Meet Zeba- red/white girl from Georgia

[Patty M]

Shelley…. Zeba has found her forever home, which means that I'm a failure at rescue! She has adjusted well to "people life", and loves her new sister, Lola.

Yes, she was very skittish when we first got her, especially around men. However, Lola and Zeba go to the local PetsMart hotel everyday while I'm at work, and they have both blossomed into better dogs. With the help of the PetsMart staff, Zeba is slowly overcoming her fear. Everyday, they put a paper nametag around her neck, and at first, she would snip. After a couple of days, she stopped snipping and began snarking... and now, she lets them put it around her neck without any comment (although you can tell she is still tense). I think she understands that most people are kind and she is learning that hands are for petting, not hitting. She has a huge scar on her right side, and it pains my heart to think how it may have happened.

Lola and Zeba have a blast at the dog parks, and today, after a long walk, they both just plopped in the shade and panted away. Here's a picture of their happy smiles!

P.S. I love you too, sister!

[agilebasenji]

I love happy endings! Congrats on your new family member.

[thunderbird8588]

Thanks for the update, she's one lucky girl

[bewler]

She is so lucky to have YOU! well done!

[tlish]

she is gorgeous. glad all is going well, and so glad she became your failed rescue! i'm sure she's glad as well!

[Kipawa]

I've got tears in my eyes after reading that. The look in her eyes says everything - she's praying for a forever home.

[Patty]

Bless you Patty M - its wonderful to know that you've decided to keep Zeba.

[DebraDownSouth]

LOL failed foster, found forever home. It's a great trade.

[Patty M]

Hi everyone,

This is such a hard email to write, because if you read my post on the Knoxville thread, then you already know that I lost my Zeba last Friday.

"Words cannot describe"… I've heard that saying before, but now I truly understand how words cannot describe the depth of grief that I feel for losing my Zee-Zee. I was so happy watching the transformation from Zeba being a snarky, scared abused girl.... to one that begrudingly accepted the fact that people aren't supposed to hit basenjis.... to a waggly-tailed girl who found her roo'ing voice to welcome me at PetSmart daycare!

I feel so honored to have known Zeba, and to have her in my life. She was an instant sister to Lola, and the two of them were inseparable. When I would go to bed, Lola would be at my feet, and Zeba at my pillow- their territories mutually understood!

My husband was gaining acceptance from Zeba, and the night before she died, she decided to hop up and sit between Todd and me. She did her circle and gently plopped onto his lap... put her nose down and gave a big "SIGH". I looked over and softly said, "Wow! That's progress!" and he said right away, "As long as she's not sniffing out her next dinner!".... Zeba was showing awesome progress around men, and based upon her actions that night, she knew that ALL humans could be warm.

So, as you go to bed tonight, please hug your basenji. Please know that they love you, and please love them back. I have so many fond memories of my Zeba, and I try to re-create the past... knowing that despite what I can imagine, there's no changing what happened.

Rest in peace, my Zeba girl.

[DebraDownSouth]

Oh G-d Patty, I had not read your post there. I am sitting here with tears rolling down my face. The only thing you MUST hold on to is that because of YOU this dear dog had 5 months to know love. Something she never had before.

[sharronhurlbut]

You gave her heaven before she went to heaven..bless your heart…hugs for your family..sob, sniff!

[agilebasenji]

@DebraDownSouth:

Oh G-d Patty, I had not read your post there. I am sitting here with tears rolling down my face. The only thing you MUST hold on to is that because of YOU this dear dog had 5 months to know love. Something she never had before.

Yes, it does seem that she packed a lifetime of love into that 5 months. We have to be joyful for that. Patty, you are a good, loving dogmom.

[MacPack]

Patty, I am so very sorry. Zeba was lucky to have had the life she did with you. This is such a tragic accident, the nightmare we all dread. Hugs to you, you were her hero, you saved her from a dreadful life and gave her a wonderful one.