Name: Basil - 2.5 y/o
Family Members: Trizzie (Basil used to have an older fur-sister, but she passed away from a heart condition November 2017, 4 months after Basil came into our lives.)
How long has Basil been in the family? He has been with me for 2 years now.
Profession: Professional Dog Walker/Caretaker
Location: Atlanta, GA.
Nicknames: Bahsil (a funny way of saying Basil), Bagel, Big Head, Big Pookie
5 words/phrases that best describe Basil?
Always down to clown around
Happy-Go-Lucky
Mama’s Boy
Adventurous
Loyal
What makes Basil unique? If I had to list just one behavior or trait that makes Basil special, it would be that heʼs always down for anything. We can be couch potatoes and heʼs okay with that. We can go on a hike at Arabia Mountain, go to a brewery, or lay down in the grass at the park and he would have no complaints. He comes with me when I dog sit for other people or to walk their dogs and again, heʼs totally cool with tagging along. If I go to the movies, he doesnʼt mind taking a nap in the car. He enjoys anything and anyone I bring into his life and is truly the best all around buddy ever!
Ball time in the park!
Rescue Story: Basil first came into my life April 15, 2017, but it took a few weeks before there was nothing and no one jeopardizing us being together. He was around 5 months old when our story started. Wandering the streets without any tags, or even a collar, he ended up following my friend home. Unfortunately, my friend couldnʼt care for him, so I decided to take in the little guy. The timing couldnʼt have been more perfect because I had been wanting a second dog for a while to be a buddy to Angel, my 14 year old chipoo. The night I first laid eyes on him in person, he reminded me of an old grandpa. I didnʼt know what was wrong, but there was sadness in his eyes and droopiness in him. Over the next 24 hours, I would come to learn that he had worms, severe diarrhea, and some separation anxiety. But, the biggest scare of all was yet to happen. When I came home from Easter service, 1 and 1/2 days after I brought him home, I noticed Basil had thrown up again. His energy levels had been pretty decent the previous day, but at this moment, he looked defeated. I was worried about him, but lack of experience and the fact that most clinics were closed on Easter Sunday would be the reasons I couldnʼt do much but monitor him closely for the time being. To this day, I can replay the exact moment when I figured out what was wrong and knew I couldnʼt wait any longer to get help. I had taken Basil outside to use the bathroom and immediately, he squatted down to take a number two. Abruptly, similar to the swiftness of a bullet after pulling the trigger, a reddish brown puddle came out. Never mind the bizarre color and consistency, the odor smelled like death. At that moment, I knew I had to find a clinic that had any chance of being opened. BluePearl Pet Hospital was the only one. There, my suspicion of parvo was confirmed. I didnʼt have enough money to cover treatment, but I also knew I wouldnʼt be able to live with myself if money was the reason he lost his life. The predicament overwhelmed me to the point of sobbing. Luckily, the staff at Blue Pearl worked with me, offering to start treatment with just a partial payment while I figured out a way for the rest. Through Go Fund Me, I was able to see friends and strangers come together to help this little puppy and that was truly amazing. While he was in the hospital for 3-4 days, a girl saw Basilʼs Go Fund Me photos, recognized him, and reached out to my friend, saying she knew who he belonged to. She explained to my friend that the people had just gotten the puppy and didnʼt have the time to go get his shots or anything else. I was worried these people would take him away and I didnʼt trust heʼd be cared for the way he deserved. But, I knew the right thing to do was give them a chance. After all, he was their puppy; maybe the whole thing really was just an accident and I was just being bitter. When I reached out to the girl, all she said was that they wanted to help with the hospital bills and to come see him. Some time had passed by and I hadnʼt heard anything from her, so I messaged her again. And that was basically it. For the first time, getting ghosted was a good thing. Basil and I were meant to be together from the start. And Iʼm thankful thatʼs exactly how our story played out.
Basil is Home!
What is your favorite pastime as a family? Basil, Angel, and I used to live together with my best friend, Christina, and her pup, Dayz, so to him, the five of us were a family. He absolutely adore his auntie and cousin. One time, Basil and I were on a walk around the neighborhood. Meanwhile, Christina and Dayz were also on a walk around the neighborhood, though we hadnʼt crossed paths yet. Basil, sensing that his auntie and cousin were close by, but couldnʼt be seen anywhere, stood up on his hind legs to gain more height for a better view. When describing the moment to me, Christina said she had no idea we were close by or that he was waiting for her. So, when she turned the corner and the first thing she saw was this Pointer-Pit mix standing on his hind legs like a human, calmly staring right back at her as if this was nothing out of the ordinary, she couldnʼt help but find the moment so humorous and memorable. Typical goofy Basil.
What is life like since you rescued Basil? Life has been amazing since Basil has come into my life. I have learned so much about my genuine self, what I want in life, and what I am capable of the two years Iʼve spent with Basil so far versus the 23 years without. He is the courage I had been missing most of my life. Basil coming into my life is too perfect not be fate. I donʼt know who knew I would need him and sent him to be my guardian, companion, and navigator through life, but I know someone had to have done that. People say this all the time about their animals, but Basil is truly living his best life with me. Everyday is an adventure for the both of us. Probably to him, I saved his life, but for me, heʼs helped me start truly living mine.
Photographers Note: I met up with Basil & Trizzie in a beautiful shaded park in town. I was quite taken by how handsome Basil is. His markings and those light eyes are quite a combination. I could have probably spent hours taking his photo! As they say, he was not just a pretty face. He had the sweetest personality. He was pretty focused on his ball playing but when I would get on the ground to get better angles, he was all about coming over to me and saying hello. Talk about resilient and a fighting spirit, you would never guess this sweet boy had been so sick as a puppy! Now he is a happy, fun loving guy living his Best Life with his Mom. The bound between these two is truly special.