Requirements for Axl’s and Nalah's new home:

• Basenji-savvy home is a must;
• You must have a securely fenced yard with non-climbable fence;
• No air travel;
• Home with no other dogs preferred. If other dogs are present, a meet-and-greet will be required prior to adoption approval.

If you meet these requirements, read on …

Axl and Nalah are an adorable red and white mother and son duo with lots of love to give! They were found playing in traffic (yes, in traffic!) and were luckily scooped up by a kind-hearted stranger who, despite having never met a Basenji before, figured out what they were and reached out to us. They are currently being fostered in Southern California. 

Thanks to microchip information, we know that Nalah is about six years old. Axl’s age is unknown, but the vet estimates he’s no more than two and a half.

These two love human interaction. Their tails wiggle with joy every time you say their names—whether it’s the first hello of the day or the fifteenth. They soak up attention from anyone and everyone, including visitors, and especially love neck scratches and affectionate pets.

Axl and Nalah adore each other’s company—playing, cuddling, and even choosing to nap together in a shared crate (even with the door wide open). They are crate-trained, great with people of all shapes, sizes, and ages—including kids—and are gentle and easy to handle. Axl is a bit more independent; he’s happy to be picked up but prefers to return to the ground sooner rather than later. He will hop off your lap when he’s had enough, but right back for more pets when he's back down.

They are currently being kept as a separate "pack" in their foster home, as they haven’t quite warmed up to the other resident Basenjis. Axl shows some potential to be more social, but Nalah is clear about her boundaries and prefers to keep herself and Axl to themselves. They’re very bonded, and when separated, both experience anxiety. Because of this, we are seeking a Basenji-savvy, dog-free home where they can stay together.

Axl and Nalah are playful and active, but also know how to settle and relax. Like all Basenjis, they need secure spaces—they’d likely dart out an open door if given the chance. They’re not destructive, but they do have a quirky dislike for hanging towels. Apparently, towels belong on the floor—but hey, at least they don’t chew them!

Health-wise, both did great at their vet visits. They’re now fully vaccinated, and their coats, which were a little rough when they arrived, are already softening and filling in beautifully with good food and care. They know basic commands like Sit and Stay and are overall very well-mannered, though they might benefit from continued training in their new home.

If you're looking for a loving, entertaining, and inseparable pair to fill your home with joy, Axl and Nalah could be the perfect match.

If you think you could provide Axl and Nalah 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 the BRAT coordinator, Sabina Knight.

The coordinator's link will take you to a form that will ask you your name, email 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 Axl and Nalah.

There is an adoption fee of $475.00 for Axl and Nalah. This fee is used for the extensive costs associated with vetting and otherwise caring for Axl and Nalah and future Basenjis in rescue. BRAT adopters receive a dog that has been spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, treated for fleas and internal worms if necessary, DNA tested for Fanconi syndrome (dogs under 10), and heartworm tested. Our dogs get recommended dental work. When indicated, we test our dogs for thyroid deficiencies. They are also temperament evaluated. In addition, BRAT provides free lifetime post-adoption counseling to help deal with behavioral or health issues. Finally, we provide a free lifetime identification tag connected to our "lost dog" toll free number.

ABOUT THESE BRAT DOGS
Dog's name: Axl and Nalah
Dog is currently in: California
Birth date: Axl unknown (est 2021-2022) | Nalah 12/02/2018
Gender: Axl Male | Nalah Female
Color: Red and White
Weight: Axl 28.4 | Nalah 26.5
Neutered/Spayed: Yes
Tattooed: Yes
Micro-chipped: Axl No | Nalah Yes
Identification Information: Tattooed small line in groin.

HEALTH INFORMATION
General health information: Both dogs appear to be well-fed, healthy, and energetic.

VACCINATIONS AND MEDICAL TESTS
DHLP: Yes
Parvovirus: Yes
Rabies: Yes
Rabies certificate: Yes
Coronavirus: No
Bordetella: No
Lyme Disease: No
Fecal: No
Fecal test comments:
Heartworm: No
Regular heartworm given: No
Urine tested for Fanconi: No
DNA test for Fanconi: Both dogs are carriers
Other tests: No
Other regular medication: No
Other medical issues: NA

EATING HABITS
Eating schedule: Unknown
Type of food: Kibble
Brand(s) of food: Purina One (doctored up by foster for added flavor).
Begs for food: Unknown
Food dislikes: Unknown
Favorite foods: Unknown
Feeding instructions: Been eating kibble well.

TEMPERAMENT
Temperament description: Very sweet, love to be pet and scratched.
Lived with children: Unknown
Likes children: No issues with children noted.
Lived with cats: Unknown
Likes cats: Unknown
Lived with dogs: Unknown
Likes dogs: Defensive with other dogs at home.
Prefers men or women: No difference
Likes strangers: Yes, very friendly
Nips (playfully): None noted
Bites (in anger): None noted
Crate trained: Yes
House broken: Yes
Destructive indoors: Possible
Destructive outdoors: No
Dog is a climber: Axl unknown | Nalah yes
Dog is an escape artist: Can be, given the right circumstances
Easily startled: No
Wakes up grouchy: No
Rides well in car: Yes
Gets carsick: No
Rides in crate: Can ride in a crate or not.
Yodels: Unknown
Screams: Unknown
Dog sleeps where: Either in very large crate together, or with humans in bed (they go to the crate if things are too chaotic for them).

If you are interested in Axl and Nalah, please use our coordinator contact form, to email our BRAT coordinator, Sabina Knight. Thank you!

There is an adoption fee of $475.00 for Axl and Nalah. This fee is used for the extensive costs associated with vetting and otherwise caring for Axl and Nalah and future Basenjis in rescue. BRAT adopters receive a dog that has been spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, treated for fleas and internal worms if necessary, DNA tested for Fanconi syndrome (dogs under 10), and heartworm tested. Our dogs get recommended dental work. When indicated, we test our dogs for thyroid deficiencies. They are also temperament evaluated. In addition, BRAT provides free lifetime post-adoption counseling to help deal with behavioral or health issues. Finally, we provide a free lifetime identification tag connected to our "lost dog" toll free number.