Basenji sitter urgently needed

Basenji Talk

  • My solution to a similar problem was to hire dog walkers/sitters for the time I was away. Sometimes you can get a friend or relative, but in my experience it's often better to have paid help, as they should be professional and hopefully reliable. Someone who is doing you a favour may want to do things their way, but someone you are paying should do things the way you want them done. (in theory, anyhow!) Check for references!


  • I wish I could help you! I live in Chicopee and teach part-time in Northampton. Unfortunately my Basenji is a solo dog and doesn't want other dogs in the house. I’m going to ask around to see what services might be available for your Basenjis.


  • I would recommend searching for a dog sitter on either Care.com or Rover. I've had great experiences with hiring a dog sitter on Care.com in the Philadelphia area.


  • Thanks for your replies. Because of the challenging issues I am nervous about hiring a stranger to live in my house, sleep with the dogs, and take them for walks, which are a two-person job. There is a high risk that the male would escape and/or chew through the leash. I did board them with the breeder but they were crated and the male damaged the heavy-duty crate as well as his teeth, so it was a disaster. I’m trying to find a solution where they would be safe and not traumatized/crated.


  • @rosamunde Is there no way for you to take them on your trip (with you)?


  • @rosamunde said in Basenji sitter urgently needed:

    Thanks for your replies. Because of the challenging issues I am nervous about hiring a stranger to live in my house, sleep with the dogs, and take them for walks, which are a two-person job. There is a high risk that the male would escape and/or chew through the leash. I did board them with the breeder but they were crated and the male damaged the heavy-duty crate as well as his teeth, so it was a disaster. I’m trying to find a solution where they would be safe and not traumatized/crated.

    If I was in this situation I would investigate professionals in my area and get them familiar with my dogs and routine, by walking the dogs with me and spending time in my house. Most professional dog sitters are bonded, so the security risks are less, but they need to know the dogs and the routine and understand thoroughly how they react to situations, and their quirks, such as leash chewing. Even if you don't anticipate having to leave them for a trip, IMO it's good to have someone, either a friend or professional, who could step up and care for them in unexpected circumstances. When I broke my ankle four years ago my dog walker immediately took over while I was in hospital, and I had no worries about my boy.


  • Unfortunately can’t bring them with me because I’m traveling too far.


  • @eeeefarm Thanks for the suggestion, great idea. How did you find your sitter/walker?


  • I found her when I saw her walking dogs down my street, shortly after we moved here, but there are a couple more in my area that advertise. Do an online search and you may turn up some, or ask at your veterinarian's office or local pet food store. Before I moved to my current location I had long time friends and neighbours who would help out in a pinch, and there was also a farm sitter who would deal with the dogs when she came to do the horses. I am guessing if you inquire you will find there are some in your area, and hopefully more than one so you can pick and choose.


  • @eeeefarm Thank you so much for your advice. You’re very helpful!


  • @rosamunde said in Basenji sitter urgently needed:

    @eeeefarm Thank you so much for your advice. You’re very helpful!

    I hope you can find someone reliable. I actually had two women who run their business together. Neither had had a Basenji before, but they got on well with my boy. The first time I asked for overnight sitting I said "I hope you don't mind sleeping with my dog" and the response was laughter and the statement "We sleep with a lot of clients' dogs!" A good dog sitter/walker enjoys the company of all different types of dogs. My boy was popular because of his quirks. He always made them laugh!


  • @eeeefarm Your story is inspiring and gives me hope! It would be wonderful to find a sitter like the one you describe. With time and patience, I hope to find a good person.

Suggested Topics

  • Buxton needs a sitter ...

    Basenji Talk
    11
    2 Votes
    11 Posts
    1k Views
    ZandeZ
    @buxton-s-dad I remember tracing your boy for inclusion in the database on line and finding two further siblings from that litter. So - this morning I went back to the AKC website and discovered two more from this litter have been registered - so I have 5 in all from the 6. They will all appear this evening after I have finished entering all the incoming OFA test results !
  • Basenji sitter in NYC

    Basenji Talk
    2
    0 Votes
    2 Posts
    5k Views
    S
    Hi: I too am looking for a sitter in the NYC/New Jersey area – if you found someone, would you be willing to share that info? Thanks!
  • Broomfield, CO Basenji Sitter Needed

    Basenji Talk
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    3k Views
    bcraigB
    I doubt it would work but we are about 4 hours away in Snowmass and would consider it if there is any way you could make the trip here. We are from Michigan and are planning a trip to Detroit in October and are working on figuring out a dog sitter for that trip. We have a one-year female. It would be great to trade-out but I think are we are probably too far away from each other.
  • Pet Sitter needed in central OH

    Basenji Talk
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    4k Views
    RedVelvetLynxR
    @dash: Thanks! We went right after X-mas. We ended up using someone from Craigslist. She was wonderful. I actually have 1 Basenji, 1 Beagle and currently 2 foster Basenjis. So it is a house full. Oh!!! I didn't see the date on your initial e-mail!!! A bit slow, I suppose….;). Oh well - for future reference.....:)
  • Need help, is a basenji right?

    Basenji Talk
    53
    0 Votes
    53 Posts
    24k Views
    jys1011J
    I, (name), take you, (Basenji), to be my pooch, my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad regardless of the obstacles we may face together, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you till death do us part. BDawg-you said it better then I ever could :D it is a true marriage in every way, shape, & form. There isn't ANYTHING I wouldn't do or sacrifice for my two pooches. I told my DH that I would sooner give him up then my dogs :D :D I'd never leave my dogs no matter what. He told me we'd have a bitter battle over the…lol :D BTW-I know EXACTLY what you mean by that "bond" they trust you to protect them & take care of them & love them.
  • What does your Basenji do when he needs to go out?

    Basenji Talk
    22
    0 Votes
    22 Posts
    9k Views
    torchsongT
    She-Ra goes to the door, then looks over her shoulder at us. Problem is, sometimes she's playing a game with us, where she just wants to see if we'll get up and open the door. We're putting a stop to that by putting her out forcibly if she starts to walk away so she knows if we get up to open the door she's going out. Period.