The Rip Van Wrinkler, Volume XIV, Issue 1, February 2010

Page 15 <previous page next page>

Hillsboro County, Florida

Photo from Tampa Bay Online

January 7th, 2010

January 8th, 2010

from Debbi Johnson,

Pam Hamilton has been visiting the Hillsborough Animal Control Services
(HCAS) as often as possible. These dogs cannot be released to rescue until
legal issues are resolved. It may take up to two months. We appreciate all
offers of help.

Many of you have sent messages to Pam volunteering to help with the
socialization of this group at HCAS. She is working with the staff on
procedures so volunteers can start visiting the dogs. Animal Services
recognizes the need for these dogs to have extra handling and socializing
that is beyond the capacity of the available staff.

Due to the unexpected volume of responses and her frequent trips to HCAS,
Pam has been unable to respond to all who want to help. She will get back
with you as soon as she can. Those who have not contacted Pam and wish to
volunteer should send her an email with the subject "Hillsborough Basenji
Socialization" to help her to organize responses. Her address is
flbasenji@earthlink.net .

Thank you for your concern and interest in these basenjis.

Debbi Johnson
BRAT Treasurer & Director

Here is a brief update regarding the Hillsborough County Animal Services

(HCAS) confiscated basenjis from Pam Hamilton in Florida:

The basenjis are settling into the shelter environment. While some still shake and others hide under cots, more are choosing to lay on their cots and are beginning to watch people walk by in a more curious manner. Though the breakup of family groups was stressful (and the HCAS staff could not be sure of who was "family" to whom so, for safety reasons, felt that all but the youngest basenjis needed to be placed in separate kennel stalls), the separation of the basenjis has increased their interest in humans. HCAS staff has been observant of the basenjis' reactions to normal kennel activities (cleaning, etc.) and are doing their best to minimize the impact of the activities. The extra care and concern shown by the staff seems to be helping the basenjis. I have found that the basenjis are responding better than I expected to my interactions with them. They are still a very quiet group, squeaking if they are surprised or scared (a puppy reaction) or giving a little grrr to display their discomfort. There has been no barking that I've heard in the group.

Observations of some individuals suggest that these basenjis are the result of just three that were brought to the Wiamauma property in 2007. This may not be true, since it does appear that more than three are more than just a couple of years old. There is likely significant inbreeding that has lead to the appearance of recessive and rare traits that appear in many of the basenjis in this group. There is only one that looks "different" with ears that are basenji-sized, but have a strange, thickened feeling all of the way to the tips and, perhaps as a result, are flopped over like a Jack Russell terrier. The end of the tail is hooked like a basenji (keep in mind that very few in the shelter are keeping their tails curled up regularly, since they are still adjusting) and she has a reasonable basenji face with basenji wrinkles. This dog looks quite old, with a fair amount of white age flecks. No other basenjis in this pack look like they are related to her. There are certain characteristics that this group has, and it does look like there are at least two family groups. While many are at the large end of the basenji size spectrum, there is a family group that is definitely a bit smaller. There are one or two basenjis that look like they were involved in a few arguments (one of which is a bit thin), but, generally, the group looks relatively unscarred. Most are in very good weight.

The mamas are, as may be expected, looking a bit like they need more groceries since they are still nursing. Huge amounts of food are provided by the shelter.

 

We will provide an update on the SPCA-confiscated basenjis as soon as we have one.

Thanks again for your concern,

Pam Hamilton, FL District Coordinator, Advisory Director, Basenji Rescue and Transport