The story goes that TJ is allergic to most animals and this includes dogs...for me this a big problem as I grew up with them and need them in my life. Any how there are a few breeds that he could put up with and the Basenji (Tut's breed) was one of them. They are typically warm weather dogs that are very low allergenic because they shed minimally and don't have a saliva or dander problem. I had never heard of them, as most haven't, but TJ knew the breed as one of his high school friends had one. I told him I didn't care much what kind of dog we had as long as we could have one. So after the 2005 national championship game in Chattanooga, TN between UNI and App State (sadly UNI lost) we stopped off in Atlanta to take a peak at him. Of course we thought he was amazing and took him home with us (him and all the doggie delights per Pet Smart). I was driving and Tut curled right up in TJ's lap and relaxed the whole way to his new home! Here is a photo of him playing with his former favorite toy "Frog" the night we got home.
That was him three years ago...and this is him today at the ripe old age of almost 5...
Even though he has aged a little bit, he hasn't lost his puppy attitudes, and by puppy I mean naughtiness. Being naughty is certainly his deal, but it makes him funny! He is certainly an interesting dog and brings the entire family such joy. Just ask my mother...sometimes she misses Tut more than me! Through the years he has gained many nick names, Roo has been the one that sticks, but Naughty, Stinky, Tutter, Baby, and others have also been mentioned. We call him Roo because sometimes he does this thing where he digs...carpets, beds, back seats, and while gardening...and the only reason we think is for attention. Any way so we coined him Roo. Here is a video of TJ, Tut, and I in our bedroom in Augusta shortly after we got him. The video shows off his nick name, naughtiness, and of course me with bed head and no make-up. Enjoy!He is a funny little guy! I should mention that even though the breed is unique there are some things to know about a basenji. First, they are not like your average dog. They are more cat-like, and have strong personalities. This breed is dependent upon the dog as to whether it would be good with kids or other animals, so make sure you do your homework before getting one. They do not bark, but are not quiet as they yodel and sound off a bit...but are extremely clean. Tut cleans himself before bed at night, and also whenever he feels dirty. He will also attempt to clean others if he feels they are dirty. For example, Ellie (my mom's dog) had an eye that produced a lot of sleepy stuff (she is half blood hound so this is normal). Tut felt it was his responsibility to keep it clean. Also, our dog is very social, but most are rather aloof...so don't be offended if you come upon one and they don't care about you. And they are fast! I love watching Tut at a paw park as he usually out runs every dog there in a game of chase.
We adopted Tut from his breed's rescue, and went through somewhat of a process including a home visit. With this breed especially it is important to understand the breed for you and the dog. Why? We were Tut's fourth home. He started with a breeder who abused him and then took him to the pound. The next was a family on a chicken farm. FYI you can't have a basenji on a farm with active animals...he is a sight hound and a hunter and will kill them on instinct. Then he went to a single red neck man in south Georgia who hit him and Tut bit back...that got him a first class ticket back to the rescue. And now he has finally found a permanent home. I can only be thankful for his experience with moving as it has been easier for us to take him to new places...he has already been to two other countries besides the US and will soon visit another! It took a lot of training and lots of love, but he has come full circle!
We love our little guy, and for those of you who want to know more you can contact the BRAT rescue at http://www.basenjirescue.org/. There are pictures and bios listed.
Thanks for letting me share our 3 year anniversary with you! Auf Wiedersehen!
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