We are Larry and Eva Birch and we started this site as a way of sharing news and
pictures of one of our favorite pastimes with family and friends. We became
captivated with the Basenji breed upon bringing home 8 wk. old Tucker on
January 31, 2004. He was a Christmas gift for our son.

Justin had been asking for a dog of his own for over a year. Every gift giving
occasion for almost 2 years all he wanted was a dog. He initially wanted a
Bloodhound... we informed him that since we decided long ago we would never have
an outside dog again and I had nightmares about slobber hanging from the lamps
he needed to find another breed. When he mentioned a basenji, we told him he
would have to research the breed and then we would decide. A kid who hates to
read became an expert on the breed so we figured he was serious. So then I began
to read, after which I asked him if he was SURE a Basenji was what he wanted.
Some of the stories I read were pretty scary. We even tried swaying him to other
breeds. When it became obvious his mind was made up we began our search.

To say it was frustrating at times would be a pretty accurate description of our
search. We made phone calls, wrote e-mails and searched web sites. We even went
to see a 7 month old show prospect that a breeder, who is NOW a friend, had
available. Justin had his heart set on a younger puppy so we kept looking. We ran
into brick wall after brick wall. We really believe God knew which puppy was
supposed to join our family and closed doors leading other places for which we are
so grateful now.

Justin and I got up early one morning and drove 4 hours to look at a litter of
puppies only to realize that we did not want to buy our puppy there. Disappointed
and hungry we drove to the next town to get some lunch, all the while as I drove I
was praying. I asked for help as I had promised Justin something that it was
beginning to look like I was not going to be able to deliver. I decided before we left
town that I was going to go into a Vet's office and ask if they happened to know
anyone with basenjis. I almost cried when the receptionist gave me a name and
number. I promptly called and inquired about their basenjis. I asked if she minded
if I drove over as we didn't live locally but were in the area. Within 10 minutes
Justin and I were standing in immaculate kennels looking at real live Basenjis.
After telling Lisa our story, we were placed on the top of the puppy waiting list. We
thanked her and drove home content in knowing that in about 5 months Justin
would finally get his Basenji, "Ch. Birchs I'm A Dream Come True".
We call him Tucker.

We have since added Milly "Ch. Lacada's Energizer Bunny" and Presley
"Ch. Jazzeta's I Was The One JC" to the family. We actively enjoy showing them in
AKC conformation shows and occasionally participate in field events, but first and
foremost they are cherished members of the family.

News Flash! "Lola" Signet Dangerous Liaison joined the family in March of 2008.
Lola is our first black and we are expecting wonderful things in the future with her
both in the show ring and our home.
We hope that you enjoy the site,
The Birches
Welcome To Our Web
Site
Tucker pictured at 12 weeks.
Tuck on his 4th B'day in Dec. 2007.