February 2008 - The Parklander Magazine

By Susan J. Sherman, EditorBasenji Wins Agility AwardsSPORTSDeborah and Perry Joslin,ten-year Parkland residents,live with their beloved“children”, Basenji’s Codyand Karly. Both dogshave competed in agilitycompetitions since they werevery young. Says Deborah;“Igot Cody into agility whenhe was two years old tochannel his energy intosomething positive.” Codyhas garnered an impressiveseven agility titles, and Karlyhas earned six.The Basenji is known as the “barkless African dog”. For centuries, and forreasons unknown, Basenji’s have not barked, but they are not mute — theyactually yodel or “baroo” quite loudly when they want their presence to beknown. They are proud, independent, highly active dogs, with a swiftgraceful gait like a small deer, which makes them a perfect breed for agilityand lure trials. Natural pack animals, they are sometimes aloof, but alsoexhibit strong affection for their family.First recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1943, the Basenji is avery old pure breed that is considered both a sight hound and a scenthound. In the Louvre museum in France sits a stone Basenji statue from apharaoh’s tomb, wearing the typical hunting bell.The statue is dated 5000BC. It is said that the noise of the wooden bell helped drive game into thehunter’s nets.Deborah’s Basenjis compete inmainly local agility trials, butshe and Cody were invited twoyears in a row to the prestigiousAKC Agility Invitational inCalifornia, where only the topfive breeds are honored. Thisyear, in one of the toughestdivisions of the competition,Cody scored 370 points out ofa total of 400. Deborah isproud of her boy — he placedin the top 50% of the 20-inchdivision. The finals will beaired on Animal Planet at 8p.m. on February 10th.Courtesy of Dog House Artsthe PARKLANDER119