Looking to Own a Basenji? Consider Basenji Rescue and Transport

Recently, I've been searching for a companion for my four year old Basenji. She has had another dog with her all her life until we moved last year and now that the dog, my fiance, and I are settled in our home I've had full intentions of bringing another dog in. Not just any dog though. I've become somewhat addicted to the Basenji breed and would like to have another one running around the house. My search for shelters and breeders came up with little or no results, but I did stumble across a great alternative to the typical ways of obtaining a Basenji. It is an organization called the Basenji and Rescue Transport- or BRAT for short.

Basenji Rescue and Transport has a very simple mission. It is an organization put in place to help get misplaced Basenjis adopted or fostered into good homes. Even though the Basenji is an irresistible breed with a wrinkled face, curly tail, and an insatiable curiosity they are very misunderstood. They may not bark, but they are not silent. They may look cute and innocent, but underneath all that is an independent and stubborn spirit. Basenjis require a good owner with a lot of time to train, exercise, and play with them. Without all of that, they tend to instigate trouble and can become a problem for the family. BRAT takes these dogs in that are put up for adoption due to reasons such as the owner not knowing much about the Basenji, health problems, or life changes and gives the Basenji another chance at a home that will suit them. These dogs are not bad dogs, they are just dogs that are in need of a suitable home.

On their website, BRAT offers full profiles of every dog currently up for adoption. This is a great way to see if you would like to adopt or foster a Basenji. You'll find many purebred Basenjis and mix breed Basenjis ranging from the ages of puppy to senior. On the profiles you will find out the age of the dog, weight, and any diseases if there are any, along with the date their veterinary care was updated. Not only that, you get to find out little quirks about the dog to see if they would be right for you. Some Basenjis do not wake up well in the morning. Some may prefer to sleep in a crate overnight. Some only like certain foods, get carsick, or can only live with other dogs. Any question you may have about the dog will be answered in a questionnaire that the owner putting the dog up for adoption is required to fill out by BRAT. These profiles are put on the BRAT website with pictures of the Basenji and a few short paragraphs about their history. You can browse before making a commitment to adopt to see if you would like a Basenji as a pet. Just as a note though, all of the Basenjis offered through BRAT have been spayed or neutered so if you're intentions are to breed or show Basenjis, you'll need to see a breeder.

If you do decide to adopt or foster a Basenji, there is an application process. There is a form that must be completed and if you have a dog in mind and you can expect a phone interview and a visit to your home from a BRAT volunteer to make sure that you are suitable to adopt a Basenji. All these questions may seem excessive, but this is to insure that you'll be matched with the right Basenji for your home. BRAT is said to have one of the best placement track records due to their intensive interview and application process. After all, they are in place to help get Basenjis into good "forever homes". The full process could take a few months to insure that everything is in place and that you and your family are suited for the dog. If you are accepted, then you're well on your way to adopting a Basenji. There is an adoption fee that depends on the age of the Basenji considered for adoption and how far the Basenji will have to travel to get to you, but you can be sure that the money you spend will be returned in full from the love you get when your Basenji comes to you (and to keep a great organization like BRAT alive).

BRAT also offers a unique feature for post adoption care. There will always be someone there to help you through any rough patch you come across with your new Basenji. They are there to make sure that the transition for you and the Basenji is as easy as possible so that there are better chances of the Basenji staying in a "forever home".

Basenji Rescue and Transport is a great way for those looking for a Basenji to adopt one instead of going to a breeder. I know that in the near future I will be putting in an application to adopt a new friend. There is the feeling of doing a good deed helping a rescue dog by giving them a good home. Of course, if you find that a Basenji is not for you but you still want to help, BRAT accepts donations and they can be tax deductible. You can even check for your breed of choice to see if there is a similar organization for adoption... and don't forget your local shelter.

　

Sources:
http://www.basenjirescue.org/