Florida Basenjis Update 3/10/10

Greetings!

Sorry that it has been such a long time since our last update - we've been a bit busy here in FL! Here's the latest:

As of Thursday, all basenjis have physically been released from HCAS (they delivered!). Moms and pups are still HCAS-ownership dogs until they have been spayed and neutered. The adults are decompressing here in Basenji-Town after a month and a half in isolation in cement runs that amplified the sounds of constantly barking dogs. They are visibly more relaxed, though the fearful ones obviously are going to take much more time to believe that humans are really good. They definitely became accustomed to having a heated floor at HCAS - they do not appreciate the unusually cold temperatures we've been having in FL. Crates provided by BCOA (THANK YOU for your generosity!) are beginning to arrive and will be appreciated by the basenjis who'd like a den in their kennel runs. While they are out during the day, their routine includes moving inside every night. They are getting pretty good at following directions. The five five-month-old pups that were doing so well with socialization at HCAS are in three different foster homes (Susan, Jeanetta and Erin are foster moms) and are all doing well. While they will generally be more timid than the younger pups, they are already suitable for placing in the right forever homes.

The dynamics have changed with the adults and older shy pups - they are back in a more pack-like setting, able to see each other and visit through rigid wire kennels, though they remain separated while I get to know who is okay with whom. Unlike what we generally expect in basenji-world, the male-male aggression is much greater than the female-female aggression. Many of the females really seem to enjoy each other's company - the first two moms I've been fostering play together, sleep together, mother orphan pups together, etc. Most of the dogs now whimper in anticipation when they see me coming. All Wimauma basenjis are beginning to soften towards human males (early at HCAS, staff had noted how threatened all of the basenjis were by the male staff, so most required interaction was with female staff). Backed by the power of the pack, the male basenjis were more aggressive towards men when they first arrived. Regular treats by John and Chris (my dad and my husband) are winning them over.

I've had help from Jeanetta and Jacquie from Tampa when the basenjis first arrived and the routine was a bit more labor-intensive. The basenjis have settled into an easier routine, so my workload is finally easing a bit. We will be ready for visitors to come in for more socialization shortly, to be followed by moving many of the adults into foster homes further north. I know Anne and Donald miss the kids at HCAS and are eager to work with the adults. These basenjis have some really neat personalities. It is great to see them blossoming. All of the adults will play with toys and/or each other, though the most shy of the lot will stop if they realize a human is watching...

Everyone in the nursery is doing quite well. The nine oldest pups are ready to place soon. Their ears are starting to go up again, though there is one whose ears are starting to go down again as his ears have hit another growth spurt. Now that they are getting older and bigger, I can see more of a difference in sizes. There are three "smalls," five "mediums" and one "large." There were three lactating females when they were first brought into HCAS, so these sizes may be an indication of three litters all born within a couple of weeks of each other. Koka, who was initially a very defensive mom, has become quite eager to get some rubbing and scratching. Her seven pups are very plump (Koka has an enormous supply of milk...) and are just starting to walk around a bit. They are about 4 weeks old and have an unusual variety of beautiful coat colors. Keondra was initially fairly fearful of humans at HCAS, but now accepts attention quite well. She is still very submissive towards humans and usually prefers to follow when on leash - it seems strange to not be dragged around by a basenji... Her nine pups are just a couple of weeks old. They appear to all be tris and are just beginning to open their eyes. Kenyatta's four surviving pups are doing great - against the odds! At three weeks old, they are plump with eyes wide open and beginning to stagger around. One is a beautiful tri with a fair amount of white - will she have a blue eye or two? The coats on the other three are changing.

Unfortunately, Kenyatta's pups will be forever orphaned. We had to humanely euthanize Kenyatta Saturday. She had been plagued by serious health problems for some time. Late Friday night, her vomit became very dark and foul, prompting me to take her in early Saturday. Unfortunately, one of the issues may have been ulcers. She had a rupture along her intestinal tract, resulting in waste being dumped into her torso. There was significant scarring of her tract, so much that the exit scarred shut. She was so incredibly stoic throughout her time with us. Palpations should have prompted a significant, negative, defensive reaction from her - she never even flinched. She is no longer suffering - waiting patiently for us at the bridge. My vet, Dr. Rumore, was kind enough to do a necropsy that confirmed her condition - we made the right decision. At least she received a lot of love and comfort in her last weeks. Her exceptional personality prompted more help from HCAS vet services than they can usually give to most dogs that pass through - she received their first successful transfusion! She became part pit bull, receiving blood from an ambassador pit bull named Cherry.

As always, we appreciate everyone's moral and monetary support. Anyone wishing to make a donation towards this rescue project may do so through this link.
Thanks!

Pam Hamilton
FL District Coordinator
Advisory Director
Basenji Rescue and Transport

and

Debbi Johnson
BRAT Treasurer & Director
Germantown, TN

Florida Basenjis Update 2/27/10

Greetings from Florida!

Our new babies are stars! Three news stations in the Tampa Bay already did quick little reports on the release of the basenjis from HCAS custody to BRAT. I have not been able to find links to video clips yet. Article clips are a brief, very basic paragraph. Nine pups are officially BRAT Bs, to be followed by five more today and twelve more next week. The remaining basenjis will have official custody transfer when all of the pups and nursing moms are spayed and neutered.

News Article 1
News Article 2

All of the expectant moms have whelped: one just three days ago, one two weeks ago, and one two-and-a-half weeks ago. The litter of seven pups that are 2.5 weeks old are quite roly-poly and are just starting to open their eyes. The litter born 2 weeks ago had a rough start - mom was in very poor condition (heartworm positive, wormy and with a low body weight - a body score of 2 prior to whelping) and was unable to nurse at all, but they are now looking quite round and are gaining weight daily. They all just passed the one pound milestone! They are now all able to drink from a bottle. The third litter born 3 days ago is very large. The mom is in very good condition now, but the large litter coupled with her smaller size has resulted in smaller babies. We will keep a close eye on them to make sure that no one is missing out on groceries. Currently, no one in the litter is complaining.

We are organizing pictures and write-ups for the basenjis. We will be posting info shortly and providing links in another update. Several people are contributing to this effort, providing a wider point of view and lots of pictures! Anyone wishing to make a donation towards this rescue project may do so through this link. Thanks again for all of the great support. I wish everyone could spend a little bit of time with these Bs to see just how different and special they are - the ones that are already in foster care really appreciate and enjoy their new lives. Stay warm!

Pam Hamilton
FL District Coordinator
Advisory Director
Basenji Rescue and Transport

and

Debbi Johnson
BRAT Treasurer & Director
Germantown, TN
brat-help@lists.basenjirescue.org

Adopting a Feral Basenji

Because of our experience with Sana, I've been asked by a few people to try and describe what it has been like to adopt a "feral" Basenji. As many of you know, Sana was taken from the same man in Florida who just lost custody of all his dogs. In the winter of 05/06, Sana and one of her pups were turned over to BRAT. We think that she was four at that time, and that the surviving pup was from her third litter. Keiki, the pup, came to NH, and Sana was fostered by Dana Cole until we adopted her in May of 2006. It was the start of one of the greatest adventures of my life. I can honestly say that there were times that I agonized over whether or not we were doing right by her, but I don't think there were more than a very few minutes that I felt even a shred of regret that we had added her to our family. I just never dreamed how much work would be involved, or how long it would take to see her progress.

Adopting a new dog is always a challenge, especially with dogs as unique as our Basenjis. Adopting an extremely fearful dog was a different challenge from every dog I've ever met. Dana Cole was wonderfully, almost brutally honest about Sana's behaviour, and stressed that progress with her would proceed in the tiniest of baby-steps. I was confident about two things. The first was that Bill and I could offer this wild little creature a safe, fairly quiet and routine home, and the second was that we were committed to helping her discover that life really was good. Our goal for her was that she become happy - simply that - and that she be able to relax and enjoy life. Anything else would be a bonus - we already had a dog who loved us, and Sana's life now would be all about Sana. God knows she had already paid her dues, and she deserved peace.

NOTE: Because we were dealing with one feral dog in our own home, we had the luxury of allowing her to set her own schedule and develop at her own pace with as little pressure from us as possible. And it IS a luxury - one that most foster homes may not be able to offer. There are different methods that can be used, especially for dogs in transition between their rescue and their forever homes that include a shortened timetable and more intensive conditioning. In no way do I mean to imply that there are not multiple roads to success. Everything else I say is nothing more than generalities about ADULT feral dogs learned directly from Sana and from all of the research I still do on the topic. I am not an expert, except in terms of our one special dog. Each and every dog will come with its own issues and own schedule of development!

Generalities:

-- A feral dog is hyper-sensitive to everything. Every tiny movement, every change in tone of voice, every sound from another room, EVERYTHING is a potential danger. With time, this eases, but I doubt that it will ever go away because it is exactly what was needed for sheer survival. It doesn't take long at all to learn that humans produce food and supply warm, comfy beds. It does take a very long time for an adult dog to learn broader concepts - that human touch is not only non-harmful but can actually bring pleasure, that "home" is a real place that will remain constant, that gentleness exists and will not go away and (most importantly) that the good things will happen every day.

-- By "it will take time", I do not mean that after the customary 6-8 weeks of adjustment time, a feral/un-socialized dog necessarily will be comfortable in their new home. The tiniest of baby steps are things to be celebrated - eye contact, choosing to approach even when there's no food, learning any basic obedience are huge signs of progress that MIGHT very well take months - or even years - not days or weeks. Feral animals truly are the closest things to visitors from another planet that most of us will meet. Again, they lived in a totally different world where every action and sound had to be instantly noted and analyzed, because danger could return at any moment. After about a year with us, we carefully began to refer to Sana as “extra-vigilant” rather than “extremely fearful” not only because it was a more positive description but because we were finally realizing that this was something that would remain part of her character forever. This characteristic also requires extra care in terms of protection. A feral dog will react INSTANTLY to a perceived threat – usually by bolting. It might be extremely difficult to retrieve a frightened, loose dog because every one of their instincts will be telling them to run and hide, and it’s quite possible that no stranger without a net would be able to catch them. We are fortunate that Sana, from the first day we had her, is highly motivated to stay safely in the comforts of our home, and to do her best to return there as soon as possible whenever stressed. It is actually more likely that feral dogs will incline to get AWAY from whatever frightened them, and to run, dig or climb if necessary. Bolting out a door or ripping a leash out of a hand may be a constant threat, so owners will need to be as “extra-vigilant” as their dogs to keep them safe – always and forever.

-- Becoming adjusted to a human household will come in time, with gentle routine being one of the best tools. Love, however, is an art best learned when young, and it is not a natural concept for a feral animal. Food can be a major motivation in learning the extra perks of living with people – Sana’s first true breakthrough came by way of “pizza bones” – and here again time will be involved. These dogs CAN and WILL learn to love, but they’re starting very late in terms of development, and it can feel like forever. After three and a half years, Sana will now (almost always) come to me when she feels threatened, or her leash is tangled around her legs, or she’s hurt, etc. She always sleeps pressed against me, fully expects to share any meal I eat, and in the last few weeks has finally begun to come to me to ask for petting. I know that she loves me, as well as relies on me and trusts me, and it fills my heart in ways I can’t even begin to describe.

-- Time – it all comes down to time and patience, and the desire to do it both FOR and WITH the dog. These dogs will be a challenge to even the most experienced of Basenji-folk, and many households will not be a good match for them. We all want to help in this extraordinary rescue situation, but unusual care will need to be taken in matching these survivors with their forever homes. I can’t wait to see how they’ll all be in five years or so!

I would be happy to discuss the details of our experience with anyone who might be interested. I can be reached at: bcomvp@yahoo.com or laura_whitney@harvard.edu or 781-643-5497.

Laura Whitney
Arlington, MA

P.S. Other than our usual Basenji resources, there are two sources of help I would recommend VERY highly:

1) There is a Yahoo-group called “Shy-K9s” that got me through my most discouraged moments. It is a wonderful group, even if you only read the archives. Only positive methods are discussed, the support is tremendous, and reading about professionals who are willing to spend YEARS helping dogs that they still cannot touch is humbling beyond words. These people GET IT, and I cannot recommend them highly enough.

2) Many people are not comfortable with the concept of using an animal-communicator (I wasn’t, at first) but I found that working with a communicator could give us a huge boost. It was very beneficial in interpreting Sana’s reactions to situations and helping her to know what changes and events (like travel) might be coming. I have worked with two (whose names I would happily pass on to anyone interested!), and both have been able to track physical and emotional changes at which I could only guess. One was amazingly helpful when Sana once got lost. Anyone interested should definitely get recommendation from someone they trust, because there are frauds out there, but there are people with astonishing gifts that can be of tremendous assistance. Again, I’d be happy to recommend the two with whom we’ve worked to anyone interested.

February 22 update on Florida basenjis‏

Greetings from Florida!

We are in the midst of making plans to spring the seized Wimauma basenjis from the Hillsborrough County Amimal Services shelter. Thanks to all for your wonderful offers of help! We will be in touch with you soon.Kenyatta, the mother of our bottle-fed litter, has spent the weekend with the vet, is showing improvement, but is still in a very guarded condition. Her pups are gaining weight, and most are beginning to suckle a bottle, progressing from being mostly tube-fed. Keondra, our last mom-to-be, looks ready to whelp any day now. She is even following nicely on leash and seems to be enjoying her last days without pups. Initially very distrustful of humans, Koca is begining to warm up to Pam. Her two week old pups are becoming rolly polly. Attached is a photo of one of our young puppies.There are now over 50 basenjis in the pack. Transitioning these dogs from their beginnings in a five acre field with little human contact to becoming healthy, well adjusted pets with loving families is our goal. We have been receiving notes asking about donations. Our webmaster has set up a link so that donations may be made by PayPal, credit card through PayPal or by check. We are determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be tax exempt pursuant to IRS Code Section 501(c)(3). Donations are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. We would appreciate any contributions made to help these basenjis find their way into forever homes. http://basenjirescue.org/donations/FLBasenjisDonation.asp

Thanks for all your thoughts and concerns for these basenjis.

Debbi Johnson
BRAT Treasurer & Director
Germantown, TN
debbijbasenjirescue@comcast.net

and

Pam Hamilton
FL District Coordinator
Advisory Director
Basenji Rescue and Transport
flbasenji@earthlink.net

Another Update on Florida Basenjis

It is so heartwarming to see the Basenji community pull together for these Basenjis. It may be towards the end of the week before I am able to start replying to the wonderful offers of help. We anticipated having 30 days after the court hearing on February 11 before the dogs could be released to Basenji Rescue and Transport (BRAT). The Appeals period was waived at the hearing, and ownership of the dogs is being transferred to BRAT. The Hillsborough County Animal Services (HCAS) will vet these dogs this week and possibly into the next week. So we need time to get our ducks in a row.

I spent the last week with in Florida working with the dogs and attending the court hearing. Pam Hamilton, our Florida District Coordinator, is physically working with the dogs along with the help of local volunteers who have been helping to socialize them. I am fielding the offers of help.

The Basenji Club of America (BCOA) has generously offered to provide crates. Carrie Jones is the liaison person for BCOA. I think it is wonderful that the Club and Rescue are cooperating to help the Basenjis. As you may know, BCOA is not a "hands-on" rescue organization, and does not actively participate in rescue. BCOA does, however, understand that every Basenji deserves a loving home and is in the midst of donating funds to help with the transition from rescue Basenji to beloved, well-adjusted pets. This transition is our goal. We are appreciate the help of BCOA.

We have been receiving notes asking about donations. BRAT has already incurred significant vet expenses as we have had the mothers, mothers-to-be, and their pups in our possession for a while. The pups range from 2 days old to 5 or 6 weeks. We still have one mother who has not whelped. The mother who whelped on Saturday spent several days at the Emergency Hospital. We almost lost her.

I have asked our webmaster to set up a link on our website so that donations may be made by PayPal, credit card through PayPal or by check. I hope to have that link up soon. Our web site is www.basenjirescue.org . Until we get the PayPal link set up, donations may be made by mail using a personal check or money order. Donations are tax-deductible. Our donation form includes the mailing address for BRAT and be found at http://www.basenjirescue.org/DonationForm.htm

Thanks for all your thoughts and concerns for these basenjis.

Debbi Johnson
BRAT Treasurer & Director
Germantown, TN
debbijbasenjirescue@comcast.net

Update on Florida Basenjis

(If you're not familiar with the story of the Florida basenjis confiscated in January from a private property in Wimauma, you can catch up on the story here).

Greetings from not-so-sunny-or-warm Florida!

As many of you are probably aware, the hearing was held Thursday, Feb. 11, to determine the custody of the basenjis confiscated by HCAS (Hillsborough County Animal Services). The owner did not show up for the custody hearing. The judge heard a brief review of the case, promptly awarded custody to HCAS, waived the 30 day appeal period and enjoined Mr. Holland from owning any animals in Hillsborough County. It will take a bit of time to finalize paperwork. It is currently the intention of HCAS to have BRAT take the basenjis and rehome them. More details on that process will follow soon. It will take time, money and manpower to get this unique batch of basenjis onto their new lives in real homes. Donations will be gratefully appreciated for this significant endeavor.

Debbi has spent the week running around with Pam, taking care of basenjis young and old. Mr. Holland's basenjis have gone without vetting for so long that getting all of his basenjis parasite free and healthy has taken some time. Debbi's now had the chance to experience a bit of the nursemaid duties.

I will provide a description of the characteristics and personalities that this line has. Adopters and fosters must be able to demonstrate that they will be able to meet the needs of these intense and high-level basenjis. They have neat personalities, but they are a bit like "Jolt" - a high-caffeine, high-sugar soda - lots of kick and energy.

It has been a pleasure to work so closely with a shelter to help basenjis. I hope that more shelters will work with us in this fashion in the future.

We have not yet had any news from the SPCA in Pinellas County.

Thank you all for your continued support.

Pam & Debbi