Why We Relay!!!!

Vicksburg just held its annual Relay For Life supporting The American Cancer Society. Relay is an all night event built around teams and hope. The teams raise money for cancer research and patient support. They commit that at least one team member will be on the track for the whole 12 hours. We decorate tents ... tailgate ... have games for the kids .... have entertainment and a great time. But there are solemn times too.... The survivor lap and the luminary events are a time of celebration but they are times of reverence too. This is the time to remember why we are there and why we can never stop the race for a cure! In 2006, 556,902 people will die of cancer; that is over half a million people. But if cancer is caught early .... most of the time it is survivable. So that is why we Relay ... we relay for hope: hope for prevention; hope for survival; and hope for a CURE! Relay was started 21 years ago by Dr. Gordy Klatt... in the first year he raised $27,000 this weekend here in Vicksburg we raised $122,000. So if you are asked to support the Relay by your donation or your time or your sponsorship PLEASE PLEASE do so! RELAY AROUND THE HOPE THAT ONE DAY THERE WILL BE NO MORE CANCER DEATHS!

Nathan and I dedicate the 10 miles we walked Friday night to all of our family and friends who have survived their battles with cancer and too all who did not! We love you and for those of you no longer with us we miss you! You are why we relay!

Honor
White Malone
Jon Anne Tidwell
Ween Malone
and others I know I am forgetting someone

Memory
Thelma Malone
Essie Lee Wynne
Floyd Malone
Paw Prewitt
Maw Prewitt
Forrest McNair
Lanelle Causey
Charlotte Wynne
Hal Neill
and others I know I am forgetting someone

If you would like to support our Dana Road Team next year please leave your information in my comment area! We will be drumming up support again soon! Thanks in advance for any donations you will be making toward our 2007 Relay!

MSU's Ron Polk

MSU Ron Polk is a coaching legend.... he literally wrote the book on college baseball!
This man IS college baseball .... there are alot of people who don't know an awful lot about Mississippi or MSU but they know who Coach Polk is! He is amazing and he works tirelessly for MSU's Diamond Dawgs! Polk-Dement Stadium is a state of the art stadium that only was built because of Ron Polk... He is awesome .... he sends cards to former players on Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries! He is a roll model for children.... He is a good man, a good man and a wonderful ambassador for MSU! I am proud to call him my friend as well... happy 20th (years being friends) Coach!

In Loving Memory

Joseph Thomas Alexander
Died: Monday, April 03, 2006
Age: 88

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back... May the rain fall soft upon your fields, may the sun shine warm upon your face and until we meet again may the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand! -------- An Irish Blessin'

Joseph Thomas Alexander, 88, passed away on Monday, April 3, 2006 at his residence in West.Services were held on Friday, April 7, 2006 from Southern Funeral Home chapel in Durant at 2:00 p.m. Burial was in West City Cemetery with Rev. Mary Berry officiating.Mr. Alexander was born in Holmes County, the son of Ulrich Alexander and Zelma Cross Alexander. He was retired from the U. S. Army, a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church and a Mason. Mr. Alexander was an expert rifleman who loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed photography. He taught Kirigami at Holmes Community College.He was preceded in death by a nephew, James Crosson.Survivors include two nephews, Gordon Crosson of Lee, New Hampshire, and Eric Crosson of Mountainview, California; and a niece, Deborah Kuemmerle of Arkabutla, Mississippi.Pallbearers were Masons, George Booker, Ronnie Chisholm, Phil Cohen, Allan King, Johnny Allen, and George McDonald.

Mr. Joe was one of the most amazing men you will ever meet. He always was learning and sharing his talents and knowledge with others. He went to college and took creative writing and other courses until his 70s. He wrote volumes of poetry and was very versed in creative paper cutting.... He made such beautiful crosses that is why I chose a Celtric Cross of the picture here. We will miss you Mr. Joe! You were Holmes County Mississippi's version of William Faulkner..... Thank you for being a friend and sharing your talents with a fellow writer....

One Representative Stands In Way Of Flight 93 Memorial

N.C. Congressman Blocks Flight 93 Memorial
WASHINGTON (AP) -

Family members of those killed on United Flight 93 are urging a North Carolina congressman to lift his hold on funding for a memorial planned for the Pennsylvania site where the plane crashed on Sept. 11, 2001.
Nearly a dozen family members are scheduled to meet with their members of Congress on Wednesday to encourage them to sign a letter that asks Rep. Charles H. Taylor, R-N.C., to support $10 million for the project.
It was not clear if they would also meet with Taylor.
Taylor, chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees the Interior Department, has blocked millions in funding for the project in the last two years, and has expressed opposition to funding it when it comes up again before his committee May 3, said John Scofield, the House Appropriations Committee spokesman.
The White House has requested $5 million for the nearly 1,700-acre site in remote western Pennsylvania as part of a larger spending bill.
Hamilton Peterson, president of Families of Flight 93, said Tuesday he is confident the issue can be resolved.
``He still has time to act, so I'm extremely hopeful that he will share the patriotic views that we have relative to honoring and memorializing the courageous acts as now affirmed by the release of the cockpit recorder,'' Peterson said.
Multiple messages left Tuesday at Taylor's congressional and campaign offices by The Associated Press were not returned. The Washington Post, which reported on the issue Tuesday, said Taylor believes no more tax dollars should be used to buy federal land for memorials.
Earlier this month, during the trial of Sept. 11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui, cockpit recordings were released that vividly revealed the struggle between passengers and hijackers - confirming what had been described in the official 9/11 Commission report.
Some of the family members were expected to fly to Washington from New York where the movie ``United 93'' was premiering Tuesday night at the Tribeca Film Festival. Trailers for the movie encourage people to donate to the Flight 93 Memorial Fund, and 10 percent of proceeds from the movie go to the memorial.
The flight was en route to San Francisco from Newark, N.J., when it was brought down near Shanksville, Pa. The 33 passengers, seven crew members and four hijackers on board died.
The memorial is estimated to cost nearly $58 million - $30 million of which is to be raised by private donations. Of the $30 million, about $7.5 million has been raised since a fundraising campaign started last year, according to a memorial spokeswoman.
The project is backed by Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa., whose district includes the crash site.
On the Net:
Flight 93 Memorial: http://www.flight93memorialproject.org/
04/25/06 17:07 © Copyright The Associated Press.

Contact Rep Taylor like I did and try to convince him that this memorial is needed! It is part of American culture and heritage that we honor our heroes! And these people didn't consider the risk to themselves they thought of America and innocent people in DC and did the right and moral and heroic thing ..... Lets honor them now!


nc11ima.pub@mail.house.gov
http://charlestaylor.house.gov/ http://charlestaylor.house.gov/WriteMe/write.htm

LETS ROLL!!!!!!!!!

For The Love Of Dogs Write And Make A Difference.... Richland not Ridgeland!

Here is a rant and a vent.... when I heard this news the other day I was so upset! Sorry you are fixing to see a side of Auntie Tracye not many of you know! I am animal crazy so this ban really REALLY made my hackles go up!

Richland Mississippi has made a recent close minded; ill informed decision to ban all breeds considered Pit Bulls ... They say that they are unpredictable and a threat; when in all honesty it is not the dog or breed but the owners who are to blame here. Dogs are like children they are who we raise them to be.... What breed is next the German Shepherd, The Rotty, The Dobbie, or the Poodle (they are actually the most vicious biters out there along with Cocker Spaniels I believe) ... If they set the precident to ban a breed of dog then all breeds are not safe! All I have to say is my heart goes out to families who have to put down or give away a beloved family member due to backward politicans who make stupid and biased decisions supposedly for the good of the community.... Don't tell me what to do in my own home thank you.... And if it was my dog I would like to see you try and take him away! I think this ultimately has to be unconstitutional (unlawful seizure of property) .... there HAS to be a lawsuit here lawyers... please sic em! There are so many many many more important problems in Mississippi than Pit Bulls; why not deal with the real issues instead of hiding behind things like this .... Why not go after the people who hurt these animals by fighting them... abusing them... neglecting them.... why not go after the inresponsible breeders, handlers, etc... Why not do that before you go after the dogs?? If these people will do the things they do to these animals God only knows what they will do to another human! Serial killers start out with animals remember.... The dogs are not the criminals here the people are..... you are persecuting the wrong sinner Mr. Mayor! Do your job and do something that matters and cut out the grandstanding and leave the dogs out of politics! They are so above that!


Mayor Mark S. Scarborough
PO Box 180609
Richland, MS 39218-0609
(601) 932-1256(601) 932-9229 - fax
Administrative Assistant to the Mayor
Becky Breland
(601) 932-1256
twood@richlandms.com
Remember Petey from Little Rascals he was a Pit Bull!

Vicksburg's 412th Headed For Iraq!!!!!

Friends, family turn out to see 412th's mobilization
By Constance Anderson-White [4/17/06]

Tears and hearty handshakes were the theme Saturday morning as 24 soldiers left Vicksburg to embark on an 18-month tour of duty in Iraq.Friends and family members attended a mobilization ceremony for the 412th Engineer Command at the Morris Army Reserve on Porters Chapel Road.Maj. Kenneth Hoskins of Hollandale, who has been in the military for 21 years, had little to say as he hugged his family goodbye.His wife, Amye, and his sister, Katie Jones, did the talking.“I think it's time for this to be over, but I understand that it's his job,” Jones said.“I'm proud that he is committed to serving his country,” Amye Hoskins said. “I just hate to see him leave.”
The 412th is part of the U.S. Army Reserve and has members from Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, Hawaii and New Mexico. The unit is headquartered in Vicksburg. It is one of two Engineer Command units in the United States.Maj. Gen. Robert J. Williamson, Commander of the 412th Engineer Command, lead Saturday's mobilization ceremony. He said the soldiers will be helping rebuild communities in Iraq.“We're supporting Iraqi freedom with engineering skills,” Williamson said. “We have soldiers from all professions, so our people are skilled in all different areas. We have nurses, construction workers, postal workers, as well as engineers.”The 412th will train in Texas before being deployed to Iraq. The soldiers' exact date of deployment is not known, Williamson said.
Family members drove from all over Mississippi and as far away as Texas to support their loved ones at Saturday's ceremony.“All we can do is stay prayerful,” said Jeanette McClinton, mother of Staff Sgt. Jessica Harvey. “We are a family with a lot of faith.“This is what Jess decided to do, so we're going to support her. We are going to be there for her. I know that God will take care of her,” she said.The 412th received notice of deployment in August 2005.That same month, 31 other members of the unit were deployed to Iraq. Saturday's ceremony marked the fifth mobilization of the unit since the War on Terrorism began.

Vicksburg Soldiers Head for Iraq
by Gene Adamsgene@wlbt.net

Tearful hugs of farewell and best wishes for a safe return filled the Army Reserve Center in Vicksburg, where members of the 412th Engineer Command prepared to leave their families Saturday for duty in Iraq.
"If the country calls us we have to step up to the plate and be soldiers, so this is my opportunity to do this," said Lieutenant Colonel Neil Thomas.
Thomas and his wife Lisa are already counting down until the 18 month tour of duty will be complete.
"I thought I was ready for this moment, but I don't guess you really are," said Lisa Thomas, "I'm proud of him and know he'll do a great job and come home."
Thoughts of a safe homecoming kept families smiling, although tissue boxes circulated through the crowd as time to say goodbye drew closer.
"We're proud but also very sad, but we have faith in the Lord that he's going to bring her home," said Janice carr-Stafford, saying goodbye to Second Lieutenant Dawn Harrison.
Through their tears, soldiers remain committed to their duty. "We are going to help people," said Harrison, "This is a country that probably doesn't have the same quality of life that we have over here, so we're going over to improve their life and make things better for them."
All 24 soldiers are part of the Engineer Command, serving throughout Iraq to rebuild communities. But soldiers say they will not be working alone. They are depending on the support of family and friends to get through their mission.
"They have our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for their support to these soldiers because without them we would not have a Reserve force to protect our country," said Major General Rob Williamson.
After final good byes, soldiers loaded onto a bus headed out of town for training in Texas. Families cheered them on their way with prayers for a safe return. The soldiers will train in Texas before deployment.

Just A Few Basenji Facts

Basenjis are smarter than children.
Basenjis are more demanding than your spouse
Basenjis are moody.
Basenjis are rotten.
Basenjis are a superior creature.
Basenjis are sweet...when they want to control you.
Basenjis are cover hogs.
Basenjis train humans very easily.

And Once You've Had A Basenji ... No Other Dog Will Do.... Once A Basenji ALWAYS A Basenji!!!!

Walk In Hilly Area For More Bang For Your Buck

The arch at Vicksburg Military Park.... This is a wonderful VERY hilly walking area! Every March they host "A Run Through History" There is a 10k run and 5k walk as well as a 1 mile fun run for the kiddies! If you are ever in Vicksburg please come take a walk or drive through history!

Benefits Of Hill Walking
From www.Prevention.com

Hillwalking is a great way to exercise your whole body, says the September 2004 issue of American Fitness. Compared to walking on flat ground, what the British call the "pastime of walking in hilly country" builds more muscle and burns more fat because of the incline. Light hiking boots are recommended over crosstrainers or regular walking shoes, and adding a pair of poles increases your upper body workout while taking some stress off your knees.

Obsessing Over Your Weight (like me) We Are Not Alone!!!!!!!

The One Lie That Half of All Women Tell

This report was on Netscape Webpage and done by the BBC! Even though I am down to a great weight; I still obsess over what I am eating and how it will affect me. Yes I am still counting and documenting every calorie. I intend to start back walking religiously after school is out.... 6 miles three days a week and And three miles the rest of the week. I know when I walk I feel better plus I will be in training for The Over The River Run in September (5 mile walk). I NEVER want to be anything but a size 6 for the rest of my life! I FINALLY made it to where where I want to be and I intend to stay there! I got a weight finally a few weeks ago and I was at 112 and we figured I had lost around 45 pounds! This has been an amazing and challenging journey! But as with all addictions; I will never be over my love affair with food. SOOOO I will have to constantly have document and THINK about everything I put into my body for the rest of my life! So am I obsessed? I guess; I would have to say YES I AM!


Women are so obsessed with their bodies--in a negative, unhealthy way--that fully half of them admit to lying about their weight and almost a third cut the size labels out of their clothing. What's more women want to lose on average 19 pounds. That's the word from a new poll of more than 5,000 women for Britain's Grazia magazine that found that only one in 50 women is actually happy with the way her body looks. Perhaps the most alarming findings are that most women worry about their body every 15 minutes, while almost one-third worry about how they look "every waking minute," reports the BBC News.

Here are other disturbing findings from the Grazia poll:--Seven out of 10 women think life would improve if they had a "better" body.--If a woman steps on the scale in the morning and sees she is two pounds heavier, it can ruin her day.--Women have tried a range of extreme measures, including laxatives and fasting, to lose weight.--Virtually all the respondents said they had dieted at one point in their lives with 41 percent admitting they constantly watch what they eat.

What are the most hated body parts?
Thighs: 87 percent
Waist: 79 percent
Breasts: 65 percent
Feet: 65 percent
Face: 59 percent
Teeth: 57 percent
What body parts do women like?
Only one: Fifty-four percent cited their "slimmish ankles."

Because women are so harshly critical of their bodies, their relationship with food is filled with contradictions. Grazia editor Jane Bruton told the BBC News, "We might have a Diet Coke with a doughnut or skip lunch because we're going out for dinner. Many women are constantly thinking 'Shall I eat it? Shall I not eat it?'"

Are concerns such as this an illness? The U.K.'s Eating Disorders Association says no. However, anorexia and bullimia typically begin when a woman has a "distorted" body image. "We all have days where we think we shouldn't have that extra biscuit. That's very different to having a psychological illness, which is what an eating disorder is," Susan Ringwood, chief executive of the Eating Disorders Association told the BBC. "But all eating disorders begin with a distorted relationship with food and how you feel about your body."

God Has Made A Way When There Seems To Be No Way!!! Happy Easter Everyone!!!!

Hope's Song
From VeggieTales' An Easter Carol

There’s a story that started on Christmas

When a baby was born in the night

And those who came far, who followed the star

Were seeing a heavenly sight ...a heavenly sight.
Well the years hurried by, and the boy, now a man

Could make the blind see with a touch of his hand

He was born to be King -- he was Rabbi and Priest

But the best that he had, he gave to the least ...He gave to the least.
He was born and he died, almost 2,000 years ago

He laughed and he cried, he felt all the fears we know

But what does it matter? A story so strange ...Even if it is true, what does it change?

What does it change?
Well he spoke like a prophet -- like no one they’d heard

This simple young carpenter -- crowds hung on every word

He hated injustice -- He taught what is right

He said “I’m the way, and the truth, and the light.”
His friends soon believed that truly he was the one.

The Savior, Messiah, God’s one and only son.

But others, they doubted, they did not agree

So they took him, they tried him,

He died on a tree ...

He died on a tree.
God has made a way

For all who mourn and grieve

Death will never be the end

If you just believe. There is nothing left to fear

Nothing Heaven knows

For he died for us to give us life

And to give us hope He rose

He died for us to give us life

And to give us hope

He rose.

Basenji The Ancient Dogs Of The Pharoahs!

Other Dogs Have

Masters

Basenjis Have

Staff!

Free At Last!!!!!!!

Guardsmen gather to ‘turn out the horses’
By Ida Brown / senior staff writerThe Meridian Star
MERIDIAN —
With his arm nonchalantly propped against the post of a newly installed fence, Norris Galatas smiled as he watched his wife, Janis, try to coax Cinnamon, the youngest of his three horses, back to the front gate.“Just look at them,” Galatas said, his smile broadening as the other two horses — Mandy and Ruffian — reluctantly, but gradually, began to follow. “They’re free now; free to run and enjoy all of this space.” “They don’t know what to do with all this space to run,” he said of the horses, which are more like children to the Collinsville couple.“For most of their lives, they’ve been boarded up at the (Lauderdale County) Agri-Center or in a small area at home. But now, they can be free.”And so can his wife. With a safe haven for the horses at their home, she can now accompany Galatas when he goes to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in May for his next round of surgeries.On Tuesday, the couple held a ribbon-cutting and “turning out the horses” ceremony to commemorate completion of the fence — a project started a few weeks before Galatas, a sergeant first class in the Mississippi Army National Guard’s 150th Combat Engineer Battalion, deployed to Iraq in 2005. Galatas was one of five soldiers from Mississippi and Alabama wounded in April of that year when their vehicle passed over an improvised explosive device. One soldier died and Galatas was severely injured. Except for occasional month-long stays, he has been at Walter Reed since shortly after the attack.Before he was called to duty, Galatas had 87 fence posts in the ground. With her husband gone, Janis Galatas had to find a way to finish the project. Last summer, Janis set up a booth at the Queen City Fair to raise money to finish the fence so she could go to Walter Reed for her husband’s birthday later that month. A photo of Janis at her booth was published in The Meridian Star — where LeAnn and Terry Sande saw it.“They said, ‘Let’s help this woman get this fence up,’” Janis said.A few weeks later, the first of what would become several “fencing days” was held.“There were about 25 people out here and we got about a third of the fencing done,” she said.Additional support came through the Web site www.webofsupport.com, maintained by a Guardsman who served in Iraq. Through the Web site, Janis met Claudette and Aubrey Ray of Sturgis. The Rays came to Collinsville to help put wire on the fence.“Mr. Aubrey is retired from the Army and his son (Staff Sgt. Franklin Ray) is a guardsman,” she said.For six weeks, members of the 114th Field Artillery Regiment in Starkville, Columbus and Louisville have traveled to Collinsville to work on the fence. Guardsmen arrived in the morning to begin work on the project — digging holes, driving nails and putting up fence and wire.“We’ve come once a week to give to Sgt. 1st Class Galatas,” said Staff Sgt. Ray. “I was stationed there in Iraq with him, so it has even deeper meaning to me to be here to help out.”Clearly moved by the undertaking, Galatas said it was more than he deserved.“The Lord has provided me with these wonderful people to help accomplish a dream I’ve always had,” he said. “I could have done it over a long period of time, but with their help I’ve been able to accomplish a longtime dream. Saying ‘thank-you’ just doesn’t seem to be enough for such a wonderful thing.”

Janis Email On The Subject Follows:

Wednesday, April 5, 2006

The last panel of fence for the horses was put up yesterday and it was
wonderful! The soldiers signed the last fence post and Norris hammered
the last staple in! We turned out the horses and then when the news
people showed up, we had to try to catch them again! The cameras were
on time...the horses just wanted out so I let them go so they wouldn't
tear up our new trailer! LOL! Mandy and Ruffian were un-catchable, but
I got Cinnamon. So Paula got a great pic of the troops in the
background and Cinnamon rearing to go...literally! Mandy and Ruffian
had gone behind the treeline and out of sight...Cinnamon was like a wide
eyed race horse ready to run...when I turned her loose, she went
galloping up the hill to find them! They are so happy! Norris was
happy that he didn't cry on camera...and neither did I! He told the
troops that he would have eventually got the job done, but that they
made it happen sooner...the real truth is that, without the soldiers,
the project would never have been finished. They spent hundreds of
man-hours and it took them working in teams to organize, train, and work
well together. The two-man augers were a challenge along the treeline
with all the roots and vines! Like soldiers, they stayed at the task
until the mission was accomplished. I even caught the "Blackhorse
Regiment" patch on one uniform! So part of the 2/11th ACR was
represented as well as the 2/114th FA! I am going to miss seeing them!
Saturday we plan to go back and put up the stock tank and shelter and
then we can leave them out on their pasture. Thank you LeAnn and Terry
for starting this project, and thank you Aubrey and Claudette for
getting the soldiers out there and finishing it. There are no words to
express our gratitude and sincerest thanks. We'll be checking on Aubrey
later on, and we are planning a trip up there to visit! (I'll have to
"tour" the Armory! LOL!) Love you. Janis and Norris Galatas

Special Thanks you's to the Meridian Star for a great story and Paula
Merritt for a great pic! Ida Brown was new to the Galatas story, and
she did a great job covering it from scratch! Thank You Suzanne Monk
for your friendship and support. WTOK-TV sent Sydney Lavine with the
camera and he did a great job of shooting video, but I guess it was a
busy news day and it was shown only once on the 6pm news. I sat with
Sydney and had a great conversation....these guys are top notch! We
hope the next time we're in the news is at the end of the surgeries when
Norris can come home for good!...and maybe the MS Army National Guard
says he can remain a soldier! That would be the icing on the cake.
Thank you Sheila McLain, Sydney Lavine, Renee' Lasalle, Chris Brenneman,
and Wade Phillips for covering our story.

For those who are keeping scrap-books, here is the best story. Please
send this link to Colonel Huffman, Major Bowman, and Tim Powell at
Public Affairs. Thank you, MSARNG! Janis

"Where Beauty & Brains Collide"

The Basenji!


The Basenji, is a small, smooth-coated, barkless dog, standing 16-17 inches high, weighing 22-24 lbs. It is usually red and white in color, but the breed can also be black and white, brindle, and tricolor. Yes, the breed is naturally barkless. They are not mute however and make sounds common to all dogs.

The Basenji breed dates back to the days of the Pharaohs and ancient Egypt. Another fascinating characteristic of the breed is cleanliness. They actually clean themselves just like cats. And, although I have yet to see this, Basenjis have been known to shed real tears when very sad.

At least one movie has been made featuring a Basenji. In 1955, Warner Bros made a film of the book, Goodbye My Lady, by James Street. The movie starred Brandon de Wilde, then age thirteen and Walter Brennen. John Wayne was the producer.

The Basenji is a sighthound, often referred to as the barkless dog from Africa. Actually, Basenjis emit a wide variety of sounds and can emulate a dog's bark. It is usually one short coughing sound. When the Basenji is happy, it yodels and sometimes makes a low growl (which some interpret as menacing). Basenjis are known to be efficient hunters (pointing, flushing and going to ground after game), coursers and at the same time make wonderful pets.


However, the Basenji is not for everyone. Basenjis are not known to be an obedient family dog. They are highly intelligent and will try to distract, divert and outsmart at any opportunity. Being masters of deceit appear to be a game they enjoy playing. I enjoy playing their game and trying to stay "top dog." Basenjis were known to exist before Christ, they are an ancient breed. It is evident their high intelligence enabled them to survive so many centuries. The breed is not accustomed to waiting for a command before taking action, such as dogs used for guarding or herding. In their native habitat, the African hunter used a hunting style different from what normally is associated with training dogs to hunt. Usually the hunter plays an integral part in the hunt or at least the kill. But the method used by these hunters made the hunt solely the dog's responsibility. The dog hunts and the hunter must make it to the kill before the dog devours it. For the Basenjis to survive in the jungle, they had only their wit to outsmart whatever situation presented itself, usually life or death in the form of a much larger jungle animal.

It is this intelligence that will not permit them to be "obedient" dogs. If presented with an illogical situation, the Basenji instinctively decides what is best. This extreme independence and fearless attitude is a challenge most owners find difficult to understand. If you cannot deal with total independence, the Basenji breed is not for you. You can expect this breed to be obedient to a point. At will, they may obey you if you have earned their respect. However, you will alter the temperament of the dog if you try to correct this trait of the breed by any type of cruel physical punishment.

There is a fine line between cruel physical punishment and a strict hand and many differing opinions on this subject. Cruel physical punishment will only lead to the dog no longer trusting you. Having this independent thinking ability is just a characteristic of the breed that must be accepted and understood. Expecting complete obedience from an independent thinker is rather absurd. (You could relate this to raising a teenager.) It is virtually impossible to teach this breed not to prey on small furry animals and birds. Being natural hunters, their instincts are too strong.

Being the canine equivalent of "Houdini," they are escape artists and cannot be left unattended even in a fenced yard or any enclosed area. They do climb fences and trees. They are quite loyal and affectionate to their family and friends, but are standoffish to strangers. This is not to say that they cannot be very sociable, they just are initially wary and take a few minutes to scope out a new situation. Basenjis are a dominant breed and, although they get along well with other breeds when introduced properly, situations may arise between breeds or the same sex. Basenjis are curious about the world all of their life. Having a Basenji is like having a perpetual puppy. They have absolutely no fear and eagerly anticipate the next challenge, especially when it comes to cars. Most new owners who lose their Basenjis lose them to car accidents. Once a Basenji escapes, their swift "cat-like" movement makes it almost impossible to catch them. And since they have no fear of cars, they are quite likely to run out in front of a car before the owners or driver has time to react.

Basenjis require a great deal of time and attention, as any breed of dog does. If you have any problem with the idea of crating, the Basenji breed is definitely not for you. They are known to dig and chew a bit more than other breeds, especially in the puppy stage. Uncrated they will destroy property and, as highly intelligent as they are, they do not understand the monetary value of your possessions.

In spite of everything I have said above, I would not trade my 16 years with Noble for anything in the world and I look to the future with Brody with excitement and anticipation! The Basenji gives and receives love like no other animal on earth. And I think that ultimately they are truly sorry for all the grief they has cause us by chewing antiques, brushes, razors, books, money, underwear and anything else we forget to put away. They are the teachers and they teach us far more lessons than we could ever teach them. I know I will always have a Basenji in my life! "Basenjis are like potato chips... you can't just have one!"

Proud Home Of A Dysfunctional Sight/Scent Hound

Brody; The Basenji!

We are the champions my friends!

GO GATORS!!!!!!!!

Mississippi Remembers One Of Her Own!

Hundreds mourn soldier killed in Afghanistan

By Kelli Esterskesters@clarionledger.com

About 700 people paid their respects to Mississippi National Guardsman Sgt. 1st Class Christopher L. Robinson today at First Baptist Church in Madison.
Robinson, 36, of Brandon was killed March 25 in a firefight in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring FreedomRobinson was assigned to the Headquarters Detachment, Second Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group in Jackson. He was training Afghanistan soldiers.He is survived by his wife Tamara Robinson, his daughter Savannah Robinson, 5, and son Patrick, 1.