Vinaka Basenjis

Here is a brief history about our "Basenji beginnings": 

Spring 1996:  Dennis and I adopted our first Basenjis – Sunset and Triumph.

Little did we know what was in store for us and how our lives would be changed forever from that point forward.  We had no aspirations for our two “new” dogs, and simply wanted them to be our much loved family pets.  Yet, we were drawn into the camaraderie of the Basenji community around us, and soon became involved in showing, lure coursing, obedience, and agility – all thanks to numerous patient and caring mentors and friends.

Dennis’ favorite cliché for Basenjis is “you can’t have just one.”  Well, we couldn’t have just two . . .

Spring 1998:  We adopted our third Basenji, Cairo.

Spring 2000: "Another color" was calling, and we adopted our first black/white Basenji – Echo.

Fall 2001: We took on the responsibility and challenge of breeding.  We bred Cairo and kept two of her puppies - Tiffany and Pierce.

Fall 2004: We bred Echo, and kept one of her pups, Atlas.

Summer 2007: We bred Tiffany and Atlas, and were surprised with a three-color litter (red/white, black/white, and tri).  Turbo, a black/white male from that litter, is staying to live with us and the rest of the pack.

Late Summer 2007: We jumped at the opportunity to test all of our dogs for Fanconi Syndrome with the new DNA marker test, and were thrilled when all tests came back as "clear/normal."

Where we go from here is an unknown.  What is certain is that we love this breed and cannot imagine a day without the antics of our “kids.”  They have taught us to always keep a sense of humor, have made us stop and smile on those most hectic days, and have given us the proverbial unconditional love only a canine can give.

We are members of The Basenji Club of Southeastern Wisconsin (past Vice President and Board Member), The Route-66 Basenji Club, and The Basenji Club of America.

Copyright 2009 Cathy Trautman

Website question or problem?  Please contact us.

Photographs may not be used without written permission; lure coursing photos by Shot On Site.