Imposter basenji :)
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Stepford Basenji - great idea! It's comforting to know, while reading these responses, that I'm not the only one who would gladly trade for one of those "imposter dogs."
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Hysterical. Can your sister do the same with mine?
On tea tree oil–- yeah you know I gotta put my 2 cents in. I threw mine out many years ago when the toxicity issues began being published. Yes, it may take a bit to cause a problem but my theory is that if it is toxic, it's toxic. I don't look at chocolate and calibrate how much I can give my dogs before they have a response. And I of course worry that MY pet may be super sensitive. So anyway, a heads up.
http://www.veterinarywatch.com/Abstract-tea-tree-oil.htm
San Francisco State U Holistic Learning Center
http://www.sfsu.edu/~holistic/activism/herbs_for_animals.html
Common herbs that are potentially dangerous for use in animals
Tea Tree oil (VERY toxic to cats and small dogs)ASPCA
Tea Tree OilI work in a pet store, and a customer told me that tea tree oil, often used for flea control, can be toxic to pets. Could I get more information about this?
- Laura G.
Tea tree, or Melaleuca alternifolia oil, does have toxic potential, depending on the circumstances of exposure. Clinical effects that may occur following dermal exposure to significant amounts of tea tree oil include loss of coordination, muscle weakness, depression, and possibly even a severe drop in body temperature, collapse and liver damage. If the oil is ingested, potential effects include vomiting, diarrhea and, in some cases, seizures. If inhalation of the oil occurs, aspiration pneumonia is possible.
What makes me mad is I first read the problem when searching for bedding for our hedgehog in a warning to animal research facilities to avoid trees with oil for bedding and it included a blurb about not USING tea tree oil as it was also toxic. It was several years later before other sites began notifying the public.
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Have you got the real Kipawa back yet, Fran?
Debra - you've frightened me - while I've only used Tea tree oil once (again to discourage licking - it didn't work) I've still got the bottle here for future use while its in date. I'm getting rid of it straight away. Thanks for the links. Interesting though, that Pat recommends it stop the licking - Basenjis often know, I've found, what they shouldn't eat so possibly that's why it stops them?
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Have you got the real Kipawa back yet, Fran?
Debra - you've frightened me - while I've only used Tea tree oil once (again to discourage licking - it didn't work) I've still got the bottle here for future use while its in date. I'm getting rid of it straight away. Thanks for the links. Interesting though, that Pat recommends it stop the licking - Basenjis often know, I've found, what they shouldn't eat so possibly that's why it stops them?
Oh yes, the real Kipawa is back. I made the bed this morning and a couple of hours ago it was reversed back to 'unmade' by a basenji that was acting 'schnorky'. That's my word for Kipawa when he does the B500 on the bed and snorts through his nose. But you know what? Even that was adorable. I love him like crazy and I think I would pass on a stepford basenji. I mean, I think basenji breeders/owners actually like all of their silly antics. Why else would anyone choose a basenji? :)
Debra, thanks for the info on tea tree oil. When I used it on Kipawa, I put a drop on a Q-tip and dabbed the Q-tip in about 6 different areas on him - not a large amount, but I appreciate what you are saying. Why is it that nothing seems to be safe anymore. If I do use it again, it will once again be a very skimpy application.
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Kipawa - We are also training our Dexter for therapy at a Children's Hospital. Do you just take Kipawa into stores? I wasn't sure what the limitations were on that with Dexter not being certified, and currently in training! But if you aren't having any problems taking Kipawa into stores, that would be great to know for the future.
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Kipawa - We are also training our Dexter for therapy at a Children's Hospital. Do you just take Kipawa into stores? I wasn't sure what the limitations were on that with Dexter not being certified, and currently in training! But if you aren't having any problems taking Kipawa into stores, that would be great to know for the future.
We live in a small suburb of Vancouver that has a real community feel to it. So yes, I just take him into the stores my husband and I (either together or separate) go to. My husband uses a wheelchair, so no one comments about Kipawa in the stores. When I go out alone with Kipawa, probably people are remembering that Darrel is part of the troup, but is just not there for that visit. I use a halter when we go into grocery stores. I attach his leash to the handle on the buggy, so he doesn't wander, and I always try to walk in the centre of the aisles. Of course sometimes this is impossible to do with people shopping. What I find amazing is that I get the feeling Kipawa senses that he is given a special priviledge to be in these stores. He acts very different - we walk right through the meat section and his behavior is perfect.
I know there are vests you can buy that say a variety of things: "I visit hospitals", "Pet Therapy", "Personal Health Dog". When Kipawa starts going to the rehab hospital this September I will get him one, just to make him look a little more official. But honestly, the key is in knowing how your dog will react in the environment you are taking him/her into. I am quite confident with my little dude's behavior. I hope you and Dexter can enjoy therapy work as well. It's a spirit lifter for everyone.
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jdido09, if there isn't a sign posted forbidding dogs, you should be OK to take your well behaved basenji anywhere! It is great for your dog, good for basenji outreach and wonderful for the bond between the two of you. My Ra is a big hit at his local Ace hardware, where he is affectionately know as Ra, the HooRah! dog, has a great time at Lowe's and Home Depot, and he behaves beautifully outside several local Starbucks. Take the fur kid with you, and have a grand time.
Katy
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Thanks guys! Great to hear Kipawa is on his way to hospital work; I work at a Children's in cancer research and can't say enough about the amazing work therapy dogs do with the kids.
I live in Pittsburgh, so I'm not sure that it would work well with Dexter but I might give it a try and see the response we get. He's just not what I'd call hospital ready yet!! :)
