Blaze does it, too, as did Maxx before him.

It does tend to freak people out who are not dog savvy or who know nothing about Basenji's because they think he's waiting to attack their dog. We try to reassure the other person that, no, Blaze isn't going to attack their dog…it's just something Basenji's do. Some people aren't convinced, though...we had one person in the RV park where we spend the winter go so far as to pick up his dog everytime they saw us coming. That dog, who started out being friendly, turned into a barking, growling dog everytime we'd walk by.

Some people simply shouldn't be allowed to have dogs! ;)

@Kipawa:

I don't think we can get mace in Canada, but I think I am going to look for something that I can carry in a pocket that I could spray at a dog that might attack Kipawa.

As a U.S. citizen, I know that mace or pepper spray can't be taken INTO Canada, although I don't know about purchasing it there. However, bear spray CAN be taken across the border, so you might look for that. As far as I know, bear spray is pretty much the same thing…and if it can stop a bear, it can stop a dog!

I've been using Artemis Fresh Mix to mix in with our dogs' kibble.

Our prior Basenji, Maxx, always wore a seat-belt harness when traveling and never chewed through it. Not so with Blaze! We've gone through several harnesses all of which Blaze has chewed through. We finally bought a travel crate for him, while Gracie continues to ride seat belted in.

Our dogs have always loved ice cubes!

Personally, I would not have a 5-in-1 shot given. Besides rabies, there are only 3 core vaccines: Distemper, Hepatitis (adenovirus-2), and Parvovirus.

There are 4 non-core vaccines that should only be given on a regional basis in areas where the diseases are known to be a true risk: Leptospirosis, Lyme, Bordetella (kennel cough), and Parainfluenza.

Then there are the vaccines that are not recommended under any circumstances: Advenovirus-1, Coronavirus, Giardia, Crotalus atrox Toxoid (rattlesnake), and Porphyromonas (periodontal disease).

I'm assuming the 5-in-1 includes the 3 core vaccines, but what are the other two? Down here in the U.S., many vets include the Coronavirus which is one of the "non-recommended" vaccines.

Also, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) now recommends vaccinations no more often than every 3 years after the initial round of puppy shots. Here's a link to their 2011 Guidelines: https://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocuments/CanineVaccineGuidelines.pdf

Congratulations, Pat (and Franie, too)!

We didn't watch the Oscars, either. Like Anne, we rarely go to movies…can't even remember when the last time was we went. We watch them on TV, however. In fact, we spent last night watching two old western movies with Burt Lancaster, "Lawman" and "Ulzana's Raid." For a particularly good recent movie, we'll spend the $5.99 to watch the HD version on Pay-per-View.

According to Petsumer Report, all Taste of the Wild ingredients are from the US. I would assume that would include any "pre-mix."

However, TOTW has sodium selenite in it which is a potential risk form of selenium. You'd be surprised at how many otherwise high-quality kibbles use this form of selenium rather than the less toxic selenium yeast. Google "sodium selenite" and spend some time reading. There are at least a couple of good articles about sodium selenite at the TruthAboutPetFood.com website.

Mdean8, mrendrison's post was spam, so please ignore it. Hopefully, the moderator will be along soon to delete it.

The first picture of Bimmy with the horses reminds me so much of Maxx (who is waiting for us at the Rainbow Bridge). He loved horses and always wanted us to pick him up so that he could lick the horses' noses. Once we were at an RV park that had miniature horses, which Maxx could easily have reached the noses of standing on the ground. But he still wanted us to pick him up so he could lick their noses!

@tanza:

Shot protocol these days is after the 1st year, every 3yrs

Pat, from my reading of the protocol, they recommend vaccines no more often than every 3 years. Am I reading that wrong? For myself and my two dogs, I plan on having titers done when the 3-year period rolls around rather than just automatically getting them vaccinated. Everyone will, of course, have to decide for themselves what they are comfortable in doing.

I'm having this talk with my vet when we return home in a couple of months. If she doesn't agree with the protocol and isn't willing to do what I want done (or gives me a lot of grief over it), I'll start my search for a new vet.

There are three core vaccines (besides rabies):

Distemper
Hepatitis (adenovirus-2)
Parvovirus

Unfortunately, some vets give a combo shot that includes coronavirus, a "not recommended" vaccine. Contact your vet before your appointment and tell him or her that you want only the DHP vaccine, not a combo vaccine that includes other stuff.

You will, of course, have to have a rabies vaccine at a later date. Have that done separately and not on the same day as other vaccines. The first rabies vaccine will probably be for a duration of 1 year, after which it will be a 3-year vaccine.

I'd recommend downloading and reading a copy of the "2011 AAHA Canine Vaccine Guidelines" the link to which can be found at https://www.aahanet.org/Library/CanineVaccine.aspx .

@Chealsie508:

I am getting Oakleys 1 year wellness exam and they say he is due for Lyme and rabies…

The Lyme vaccine is on the list of non-core vaccines and should only be given if the disease is a true threat in your area.

As for rabies, we had both of our dogs' first, 1-year, rabies vaccination done at about 6 months of age. One year later, at about 1-1/2 years of age, we had the 2nd, 3-year, vaccination done (or, in Blaze's case will have it done since he's now not quite 14 months old).

@wizard:

Well I missed the hound group showing (didn't get home soon enough) but caught most of the rest.

In past years, the show has always been rerun the next morning. I didn't look to see if it was this year, but would assume so.

Does anyone know what happened just after the Best in Show judge was introduced and while they were introducing the other two gentlemen? Someone ran down the steps and was quickly grabbed and escorted out, but it all happened so quickly that I didn't really see what was going on.

I must say that I was really disappointed with the final result. Out of all those beautiful dogs, the judge picked the Pekingese?? Yea, yea, I know…the dog that most closely conforms to that breed's standards should be the winner, but really....

Both of our dogs will do it. Where we live in Washington State, we have lots of goose poop; in Arizona, it's cow and rabbit poop with an occasional coyote poop thrown in. We just have to be on the watch and get them away from it before they scarf it down. Even then, they still end up with some!

I don't think the shelter's requirements are out of line.

@Chrstopher:

As for the Fanconi Syndrome DNA test that is listed on the site; at what age should I test him?

At any age…now would be fine.

I will see if any of the specialist at work are familiar with this testing as well.

The Direct DNA test is a brand new test and is, as far as I know, only done through the OFA site by one lab…other will correct this information, I'm sure, if it's not accurate.

Great pictures! Thanks for sharing.

Congratulations!