XVII, Issue 1, February 2013
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How my dog entered my life. . .
is the NEW Contest!
Nice artsy prizes. Enter stories &/or PHOTOS by April 1st.
Sample by Carrie Squires
Many of you know the story of how Callie entered my life, but I'll tell it again for those who don't know.
My ex is the one who started my love of basenjis, and when we broke up, we split up our basenjis. Lola was just 14 months old, with lots of puppy energy. She was driving me and the cats NUTS. When we went to agility classes, she couldn't focus. She just wanted to play with the other dogs. She had never lived without a doggie companion, but living alone and working long hours, I couldn't, in good faith, get another dog. I was toying with the idea of rescue, and had been on BRAT's page a few times, but I wasn't going to get another dog so soon. My best friend, Nicki Smith, mentioned that there was a breeder in Georgia with two 1 year old bitches available. I wasn't going to get a dog. I just wanted to go meet them. I called the breeder, Chris Abbott, and explained my situation. After a few minutes of talking, she realized we already knew each other - we were in the same agility class that she attended with a flat coat retriever! I asked if Lola and I could come meet her dogs, and drove up that afternoon.
I wasn't going to get a dog though.
Chris introduced us to Quila & Khalie (I changed the spelling of her name inadvertently). I liked Callie better from the get go; just something about her. But I wasn't going to get another dog. I spoke with Chris at length: Callie was from a health tested litter, crate trained, house trained, show quality, etc etc etc, meeting all the requirements I had in my head for the dog I wasn't getting. Lola played well with Quila, but with a fair bit of posturing, snarling and whirling tornado outbursts sprinkled in. However, she played much better with Callie.
Finally, a cat walked through the room, and Callie couldn't have cared less about that cat. She completely ignored it. With two cats at home, I had to have a cat friendly basenji. That almost sealed the deal, but I wasn't going to get a dog.
I spent a solid hour talking to Chris and watching Lola play with her dogs, but I was resolute. No dog for me today. However, Callie had other plans. She quietly jumped up beside me on the couch, and very unobtrusively sat down beside me. I looked at her, and I said to her, "Callie, I didn't come here to get a dog. But how would you feel about coming home with me?"
Callie, Xmas 2012
Callie gingerly stepped up onto my lap, reached up and licked my nose. Chris just laughed at me, telling me I didn't really have a choice. I explained to her, "I didn't come to get a dog." She replied, "I know. You came up here to prove to yourself it wouldn't work out so you could feel better about it." I took Callie home that day, with the understanding that it was on a trial basis. If it didn't work out, I would bring her back, no questions asked, no money owed. Chris later told me she knew Callie wouldn't be coming back.
It took a few days for Lola to accept her, but once she realized Callie didn't care about her drama or insecurity issues, Lola settled down very quickly and began to enjoy Callie's company. Callie is the perfect complement to our household. Where Lola is bossy and challenging, Callie just lets her think she is in charge to keep the peace. Callie is headstrong, and sneaky. We have to keep improving the fort that is the kitchen in order to keep her out of the trash, and she has ALWAYS been a huge pain in my ass about crating. She just doesn't want to be crated, damn it, and she's gonna let you know if she thinks you're paying attention. But she is such a sweet, cuddly, gentle, old soul. Lola came charging into my life and into my heart with all the subtly of a brick to the face, but Callie has slowly and quietly snaked her way in, finding space of her own to fill. She doesn't really like showing; it bores her. But she is so calm and gentle, that she is a great first show dog for me. She is my "bombproof" dog. I can hand her over to any stranger, and she is content to receive their attention and compliments, unconcerned that she doesn't know them. She is so intelligent and wise and calm, with bouts of silly and absolute cuteness sprinkled in. I'm so grateful she recognized that she was intended to become a part of my life and clued me in, because I was not going to get a dog.
Recipes
Red Lentil Paté
2 cups organic red lentils
5 cups water or light vegetable stock
2 onions
3 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon thyme
1/4 cup whole-wheat bread crumbs
1 teaspoon sea salt, to taste
1/2 cup parsley
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon wine vinegar
1. Wash lentils quickly, drain, and place the lentils in a 3-4 quart saucepan.
2. Add the water or stock, bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
3. Chop the onions and the garlic very finely.
4. In a large skillet, heat the oil.
5. Add the garlic, onions, and herbs and brown over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes.
6. Oil a pate pan or loaf pan and sprinkle with half the bread crumbs, completely coating the inside of the pan.
7. Preheat the oven to 375*F.
8. Chop the parsley finely.
9. When the lentils are done, stir them thoroughly to mash, add the onion mixture, bread crumbs, and parsley.
10. Season to taste with sea salt, vinegar, and pepper.
11. Pour the lentil mixture into the prepared pan and bake for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until set.
12. Allow to cool to room temperature before slicing.
13. Enjoy!
