• Thanks everyone. It's always hard to lose them, but this is particularly difficult as he was my only companion and the house is so empty without him.


  • I was so sad to hear about Perry. Seeing him with his froggy reminds me of that story and the others you've told over the years. What a great companion he was!

    You may remember me as ownedbyspencer. For some reason, I was unable to reset that account, so I created a new one-- fitting perhaps, since Spencer has been gone more than three years now. I still miss him and he lives on in my heart, as I know Perry will live on in yours. They're never here long enough, but we never forget them. I do hope Perry finds his way to your husband... and sends another companion (or two?) your way.


  • You may remember me as ownedbyspencer. For some reason, I was unable to reset that account, so I created a new one-- fitting perhaps, since Spencer has been gone more than three years now. I still miss him and he lives on in my heart, as I know Perry will live on in yours. They're never here long enough, but we never forget them. I do hope Perry finds his way to your husband... and sends another companion (or two?) your way.

    I am sure Alex could help you reset to OwnedbySpencer... but yes, the new name is good.

    Your comments are wonderful.. they do stay in our hearts.


  • @LifewithAva said:

    You may remember me as ownedbyspencer.

    Yes, I certainly do. I like your new name. It's certainly appropriate. πŸ™‚

    Thank you for your kind thoughts. I am "adjusting" to my new situation. So much of my life has revolved around Perry it is hard to get used to him not being here. Other than the six months between losing Sunny in 2006 and adopting Perry in 2007, I have never been without a Basenji since 1975. Forty years of Basenji company has left me with many fond memories. I am not sure what the future will bring, but at my age I am hesitant to adopt another dog. Certainly not a puppy. Possibly, when the time is right, a rescue.


  • Yes, so much of our lives are built around them, and their absence leaves a big hole. When you're ready, I hope the right dog finds its way to your door. Too many dogs need love and a good home, and you have too much to give to be dogless for long. I don't know if it's true that dogs keep us young, but they certainly keep us busy!

    LifewithAva does fit me now. I'm sure she would consider it her due. πŸ™‚


  • @DebraDownSouth

    Thank you, Debra!


  • @eeeefarm So sorry to read about Perry. Knowing you only via this forum, I just know that he had a beautiful time while he was with you and your husband in his time. Just like Debra said, one will find her or his way to you when the time is right. Peace to you at this time, never is easy but gets gentler with time....


  • Wow. Our babies look like they are related. Sorry for your loss. My girl is 12 and starting to show her age with arthritis. I dread the day when she will be taking a long nap. She is my best companion.


  • So sorry for your loss Perry, as you know I just lost mine this week and just the thought makes me sob. I hope you are hanging in there. Definitely rescue another one if the chance comes up. I'm hoping to do the same.


  • @eeeefarm Perry is beautiful & my Darla looked so much like him! I also live alone but I have to have another Senji, you should too!! I've got my fingers crossed for you that an older one will soon fill that empty space in the house! You're an awesome lady & "awesomeness" will come your way! ;


  • @eeeefarm Im so sorry about your loss of Perry. Did you adopt him from Jan Bruner? If so, we adopted Perry's brother, Leo from Jan.


  • So sorry about your loss; I'm sure you did the right thing. May they walk together again.


  • @eeeefarm I understand the empty house & how hard it is losing them.


  • @nikolitak said in Perry 2003 - 2016:

    @eeeefarm Im so sorry about your loss of Perry. Did you adopt him from Jan Bruner? If so, we adopted Perry's brother, Leo from Jan.

    Yes, Perry came from Jan. We had lost Sunny in July of 2006, and in December I got an e-mail from Tamu's breeder, "Basenji looking for a good home". Well, I made the mistake of looking at pictures and was hooked. How is Leo doing? Perry took a little time to settle in and we initially had separation anxiety issues, but he turned out to be a fabulous companion and the best, most trustworthy Basenji I have ever had in the house. Did not even rip up tissues! He was a joy and I miss him so much. When we were going through that difficult time last March I was in touch with Jan to help me with my decision. Ultimately I think I made the right choice for Perry, but it is always gut wrenching to "play God", even when you know it prevents suffering.....


  • @eeeefarm unfortunately we just lost Leo on the 9th of this month. He was also an excellent dog. He did like tissues but thats all he would chew. We could leave him alone in the house uncrated and he wouldnt bother anything. They were amazing pups! We got Leo from Jan when he was about 14 weeks. I believe we met Perry while we were there meeting Leo for the first time but I cant be certain. I miss that dog like crazy.


  • @nikolitak
    I am so sorry. 😞


  • @DebraDownSouth thank you....im heartbroken. Just picked up his paw print today from the vet so obviously I bawled like a baby as soon as I got in the car. It sounds like @eeeefarm s Perry had a similar issue to my Leo. Brothers but Leo was the small one in the litter and picked on by his siblings (according to Jan). He was the sweetest dog. Seems to be a trait a lot of Jan's pups have/had!


  • @nikolitak I haven't been in the forum for very long & don't know many people, but I do know how it feels to lose your Senji. I've lost 2 of mine now & my apartment has that, "Lonely Nest" syndrome & so does my heart. Hopefully, it won't be long before another Senji happens your way, or maybe 2, that will keep you busy. You'll never forget but you'll always love ... a Basenji.


  • @nikolitak said in Perry 2003 - 2016:

    @eeeefarm unfortunately we just lost Leo on the 9th of this month. He was also an excellent dog. He did like tissues but thats all he would chew. We could leave him alone in the house uncrated and he wouldnt bother anything. They were amazing pups! We got Leo from Jan when he was about 14 weeks. I believe we met Perry while we were there meeting Leo for the first time but I cant be certain. I miss that dog like crazy.

    I am so sorry to hear this. So difficult to lose them and how devastated you must be. I still have tears whenever I think about losing Perry. I can talk about him and smile with memories, but if anyone who doesn't know he's gone asks about him I just dissolve in tears still. I'm crying now thinking about him.

    If Leo was anything like Perry I know how much you could trust him and how much you must have loved him. BTW, Jan's dogs are taught from puppyhood not to chew things up. Perry adored his plush toys and never harmed them, and I put that down to Jan's training. He had the run of the house and I knew absolutely that I would never come home to a mess. No dog will ever replace him in my heart, but perhaps with time I can find space for a rescue.

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