Dog Food Information

Check out the latest illustrated blog post on Dog Food Information from the pet lovers at the Pet 365  Blog!

New Available BRATs: Nailah, Willow and Scout

Name: Nailah
State: Texas
DOB: 12/12/2011
Gender: Female
Color: Tricolor
Weight: 17


 Nailah is still a puppy and will require someone familiar with puppies. She is very smart and has a desire to learn. She loves to run and play. She gets along great with other dogs and loves to do the basenji boxing routine. Nailah is a talker and she speaks Basenji very well. She is very affectionate, fine with cats, likes children, and has not met a person she has not liked.

Click HERE to read more about Nailah!

Name: Willow & Scout
State: Ohio
DOB: 05/2008
Gender: Female
Color: Red & White
Weight: 24 & 32, respecitvely

Double your pleasure, double your fun! These two girls are both very sweet and are a bonded pair. Not much is known about their first few years; they came to BRAT at the age of two after found running loose together.  They are real snuggle bunnies; with each other and humans. They are good with older, respectful children. They can be crated for short periods of time, but are rarely crated as they have proven to be trustworthy if left alone.

Click HERE to read more about!

Come meet more fine Basenji ladies and gents on the main BRAT page!

She’s Touching Me

Dasa is not allowed to lie next to Ivan, but he can touch her if he feels like it.  When we manage to take photos of them together, it is only because Dasa was there first and Ivan decided to plop down beside her. If Ivan is snuggled into a small bed on the couch, the excitement level spikes when Dasa jumps up beside him. Some strategic cajoling restores order.

 

If Ivan thinks she’s touching him in bed, he issues a very cranky growl. If, as often happens, I’m the one patting the little Ivan lump, I lift the blanket and whisper, “It’s Mommy.” Then he huffs a small, “Oh, well all right then,” and goes back to sleep.

I’m not a morning person, and to my great good fortune, neither are the munchkins. Eric rises early, and Dasa races down the stairs when she hears Eric put bread in the toaster. Eric then tells my innocent child to “Go wake Peggy.” My sweet little girl taps the side of the bed, I lift the blankets without even opening my eyes, and she slides in beside me. If, however, Dasa jumps back into bed after getting her morning toast, and accidentally steps on Ivan, the sleeping Ivan lump jumps up snarling indignantly, my peaceful morning drowsiness is abruptly ended, and I’m trampled by small dogs.

Update on Angel and Jaro

It's been several months now since we adopted our two new pups (Angel and Jaro) from rescue; we now have had them since the end of October 2011, and they are doing well.  We are so happy that they are with us!

Angel ready to play

In some cases with rescues progress can be slow, and that seems to be the case with Angel and Jaro so we've had to be very patient with teaching them. We have had issues with housebreaking.  Although Jaro and Angel were almost 2 years old when we got them, I don’t think they were housebroken.  Jaro seems still to have problems with peeing if he has not been out for more than two hours, and once he starts peeing he can’t seem to stop.  We have a mop and other cleaning agents so this hasn’t been a huge problem, and Jaro is a sweetheart and he is trying his best to be a house dog but sometimes he just can’t.  Angel occasionally marks if she gets excited.  But, these two are here as our "forever" dogs so we can handle it after taking care of so many cats and dogs in the past. 

Jaro is a sweetheart, you just want to give him a big hug when you see his face.

As you look at the sweet faces of Angel and Jaro, above, I would encourage all new adopters to please learn to be patient with your newly adopted dogs.  If you do not know their whole history and their adaption to change you may find yourself discouraged early in the game, but hang in there!  Many newly adopted dogs come to you with old behaviors that were learned earlier in life, and some of those behaviors, if not compatible to your life style, may take time to work out.  But, when you do have the patience to see it through with your newly adopted pup, you'll find that the reward is many-fold.  To see a dog that is more confident every day, to see a healthy, happy dog who is sure you love them, and to see their interaction with you and other dogs is a joy.  It may happen only a day at a time, but I can assure you that it WILL happen, and when it does the love you have from that dog will be so much greater than if it hadn't been earned.  The best thing of all is to have a dog that loves you back! 

Our three adopted Basenjis, Angel, Jaro and Sanji
(not pictured is Gumbo, whom we chose as a wee pup)

-Marj Baker

The Dog Days of Summer

Well, it's been very hot and humid here in Rockport. Not that my basenjis mind all that much- they STILL insist on sleeping under the covers at night. But Nina got caught under the sprinkler and DID NOT like it at all!!! LOL

During the days when they're not into their usual counter surfing, trash hunting, and toilet paper searching, my babies have been sacking out on the couch as comfy as can be, laying in front of the fan. They are no fools! Their favorite spot is, of course, on the back of the couch (how i love to fix the cushions over and over). Here they are in all their glory, post-yodeling, in front of the fan, resting up for their afternoon shenanigans.

 

 

-Mandy Hazen

Contorted Canines!!!

Well, the heatwave has resulted in some STRANGE sleeping positions for the senjis!  I wonder if Cirque du Soleil is looking for any canine contortionists!

 Here we have Miss Toni sleeping with her arms crossed.  

I never knew a dog could even cross her arms!

 Toni sleeping on a chair.  

Note that she has her back legs tucked behind her inside the chair.

Same position different view.  And, yes, she is sound asleep! 

 

O.K., Calvin just wanted his picture in this post.  

He is not much of a contortionist... just one HOT dog!

Fuzzy Butt

 

Dasa has a little fuzzy butt. When we moved to Illinois from Florida several years ago, the Munchkins were shocked by their introduction to cold weather. They quickly accumulated a nice wardrobe of polar fleece coats and toasty sweaters, but they also grew all kinds of fuzzies that first winter. Gradually, their little bodies adjusted to southern Illinois, which is really not Siberia, and they usually develop only a mild bit of fringe around their necks. Even that has diminished in recent years, and Ivan is back to being a sleek little seal.  

This last winter was exceptionally mild, and yet Dasa still grew little fuzzy pantaloons, something she hasn’t done for several years now.  Despite the record breaking hot weather we’re enduring, the little pantaloons remain.

My attempts to document her fuzzy pantaloons were not as successful as I hoped. Who know it would be so difficult to photograph Dasa’s little behind? I tried photographing from above as we walked down the  street. The angle made these photos very indistinct.  I tried sneaking up behind her and crouching down to photograph. Just as I aimed my camera, she whirled around and looked at me suspiciously. I made bright chirpy noises, “Hi Sweetie, it’s just Mommy,” while I tried to walk around to focus on her fuzzy bottom. She regarded me with not a little concern—what are you doing back there?—and her little tail went into a semi-whippet postion whenever I attempted to get a good shot. I tried to sit on the floor and wait, but she would then come to sit beside me and tap me with a dainty paw to remind me to rub her tummy.


I tried to explain. “It’s OK. Mommy’s just taking your picture. I do that all the time. You know about cameras.”  She looked at me doubtfully, and despite my maneuverings, did not turn her back on me or allow me to sidle behind her, camera at the ready. I called in my lovely assistant Eric, who made a point of telling Dasa all this needless torture was my fault, and he was only helping because I forced him to. As a result, the photos included in this blog entry lack a certain clarity. However, in the eyes of her doting parents, it’s very clear she’s delightful in pantaloons.

Dasa recovering from her ordeal.

A challenge or a blessing? Maybe a bit of both!

Life seems to bring things your way for a reason, or so I believe.  In April 2012 I received a request from another BRAT member about a basenji mix that needed a foster and help from BRAT.  I tried NOT to get involved as I was already very busy with the 2012 convention and work and family - blah blah blah!  BUT, out of respect for this wonderful volunteer, Jennifer Ihns, I made a request to BRAT to help this little basenji mix in Indiana.  They agreed!!!

I was hoping to take a break from fostering until after the convention in June, so when my last foster went to his new family and I was actually without a foster for all of about 5 minutes - literally.  Then Kaylee arrived.  She was so full of life and energy.  I wasn't sure this was going to be a good idea, but I had promised to help. 

Kaylee

When I went to get her out of Jennifer's car I thought, "this dog is pregnant...or so I think. Ugh....is this really happening!"  I had no idea what to do with newborn puppies...I wasn't sure how to react.  I wasn't sure how my husband, David, was going to react.  BUT, as soldiers in the fight to rid the world of the need for animal rescues, we moved onward.

I took Kaylee to the vet on my way home and had them test her.  YUP...she was pregnant.....GREAT.  Now what?  I asked a lot of questions and did some research online.  I've had cats that had kittens and I've had puppies, but none younger than 5 weeks.  All I could think was that they were going to be mixed with something like a pit bull or great dane and they'd be HUGE and unplaceable.  A couple of weeks went by and still no puppies.  We had an x-ray done and found there were going to be 7 puppies.  REALLY?  That many?  Oh jeesh...the pressure kept mounting ...I got more worried.  BUT, I said to myself, "Suzanne, you can do this.  You have a great husband to support you and friends and BRAT.  It'll be okay."  Another week or so went by and still no puppies.  I was like a pacing dog in a cage about this pregnant dog who I thought would pop at any moment.  So I took her back to the vet for another check up...you know, just to be sure all way right with her and the babies.  Well, another x-ray was done and the vet comes back and says, "Well, I have good news and bad news....The good news is that everyone is happy and healthy. "  I'm thinking, what's the bad news?  She says, "The bad news is that there are not 7 puppies, but 9!"  WHAT!  ARE YOU SERIOUS?

Well, I thought, this is going to be ok...I know that people do this all the time.  Plus, because there are so many they are likely to be smaller.  This is good.  SO...I went home and for the next few days I just kept close watch over this tiny little whippet/basenji mix who looked like she had a volleyball strapped to her tummy.  On the night of May 2, 2012, I was up all night working.  I checked on Kaylee and she seemed fine.  On the morning of May 3, 2012, David went to check on her and came back inside telling me she was having her puppies!  YEAH!  I grabbed the camera and RAN to the kennel.  Well, much to my surprise she wasn't "having" the puppies, but rather she had already "had" the puppies.  They were all cleaned up and in a pile ready for inspection!  She stood there next to them very tired, but very proud of her accomplishment.  Good job Kaylee!  You did great! 

  
We counted them all as we placed them in our makeshift welping box.  There were 9 very healthy puppies.  Kaylee delivered 7 beautiful girls and 2 beautiful boys.  They were perfect....in fact, I cried because they were so sweet and Kaylee was so attentive.  What a beautiful little family.  Now what are they mixed with and what do we name them?

These little "gerbils" looked like boxers in coloring and markings.  So, that is what we thought...at first!  Now that they are a bit older and bigger, they are mixed with beagle for certain!

I had done a lot of contemplating on names.  We thought it'd be fun to name them after characters in a TV show, but there were so many.  So, I kept the boys names that I liked - Alcide and Godric.  Then, because I promised a friend, I named one of the girls Sophie.  I liked the name Clover so I named the "runt".  Well, we still had 5 more!  I immediately went on Facebook for help.  I made an announcement that if someone wanted to name a puppy, they'd have to donate $25 to BRAT for the naming (although it may not be kept by the adopting family).  Within 1 hour we had the remaining girls named!  We had Felicity, Shiimsa, Zeba, Primrose and Cinnamon. 

Felicity

Primrose

Shiimsa

Sophie

Zeba

The puppies are now almost 9 weeks old. A few weeks before their birth, we had made a special Facebook group for Kaylee and the puppies. We began generating interest in their story and their lives in hopes to raise funds for their vet care and find them all loving homes. It has been a big success! We have over 200 followers (and more join daily) and have been able to find a home not only for Kaylee, but for 4 of the puppies. We have applicants for 2 more puppies as well! You can visit their page at www.facebook.com/KayleeBRATMIX

Between the BRAT site and Facebook, all the sharing and participation, these little basenji mixes are going to have wonderful lives!

As I sit here typing this story for you all, I'm a bit emotional. This morning I took Kaylee to fly to her new forever home. She was the first to leave. I may not have been ready for all of this excitement, but since they came into our lives I find it bittersweet that they will all be leaving soon. On July 12 we have the first 3 puppies going home and on the 13th another is flying to her new forever home. I'm sure the remaining 5 will be going shortly too. I'm so excited that they'll be in wonderful, loving homes, but I will miss the chaos and joy they have brought to mine!

I encourage you all to visit the Kaylee & puppies Facebook page and view all the photos and posts.  Share their page and help bring awareness to the breed, BRAT and all rescues in need.  See how much fun they've been and hopefully it'll encourage you to foster too!

-Suzanne D. Sarlls-Hartwell

Hunting the Sprinkler

Everyone knows that basenijis hate water, and most basenjis will buck and squeal if confronted with the possibility of a dip or a squirt.  However, what happens when the basenji love of hunting things that move, conflicts with their fear of water?   Well, let my BRAT boy, Biko, demonstrate that for you:

Just to give you some perspective on this, when I adopted Biko five years ago, he had been a stray before coming to BRAT, and was fearful of everything that moved - especially people.  Ironically, he also had severe separation anxiety, and a tendency to escape from crates, yards, harnesses, etc.  Pretty much your standard "rescue dog with major issues."  It has taken years and patience, and above all a solid household routine that Biko can rely on so he knows we're always coming back, but today he is the most affectionate and loving dog that there ever was, does not try to escape at all, can be left home uncrated during the day as long as he's got his basenji sister, Reef, with him, and he's the most confident little hunter I've ever seen!  He's still not always confident when it comes to meeting other dogs and often reverts to protective mode (growling and acting like Cujo to protect his own pack), but he's still growing in confidence and security every day, so I'm sure we'll get there. Every time I look at my little Biko boy, it makes me glad that I adopted a rescue -- it wasn't easy with him at first, but with the help of the BRAT community and once we got the routine down, he just started growing and has become more affectionate and more loyal than any basenji I've ever seen!  He's been worth the extra effort 100 times over :-)

2012 BRAT Convention

The 2012 BRAT Convention was held on June 8-10, in Indianapolis, IN.  It was a blast - here are some pictures!  If you weren't able to come this year, we hope you can join us next year. 

Cake!

The Group



Debbi Johnson and Jackie Kuhwarth

Kat Sheyko, Eileen Murray, Tonya Christensen, Mary Muzzulin with auction Bs

raffle items

Carole King with Leeny and Congo

Jennifer Ellin and Casey

Mary Muzzulin and Tania Doran

Liz and Bill Newton, Tania Doran, and Dennis Narehood at Meet and Greet

Kate Moore and Isis

Getting to know each other

Kate Moore's Buddy

Barbara and Dennis Narehood's Kiasa

Suzanne Sarlls-Hartwell and Twister

Kenya Ferrand's wannabe basenji Brody

The Narehoods at the costume contest

Jessica Sandoval

Bs awaiting the costume contest

Barbara Narehood and Zuri

Peggy Pick-Sutton and Jackie Kuhwarth

Rob Freedman and Corin

For more photos from the 2012 BRAT Convention, check out our Facebook page.