Basso's full name is AUST CH Rabacsy Rabacsy vd Kleinen Seen [IMP Germany]. If you can say it 5 times fast, you're a better person than me. Or possibly German.
Basso is a Leonberger, a German breed known for temperament and size. Leonbergers are named for the town of Leonberg in Germany, and their colouring resembles that of the lion on the town crest. The Leonberger is an exceptional breed which combines an impressive appearance with a joyous love of life and a steady calm temperament around people and other dogs. Basso is no exception, and like many other Leos he has a deep and abiding passion for water.
After Basso's show wins as a puppy in Europe, he has been shown in Australia. Now mostly retired, he has been shown to Australian Champion level and as such, gets to boss the rest of us around. Sure, Trent and I have a swag of degrees and qualifications. But are we Australian Champions? We are not. When he gets the chance, Basso also bosses around his owners, Karen Hindson and Jenny & Marshall Pardee. But mostly he hangs around the house to sleep, run around and maintain his role as a source of eternal annoyance to Tonto.
prepare for the onslaught
A tennis ball! I got it I got it mine mine mine!
You took my tennis ball! Mine mine MINE!
Basso patrolling the side of the house.
What is happening? I can't quite see over the fence ...
Aha! I can almost see! Also I look like a kangaroo!
What is going on over there? Tell me! I MUST KNOW!
Basso with extremely dirty bone (May 2005)
Basso: three years old (January 2005)
I look all noble! But really I see a cat I want to chase. (October 2004)
Basso as pack mule: he loved his Black Wolf pack and came on the George Gass Coastal Track, a 7km walk over cliffs and beaches.
Indi telling Basso secrets.
Playing with houseguest Saskia. I'm pretty sure the neighbours think we're running a dogfighting ring.
I love the muddy Murray River! (March 2004)
I love my cat.
What are you looking at? This is a pure, unsullied, interspecies love. Move along.
Shaking off after a swim.
Listen to this one Tarni!
This three legged dog walks into a bar, right? ... he says, he says: "I'm looking for the man who shot my paw".
AHAHAHAHAHAAAA!
Basso with Trent (November 2003)
Basso does not like the Doggles. Or the hat.
You're in Australia now! You cannot outrun sun protection!
So, you think you might want a Leonberger?
Look closely at this picture. Look VERY closely.
See how dirty? See how happy? He would be in this state 24 hours a day if he were allowed.
I have a lemon!
I have an avocado!
Scout and Basso, camping on the Murray River near Echuca.
What's that? You think it's not right to dress up your pets in holiday-themed apparel?
Hmmm. You might want to move along, then.
Keep moving! Keep moving!
Basso and Trent (far left) on the Million Paws Walk (Albert Park 2003)
Quarantine: Basso and Trent's first meeting.
Quarantine: Basso and Jacqueline.
10 months old and he's already as tall as me. How embarrassing.