Aloha from your Hi BRAT Rep,

Heartworms is a real problem in Hawaii. Lately, there has also been a real problem with Basenjis showing up in rescue. I picked up Buster K Basenji (3 yo, purebred and microchipped, but dumped nevertheless) at the Hawaiian Humane Society in January. He also had heartworms. He's been treated and has been looking for a home since. Unfortunately, an adult dog is very difficult to place. An adult, mix is almost impossible.

I still have Leddy, Nicky, Joey, and Merry (out of Jack and Tia) who are now 13-14 year old ladies who still do 3-6 miles per day. The rescues are Dotty, Merlyn, Bob (B-mixes), Martin (? mix), Pippin (? Chi-mix?), and Buster, who brings us up to 10 dogs. That's the city limit and I'm unable to help with the B-mix at the Humane Society. Anyone who fosters in Hawaii should understand, it could be for a long term.

Someone (local breeders or imports from Australia through PetsCentral) was selling purebred Basenjis for $1000+ and many ended up in rescue (1-2 every other month this spring) about the time they are 9-12 months old. If I can find out who's putting out these dogs that end up in rescue, they'll have hell to pay from me.