We are Joe and Lisa Stewart of central Missouri. Joe is a retired U.S. Army Officer. He grew up owning a variety of dogs in Oklahoma. Lisa is a federal employee and serves in the United States Army Reserve. She hails from New Hampshire growing up as a cat person. 

Since 1986 we have been "owned" by Basenjis. We have exhibited off and on and did some limited hobby breeding focusing on temperament and health.

One morning in 1986, Joe watched a special on the African "Barkless" Dog. It aired following his sleepless night courtesy of an all night "concert" from a "well-voiced" Pomeranian. We decided to visit a breeder in Dallas that week-end, just to" take a look."   We were one face lick away from ownership of our first red and white Basenji. Keisha Khur snuggled her way into our hearts (and bed). Soon Snicklefritz Jazz, our black and white gentleman, joined the pack.  Our journey with the "Cats in Dog Suits" and love affair with sight hounds had begun.

Our return from Desert Storm found us relocated to Newburg, New York. Here we balanced  the rigors of Army life with responsible pet ownership. We began our serious show efforts  with the mentoring of Susan, Sue and Kim chasing those elusive Majors. Winston and Tasha arrived and loved the ring; Cody and Katie were rescues and loved the food. Our pack ate in  our kitchen (sometime off the plate), played in our den, ran in our backyard, slept in our  bedroom, and competed in AKC conformation shows.

 Keisha, Fritz, Winston, Tasha, Cody and Katie have all entered  "the Happiness" beyond the Rainbow Bridge.  

During our New York golden years, Lisa met her first whippet. She was called upon to serve as a hound group judge at a puppy match. A sweet young Whippet handler and her bitch came by for ring directions. A quick lick and a loving snuggle ensued and ensured a need for including Whippets in the family existed. Unfortunately, the rigors of Army life and the demands of five vital Basenjis negated any such addition.

January 2006 heralded an addition to our Paw Pack. Joe was stationed in Korea and preparing for retirement. Lisa sent Joe an e-mail titled "meet Trog." Believing this to be a continuation of a discussion about including Whippets in the family, Joe was surprised to see a picture of a tri-colored basenji from the line of Snicklefritz and Niner. With a face irresistible, Lisa's May timeline for pickup evolved into cashing in frequent flyer miles for an Easter 2006 addition into our king size bed.

The energy of a young basenji and the "snarks" of the older ones raised the topic of a
playmate for Trog. Whippets and 2007 became the year that marked our return to
conformation, a pursuit of lure coursing and participation in rally obedience. It also meant Khur now includes two lovely Whippets in their family.