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Happy Ending Story: Makaela
 I wanted to write a success
story for you guys as I can't tell you how pleased I am with the BRAT
organization:
My Grandmother's spoken love for basenjis during my
childhood is what originally sparked my interest in the breed. As I grew,
the memories of her made me begin searching on the internet for these "barkless
dogs". I quickly found BRAT and wanted to help. I was just a poor college
student at the time and wanted to make a difference in whatever way I could.
I contacted a local BRAT sponsor that told me how I could get involved. I
made a few long drives to get some basenjis out of some less-than-desirable
situations and find them new homes. I fostered them until BRAT had a new
family all lined up for them. I quickly fell for the unique characteristics
of the breed my Grandmother had described.
 As I began to get ready to move back home in late 2004
from college, I began thinking about my parents’ giant back yard and how I
could help give a basenji a permanent home. Then, I was picking up a
6-month-old red & white BRAT rescue from a town nearby, I took her home to
foster her. It was a matter of minutes before I knew she would be mine
forever. Makaela is now about to turn 5 on January 16th, 2009. She is
gorgeous, way too smart for her own good, perhaps the most spoiled dog in
history and the biggest BRAT in the world.
 Makaela runs with me all the time and worships my
14-year-old black lab rescue to this day. She hates wet grass and cold
weather, and wants to be with company at all times. I'm getting married in
July and Makaela now enjoys my fiancé’s affection more than my own during
movie time. She has a brand new (to her) huge backyard and a house all to
herself for the time being (although that may change as we look to adopt
another dog down the road). She's fully trained and we are considering doing
some agility training for fun soon.
She has been one of the best things that has ever happened
to me and my family. My Grandmother's (Marie) death in 1996 due to cancer
was a hard thing to deal with, but each day I wake up and see Makaela Marie
sitting next to my bed and know my grandma is smiling down on us.
I couldn't be happier with my decision to help such a
wonderful organization like BRAT and Makaela, I look forward to a long life
together.
Thanks for everything you do.
Sincerely, Evan Luck |
