| May 10, 2008 the Show-Me Basenji club teamed up with other area all breed and specialty clubs to host an AKC Canine Experience Educational Match and the American Royal in Kansas City. These events are put together to educate and hopefully encourage people to participate with their dog in AKC conformation and performance events as well as a huge emphasis on Jr. handling. There were grooming stations set up, handling classes given, agility and obedience demonstrations followed by a fun match. |
| We had four members attend which included Larry& Eva Birch & Karla and Tina Rehnfeldt. We set up our grooming area with other hound fanciers and prepared to greet the public. We had a slide show presentation put together featuring basenjis competing both in conformation, agility,coursing and obedience but did not bring a long enough extension cord to plug it in. <g> Thanks to Tina we did have a photo album and scrap book available. We set up an X-Pen to allow the basenjis to be visible. We had a representative present of 3 of our 4 colors, a tri being the only color not available. Unfortunately no one showed up with a basenji but we did get to introduce our breed to several who stopped by to visit. |
| I am not sure how many of you have had the opportunity to spend much time with our red boy Tucker. If you have you know what a sweet boy he is and this will not be surprising. We were approached Saturday and asked if we had a Champion with us that a little girl could borrow for Jr. Showmanship. Larry and I said, Yes, Tucker who by the way loves kids would be perfect. Kailey was 9 years old and had never done this before and when she showed up ringside with Tucker.... We heard Good Grief Guys you got her a BASENJI! Larry said relax it will be fine he is a good boy. Tucker behaved himself like the gentleman he is and won over the skeptics. He gaited like a pro and we all got tickled at one point, Kailey would position his legs, he would correct them she in turn would put them back and after realizing she was not going to take the hint left them where she asked. He looked a bit bulldogish at one time. There was a collective intake of breath all around the ring when she laid her lead across his back and took both hands and positioned his rear legs. Tucker stood perfectly still and looked around the ring like give her a break guys she's just a beginner. He was a perfect ambassador for the breed and did all of us basenji owners proud. When we got ready to leave Kailey came running over and asked if she could please give Tucker a hug goodbye. Who knows maybe someday we will see her in the show ring with a basenji of her own. |
| I hope should we ever get a similar opportunity that we are able to have more members present and take full advantage of this wonderful outreach. Eva Birch |
| AKC Canine Experience |
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