such as a "trindle" but sable is a color used in other breed standards- not ours.