The Start of Dee's Basenjis

1991 - After the tragic loss of Tabby, our beloved Doberman mixed. We decided to get another family dog. I wanted to go to the local animal shelter and adopt another mixed Doberman, but my husband wanted to find a purebred. We purchased an all breed book and began our research. My husband found the Basenji and loved them. He showed it to me, and after reading about how destructive they can be, I said NO, NO, NO WAY ARE WE GETTING A BASENJI !!

1992 - Here we are, on our way from Medina Lake to Papalote, Texas to purchase a 6 month old Basenji. I am riding along in the car thinking, what are we doing? a Basenji ? Have I totally lost my mind?? Maybe we won't like him at all !!

We arrive at Papalote Basenjis, and there he is, a red male "Senji's Holiday Edition of Papalote." I finally see and interact with a real live Basenji, so cute and funny, all the negative thoughts were gone, I loved him!!

So now we are on the long drive back home and all these mixed emotions are running through my head, WHAT JUST HAPPENED ? Didn't I say NO BASENJIS ?? Oh, but he is so cute and irresistible !!

Then it happened.... one day we ran down to the local store, 10 minutes tops, got home, opened the door, and there my couch was, all over the floor in a million teeny tiny pieces. Senji sitting there looking at us in the middle of it all, like he had no clue what had gone on there. I was fixing to spank his little rear until I looked into his eyes, that look, those eyes, my heart melted. What is it about a Basenjis eyes??

After that we bought him many, many toys, put them in a box in a corner, and he would play with them and put them back when he was done. Not that he was trying to help me out in keeping the house clean but, only to be stingy, yes stingy, because in the mean time, I LOST MY MIND AGAIN ....

1993 - Now here we are driving to Houston to purchase a little Black & White puppy. Now this time all the same thoughts plus more are running through my head, what are we doing? The puppy thing all over again, oh no !!

So here we are driving home again with our beautiful little "Kamina's Star-Light Express" who pooped all over our son before we got a 1/4 mile down the road.

The first litter - We were so excited when Kamina conceived. I couldn't wait for the puppies to be born. I had never seen a newborn Basenji. Now it was time, poor Kamina, her first litter, my first litter !! I had done my homework, purchased everything I possibly could need, and was prepared for pretty much anything.

The first puppy makes its way into the world, Kamina looks at it, then looks at me like you wanted it, it's yours !! So here I go tearing the bag, cutting the cord and cleaning the puppy. Kamina laid down and nursed the new little bundle of Joy. 3 more puppies followed and she took care of the bags, umbilical cords and the cleaning all herself.

After that, every time Kamina had puppies, that first puppy was always mine, after I cleaned it up, she would take care of it. By the Grace of God, to this day, we have never lost a puppy, all have been healthy.

Kamina was the best little Basenji I ever owned. Never ever tore up one thing. She had the best personality, was a great mother, and would love and nurse puppies that were not even hers!! Her motherly instincts were so strong, she would lay down and dry nurse any puppy that latched on to her.

When Senji unexpectedly passed away, Kamina would stick her head out the doggie door and cry for him periodically all day long. She was lost without him. It broke my heart and I would cry right along with her. That is when I first realized Basenjis form extremely strong bonds with their mates. Even after we purchased Dexter for her, the bond was not as it was between her and Sinji.

The puppies are such a joy to have around the house, to watch them grow and change, their ages and stages. I can love them and spoil them. It's such a wonderful and happy time of the year !! Until it's time for them to go to their new homes. Then I wonder .....Why do I do this? Why do I intentionally put myself through this pain year after year? Am I absolutely sure all my puppies have gone to good homes?? God, please keep all my puppies safe.

After the puppies have settled into their new homes and I starting getting updates on them I am so thrilled. The pictures and stories, I just love !!

We since moved from our lake house to a farm close to Beeville Texas. Enjoying the country living while raising Basenjis and livestock.

So this was how it started and I fell in love with the breed. Sometimes I wonder how it would be to have a calm, laid back non chewing kind of dog around here, but then again, It wouldn't bring the laughs and joys of a silly Basenji.