I must agree that naive, first-time wanne-be owners need to do deep, extensive research. Basenjis are supremely unique and definitely not a good choice for a "beginner."
I adopted an 18-month old 3/4 Basenji (other 1/4 is Min Pin, yet another quirky little breed, with some "bad" similarities to B's). I was somewhat familiar with B's, but not even a little bit of "enough!!" Gosh, Izzy-Bella was a piperoo!! A little 18 pound bundle of energy, destruction, and escapism. BUT, I have always loved bad boys (9 years working in a high school), so a little bad girl was a sort of delight. But, again, it takes many years before these dogs mellow out and mature and maximize their amazing intelligence. Izzy is SO SO smart: her early unbridled destructiveness has pretty much ended, and now, at ten years old, she amazes us every day with her intelligence, innate understanding, observational skills, language acumen, and comedic skills. And at ten years old, she acts like a three year old! I hope this means she will live forever.
Once you have bonded with a Basenji, you are probably done and gone. But
first-timers REALLY need to do their research and homework.
Someone referred to entrusting their dog
to a family member. I would entrust my B to nobody except a bona fide Vet hospital/kennel, with big-time fences and enclosures, B's are exceptional diggers-under-fences and escape artists. And a Number One cause of
death for them is traffic. Their prey instinct sends them careening into
traffic. Dumber than deer.
But, bottom line: do your due diligence Basenji research, and understand early on that these dogs are singularly unique: indescribably destructive; escape artists; independent thinkers and behaviorists; smarter than you can even begin to imagine (I swear my Izzy understands everything I say and reads my mind!); and prepare to have lots of tissues on hand as auxiliary food, because apparently, Basenjis require wood pulp
projects to prosper!! I don't get it.
Basenjis near Worcester, MA?
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I love to keep my B socialized, and he's met lots of other dogs (mostly at least twice as big as he is), but he has NEVER met another Basenji (at least since I've had him). Any one in the Worcester area up for a meeting?
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Hi Muckey
Too bad we moved from Worcester in the first part of the year. We now live up in North Reading, MA. We meet up in Sharon aswell and it would be great if you have a chance to come out the next time we meet. I too would be more than happy to come out to Worcester if you have an enclosed area. One of the other owners/B's from the Sharon meet up is about to leave Worcester if they haven't yet:( Let me know if your interested:D
Anyone near the Derry NH dog park let us know. We're there often and would love a meetup!
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Ya same here, we are moving on Sunday, but if you want on Saturday we could meet at the Calahan State Park Dog Pond
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I'm actually even further away, up in Westminster. I just figured Worcester was the closest.
Is that you Rachel, I heard a rumor that you got a Basenji.
I could probably do early saturday, I have a birthday party to go to in the evening….
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Ya I was wondering if it was you Muck
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If you want I'll be at Calahan Dog Pond around 2:30 3 ish Go to the framingham side and take the path all the way to the pond (about 1/4 mi)
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We are in Holliston, but have yet to make it to the Sharron Dog park. We are occasionally up in Nashua too; however, we are mid kitchen remodel, which means weekends are DIY and only walks around the block.
foschatt, is the Derry NH park fenced in?
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Yes, the Derry dog park is fenced in. The dog park also has agilty equipment there which is nice. If you have been to either, it seems a little smaller than Medway and Sharon Dog Parks. Also, Derry has sand instead of mulch.
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I live in MA near the Fitchburg area. If anyone is doing a meet-up there, let me know. I'd love for Darwin to play with other Basenjis!
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I love to keep my B socialized, and he's met lots of other dogs (mostly at least twice as big as he is), but he has NEVER met another Basenji (at least since I've had him). Any one in the Worcester area up for a meeting?
Worcester looks to be just about like my 1.5 hours or so to Boston - so I'd be up for a drive that way. I'm not familiar with that area (as I've only been in MA about a year) is there a fenced area/dog park in Worcester?
I'm down in New Bedford. But Beegin (my b) and Brady (my recent "just had to adopt him because of his story" beagle) would love anyone to play with. Beegin is 10 months and Brady is maybe 6 months so they like all puppies, dogs, anyone who wants to run and play.
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Nashua NH has a nice fenced in park. Only open on Sunday 08:00-10:00
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Where in Nashua? we are up there often, would love to go some time.
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The Nashua dog Park is located on private property at this time. Fundraising is ongoing to have their own park in the near future. The location is at the end of Northwest Blvd at the site of Bellavance Beverage Company. It is nice & secure & kept real clean. They are open on Sundays only from 08:00-10:00 The cost is $3.00. Go on line to for more details. I know you need to bring certification of shots.
Let me know when you might be going. Hopefully we can get a nice day, my Calli is not impressed with the cold so we do not attend a lot in the winter unless we get a nice sunny morning.
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I've been to the one at American K9 Country in Amherst, NH.
http://www.americank9country.com/ak9c-dogpark.html
it's free, and open to the public year round.
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Jessi76, thanks for the link, it looks great, can't wait to stop by some time.
