Like many people of my generation, I was first introduced to the Basenji by the movie, GOODBY MY LADY. I thought it would be really interesting to have one of those barkless dogs that made such interesting noises. Still it was many years before that happened. After our wonderful Keeshound, Jewel, died at the age of 15, I thought that if I was ever going to have a Basenji, now was the time. Why a Basenji?
I started looking for a breeder thinking I would have to look far and wide. Then I saw a breeder referral ad in the newspaper sponsored by the local kennel club. After contacting them, they gave me the name of a club member who lived only a few miles from me. I was totally surprised and hopefully gave her a call. She had just had a litter born on Christmas day 1994. She talked to me for a long time telling me all the bad things about these mischievious little dogs but it didn't discourage me. Dumb as I was about them, she decided to take a chance on me. I'm so glad she did. From the moment that little red and white boy (see above picture) came home with me, they have been a fire in my heart. Scout, as he came to be called will always hold that special place in my heart that only one's first Basenji can.
Scout was originally purchased to be my pet, but his breeder kept encouaging me to show him. I was at a point in my life when I was also looking for a new activity so I thought I'd give it a try. Well, I was hooked from my first show. Scout finished, in time, with a couple Best of Breeds along the way. He became CH Pocohe Safi Red Scout.
In time, 1996, I decided I wanted a pretty little show girl to join our family. As I love the black and whites as well as the red and whites, I set about looking for a breeder of black and whites. I was lucky enough to find Pat Marshall of Berimo Basenjis and L. J. Williams of Candu Basenjis.They had just co-bred a beautiful litter of five black and white girls and one red boy. In a few weeks, lovely Mica came to live with us. Mica was as sweet as she was beautiful, but she ruled the roost when it came to Scout. He obeyed everything he was told to do. She also followed a show career and along with her four sisters became a champion - CH Berimo Candu Blacque Mica.
After health testing, I decided to breed them in 2000. My first litter was born December 4, 2000, two black and white boys and three red and white girls. Heartfire Basenjis became a reality. What fun. I love nothing better than having a litter of puppies all trying to get in my lap at one time! |
