Digo
 Digo
is an older, quiet tricolor basenji. He does not have the 'mask' of the
typical tricolor but has a color pattern resembling a cap. He is being
fostered in Mattoon, IL where he has lived since he and many of his mates
and offspring were rescued from a small puppy farm. Digo is easy to handle
and completely non-threatening, but remains very shy. He seems to enjoy
resting close to my older male poodle (see photo at left) and gets along
well with him and my female basenji, though he does not play. He will
snuggle with people once he becomes acquainted.
He allows me to catch him and put him where I want,
generally in his crate or outside but will not yet come when called. He
understands the meaning of treat and when he goes into his crate at bedtime
he turns around to see what I will give him as a reward. His crate has a
nice soft dog bed which he has made no attempt to destroy, however when he
was boarded he ate a chunk of a sleeping bag and zipper, and a toy. He
required surgery to relieve the obstruction that followed and has since
completely recovered. Digo has never been destructive or chewed the
furniture.
Digo is very observant of all activity around him but
remains shy and wary. He is complacent when handled to examine his teeth, or
feet, or belly. He will walk on a leash with gentle encouragement. He is
almost completely housetrained but does not ask to go out. When he gets up
from his resting spot on the sofa or easy chair I ask him if he wants out
and go open the door. He will go from the kitchen to the porch, then thru
the pet door to the fenced yard to potty. When he wants back in, he sits in
front of the door but has yet to scratch to get my attention. I just watch
for him to be ready to come in.
 While
boarded at the kennel with the other 11 basenjis in his group, Digo was
observed to initiate the basenji 'group sing' in the early AM and a couple
times each day. His deep soulful 'rooo' could be distinguished from the
higher pitches of the other basenjis. Now he whines when he is crated and
wants my attention, but he sings less often.
Digo is just beginning to learn what it means to live
indoors and be a family pet. He will likely do best in a home with a female
companion to show him how to enjoy life and that it is not necessary to be
afraid. A placement with another male of a non-dominate nature and breed
will be considered if they can meet beforehand. He seems to have a non-alpha
personality but I will not place him with another male basenji.
A foster-to-adopt placement will be considered to
determine if he is a good fit. Foster-to-adopt provisions include signing a
foster contract and giving a deposit to BRAT to hold until the adoption is
completed. If the placement is not completed the deposit is returned. A
decision regarding the completion of the adoption would be expected in 3 - 4
weeks. BRAT reimburses for vetting and a crate during the foster period.
If you would be interested in providing a home to Digo with love, activity, and evening
cuddle-time, either for fostering purposes or as a forever home, please read the data sheet below carefully, complete
the BRAT
adoption form (if you have not previously done so)
and contact BRAT coordinator,
Bill and Elizabeth Newton. The coordinator's link will take you to a form that will
ask you your name, e-mail address, the city and state you live in, why this dog is perfect for your family, a
typical day in your household, and, if applicable, how you plan to
transport the dog. |
