Thanks for the information. I may look into this a bit as it seems workable. Once I adopt, it is for life no matter what the situation I just want to try and avoid a problem by this research.

I know that it isn't great but truthfully I have never had a dog that does not kill iquanas and yet those same dogs have been totally safe around even the smallest bottle fed kittens. Poor iquanas, they must taste really good. Every once an a while a sleeping iquana falls off his branch and lands on my deck. We have about five minutes of chaos as I try to catch any dogs and put them away before…:eek:

I will keep an eye open for you and Paco in a couple months. I think when BRAT mentioned the termperature they were referring to the temperature during the travel itself. You are right that our temp is great for Basenjis. We all have to be hyper vigilant when travelling with an animal if they go in baggage or cargo. You are essentially putting them in the hands of many strangers who do not have the same love nor are they very responsable or accountable for their handling techniques when it comes to any baggage. But there are many things one can do to ensure a travelling animal is as safe as possible.

I did tell my vet today about BRAT's issues and he said that he would be willing to get involved and write a letter etc.

As far as Chica is concerned I do have other animals cats and small dogs and although I have some ability in this area I need to be careful what I do. Do you know that Chica is questionable around other dogs and cats? I think you did mention that she is a fear biter. Actual bites or just agressive moves? So far neither my vet or the humane society can give me any information on Chica but I am still calling around.

Thanks to all who welcomed me and those who expressed sorry at my loss, you would think that I could get used to this after all of these years. Especially thanks about the information regarding the two dogs that may be up for adoption on St Thomas. I have an interest in following up on the two females that may need homes but if the one is on it's way to a safe home that is great. If she does not have a home I will pursue this.

I too have been rescuing animals since I was a child and am the proud owner of two petite road side rescues and another fostered at the request from a vet. My decision to get a pure bred puppy was made as I had such fun and great fascination with the little minx who just passed. She challenged me in every way but I would not have changed a minute of it. I envy you your future with Paco and I hope I will run across your family some day and see him in person. That may sound strange to the state-siders but our Island is so small this is possible. In order to feel a bit less guilty in my puppy quest I did contact BRAT but they seem reluctant to send dogs to the Islands. You may want to note this in case you do attempt to adopt. They cited both cost and temperature problems as well as an inability to help across the distance if needed. In fact BRAT ended up with the St Croix dog so I guess it found a good home. This might be partially why they are now reluctant to send dogs here. Not being one to give up easy I asked them to keep my application on file and assured them that not only will I pay all transport costs but I will fly up there to meet with both the puppy and BRAT rep. I hope that they will consider this as it will help me both get a puppy and "rescue" at the same time.

Maybe they will allow a respected vet on Island to agree to pre qualify those of us in the Islands who may want to get a rescue and have the same vet do home inspections and follow up care so BRAT can be more sure of the future for their dogs. I really do understand and respect their concerns. Again thanks!!

Hi,

I also live on St Thomas, Virgin Islands. I have recently lost my 14 year old female part Basenji that I rescued and am heart broken. I am really longing for a puppy and I am set up well for a Basenji after the last 14 years. That is the main reason that I just joined this web site. However after I read your story I have a question. I apologize that my first entry at this site is a sad one.

I ran into a man and woman at Hull Bay with a black and white male Basenji. When I mentioned that I was looking for a puppy he told me that he has a spayed female (mother of his litters) that he is looking for a home for as he travels. He also mentioned a 1 1/2 year old female tri color that needs to find a new home. He said that he has papers for one of the parents but not for the other. He did not seem to know about fanconi.

After some research I found that the humane society in St Croix managed to send a black and white Basenji off Island to find a home in January. I also heard that a black and white male ended up in the St Thomas shelter in March. He is no longer there but what his fate was I have not discovered yet. However I heard that he was "agressive".

My situation makes it a bit difficult for me to rush right in here. I have a 2 rescue little dogs and 4 cats also rescues. Everyone gets along well as they did with my Basenj mix. I very much want a pure bred Basenji puppy and I think it would be easier for me to integrate a puppy into my household than an adult dog but I hate these stories. The possibly burned Basenji that you spoke of may be tri 1 1/2 year old female that needs a home. Is there any further information that you can give me. I am currently doing my own research which includes vets, humane society and the breeder My aim is trying to find help for these two females if I am unable to it myself so any information would be helpful.