(It would be an even more odd title, for one thing.)
So, here's a glimpse of the critters who are My Inspiration for this blog, and for life in general. And Fred, who is making it all possible. Dogs first, in order of seniority (since apparently this is a Teamsters-run operation; or so they claim):
Jibini the Basenji. Registered name Hacker's Mister Bean. Almost 9 years old. Tricolor male, neutered. I have had Jibini since he was a puppy- but he'd tell you HE'S the one who has been in charge all this time. Jibini is my first Basenji. He has taught me patience, humility, and to always put the toilet paper out of reach. Jibini is a CDL-holding Truck Driver; he owned his own trucking company (Bean-Dog Trucking) from 2001-2003 and apparently had "ladies" in every town from Miami to Tacoma. That is, until he got in trouble for unpaid puppy-support and his involvement in a Colombian cocaine-smuggling ring. After his assets were seized, I got my CDL and occasionally let him drive- as long as he behaved himself. Jibini has kept his nose clean (pun intended) for the better part of 4 years now; he is maturing into a dignified older gentleman and has even grown out of his habit of eating underwear.
Tana the Basenji. Adopted from Basenji Rescue and Transport (BRAT) Almost 4 years old, former puppymill breeding female. I have had Tana for about a year and a half now. She was scared of her own shadow when I adopted her; she has fully blossomed and is now a playful, confident dog. She is tiny for a Basenji at only 14 pounds- but she is feisty, fast and tough- having "asserted" herself to both Jibini and the much-larger Chloe (see below). Tana is the best "snuggle-dog" out of all 3, and conducts herself as if she were a princess. If she were human she would wear designer clothes with a diamond tiara, have a perfect manicure, and would be hiding a switchblade in her stocking, ready to disembowel anybody who looked at her cross-eyed. :)
Chloe the Australian Cattle Dog/Basenji mix. Also known as The Abomination. Frighteningly intelligent; I've been formally warned by Homeland Security to keep this dog away from military bases and nuclear power plants. Chloe was adopted from a shelter in Connecticut where she was picked up as a stray. She came to my attention through an online friend who knew I was familiar with Basenjis. Chloe was energetic, neurotic and frustrated living in a kennel and it was evident she needed the "right" home. Knowing the traits of both breeds & fully aware of the potential NIGHTMARE that the "wrong" combination of breed traits could create....I agreed to take her. (Of course I'm crazy, I have Basenjis.) Initially I agreed to FOSTER her, and she was flown to Omaha (4 hours away from me) so I could bring her to my home. Within a couple weeks it was apparent I was going to KEEP HER. She is intelligent, affectionate and tons of fun. My house is hairier, my carpet is vacuumed much more often and my ass is forced up off the couch twice as often to keep The Cattledog well-exercised. I love it. Seeing Chloe's potential and watching her blossom has been more motivation to pursue my goals in South Dakota. I plan to take her for a Herding Instinct test soon- perhaps she will prove to be the City Cattledog who realizes her heart's desire :).
And I can't forget my "better half", Fred....Jibini insisted he be listed last because he's not a Teamster (we are both card-carrying OOIDA members thank you very much). Behind the scenes, he's the main one keeping this all together while I am in the learning phase of becoming a dog trainer. Financial, moral, emotional and mechanical support. He also lifts heavy objects, blows the jake brakes for me on his way into town, and prances around naked when necessary. Everything I could ask for in a man. If I know him (and after spending the better part of 3 years living with him in a truck, I think I know him fairly well) he won't be at all offended at being included with the "dogs" post in this blog. He knows how much I love the dogs & he should also know I love him at least 10 times more ;)
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