My name is Morgan, and what you're about to read isn’t just a summary of a business or a dog breeding operation. It’s a piece of my life story — and the story of how my love for this ancient, beautiful breed turned into a life-long mission to raise, nurture, and rehome Basenjis in the most ethical, loving, and responsible way possible. Basenji Bite Lovers Home isn’t just a name. It’s a home in the truest sense of the word — filled with heart, purpose, and the gentle rustle of paws.

My journey began over twenty years ago, before I even knew what a Basenji was. I grew up with Labradors and Beagles on a small piece of land in Oregon, and animals were always a huge part of my childhood. My parents were simple folks — my mother was a teacher, and my dad was a veterinarian. You could say I inherited my love for animals from both sides — the teaching side and the healing side. While my friends were reading magazines, I was pouring through old veterinary books, animal encyclopedias, and breed manuals. I knew I wanted to work with animals, but I didn’t yet know in what capacity.

Then, one winter afternoon in my early twenties, a friend introduced me to a quirky, quiet, fox-like dog she had rescued. His name was Miro, and he had the most expressive eyes I had ever seen on an animal. He didn’t bark. He barely shed. He moved with elegance. He had this proud, independent air — like he had been born to wander the wilds of Africa but had somehow agreed to tolerate human life. That was my first encounter with a Basenji.

I was hooked.

That one dog set me on a path of research, volunteering, and eventually breeding. But breeding didn’t happen overnight. I spent years getting to know the breed from every angle: history, temperament, health issues, behavioral patterns, and most importantly, their emotional needs. Basenjis aren’t for everyone. They require a specific kind of environment, a particular kind of owner, and a whole lot of patience, understanding, and mutual respect. But once that connection is made, it’s truly unlike anything else. They’re not just dogs. They’re little philosophers, adventurers, comedians, and sometimes — yes, troublemakers.

Basenji Bite Lovers Home began as a humble idea. I didn’t have a facility or a business plan. What I had was Miro, then later two more rescues — a female named Nyla and another male named Kano. I wasn't in a rush. For me, every decision mattered: where the dogs came from, how they were cared for, how breeding would be handled ethically, and who the puppies would eventually go to.

Today, our home sits on fifteen acres of forest-backed land in Northern California. I say “our home” because it’s not just me — it’s my husband, our three children, a small but loyal team of caregivers, and of course, the Basenjis. At any given time, we might have three or four litters on the property, but we never overload, never compromise on attention or quality of life. Every Basenji here has space to run, cozy places to curl up, and human companionship all day long. They’re not caged or isolated. They’re part of the rhythm of our lives — morning walks, mealtime routines, enrichment activities, and evening cuddles.

We are not a puppy mill. We are not a mass-breeding operation. We are a passionate, intentional, hands-on home that focuses on raising well-socialized, mentally and physically healthy Basenjis who are prepared to transition into forever homes that suit their personality and energy. Every pairing is planned with extreme care — not just based on physical traits or pedigree, but based on temperament, compatibility, and long-term health. Genetic testing is a must for every sire and dam. We follow OFA standards and ensure that our lines are free from common hereditary issues like Fanconi syndrome, hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy.

But there’s more to this than science. Raising a Basenji puppy isn’t just about genetics. It’s about soul.

From the moment a litter is born, each pup is handled daily. We begin early neurological stimulation exercises on day three. They hear music, human voices, and environmental sounds. We introduce them to gentle grooming tools, different textures underfoot, and simple obstacle courses as they grow. By five weeks, they’re learning to play outside, interact with older Basenjis, and respond to name-calling and positive commands. We don’t use punishment. We use reward, love, tone, and patience. It’s all about building trust — the foundation of every good relationship.

The families who adopt from us are not just customers. They become part of our extended Basenji family. Each prospective home goes through a detailed application process where we learn about your lifestyle, your home environment, your experience with dogs, and why you’re interested in a Basenji. Some people are instantly a good fit. Others we have to lovingly turn away — not because we judge, but because we know the breed so intimately. We believe that saying no can be an act of love — both for the person and the dog.

For those who are approved, we guide the process every step of the way. From choosing the right pup, to preparing your home, to the transition period after the puppy arrives. We provide a custom care guide, access to live Q&A calls, and check-ins throughout the first year. Many of our families stay in touch for life. We receive updates, holiday cards, photos, and videos. There’s nothing like seeing one of our pups thriving in a loving home, sprawled out on a velvet couch, snoozing next to a toddler, or exploring snowy woods.

The joy of seeing that is why we do what we do.

Over the years, we’ve also become a resource hub. I’ve written several guides on Basenji behavior, and we host monthly online seminars for new Basenji parents. We’re often contacted by shelters, veterinarians, and even other breeders with questions. I’m proud of that — not because I want recognition, but because I want the breed to be understood and loved the way it deserves.

We’ve also been involved in several rescue and rehoming efforts. Sometimes, life changes. Sometimes, owners pass away or realize they’re not able to handle the needs of this unique breed. In those cases, we do everything in our power to bring that Basenji back into the fold. We never turn away one of our own, and we offer lifetime support to every dog born under our roof.

What makes Basenji Bite Lovers Home different isn’t just our location, our testing, or our training — though all those things are important. What truly sets us apart is the heart behind it. We are fiercely committed to doing right by these dogs. To raising them with intention. To giving them more than shelter — giving them love, safety, structure, and joy.

We believe every Basenji is a story waiting to be told. And we’re honored to be a part of the beginning chapters.

So if you're reading this and thinking about adding a Basenji to your life, I encourage you to reflect deeply. Do your research. Ask questions. Think about the next 12-15 years. A Basenji is not a status symbol or a spur-of-the-moment decision. It’s a bond. A conversation. A living, breathing adventure. They will challenge you, make you laugh, test your patience, and love you in ways you’ve never been loved before.

And if your heart is open, and you’re ready — we’d love to meet you.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know us. Thank you for caring enough to read not just the facts, but the feelings behind this work. Basenji Bite Lovers Home is more than a place. It’s a philosophy. It’s a legacy. And it’s our honor to share it with you.

With love and gratitude,
Basenji Bite Lovers Home