Dear fellow Basenji owners,

I am in desperate need of your help. I have an 8 year old male brindle Basenji that is a huge part of my world. My dog means everything to me- as is probably the case for most of you. My dog, Niles, has formed a very close bond with both me and another family member. Aside from that, Niles is characteristically aloof and shy around strangers. I have never had issues with Niles health-wise and his last few routine vet visits have shown him to be in good overall shape. However, much to my shock and extreme worry, Niles has become very, very unstable around everyone that isn't me or the other family member that he is well-bonded with and very loyal. For example, he will sit near someone eating something and beg (something he really never used to do) and then get in close proximity to them. When he is shooed away or told "no" firmly, he will completely snap and begin to full-on attack and cause minor bleeding (3-4 times now). Several months passed without incident. However, That all changed today in the worst way possible. The most severe and recent incident occurred today during our family Thanksgiving and completely ruined it. A relative was scratching his belly and he snapped again and caused enough damage to require stitches. I am beyond upset, concerned, shocked and at a loss for what to do. I can no longer have him anywhere near other people for both his safety and theirs. This behavior is not at all normal and is truly coming out of nowhere. The is ZERO provocation. There are a growing number of people who now want Niles to be put down and I feel that I might be out of options very soon if this keeps up. If anyone has any ideas or experience with this type of thing PLEASE let me know. I am very concerned that it might be a brain tumor or something of that nature. Thank you for any help you might be able to give.