Wily
This handsome tri-colored boy is named Wile E. Coyote, but
usually is just referred to as "Wily" because it describes his character.
For example, he is a champion counter sweeper. He has perfected the art of
standing on his hind legs, balancing with one front paw and using the free
paw to sweep anything within reach to the floor where he can get it. He has
also been known to raid the pantry, which is how his foster family
discovered that he could open cans with his teeth (and learned that he loves
mushroom soup). And being a true Basenji he loves anything paper, especially
stealing toilet paper from the bathroom.
 Wily was picked up as a stray by a Maryland shelter in the
DC suburbs. When he was rescued from the shelter his coat was matted, he had
worms and giardia. He looked so bad the shelter vet guessed him to be 9
years old. Once he was cleaned up, inside and out, his new vet estimates him
at 4-5 years old. Even so, he sometimes seems to have the energy level of a
puppy. Mornings and evenings you'll likely see him chasing his tail.
Wily has been tested for thyroid (normal) and other
conditions and pronounced healthy, though recently he was discovered to have
bladder stones. He is currently on a special diet (Science Hill sD) and has
an appointment soon to check to see if the crystals in his urine persist.
Given that we don't know anything about his past history, we hope this issue
is related to bad diet prior to being rescued.
It seems that prior to his life as a stray Wily had a home
where he learned some basic training. He knows commands like "sit," "down,"
"stay" (could use some work) and has learned how to give a "low five." Wily
could also use some work on his leash manners, but he will walk on a
treadmill for 15 minute intervals.
Wily loves to snuggle on your lap. He also can be picked
up, handled all over, and rolled over on his back for petting. Despite his
love for attention, Wily does have some issues from his previous life. He
takes some time to develop trust. He is cautious about taking treats or food
from your hand until he develops that trust. He doesn't like to go outdoors
without his humans, perhaps afraid that he may find himself as a stray
again. He resists being sent outside by himself but his fosters have been
working with teaching him it's OK to go out to potty on his own. Being wily,
he sometimes is able to sneak something he shouldn't have. You can trade him
that for some other item, but when his current fosters tried to just take
something away or grab his collar he became defensive, even nipping or
biting, though he immediately seemed ashamed of his behavior and wanted to
snuggle. Otherwise Wily is generally not food aggressive.
Wily likes to sleep with his people, though he is also
content to sleep in a crate or on a dog bed (especially if it's large and
fluffy so he can make a nest). He can be touched when he sleeps but he can
be snarky if awakened or moved from his comfortable spot.
Wily is having trouble fitting comfortably in his foster
home due to their two resident Alpha basenjis. Wily isn't willing to submit
to them and becomes defensive. He gets along fine with non-alpha dogs. He
also does well at the dog park checking out the other dogs, trying to play,
etc. though if other alpha dogs attempt to crowd him he may scream and shy
away. We don't know how he will react to cats.
Given all the information above, Wily will do well with an
experienced Basenji home that will give him the time to gain trust. His
ideal home will not have children or other alpha dogs.
If you think you could provide Wily with love, activity, and evening
cuddle-time, please read the data sheet below carefully, complete
the BRAT
adoption form (if you have not previously done so)
and contact BRAT coordinator,
Kent and Angela Munro. 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. |
