Coming home is the best

Roxy greets me after work every day with a baroo, just like her brother, Iggy. This is major progress. Until May, she had never made a sound, except for that terrorized howl she gave when having to be boarded at the vet during her heartworm treatments. It is such a happy sound, and makes me know that Roxy really did belong in my family. I can't wait to walk through the door each evening to hear her welcome me to HER home.

Another great month

Roxy continues to blossom. She's playful (actually fetches a ball!) and so sweet. She craves the outdoors and long walks. What I've noticed lately is just how soft her fur is getting. When she first arrived, her fur was so spiky that we could hardly touch her. I think over time it's just going to get softer. She and Iggy are creating a very close bond--and my pack is happy!

Roxy smiles all the time now...

...and so do I. She is such a joy and wonderful addition to my family. She continues to exhibit a full basenji personality. Her energy is unbounded. I still wonder who could have let her get away and leave their family. I can't imagine my life without her.

What a blessing

I struggled with whether adopting Roxy was in her best interest, but her happiness this past week has erased any second thoughts I might have had. She is revealing her "all basenji" personality with all the good and bad that that entails! And I love it all. At age 8, she's quieter than a younger basenji but she still has loads of energy--and she's still a morning dog (I'm a night person!). I've gotten her to wait until 5:50 a.m. to start bugging me to get up, though I keep hoping I'll get the extra 10 minutes when the alarm goes off.

Roxy is now proving to be such a comfort to me in ways I could never imagine. I have had some unexpected orthopedic problems which may take months to resolve. I had a brief surgical procedure on Tuesday and was confined to bed Tuesday and most of Wednesday. Roxy didn't leave my side. She stayed with me and slept at my head (her spot) showing the loyalty and love that I knew she would give her forever family. I am just so lucky it's me.

I am sad that the looooong walks are on hiatus once again, this time for my health issues, but I am doing my best to make her glad she chose me for her family. I can't imagine life without her.

She's mine!

I came home today to find the adoption papers from BRAT in my mailbox. Roxy is mine! She's mine forever. It is so amazing to read back over this blog and see the change in my baby. I cannot believe it's been only five months. It feels like she's been mine forever. I hope she feels that way. I will post new "baby" pictures soon.

She chose me!

I have come to understand that ultimately it was never my decision, but Roxy’s decision. And what I discovered this past week is that Roxy was doing her best to tell me SHE was adopting me. So on this Mother's Day 2009, in addition to a fantastic day with my children who live in town, I completed the adoption papers for Roxy. I can't believe she's going to be mine forever. What a great day!

Failing Fostering 101

There's an actual term for my feelings right now: Failing Fostering 101. Where the foster mom ends up adopting the precious rescue. I am not totally there yet, but I have to admit, since I've acknowledged these new feelings, there is a growing conviction to keep Roxy in my family. And before she came to us, I was in the process of trying to find a female basenji as a playmate for Iggy.

So why the hesitation? Because I honestly believe I've got to choose what's best for her in this whole situation.

I think my attachment is growing, though, because while I haven't mentioned this yet, Roxy developed a lump that was discovered when she went back for her final heartworm checkup. It is a lump on her chest that wasn't there even the day before. All very suspicious and we've been watching it closely.

I couldn't stand not knowing, thinking it might be something horrible, so today I took her in for a needle biopsy. It is only a lipoma--a fatty tumor. I am so relieved! But Iggy was out of sorts again that I took her away, and she was so happy to get home this afternoon. She's back on my bed watching me type. She doesn't go far from me at any time.

Perhaps, as some of the foster advisors are saying, she's choosing me. I've got some heavy thinking to do...

She yodeled!

I just got home from work, yes a bit late today, but since I no longer have to crate the dogs, I don't feel so bad when I have the late evenings. They have the run of the house and behave themselves quite nicely. But Roxy let out the most beautiful yodel when I walked through the door! It's a first. I've experienced the woeful howl when left at the vet, but this was the pure unadulterated joyful baroo that Iggy occasionally blesses me with. And I got a full wiggle and jump to go along with it. It melted my heart. Roxy continues to give me her full trust.

This morning Iggy joined her in one of the crates to relax, the first time he has sought her out to lay beside her in a VERY long time. He seems to be enjoying her company again. I think he was tired of her being sick, but she has so much energy and is so playful now, I think he's happy to have her around again.

I have to admit, I am struggling now. Should I be selfish and adopt her myself? Should I go ahead and post her for adoption? I think I will be seeking the counsel of my wise BRAT network. I had not even considered adopting her until this turn of events. She seems to like us a lot.

I have to admit, I am struggling now...

A Cajun at heart--well in the stomach at least

Saturday, we had terrible storms. It started raining hard and I had the door to the garage open (but not the garage door!). Roxy went into the garage, but wouldn’t come in no matter how many times I called. Later I figured out why: we had had crawfish for lunch and she had torn the entire garbage bag open and had feasted on crawfish heads! She’s a street dog, no matter how hard I try to reassure her that she's safe and has a steady supply of meals! She loves digging in trash cans.

She is continuing to reveal the sweetest personality--and is becoming very playful. She is seeking me out for ear rubs, putting her chin on my knee every time I sit down. A real turn of events; the trust grows stronger each day. I am so proud of her.

She was completely amazed and amazing

Roxy couldn't believe it when we kept walking and didn't stay in the yard this morning. But she figured it out pretty quickly--the long walks are back! She went a full mile, sniffing every yard along the way.

A complete bill of health

Roxy was pronounced completely heartworm free today! She is well and looking great. I will be getting ready to post her on the BRAT website, www.basenjirescue.org so that she can find a forever home. This precious baby deserves the best. Sometimes I wonder if I should keep her myself. She has brought such joy into my home. But I believe that she would be happiest in a home as an only dog or a home with smaller dogs. She is fascinated by small dogs and is so gentle with them. I want to give her the opportunity to have a home that is the best fit for her.

We are celebrating today. It's been a long journey but today, Roxy is healthy. The long walks begin again!

Greeting the day with joy

When the alarm went off this morning, Roxy came bounding in to my bedroom ready to greet the day. She was all wiggles and jumps. I wish I could describe the complete change in this precious baby. I can honestly say, she is happy. Each day in a stable environment helps her understand that she is finally safe, and she is rewarding me with her trust and revealing the full depth of her sweet personality. I know she is saying, let's get to those long walks again. I am healthy. I am ready.

She goes Wednesday to the vet for a final round of bloodwork and I am confident that Wednesday evening I will finally be able to say, Let's go for a walk! If I think I've seen her fully joyful, I bet Wednesday evening will take it to a new level!

Roxy has started my week off on a great note.

April 24

Roxy spends the day at the vet getting one last oral dose, the final stage of heartworm treatment. I am so thankful she's done so well. She'll go back next Friday for two blood draws, and I am confident this is the end of the process. She looks amazing and acts like she feels great. I am looking forward to working her back up to those long walks she enjoys so much.

Four months

Roxy has been with me four months today. It's hard to believe. In some ways, the time has flown by. But when I reflect on these four months, I realize she has experienced more change than many dogs have in a lifetime. I cannot believe how much we've packed in to those 120 days.

She's gone from living on the streets emaciated and alone to adjusting to life in a house with another basenji and a foster mom to difficult and at times, debilitating, heartworm treatment to a healthy, safe, precious little lady.

It's been an incredible journey. It's been life saving for her...and life changing for me.

Last day of the pills

Roxy and I are celebrating the last day of her steroids! I didn't think they affected her this round as much as the last round where she was so sick, because this time she seemed to have much more energy and she never got sick. But as I've weaned her off from a week of full tablets to a week of half-tablets to a week of quarter-tablets, I have noticed a huge difference!

Her full personality is back. She's that sweet, energetic basenji that I had right before we had to start the Heartworm treatments. She is not self-crating as much--except when she wants to escape all the hectic activity in the house. She is going outside in the backyard and laying in the sun. She is following me around everywhere I go. It is good to have the full Roxy back!

She has one last round of oral meds on April 24, then a week later the final bloodwork where I am expecting her to be pronounced fully healthy. Then we'll start those looooong walks again! I know she's ready; I am ready!

Another great weekend

Roxy continues to blossom. I can see it in her eyes. I can tell she is feeling so much better. She actually wagged her tail when my children came for Easter dinner. This is the first time she has ever wagged that curly tail! She gains confidence daily. We had a great weekend. I am counting the days when the vet pronounces her completely healthy and I will be able to post her for adoption. She is going to make some family a great companion.

Iggy is found!

My precious boy, Iggy, has been found! Two girls found him in the subdivision next to my daughter's townhome complex and took him to the LSU Vet School, where we had registered him as a lost dog. They called about 1:30 p.m. today. My daughter didn't tell me, but brought him up to my office. I was in the middle of a call, yelled, "They found my dog," hung up on the caller and celebrated.

He is none the worse for wear because, as it turns out, the girls found him about 11 p.m. and had their friend keep him in his apartment last night. It was reported he slept under the covers and ate well. So much for a basenji adventure! Typical Iggy--using his charm and good looks to worm his way into a posh situation. I am so grateful for their willingness to take him in and to treat him so royally.

Upon their arrival at my office, I immediately picked up the phone and at 4 p.m. both Iggy and cousin Oscar, the mini doxie, were at the vet being microchipped. Iggy slept most of the afternoon but is now back to his old self, digging in the trashcan at last report...

I am grateful to the many prayers, advice and offers of support that came from my wonderful family, my dear friends and the incredible BRAT network. I would not have survived those 30 terrible hours without each of them. It's good to know there's someone to depend on when you are most vulnerable. Iggy and I are blessed to have them in our lives.

I understand it now

I've been blogging about how I couldn't understand how someone could lose their precious dog and not find it. I understand now. My other basenji, Iggy, got loose from my daughter's house. He's not wearing his collar. She let down her guard for just a second and in that split second, he was out the dog door and under her back fence. He's been with her at Camp Condo, as we call it, getting extra exercise while she was on spring break. He was getting a little chubby as he helped me put weight on Roxy!

We've searched and searched. It's been over 18 hours. Only one sighting. He's in a very populated area with lots of condos, townhomes and homes. Lots of fields and ditches and woods. It's like he vanished.

We've plastered the area with posters, run an ad in the paper, posted on craigslist, talked to people like pizza delivery men and the postman. And driven and biked the area over and over and over.

I'm on my way now to talk to joggers. It's spring break so a lot of the area is deserted (college area) for another four or five days. It was suppposed to be 35 degrees last night. I am beside myself with worry. Didn't sleep; kept thinking about him all alone outside thinking no one cared enough to find him.

My fears: he'll get hit by a car on one of the busy streets; someone will find him and keep him since he has no collar; someone will find him and think, how could someone lose this dog and not do anything to find him.

I understand it now. It happens in a split second and despite your best efforts, you can't find your precious baby dog. I will NEVER give up looking.

An interesting observation

My daughter and I traded dogs while she is on spring break. Iggy has gone to stay with her and hopefully lose a few pounds running up and down her stairs and running longer distances with her. He's gotten quite chubby. I am keeping Oscar, her mini doxie, who I kept for the four years she was at college. He has dropped four pounds since going back to live with her. So, yes, I admit it, I am a soft touch--which is why Roxy has gained weight! But she is not remotely chubby at 21 pounds. And I intend to keep it that way.

So Oscar is here, and Roxy's personality has blossomed. She loves small dogs! She slept all night on the bed with us. She is sitting again on the couch. She is following him around everywhere.

It occurs to me that maybe Iggy is too alpha for her, and it keeps her somewhat subdued. I plan to keep an eye on that when Iggy comes home. But it is another great insight into what kind of home will be best for Roxy. At first I thought she should be in a home as an only dog, because she seemed happiest in one-on-one situations, like the day I drove her around to give her some outside time (still no long walks). But I think now, that homes where there is no particularly dominant dog will be a great placement as well. This will open up more possibilities for a great forever home. I do know that a quieter home--older children, an adult who is home more than me, would be a great home. She loves children and while she is active, especially loooooong walks at least twice a day, she is most comfortable in quieter environments. I grow more confident every day that her forever home and the hearts of those in it are being prepared to take her in.

One week checkup is a success

Roxy is doing very well. She had a one-week checkup to assess her health after the last two shots. She looks great and is actually looking like she feels like her old self again. She has much more energy than she did after the first round of HW, which is difficult on me to keep her quiet, but I'll take the energy and sweet spirit over sad eyes and lethargy any day. She seems to have put the two-day vet visit behind her and really seems to be happy again. She did shake a lot when we went to the vet, but because nothing was done to her beyond an assessment, we didn't have the unhappiness that occurred after her overnight stay. I think the steroids are making her hyper rather than sick this time. Even the vet commented on how much energy she has.

I finally feel like we're on the last leg of this incredible journey. She will have one oral dose of meds in three weeks, then one more week of rest and the vet should be able to pronounce her cured. I am thrilled because I will then be able to offer this precious baby up for adoption into a forever home. It's the goal we've worked on for these past three-and-a-half months. I see nothing but happiness from this day forward.

And today is the beginning of another great basenji weekend. Though she can't walk and get overly excited, I have no work this weekend, so we'll have lazy days in the sun and lots of tummy rubs.

Breakthrough!

Roxy came in at 3:30 a.m. and slept on the bed at my head again. It was good to have her back! She's sitting on my bed watching me type. She's made it a great morning!

Starting over?

Roxy's two-day visit has given us a bit of a setback. You can see it in her eyes. The sadness is back. She is not as trusting as she was. I feel like she's regressed to where she was about one month into the fostering. She has quit sleeping on my bed--or even coming to visit me in the early morning hours. She won't jump on the couch or stay on the couch if I put her on it. She won't sit by me when I sit on the couch. She just self-crates.

Part of it is likely the heartworm treatment and how she feels, but it makes me sad to think that's she's lost some of that comfort level she had. I know patience and consistency will bring her back to the point she was before, but it saddens me that we've lost the gains we've made with her. She deserves nothing but happiness in her life.

Roxy is home

Roxy is back home, a little worse for the wear. When I called to check on her yesterday, the vet said, she's fine and she yodeled when we came in to see her. I couldn't believe it! She has never made any sound since coming to us. So then I worried that she doesn't make noise here because she's unhappy and she must yodel there because she likes it there. But the vet assured me that she yodeled because she missed me. (Even if it's not true, what a great vet!)

Well on the way home from the vet, she let us know that she did indeed miss us. And it wasn't a happy yodel like Iggy occasionally blesses us with. This was a full-out sad howl. I've never heard such a noise! I am posting it because it is so funny, but I hope it won't scare off any potential adopter! Trust me, this is the only time in the three months she's been with me that any sound has come from her!

So she's home. She's tired. She is resting quietly on my bed. This was tougher on her body than the first round. I am so happy to have her back. Another month of TLC. She's spunky and determined. I know she'll come through this in fine form. Thanks to all who follow the blog and keep her in their thoughts and prayers. It does make a difference. In both of our lives.

Terrible weather

Severe thunderstorms all night. All I could think of is Roxy at the vet, alone in a kennel with no one to comfort her. I hope she wasn't afraid. I hope she understands it won't be for long. I will call this morning to check on her. And rest assured, I will be there at first light Friday morning to get her!

When I took her yesterday morning, she knew something was up. The only times she is in the car alone is when I take her to the vet. For the first time, she crawled under a seat and stayed there until I arrived and coaxed her out. She went without a whimper or a struggle as she always does. She will willingly and obediently follow anyone and do as she is told. She is the most easy-going dog I've ever known.

My daughter says she'll be a greater Starter Basenji for someone! I like that--she will definitely spoil a first-time basenji owner. They will think all basenjis are this easy. But the fact is, she will bring nothing but pleasure and joy to her forever home.

Round Two

Thirty minutes left of hugs and tummy rubs. I will cherish each second...

One last good day

Tomorrow is March 25 and Roxy will go in for the next round of heartworm meds. It's a two-day affair this time: one shot Wednesday and one shot Thursday. She will stay at the vet until Friday--the longest she's been away from me. It will be hard knowing she's going through what she's going through. I probably won't sleep much the rest of this week.

So we'll make today one last good day. Lots of hugs, kisses and tummy rubs. While I believe I'm doing it for her, I know I'm really doing it for me.

Good days

Roxy seems like her old self. I think as she is weaned off the Prednezone medicine, it's helping her feel better. She is much more animated, and actually came back to sleep on the bed last night. It's been a week since she's done that.

I took her for a drive in the car Saturday just so she could get out and see something different (the "no long walks" part is still really hard for me!). She rewarded me by chewing up my umbrella that I keep in the car. She wanted me to know she's feeling much better these days!

We have to start the process all over again on March 25 when she'll go in for two days of shots, but this brief respite where I see that she will eventually feel better is a bright moment for me that will help see me (and her) through the next round, which I fear will be harder on her (and me).

I just keep focused on the ultimate goal: a healthy, happy Roxy with a forever home.

Update on Roxy

Roxy was much better this morning, though she is still staying in the crate except to eat. I called the vet, who assured me that this was just a typical part of the treatment. He said if she continued to eat and keep it down, then I shouldn't worry--beyond how much I am worried! So I'll just take a deep breath, continue to give her tummy rubs and stay the course.

Rough Saturday

Roxy was sick all day yesterday, unable to keep anything down. She is very quiet and has self-crated herself, something she hasn't done since she first arrived at the house. I am really worried, wondering if this is a normal part of the heartworm process, or if she's reacting poorly. She is very quiet today, but has kept her breakfast down. She won't leave the crate. I will call the vet tomorrow to see if she should go in. Until then, I'll just keep a watchful, restless eye on her today. Poor Roxy. There's a long way to go before this is over.

Seven weeks to go

Roxy had a one-week recheck with the vet today. She's doing well. She still has to limit her activity--almost an impossible task with a basenji. Her spirit is still so strong! One of the BRAT volunteers suggested lots of chew toys and it does seem to be keeping her occupied. It is still hard to leave her home when I walk Iggy. But I know it's the right thing to do. Only seven more weeks if all goes well. March 25 is the next hurdle--two more shots of the heartworm medicine and two nights in the hospital. It will be the longest I've been without her in my home.

Now the hard work begins

Roxy did well with the first heartworm treatment. We sure missed her while she stayed overnight at the vet. Iggy was really put out that I took her away and didn't bring her home.

Now the difficult work begins. I have to keep her quiet with little walking--just outside to do her business. It breaks my heart. She lives for the walks and spends most of each early morning, trying to coax me from bed to walk. She did not understand walking to the front yard and then back inside. She did not understand when I crated her and took Iggy for a longer walk. The treatment has not slowed her down in spirit or in body. She wants to play and run. This is going to be very hard, because it's for two months.

The danger, I've learned, is not so much the medication they give her, but the aftermath. As the heartworms begin to die, they break into little pieces. Raising her blood pressure through exercise or rough play can cause the pieces to enter her lungs for some really nasty consequences--including death.

I will ignore the look in her eyes because she doesn't understand why she no longer gets the long walks. It is for her own good. But it's breaking my heart.

I still cannot believe that someone could have let this happen to Roxy. How do you just let a dog leave your life without making taking efforts to find her? I do believe she'll survive this--yet another difficult time in her life. I do believe there is a home ready to love her forever. Hopefully this is the last challenge she must overcome.

Vet visit today

Roxy starts heartworm treatment today. Say a little prayer for this wonderful baby. She has already been through a lot, and while this will make her well, I hate that she has to go through it. She will spend the night at the vet so a few last hugs before I take her over.

Big weekend

Roxy had a full weekend, the last weekend before she starts heartworm treatment on Wednesday. Two days roaming the dog park. Long walks through the neighborhood. Two visits by cousin Oscar, my daughter's miniature dachshund. The full spectrum of Louisiana weather--so warm that I mowed the lawn and weeded the garden; the next day a roaring fire to keep us warm. Roxy loves the fireplace! These are the dog days of winter!

Every day's better and better

I realized this week that Roxy has made remarkable progress. She is totally at ease in my home and she continues to share her wonderful personality. She loves to have her ears rubbed and is gaining more confidence in letting me hold her close--though not for long periods of time. She really doesn't like being confined. But she will sit beside me and let me rub her ears for as long as I want. She also loves tummy rubs--what basenji doesn't?!!

Her absolute favorite activity are the walks we do each morning and afternoon. She spends every morning trying to coax me from bed before the alarm goes off. She prances and jumps and runs in circles as we ready for the walk. It truly gives her joy to be outside and active. I worry about the heartworm treatments that begin next week. I've been told that she will have to limit her activity greatly. I don't want to lose the great momentum we have, but her health is the utmost priority at this point. I know she will miss those walks. Until then, I am trying to give her as much exercise as possible and build all the good muscle we can. I noticed today that she is not nearly as bony--she is filling out beautifully. She is a precious joy in our home.

Video Star!

Roxy's story was followed by another BRAT volunteer who has put together a video about Basenji Rescue and Transport. Please visit the link to see the stories of rescue. Very heartwarming--and my Roxy is featured!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3syuRI1ruoU

Her new favorite spot

Roxy has adopted my bed as her new favorite spot. Which means, of course, that she is now consistently sleeping on the bed at night. We've made an entire week--still above the covers, but snuggled up against my ribcage. I figure since we've made seven days, this must be a forever thing. When she wants to get away from it all, she goes to the bed to hang out--I guess it's quiet. It's all good!

A sad day at BRAT

Today BRAT volunteers learned that a rescue being transported got loose and was killed instantly in traffic. It is a sobering reminder of why it is important to keep basenjis in an enclosed area, but the loss is heartbreaking for all who love innocent animals. My heart goes out to the two volunteers who were doing their best to improve the life of this animal. There is a sadness in my heart I can't explain; I never even saw a picture of this dog that was lost. But I do know that the circumstances that bring these animals to the foster homes are most often because of neglect, abuse or unknown reasons (like Roxy). How sad that he did not get to experience the best of what humans can be. I do believe he's in a better place and running free and happy.

I came home from work and hugged my babies a little harder tonight.

Lazy Saturday

I woke up at 6:30 with the sun streaming through my blinds. At the end of the bed was a basenji, sitting erect, watching geese flying by my house. But which basenji? The sun was coming in so the features were shadowed and I couldn't tell if it was Iggy or Roxy. I watched for a bit and the distinct mannerisms finally gave it away--it was Roxy. She is looking that good! Her profile is no longer one of an emaciated, forgotten dog.

We're off to Dick Russell's pasture to run for an hour, then to the dog store to buy her a real collar. She is so active now that the harness is beginning to rub a sore on her chest. I don't want this girl to have a moment's discomfort. And given the harness incident last week, perhaps a collar is better now that she has put on weight. When I first got her, I was afraid her neck would break with the slightest tug--she was so thin.

We'll top the day off with a bit of yardwork--perhaps Jeb, the beagle, will come play with us. Then another visit to the dog park. A basenji day all around!

Heart stopper

I found out Roxy does have one trigger--getting in a situation where she feels confined. She wrapped herself around a telephone pole on this morning's walk and absolutely panicked. She managed to completely unharness herself and take off. My heart literally stopped! Fortunately she is very fond of Iggy and ran right to him. I was able to catch her within seconds (though it seemed like an eternity).

It's one thing to have all the proper ID on her harness should she get loose, but this was an eye opener... I am going to have her microchipped as soon as possible. I figured she was a runner...which is probably how she got lost in the first place. I know she's not a snuggler. Something in her past makes her very uneasy in confining situations. I mostly felt bad because she was out of sorts all morning--very upset. We've made so much progress; I don't want to cause her any bad memories.

As with most dogs, however, this afternoon is another moment, another opportunity to go forward. She's in good spirits; she's bright eyed and energetic; she's rarin' to go.

A true basenji

Roxy's progress is amazing--the fear in her eyes is completely gone, replaced by that mixture of the wisdom of a multi-centuries old breed, curiosity and impishness. She is completely at home in her foster environment, and proved it in true basenji spirit today: by chewing up a pair of my sweat pants and finding the toilet paper roll in the bathroom (and all that results from that!). It was a very basenji day. How can you get mad at that???!!! :) It's not like it hasn't happened before with Iggy...I just look at this as more proof that she's happy and adjusted.

The results are in!

Roxy weighs 19.5 pounds. That's a weight gain of 5 pounds in a month. Now as women, we know how that can happen, but for Roxy this is a very good thing. Her vet visit was very positive. She continues to gain weight and x-rays and blood work showed a minor heartworm infection. She will be treated and hopefully have a full recovery. The vet has her on antibiotics for a month, then will treat her with the heartworm meds over the next two months. By April I am hoping she's completely well and ready to find that forever home. Somewhere out there, someone's heart is getting ready to love this precious little girl.

Tomorrow's the day

I just received a call from the vet's office reminding me about Roxy's checkup scheduled for tomorrow. As if I could or would forget...

Tomorrow's the day. The day I find out if she's gained enough weight. The day they x-ray her heart and draw more blood to determine the extent of her heartworm disease. The day I find out if she can be treated. The day that determines the next phase of her life. As if I could or would forget...

This day has been weighing heavily on my mind since Roxy came into my home. My hope and prayer is that she has gained the weight she needs, that she can survive heartworm treatment, that she can be healed to find a forever home. I hope you will join me in that prayer.

Tomorrow's the day. As if I could or would forget...

Basenji wrinkles

Roxy is now displaying a few basenji wrinkles on her forehead. When she first arrived, she was so thin--really just a mohawk and bones--that she didn't have any wrinkles on her forehead. Now that she's put on some weight, her forehead wrinkles are starting to return. It just adds to that sweet personality to see her wrinkle her forehead when she is curious or alert. I love those basenji wrinkles!

First time away from Roxy

I had to travel Wednesday and Thursday and my daughter and her fiance watched Roxy and Iggy. Roxy had no problems being "boarded" over the two days and seems to be adaptable to whatever the day brings. I have yet to see her react in a negative way to any situation she is placed in. What a sweetheart! Why isn't someone searching high and low for this beautiful girl? Why aren't there full-page newspaper ads announcing she is lost? Who could have let her just disappear without leaving a hole in their heart? I can't imagine the Roxy I know not being missed terribly by someone. I rushed home last night at 10 so I could give my babies a big hug. The joy in their eyes and the excitement in the wag of their curly tails is reward enough for doing what I do every day.

Yea!

So it's 12:20 a.m. on January 13 and I am working late on my laptop in my bed, editing documents with a couple of co-workers via email. Roxy has joined Iggy under the covers. Iggy was none too pleased at first and started in on a growling whine, but I really think he just enjoyed the sound it made. He didn't act too upset to have her share the space, but he really seemed to enjoy the noise he discovered he could make. So this is a lucky 13, because for the first time ever, Roxy has come to sleep in my bed before 4 a.m. AND she is under the covers for the first time. Granted, she's near the pillows for an easy escape, but progress is progress. I'll take every small success I'm given.

Another great weekend

Roxy must be training me for a marathon...Today she went two miles with Iggy and me. (I usually gauge our distance by how tired I think she's getting). We went a mile to a nearby school with an enclosed fence around the entire school. It sits on about 10 acres total. She and Iggy ran for 30 full minutes unabated. But in true basenji spirit, she wasn't interested in Come, when it was time to leave, so I got to track her over the entire school campus until I finally cornered her on the other end of the school. Now who's tired?!!!

Another delightful morning

Roxy continues to surprise me with her progress. This morning at 4:45 she came into my room and pranced and jingled her collar until I figured out she must want to go outside to the grass. Not at all. She went outside, but what she was really trying to tell me was that she was lonely! I put her up on my bed so I could grab another hour of sleep, and she settled down at the foot of the bed and slept atop the covers until the alarm went off. Now I know if you don't like dogs on the bed, you are probably horrified by this whole entry, but for me, it is another sign of how bonded she is becoming to a family environment. I don't know if she'll ever sleep under the covers, but on the bed with Iggy under the covers nearby is a major event!

Then after our morning walk, she and Iggy engaged in their first indoor Basenji 500. The course was rather small, but challenging nonetheless. Around the coffee table, up and across all the couches and chairs, then repeat about a bajillion times (that's Texan for "alot") It was so fun to watch.

I went to work one happy foster Mom.

Two dogs might just be more fun than one!

One basenji is a blast, but no one told me that two basenjis are double the fun! These two are really enjoying one another's company. Roxy continues to blossom and show her full personality. She is getting stronger each day and her energy level is a thousand times better than the day she arrived. It is hard for me to believe looking at her as she wrestles with Iggy, that she has heartworms. It is hard for me to believe as she runs and jumps and plays, that she has heartworms. It is hard for me to believe as she has filled out and exhibits boundless energy, that she has heartworms. Her next vet visit on Jan. 21 will tell the full story: a chest x-ray and more bloodwork will determine the next steps for this precious baby.

As our days get longer, I am making it home from work with some daylight left, so now our evening walks are much more interesting. Today was the first time we went to the lake in my neighborhood in daylight. Our last outing around the lake at 6 a.m., Roxy went full tilt into the water chasing something. She was none too pleased to get her feet wet! So today, I think she enjoyed seeing the lake and interacting with all the smells and sights to be experienced. Lots of joggers were just icing on the cake.

So my final Roxy surprise today was this morning, when she brought me a stuffed animal to throw. This is actually a first in my household on any level--Iggy has never done that. She fetched it six or seven times before Iggy figured out he could interrupt all the action. Basenjis are so easily distracted, aren't they?!!?

Roxy's weekend

It is such fun to watch Roxy blossom! Saturday I took the babies to Dick Russell's property to run. Dick Russell is a well-known trainer in Louisiana and holds Saturday "Socialization Classes" where anyone can bring their dogs to interact with other dogs. It is on about 3 acres of fenced pastureland. For me, it's a much larger dog park setting than we can go to during the week.

Roxy had a blast. She ran and walked the entire hour. She played with dogs of all sizes and temperaments. She was a perfect lady. I find that the more exercise she gets, the happier she becomes. I guess we are all that way!

Roxy has adopted one spot on one couch to relax on when she doesn't sit in her crate (which is less and less now). I will let you know that she waited to be invited to get on furniture before she started sitting on the couch. She fell asleep there last night while I watched my Colts lose to the Chargers (another time, another blog...) but I decided to leave her there to see how she would do through the night. While I did leave the door to her crate open in case she wanted to go there, she slept the entire night on the couch and woke up so energetic and frisky! She went a full mile with Iggy on our morning walk today.

Today Roxy continues to engage Iggy in play and they are sitting side by side and sharing their space together much more often. Roxy is revealing herself as a gentle, sweet, loving and playful spirit. I know her future is bright.

A breakthrough day

Roxy woke up with a real basenji demeanor this morning. Her eyes reflect total relaxation and happiness. She started doing typical basenji activities: countersurfing, digging in the bathroom trashcan (it was empty!) and even ran a bit at the dog park. SHE engaged Iggy in roughhousing in the living room, though it was short lived. I think eight years old versus nearly four is a mismatch. Iggy wore her out quickly. It is becoming apparent that she will be comfortable in almost any household, but a quieter household with less active dogs will probably be best.

At the dog park today she interacted with some older children there and did just fine. She also loved the two chihuahuas that came. I'm posting some new photos of today's outing. She is such a pleasure and I just pray she'll continue to gain her health.