The Search for Our First Basenji

  
The Miller family decided that a basenji was the breed for us.   My search for our puppy boy began in the Spring of 1997.  During this time frame, we attended several local AKC dog shows to watch the basenjis, their behavior, and talk to owners and breeders. 
 
We decided that we wanted a red & white male. 1997 was also the year most breeders that I contacted were having more bitches in their litters and only 1 or 2 dogs. I was becoming very discouraged, as either the dogs were already sold, promised, or were other colors. 
 
After months of dissapointment, finally in November of 1997, I contacted JoAnn Warren of Rikwen Basenjis who had whelped a litter on September 21st. This litter consisted of 2 bitches and 4 dogs. The puppies were 6 weeks old. 
 
When I called JoAnn to inquire about a puppy, she was very nice and politely raked me over the coals, screening me to be certain that I "really" knew about basenjis, and that I was aware of their destructive tendencies. She also told me that basenjis were not for everyone, and they did not act or behave like typical dogs. (boy is that an understatement)
 
Michelle and I visited JoAnn 2 weeks later to see the puppies. I had never seen basenji puppies before. For a first timer, "it was love at first sight". This is where I really fell in love with this breed. 
ALL breeds of puppies are cute and adorable. BUT, in my opinion, basenji puppies are the MOST ADORABLE puppies of any breed. 
 
We watched and played with the puppies for about 1 hour. This is when Boone caught our eye. He was the cockiest of the boys and pranced around with his little head stuck up in the air. Michelle and I looked a each other and simultaneously said "that one".
 
"What's in a Name"
 
Even before our search for a male basenji puppy began, my daughter Michelle and I were jotting down names for our prospective new family member. Human parents start thinking of names when they are going to have a baby. So, why not for a new basenji puppy. 

 
One Sunday we were cleaning the family room and I was dusting the bookcases. I happened to notice a title of one of the books, "History of the Boone Family". (My husband is descended from Mary Boone, who was Daniel Boone's sister). 
 
When I saw the name "Boone", I immediately turned around to my family and said, "Boone, what a great name for a basenji boy". They both agreed.
 
 
 
 
"Life with our First Basenji Puppy"
Just look at this cute, adorable face. Would you believe that this sweet looking puppy was really a demon in disguise? Actually, Boone was like a little red tornado going through the house. Even things that we thought he wouldn't or couldn't get to, "he did." 
This behavior lasted until, well.......... 

Well, at least our puppy boy had a name. In a sense, historically he is like a "Daniel Boone". He is curious, fearless, likes to explore strange new places, and ready to take on any bear that might come into the back yard. 

This dog was a handful, and been a learning experience in Basenji 101. He was the epitome of the traits of the breed; sneaky, clever, stubborn, destructive, disobedient, cute, playful, loving, and adorable.