| Doty-Simms |
| We are Janis Doty and Joe Sims Here is our 'story' about our little dog Kenny. In 2003, my husband Joe and I moved into our first house and were just getting used to the responsibilities of home ownership. One night on the evening news, it was reported that over 150 basenjis had been rescued from the home of a former show breeder. Like many others in the Kansas City area, we contacted the rescue group and offered our help. Unfortunately, we couldn’t foster any of the dogs because they needed extensive rehabilitation, and our lack of experience with basenjis kept us from being able to provide a home for them. We talked to our contact at the rescue group and let her know that we were ready to help out in any other way that we could. Joe transported one of the dogs to Des Moines, but there was little else we could do. While the rescue group was busy finding homes for the dogs in need, another dog became available: Kenny. Soon, we were talking to his owner and the next night welcomed Kenny into our home. He was just too much of a handful for his previous owner, a single mother. |
| Oh sure, we had researched the breed. We knew what to expect: chewing, ignoring commands, chasing anything that moves. But I’ve wanted a basenji since I was 8 years old and read a story about the ‘barkless dog of Africa.’ I remember the dogs’ names were Osiris and Isis, and even though I can’t remember what the rest of the story was about, I remember those dogs. When we adopted Kenny, he was a rambunctious 10-month old. He crowded us off the bed (how can a little dog take up so much room?) When he managed to figure out how to unlatch his kennel, we were expecting destruction and mayhem, but other than a couple of couch corners and every stray sock he can get his teeth on, he’s been pretty good. We took him to obedience training, and he passed (we were lucky that day!). Not much has changed in the last four years. Kenny knows several commands, but choses to ignore most of them unless there is a treat involved. His favorite pasttimes are napping and sleeping. He is usually in bed by 8pm, and we have to literally drag him out of bed in the morning. All of our friends are jealous that we get to sleep late on Saturdays. |
| We joined the Show-Me Basenji Club because we wanted to connect with other basenji owners. Kenny is not a 'show dog' in any sense of the word (he's altered, his tail isn't as curly as it should be and he's got a crooked tooth!) but meeting the other club members has reinforced that idea that these dogs are part of their families. We are glad to be welcomed into the club, even though our participation has been very limited. We enjoy meeting other 'basenji parents' and watching our new friends compete in Kansas City-area dog shows. And even though we ask way too many questions, we appreciate the advice and suggestions we've received. Anyone with a basenji or an interest in the breed would benefit from joining Show-Me Basenji Club. Adopting Kenny is the best mistake we’ve ever made! |
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