Thanks Gabe for serving so gallantly. Thanks to SFC Shuck for being his trainer, handler, companion.

I am so sorry. Gypsy was indeed a very special girl who came to you when you needed her, and your tribute to her was beautiful. Most of us have lost a special "Heart dog" and the grief can be overwhelming for awhile. I look up into the night sky and imagine mine are shining stars, twinkling and playing in the cosmos. Big hugs to you.

It always breaks ones heart when a beloved pet passes away but in my opinion, the best way. It's so upsetting and always a lasting image to see them waste away or suffer, it's a blessing from above when they just decide its time and go peacefully. ( although still so painful for us)

Wow, so many sad, heavy stories at this time of year. =( They look beautiful in your signature, as I'm sure they will always remain in your fondest, most treasured memories. Rest in peace.

I am sorry for the loss of your heart dog. As someone said, they leave a hole in the heart shaped like them forever.

I am sorry you have lost your Cairo. It's obvious how much you loved him, and he was very lucky to have you in his life.

So sorry for your empty space in your family and your heart. It is never an easy experience for the survivors. When you all are ready, another guy sounds like a good idea. They leave us and it hurts, but they have done their job and move on toward the Rainbow Bridge and will be waiting for us! You will always miss them, their souls, the antics, the good, the bad, and the ugly, but will always be beautiful forever….

I know you will always miss him, I still miss Buddy.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your Cleo reminds me so much of our Lab/B cross, Kia. At 13, she's starting to get stiff and impatient with her two Basenji brothers, but she's also been a kind and patient "nanny dog" to a number of lost-soul male Basenji fosters. To suggest an answer to your question, same sex dogs don't always bond as well as opposite genders. Kia and my first B, Sam I Am, never got along–both females, so not surprising. And most of my male foster/forever Basenjis have worshiped the two females--but only tolerated each other. But don't be surprised if Bassit starts displaying Cleo's mannerisms or behaviours if you ever adopt a little brother for her. When my Sam I Am passed away, very uncharacteristically Ben took up her duties as "Little Mother" to the next foster, surrendering his food bowl, cleaning and hovering like a mother hen-- with the same devotion that Sam had lavished on him.

Perhaps with permission you can print the pages and scrapbook them or save the files to a disk…it's a great memory to relive. Oakley and I hope that when the time is right you'll have another one to love

Hi Laura, I hope darling Maverick is healing your heart a little. Basenjis have a way of doing that. I just wanted to mention that by fluke we drove past Maverick's breeder's home and were delighted to see so many basenjis in their outdoor pens on a sunny day! I rolled the window down and Kipawa started talking like crazing to them. They were all running around and trying to see more of Kipawa (he's in the back seat - I have an animal barrier between the back and the front seats). Your breeder must have heard all of the commotion and came out right away to see what was going on. I kept Kipawa on leash in the driveway as we chatted and I mentioned you! We found that Kipawa has a half-sister living there! They have the same father - Sober! It was a great little visit and then we had to be on our way for our dike walk. Let's try to get together for a walk on the dikes or another place you have started walking Maverick. It might be nice to find a place for us to safely let them off leash so they can play. If you have been walking Maverick off leash in an area close to you, I NEVER mind driving to places to let Kipawa have some good fun time. Just wanted to confirm - is Maverick neutered? Seems to make a big difference with Kipawa. I'll private message you my email. I hope the dog classes and you hand feeding Maverick have been helping you guys bond.

We also had Joee and Beau Beau that coursed. Merlin passed away a few years ago and lived to about 16 years old. Merlin and Hafta loved to course and I know they are chasing bunnies together. Merlin would also be flirting with her as he loved the ladies! Jennifer

timmy will never be replaced. life goes on. you will always remember him and the wonderful two weeks you had with him. unfortunately, you learned a hard lesson.. basenjis are fast, escape artists. i almost lost my boy 2 days after i got him. he has horrible seperation anxiety. the first twenty minutes i left him alone, he escaped onto my balcony, ate threw the screen and jumped a whole floor down to the ground. SO many things could have gone wrong. i learned my lesson. i'm so lucky to have him here. what happened to timmy is not uncommon. basenjis are just two smart and too fast for their own good.. don't give up on your hisband. let him mourn. just reassure him it wasn't his fault and it could have happened to anyone. my prayers are with you and your family. you'll find the right dog at the right time. <3

As a new member to this forum, not sure of the mechanics of responding so will do this one, big thank you to all who posted replies. Tomorrow will be Shaka's 4th anniversary of his passing - though it doesn't seem that long ago, I can't believe it's been that long. Like you all said, they stay in our hearts and that's probably why. Thanks again! Chance Shaka and Yoda's daddy

So sorry to hear of your loss of Pippin. She is free now and waiting for everyone at the Rainbow Bridge. Hold fast to the good memories of the wonderful life you gave her.

Kathryn, please accept my condolences. It is so hard when our loved fur babies pass. You offered beautiful, from the heart words about her… "Never a fast dog, she was honest. Not a champion, but a champion at heart ... " How special that you had time with such a wonderful spirit.

Oh, I'm so sorry! How heartbreaking. Some things are just hard and while time can't erase, I hope it can heal. Hugs to you!

More hugs for you in your anguish.

We (here on the forum and in my house) are so sorry for your loss of your sweet Jewel. It was told to me that it is not easy. It is not, not for anyone in the family (pack). I kept thinking of my little Buddy running (with his ears back, tail as the rudder, and all feet flying!) over the Rainbow Bridge and with all the boys and girls greeting him to make him feel at home. This thought helped so much, as well as keeping the blanket next to me so I could smell his scent…...Time is the healer on this, give lots of kisses and fun exercises to the ones left behind. Jewel if free from pain and is waiting for you to greet when the time comes!

So sorry.. so sad to loose a baby.