Gramma got her first Basenji in the early 50's and kept her line going for over 50 years. She was not a prolific breeder. In all that time, she produced a total of eight litters of pups. There was never any time I went to my grandmother's house and not been greeted by yodels and baroos from at least two Basenji. I learned my love for the breed from her. I never, as an adult, owned any dog until I got AJ second hand. The reason I agreed to take him is to rescue my Basenji boy from the needle. I could not allow a Basenji to go that way without giving him a chance. The love for the breed.
After I had AJ for a few months, the same lady needed to rehome a little red and white bitch. Gramma had lost her last Basenji a few years previously and she seemed so…..incomplete without a Basenji by her side. Melody was rehomed with her. They were instantly inseparable. Melody was with her to the end. It seems only appropriate that her last dog would be a Basenji, her very favorite, a red and white bitch.
Gramma, your Melody girl will be looked after. She will either stay with my cousin or with me. You can rest well, knowing your work is finished. You added so much to the Basenji breed by bringing them to the NorthWest and showing what beautiful dogs they are. You taught us, your grandchildren, how special and wonderful they are.
Your legacy lives on.
Okay, my dislexia is showing, as it tends to when something is up. The date 12/10/11 is, obviously, incorrect. The dates should read 10/23/1918-12/01/2011.
I tried to fix it, but I can't edit the thread title. Maybe one of the admins can fix it.
I'm very sorry to hear of your loss and admire you for doing the right thing by her and melody after her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you
A touching, loving tribute. This is how one person can truly enrich so many lives through the love of dogs. Thank you for sharing.
My condolences. And a very lovely tribute.
I am so sorry for your loss. Glad someone will take care of her dog and happy she passed the love and responsible behavior on to her grand children.
You have my condolences. Did your Gramma have a kennel name?
Jennifer
Heartfelt condolences to you on the loss of your Grandma, who clearly passed the love of this breed on to you. Good wishes for Melody and the family.
I am sorry for your loss. Sounds like she had a life full of love and basenjis. Everyone should be so lucky. I am sure her passing was eased knowing her beloved Melody is cared for.
I'm sorry for your loss.
What a wonderful sounding Grandma. Trust me, she is still with basenjis, just in a different place.
You have my condolences. Did your Gramma have a kennel name?
Jennifer
I believe the kennel name was Nonpariel. One of her girls, Bubbles, was found in the registry. My cousin is going to save any other records of Gramma's dogs for me if she finds them.
The dogs I remember are:
Asta (Star)
Bubbles
Chrystal
Echo
Eclipse
and
Hocus.
I don't think any of her girls were bred more than twice in their lives. I could be wrong on that and hopefully, we can find the records to send to Sue. If she's still compiling them.
Thank you all for your kind thoughts.
I am so sorry for your loss of a wonderful Grandma. She was obviously a lovely lady and thanks to her you have your love of Basenjis.
Your Granma gave you a wonderful gift: Basenjis! And you gave her the gift of a peaceful passing, knowing her Melody will be safe until it's time to meet her at the bridge.
While I miss my own Granma and my Dad, it's so much easier to know they're in Heaven to keep an eye on my beloved Sam & Pushti until it's my time to join them. My Granma didn't like animals, but she loved mine because she knew it was important to me.
I'm so sorry to hear about your Grandma. She sounds like a wonderful person. I'm sure nothing would make her happier than knowing her sweet little Melody is in loving hands.
My condolences for the loss of your wonderful grandmother! Do you have pics you could post of her and the Basenjis?
My sympathy on your loss. You have always spoken so affectionately of your Grandmother, I know you will miss her. Her spirit lives on with every basenji you will ever love.
I'll see if I can get some pictures scanned in.
For anyone who is in the area and is interested, Gramma's service will be at the Brooks Assembly of God, 9165 Portland Road NE, Salem, OR at 2:00pm tomorrow, Dec 10. Take exit 263 and go east about a mile to Portland Road and turn left. Go about 1/4 mile. AJ will not be there, but I will be. I'm the 40's year old woman with dark hair that falls past my belt. It would be an honor to me to have other Basenji people there.
From the UK I'll be thinking of you all at your Gramma's service and sending loving thoughts.
Please tell me, are dogs allowed at funeral services. They are in most cases here at the permission of the Minister?
