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Likes: Chewing! GREENIES! FRISBEE!!! WALKS! Running free! Watching/chasing Skwurls!!! Watching Animal Planet...And *love* (^o^) most of all!
Pet-Peeves: CANCER! MAST CELLS! Sugar cleaning my ears, first meetings with other dogs, being stuck inside, esp. alone. Vacuum! BATHS! The Airline Crate! Feeling left out that my tail doesn't curl like other Basenjis >:o(
Favorite Toy: FRISBEE!!! Anything furry that squeaks!! Empty "carcasses" from de-stuffed critters. I can't help myself. Kong BALL filled with kibble!
Favorite Food: Canidae (esp the biscuits), Royal Canin Dental, sushi treats occasionally--mmmm...salmon sashimi! Liver snaps (I like to catch treats in my mouth...after many years of practice 1-2-3!!!).
Favorite Walk: Has to be back home, running free, in Big Sur! But anywhere will do. Let's just go outside, where ever we are!
Best Tricks: Understanding the English language...you humans are so simple...but I LOVE you! Frisbee (did I mention frisbee?), dancing, roll over only for Dad, singing along when Mom sings "How Dry I Am," (oh, that is so brutal...I am trying to tell her to stop!)
Arrival Story: I used psychic powers to wake up my human and tell her to go to the SPCA. She woke up and immediately headed over to pick me up, after many months (years) of waiting for just the right time. Adopting a pup is NOT a decision to enter into lightly! She had obtained permission from her landlord AND her workplace...I was allowed to come to work with her!! But I digress! I was named "Cage 22" back then. She chose to meet me, instead of a Jack Russell pup she saw at first glance (actually she was looking for a male Min Pin to name "Heathen"). She had really wanted a Basenji for about 10 years, and had studied the info well. She knew about our destructive tendencies (when bored and under-entertained, under-exercised, that is). Well, I winked at her and charmed her instantly. We, then, went out on the lawn to get acquainted with Aunt Leslie too. We just sat, very calmly and hung out. You know...found out we were on the same wavelength. Aunt Leslie asked, "You're taking this girl home, aren't you?" I jumped up and literally gave my new human a hug around the neck when she said "YES"!!!
Off I went, 16 weeks old, small enough to fit on my new mom's lap on our ride to my new home in Big Sur. We rode up a dirt ridge road which soon became my daily 2 mile run each way, sometimes several times a day...man, I was so buffed out in those days.
Mom caught on that it wasn't too bright to let me sit in her lap as she drove, as I was going to get bigger...and it wouldn't be too safe to let me be in her lap at any given moment while driving!
We lived in an old, customized schoolbus, under the redwoods, with no electricity or toilet, but we had running water, nature, privacy and quiet, and a great landlord who had a great family (and let mom use her bathroom! WHEW!). I was able to run with a pack of good friends and chase deer and squirrels. I learned not to mess with horses and llamas. I also became sworn enemy to that masked marauder...the raccoon! Man, those were the days...sigh.
When Mom took me to the vet a few days after coming home for a general check up and to arrange for my spay (Yes, we are VERY pro-spay/neuter!)...well, I should let her tell you in the Tails of Devotion page herself. Let's just say "MISDIAGNOSIS" and the vet told her I had distemper...and didn't have long to live. I knew then, when Mom sat crying outside on the steps...when she promised to always stay by me, she meant it. We have weathered a lot of storms together. Right now, we are waiting for the result from the biopsy. An earlier lump aspiration came up as having mast cells. So my Christmas wish is to have stage one cells with clean edges...and, of course, no more lumps appearing. It takes what it takes to be healthy. To all my new and old friends from near and far, thanks for all your love and support!
Bio: Well, back to my bio...when I was about a year old, Mom fell in love with a very special guy and I immediately could tell he was the one for her. People fall in love with *me* all the time, but when I saw it in Mom, Uh OH! THIS WASN'T PUPPY LOVE! At first I was wary and standoff-ish to this male human. But then I succumbed to his charms too, and we were soon to become a family.
We moved away from California (I miss you Aunt Amy, Clovis, Grady, Gus---hubba hubba!--, and Aunt Suzy!). We became world travelers (riding under the plane sucks. Airlines are size-ists...dang Chihuahuas have all the luck!), moving to Texas, Germany, DC, Japan and back again!
We adopted a new member of the family in DC, an 18 lb tiger tabby cat named Sugar. I have a thing for cats, love them, cry and whine 'til I get to play! Well, mom and dad thought I would like to have a sister. The first few days I thought, "Wow, this is cool, they brought me a friend to play with!"
When I realized she was here to stay and that I would only receive half the attention (or so I feared), well, I have cooled down on the affection factor towards that feline let's say. But she is my *huge* little sis and I will protect her, and I do love her, but dang....
So now are back on the East Coast and we are going to be having more adventures with a best bud Lilly again soon! (Xena? Daisy?) I have many more stories, and am quite fluent in English as you can read (thank you for taking dictation, mom, as I dont have the proper digits for typing), but I won't keep you any longer.
We should be outside in the fresh air, and signing off of the dang 'puter anyway. I know the sound of signing off and live for the sound, I live for the sound! Get off the dang computer and take me outside!!!! DAAAHROOOT!
Forums Motto: Cysts BE GONE, for RIO! CYSTS BE GONE! Dogster Local Spots I've Marked: Telegraph Road Animal Hospital, Annapolis Dog Park AKA Quiet Waters The Groups I'm In: "DOGSTERHOLICS", ****Trouble-makers Anonymous****, .:.School Fur Graphics .:., ♥All Fur Fun♥, 'Calling all Z's!', AnimaLimpix 2008, Alpha Dog Anti-Squirrel Brigade, Blankets for Babies, Adorable Adoptees, Basenji's Rock, Home Cooked Food and Recipes, K9 Comedy Club, Little Bit Land, LIVING with cancer, Monkey Business, OKI Pets, PARADISE, President Isabel's Animal Abuse Commission, Squeaky & Fuzzy, The Pound Puppy Project, The Secret Pet Agency {S.P.A}, ~~~*♥Dog Park USA♥*~~~
The Last Forum I Posted In: Need Help Chanting with Rio!
Most Memorable Bathroom Break: Finding a tiny patch of grass outside Narita/Tokyo airport after a flight! WHOOOA that was a looooong trip! Pawpaw, you are my hero!
Favorite Homes: Big Sur for its wild beauty and freedom/Germany for its dog-friendly attitudes! Restaurants where waiters bring you water and treats, rides on the subway and train...ah! Bloom where you are planted!!
It's another round of Love Tag! I've been tagged by Lyle, who is one handsome devil...incredibly photogenic. But it isn't all about looks for him. He is also quite the author, and Little Bit told me once, he wants to take on the world of politics! LYLE FOR PRESIDENT!!!
The rules are easy: tag three of your pals and write why you tagged 'em! Direct them to your diary for the rules. That's it!
1) Two for one: Empress Mimi and the Sweetest Girl, Molly. These ladies are always up for an adventure, and are so loyal and loving right down to the bone. They have reached out over and over again, while my mom hasn't been the best at answering calls, we hope that our rude phone manners will be forgiven. We adore this pack!!!
2) Muffin... need I say more? Muffin is a love muffin and instantly reached out to all on Dogster and shared that gigantic heart stored in that tiny little Yorkie body. She is a fellow cancer survivor, and she and I know that girls with scars are not only tough cookies, but darn sweet too!!!
3) Jena!!!! You have been a trooper sharing your boyfriend, Fred, with another girl. Fred is doing wonderfully in his new home and sends his love! Jena is another cancer survivor and not only tough and sweet, but quite the adventurer too! Have tennisball, will hike the world!!! MMMMWWWHAAAAAAA!
So much love to share and not enough rosettes or time!!!
XOXOX
Zoe Dingo
By: Washington Humane Society Director of Animal Behavior and Training, Kevin Simpson
1) Heat Exhaustion – Heat exhaustion can occur in a dog when the dogs body temperature rises to a higher than normal level. This is especially prevalent during warm weather conditions and/or when over-exerted a dog becomes unable to fully regulate her body temperature. Breeds, such as Pugs, are more susceptible due to their smaller air passageways and should be monitored closely for symptoms during these conditions.
2) Never Leave your Pet Unattended in a Car – Even during mild seasons, temperatures in a car quickly soar to extreme levels making it impossible for a dog or cat to regain control of its body temperature. During the summer months in less than just 5 minutes the temperature in your car can reach 120 degrees. Our Humane Law Enforcement Officer’s have been working around the clock to rescue animals left alone in cars in these warm temperatures. Don’t put your pet at risk of a heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
3) Burnt Pads – Pavement can burn the pads of a dog’s foot, especially early in the season when pads are less calloused. When taking your dog on a long walk it’s a good idea to lift up their feet to check their pads for cracks and burns. Dogs with light-colored pigmented pads are more susceptible to burns than dogs with dark pigmentation.
4) Sunburn – Dogs exposed to prolonged periods of sun can develop sunburn on sensitive areas of their face, ears, and abdomen. Dogs with light pigmented skin and short coats are especially vulnerable and should be protected from long exposure to the sun. Sunlight reflected up from sidewalks and sandy beaches can also burn abdomens where skin is less protected by hair. When taking your dog out for a long walk consider applying sunscreen to your pet’s vulnerable burn areas. Many pet stores now carry specially formulated sun block for dogs that will help protect them from harmful UV rays.
5) Proper Hydration – Water helps regulate body temperature and similar to humans, our pets’ bodies are primarily made up of water. Water keeps tissues moist and transports essential nutrients throughout the body. Dehydration occurs when water intake does not match water expenditures. A 15% decrease in water and electrolytes can even cause death. Keep your pets hydrated by always having several full bowls of clean, fresh water available to them at all times.
6) Coat Maintenance –A dog’s coat acts as an insulator from cold temperatures during winter months and from heat during the summer. To help regulate body temperature, dogs with undercoats will shed their coat twice a year with the change of the season. With regular brushing and grooming you can help them remove excess dead hair and keep them comfortable year round.
7) Parasites – During the summer months your pet has more exposure to mosquitoes, worms, ticks, and fleas. Regularly check your yard for standing water and protect your pet from parasitical infestations with treatment available from your veterinarian.
8) Allergies – Just like people, some dogs and cats are more sensitive to the pollens associated with spring and summer. Be observant to any changes in your pet’s diet and behavior and check with your veterinarian should any changes occur.
9) Securing Screens –With the nicer weather approaching many of us will open windows to let in fresh air. However, unsecured-screens in open windows can give way, allowing your pet to escape from the house or worse. Since cats and dogs alike are attracted to the scenic view and pleasures of open windows, frequently check the integrity of screens to keep your pet safely indoors.
10) House Temperatures – During the hot summer months be certain to keep your pet comfortable with climate controlled temperatures when you leave for the day. Body temperatures in cats and dogs naturally run higher than that of a human, so keep them safe; keep it cool.
We are not on Dogster as often as we like due to a family health emergency... and life! Know that we appreciate each and every message, rosette, star and bit of love! I wish we could respond personally to each and every one but it is just not possible these days.
Remember you are in our hearts and prayers, even when we aren't online!
Love,
Zoe Dingo, Fred Astaire, and Sugar
XOXOXOX
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