… arrived this week and has been on the go ever since. No name yet, and it's proving to be quite a challenge. I had the boy name all picked out (even monogrammed on a bed!), but at the last minute, the little red boy became a brindle girl so... on to Plan B. Her coat is yummy swirls of chocolate and caramel, with dollops of marshmallow. Maybe I should call her my little GooGoo Cluster.

The weather was nice today, so I got a few photos. They're not the best, because she won't stay still for a second!

I mix a little pumpkin into my B's food several times a week. Most dogs like it, and it's good for their digestive track. I buy organic when it's available, but you can always find Libby's 100% pure pumpkin (no sugar) and it's often on sale for $1 a can.

The OP hasn't returned, so I hope that's a sign that the sick little guy is doing better.

Ava and I send (very) belated happy birthday wishes to The Talented Mr. Oakley! He's as handsome as ever– but five years already? My, my, time does fly.

The forum has been so quiet. I got out of the habit of checking it, because it seemed nobody ever posted. I miss those lively days, too, when somebody always had something to report or discuss. Glad to hear you and Oakley are doing well and prospering!

That's just how they like it– swaddled like babies and cuddled up against you. He's adorable-- congrats!

I'm terribly sorry to hear this.. but I'm glad you had the extra time with her. Every minute counts with a beloved dog, and she will always hold that special place in your heart. Run free, brave girl!

Eggs are the highest quality protein, so I gave Spencer one hard-boiled organic egg a week, divided over 2-3 days. Crushed eggshells are a good source of calcium, and boiling eliminates any threat of salmonella. You can add about 1/4-1/2 tsp crushed eggshells to a meal, if desired. It balances the P. You can also use Epakitin as a phosphate binder. It's a powder that mixes into the food, and most dogs don't mind the taste. Not all dogs need the Epakitin, though.

I'm so sorry to hear this about Arwen. Kidney disease is scary, and it's an effort to manage , but you get into a routine quicker than you'd think. I started out supplementing Spencer's dry food with home-cooked, since he hated all the store-bought kidney diet food (including the stew) and would only eat it doctored up. I soon found that it was just as easy to home-cook everything. I experimented with all sorts of combinations, always including a primary protein source like lean chicken, turkey or a scrambled/boiled egg, mixed with rice, veggies and an omega-3 gel cap. I avoided corn, but Spencer loved most other veggies– green beans, broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, carrots and squashes.

I know that a lot of people use recipes, but I knew what he could have and what he liked, so I just planned my own meals accordingly and gave him a blander portion of what I had. I fixed a lot of stir fries and steamed veggies and grilled a lot. I've never eaten healthier than those last few years with him. His quality of life was good and his kidney values, though elevated, stayed within his "normal" range until almost the end. Hopefully, Arwen responds well to her new diet and has good, happy years ahead!

LOL, yes, hope baby Morgan has grandma Dara's lovely temperament to go with that beautiful brindle coat. Ava looks like her mom, but she's definitely her father's daughter! Enjoy Morgan– he sounds like such a sweetheart.

OMG– he looks just like Ava! When I first saw that face, I thought for sure it had to be one of Dara's boys... then I scrolled down and saw that he is one of Vinnie's. Big congrats! He is adorable! So cool that you wanted Vinnie and now have his son. And how exciting for Elliot to have a baby brother.

Morgan's face is just like Ava's, except she has freckles on her blaze. And her brindle is just a little lighter. But the family resemblance is very strong. Ava looks so much like Cinder and Dara (and Xander, too), so little Morgan is definitely a chip off the old block.

How's his personality? Is he a feisty free spirit like Vinnie and Ava... or a little calmer?

Perry's big day has come and gone, but Ava and I wish him a happy belated b-day! He's quite the dashing fellow– but of course, he already knows that.

All good suggestions here. Treat-dispensing toys, asking her to work/obey commands for food and providing lots and lots of exercise and mental stimulation should help. Daycare is an invaluable resource. Make it a priority to find a daycare that has lots of other high-energy dogs to tire her out; if she tires the other dogs out and is still going strong, ask them to rotate her through playgroups. A hyper adolescent basenji has more energy than other breeds, and daycare isn't doing you much good if your girl is crated or not racing around with other dogs. Bring her home and walk her at a brisk pace, if she's still bouncing off the walls. Try play groups or beginning agility classes at night or on weekends.

Clicker training is usually fun for a high-energy dog. If she's food motivated, it will be easier since she'll be eager to do what you ask for food. If she isn't particularly food motivated, try high-value treats (bits of chicken, turkey, hot dog, cheese, etc.). Hiding small bits of food/treats around a room and having her find them is something else you can try. My girl loves this.

But, in my experience, what will help the most is another year. The time between 1 and 2 years can be very challenging, as your active girl works through adolescence, testing every boundary and finding new ways to spend that endless energy. Hang in there. This phase will pass quicker than you think, and when your girl turns 2 or so, she'll grow up, calm down and become a different dog. It seems to happen almost overnight!