AJ has been kind of semi retired for the past few months. He spends time at my friend's house for a few weeks and then comes out on the road with me for a bit. This past weekend, we stayed at her house.
Friday, we had arranged a girls' day with another of our friends and so, AJ went into his crate while we were out. When we returned, I let a yelping, limping dog out of his confinement. His crying was alarming to me, so I checked him over carefully for injuries. He appeared to be okay, so decided maybe his arthritis was bothering him. He limped around all evening and whimpered occasionally, so my friend and I discussed it and decided he would stay with her at least for this week.
The following morning, his crying and limping was even more alarming. My friend made a same day urgent care appointment with his vet and I drove off, very worried about my boy. She reported later that he continued to limp and whine until she loaded him into her car for his visit with the doctor.
Upon arrival at the vet's office, he was miraculously and instantly cured. It was like he had been touched by Jesus Himself. He tugged eagerly at the lead, happy to be at the vet's office and gleefully prancing around. Well, not to take chances, he was taken in to be seen anyway.
The dog was in perfect health, down to his obligatory 25 pounds, in beautiful condition and wonderful mood. He even willingly allowed a nail trim, offering up each foot in its turn. Little stinker never did that for me. My friend was given a small supply of doggie pain pills in case his arthritis flared up.
The behavior was explained to the staff and the $90 nail trim paid for. As my friend led AJ to the door, she asked the vet, "Will these pills help with his broken neck, too?"
LMAO!!!!!! He was just faking it????
LMAO!!!!!! He was just faking it????
Near as I can guess, yes. He was. Also, near as the vet can guess. Of course, everybody got a good laugh out of it except my friend as she was handing over my $90 for the vet's time. She was ready to strangle him. Me? I find some entertainment well worth the price. This kind of takes the cake and therefore, IMO, was worth the $90. I haven't laughed this long and deep over any comedy show I have paid the same or more to see.
I know these dogs are smart. I had no idea they could be as dedicated at being hypochodriacs as this one did for over 24 hours.
Well, obviously he was in collusion with the vet - probably got a kickback, hee hee!
Terry
I would wonder a bit if he actually was uncomfortable but the car ride to the vet sorted it out. Perhaps he wakes up stiff and moving around loosens him up and improves things? I'm old enough to know that it can be painful until you "get the kinks out". 
Cheeky AJ, good to hear how he's doing though
Very conniving! Knowing that yelping and limping is going to get attention. I can't believe that many dog lists say that basenjis are not intelligent. Good to hear from you guys!
He just wanted to go for a car ride and visit people! When I had to kennel my dogs for a long period of time due to a broken ankle, my Arnie did want to leave the kennel. I had to drag him out of there! The staff thought there was something wrong with him but no he just did not want to leave. He loves those places and it is probably due that he was in doggy day care when he was young.
I have had a few Bs whine and lift a paw up-sometimes two different paws after they get a little hurt for sympathy but nothing like AJ did. I think Bs are sneaky little things! They definitely have intelligence.
Jennifer
I think the boys are the worst! Probably hoping you'd rush back to him. Good to hear news from you again, Jennifer.
The people who say Basenji are not intelligent do not look at it the way we do. They equate instant, blind obedience with intelligence. In humans, intelligence is measured in problem solving abilities. This is how we see intelligence in our dogs.
They are excellent at problem-solving. The humans are usually 'the problem' and most basenjis can manage their humans very well.
As mine proved with the original post. snicker
Snicker is right - AJ was laughing his head off all the way home 
I've seen more than one bit of proof they "fake it" when they've had enough of something. Mine will lift one paw and walk on three legs when she has had enough of walking someplace she doesn't want to be. Of course, when I check the paw, no nettles, no pickers, no nothing, but she's had her "moment" and is happy to continue at that point.
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You are so right. Hugs to the clever AJ.
Basenji's are smart in the sense that they can get what they want, and that doesn't include being taught all kinds of silly tricks.
Sometimes Lela and Binti will stay with a person in the park carrying treats. I call them over with my own treat, sometimes over a distance of over 100 yards: they come running to me (I feel very proud!), sit, get my treat and instantly turn around and run off to the other person again, to pick up where they left….
Basenji's are smart in the sense that they can get what they want, and that doesn't include being taught all kinds of silly tricks.
Sometimes Lela and Binti will stay with a person in the park carrying treats. I call them over with my own treat, sometimes over a distance of over 100 yards: they come running to me (I feel very proud!), sit, get my treat and instantly turn around and run off to the other person again, to pick up where they left….
How true is THAT!!! I have had that happen on a number of occasions with Kipawa! It's all about food. And sunshine of course, as Lela and Binti are showing in that lovely picture. And just look at those sweet, adorable, kind, CONNIVING faces!
i love this….so very funny1
My goodness, what a clever little schemer! I have learned that not much stands between a determined Basenji and his goal.
They are also very clever at winning people over. My sis, who owns and loves chow chows, just didn't 'get' my excitement when I made plans to get a basenji. At the beginning, she thought Kipawa was cute, but she was still reserved with her feelings. However, she is totally in love with Kipawa now, and he loves her too. And she is now loving the breed itself. If she sees a good basenji picture somewhere, she will post it on facebook. Those basenji faces can just melt our hearts, and that is why the little buggers can get away with so much.
