Hi there, I want to finally introduce myself. I became a basenji mom almost 2 months ago. I adopted Ruby (Ch. Eldorado's Bejeweled) who will be 3 November 22.
A little about myself…I'm a graphic designer living in Maine. My brother had a basenji (Zeke...another show dog) when I was in junior high/high school and after. I always took care of Zeke and Zeke slept with me at night. He was such a cool dog, and although he could be a handful, the only bad thing I remember him doing was eating my underwear...which from reading this forum I understand is not at all unusual. Anyway, I've never owned a dog myself until now, but have had a side petsitting business for about 15 years. Took care of dogs & cats young & old...as well as some with medical issues (a diabetic cat, a jack russell with congestive heart failure & then later a brain tumor).
I'd been wanting to get a dog of my own, but wasn't sure what breed. Thought a long time about a jack russell, seeing as I had tons of experience with them. About 4 months ago, I saw an ad in our paper for a basenji...thought about Zeke and thought, what a cool dog. Went and checked out the breeder...the pup was basically in a byb situation, very poor conditions, tons of flee & tick bites, etc. Horrible. Anyway, decided I really wanted a basenji and did a LOT of research and found this forum...basically it made me remember all the good and all the work that it took with Zeke.
I found Eldorado thru the BCOA and went and visited for a few hours. Checked out pups (not available, but to give an idea about activity level and if I would want a pup in 2008) and adults. Ruby was one of the adults. She was a pistol...very active, full of it and into everything. A week later, I decided that Ruby would be a good choice because with her activity level it would give me an idea if I could handle a pup in the future or a second adult. I picked her up at the end of July and let's just say things haven't been the same since. I'm obsessed with her...and with this forum as well.
I think I'm the only graphic designer w/out a digital camera, so no photos for now...maybe santa will bring me one for Christmas. Her show picture is on the Eldorado website, but I don't think the picture does her justice at all, or really looks like her.
Sorry this was so long...but I wanted to finally say hi to everyone and thanks for giving me some very entertaining and informative reading. 
Kim & Ruby
Congratulations on Ruby! Eldorado has some really cool dogs!
Hello and welcome. Congratulations on adopting Ruby.
Congrats on your baby and welcome!!!
Congrats and welcome, fellow New Englander! Looking forward to some snowy pictures if Santa brings you a camera!
Congratulations on Ruby! Eldorado has some really cool dogs!
They certainly do. When I was there originally I met a pack of 7 month olds, and about 6 pairs of adults. I met Ojo (who came from Africa last December)…he was something else...wow! :eek:
It was hard not to get more than one but I thought I better start with one at first. Ruby is perfect...super high energy (have to make sure she eats enough to keep weight on) and so incredibly friendly (except to the mean pitbull/lab mix that is sometimes off leash and runs at her when I walk her) and loves people. Doesn't mean she doesn't have a mind of her own or tests me though...lots of your responses have helped me with those moments! 
Hello and welcome. Congratulations on adopting Ruby.
Congrats on your baby and welcome!!!
Thank you both!
Congrats and welcome, fellow New Englander! Looking forward to some snowy pictures if Santa brings you a camera!
Thanks! I love Vermont, everytime I go there on the way to Canada, I think, gee, that is the way Maine used to be. 
I definitely need that camera and will definitely need to figure out the winter thing in general considering I run her on my bike now and will need to make up all that exercise.
