We did extensive research on the breed and talked to several owners. I found several "interesting" stories online about how destructive they can be. But we think that this type of behavior is more related to ignoring them and not paying the necessary attention. Since we are looking to provide a 2nd chance to young Basenji (not a puppy that we can socialize from the beginning), we are looking for one that has not been traumatized. We are ready for occasional challenge ..believe me .. we have kids ..
I second what someone else suggested as an idea for finding a young basenji. Contact a responsible breeder as many times they have young show prospects that haven't worked out showing for one reason or another or even young finished basenjis. A great place to start to find a breeder is the Basenji Club of America's website. Many times if the one you contact doesn't have one available they may know of another breeder that does. Many consider retired show dogs "golden opportunity" basenjis because they come with some training and "usually" proper health testing.
http://www.basenji.org/
I have 2 show dog retirees (both finished champions - 1 came to me as a 2yo, the other I got when he was 3). I highly recommend them as pets! 
Responsible people do not "rescue" dogs and then breed them for profit… rescue is just that, finding a forever home... not making them cash "cows"... and then dumping them when they are not useful any longer. Doing better is not good enough.. doing it right is not about making money, it is about the breed, breeding health, well tested, socialized, well cared for pups that are part of the family from the beginning. Not raising them in kennel runs... Breeding dogs is a hobby, it is not a business... and as for "live and learn"... do that BEFORE YOU BREED, not during and after. Not hard to learn the right way... no need to breed 3 to 5 litters a year... there is no way that you can properly socialize that many pups, period.
And the answer to your question is "yes" I weigh my pups from the minute they are born, daily or 2x's daily if necessary. As do all responsible breeders... but they are also in the house, part of the family... not in a kennel... Sure there are many breeders that I do consider responsible and have kennel runs, but the litters are whelped in the house and the pups stay in the house... the dogs all get house time....
When this particular breeder joined the Forum they wanted to know about "how to cut costs"?... That is not keeping the best interested of the breed in mind
Pat I agree 100% with this. I find it a horrible thing to "rescue" a dog and then immediately put it back into "service" to attempt to make more money off it. Dogs that have been rescued from puppymill/byb situations deserve to become parts of families and give their bodies a break from all the litters previously…not continue to breed them in "cleaner" settings. Rescue them, spay/neuter and then give them a break...they've earned it.
Rita Jean, I did not contact Mark because of the accident,. I contacted because of Otis CERF and the results from that CERF. Hopefully because of that conversation they will now also do eye exams..hopefully. I understand he learned about Otis' accident from you and he was genuinely concerned. I appreciate that.
JBLS, I am sincerely sorry for your thread about adopting a B has turned this very wrong..in conclusion look somewhere responsible for your lovely B. I know you will find it and when you do, please let us know and see your lovely new family member.
Yes, sorry we "hi-Jacked" the thread… There are many "needy" Basenjis out there.. I am sure you will find one for your family... there are lots of avenues to explore for your next family companion....
I will agree to this there are lots of Basenjis waiting for a loving home and I hope you find that one special one for you family. Good luck and let all of us know.
Rita Jean
Thank you everyone for your input. We'll do our best to find the perfect match. We'll keep you posted.
Good luck finding your Basenji.
BRAT has 2 people in this area looking to adopt basenjis, some came to dogpark Sunday to actually visit with basenjis (we had 13 Sunday at the park). The more, the merrier, they really look for the best fit for each dog. There are several breeders in the Ocala area who may have an older dog available, and there is a basenji rescue in Gainsville, FL where several of our friends have acquired basenjis. The right dog will come along! A great boy from Clearwater was recently adopted here through this Forum!
Good luck finding the right basenji for you!
I don't know if this was said but even if there is not one listed in your state please apply. We have SEVERAL being boarded or in foster homes that have not made it to the site yet. I have a girl coming from Texas to Ohio today.
Thank you MacPac. I contacted 2 breeders in the Gainesville-Ocala area but they don't have any available at the moment. We'll keep looking.
Thank you everyone for the great suggestions 
