| About Us |
My first basenji joined the family in 1997, and I have never looked back. I've loved dogs all my life, but had always thought of myself as a "big" dog person. Those little ankle biter dogs just weren't for me. After showing my Doberman for a little over a year, I started to reconsider the wisdom of having such a large dog. Lugging 60 pound crates up and down motel stairs was NOT my idea of a good time. I also wanted a breed in which I could successfully owner handle my own dog in the show ring; not an easy task with a Doberman. I researched several smaller breeds, looking for a small dog with a big dog attitude. I had always been intrigued by Basenjis, and began concentrating most of my research on them. That's when fate intervened. I had just finished showing my Doberman at a show when I saw a woman walk by with half a dozen basenjis. I tracked her down and questioned her about the breed, and what I'd learned through my own research. It just so happened that she had a 9 month old puppy with her that day who was for sale. That puppy was Carlie, and as they say, the rest is history. Twelve years later, I consider myself a devoted basenji slave. My dogs are family members first, show dogs second. As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't matter if you have the most beautiful dog in the world, if it can't also be part of the family. I'm also very interested in the health behind my dogs. I believe in full health disclosure . All breeding stock are screened for Fanconi syndrome using the new DNA linkage test. Before the availability of the linkage test (July 2007), avoiding fanconi was a roll of the dice. Unfortunately, two puppies in our very first litter were later diagnosed as fanconi affected (Echelon Destined to Dance and Echelon Sword Dancer). HOWEVER -- with this new test I can guarantee that no Echelon puppy born after 2007 will EVER come down with Fanconi syndrome!! If you have any questions about the health of any of my dogs, please feel free to ask. I've been a member of the Basenji Club of America (BCOA) since 1998, am a former Board member, Secretary and Webmaster for the Show-Me Basenji Club, and am a former Board member & show chairman for the Moberly MO Kennel Club . A full list of my current club affiliations is listed on our home page. Starting in 2009, I am also a Copy Editor for the BCOA Bulletin quarterly magazine and Co-Editor of the BCOA Roster. Over the years I've been fortunate to form some close friendships with my puppy people. One of these friendships in particular -- Melody Falcone (Melar Basenjis) in Weeping Water, Nebraska -- has blossomed into a breeding partnership of sorts. You'll be seeing some co-breedings in the near future. To learn more about my breeding philosophy, puppy placement procedures and any upcoming litters click here. HOME BOYS GIRLS AVAILABLE FAQ ABOUT US |