Singer Conservation Babies are HERE!!

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Please join us to welcome a very important New Guinea Singing Dog conservation litter.  This litter was planned as part of our center's commitment to applying the latest technology and advances in science to ensure the genetic integrity of the NGSD captive population.  

Mama Luxxy tending to her new babies

Mama Luxxy tending to her new babies

Luxxy had 5 precious babies.  3 boys and 2 girls.  We named them after the nail polish used to distinguish them: Where's my Chauffer (m), Heavenly (m), Chanel Vernis (f), Positively hot (f), and Forget me not (m).  

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Please follow us as we share their little lives with everyone!!!

 

THE BABIES ARE COMING!!! Luxxy's Story and SINGER BABY COUNTDOWN!

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The JABCECC has some super exciting news to share with the JABCECC family!  As many of you know, Amy and Dave Bassett are a part of a group of conservationists committed to ensuring the continued existence of the New Guinea Singing Dog (NGSD).   Currently, there are around 250 NGSDs in the worldwide captive population and it is unknown how many, if any, are still present in the wild.  The NGSDs provide insight into not only domestication, but they are also shedding light on human social bonding disorders. 

LUXX: The Canadian Sweetheart

About a year ago, Amy and Dave learned about a few NGSDs that needed forever homes, so they adopted Luxx and Archie.  Luxx was rescued by some amazing women from a zoo in Canada and just hadn't found her home. Through fate alone, She found her way to Amy and Dave and they fell immediately in love with her.  They were so mesmerized by her and knew immediately how special this girl was.  She was the girl that fought against all the odds in frigid temperatures in Canada to survive - and that fight didn't make this girl bitter, it made her strong, sweet, and loving. She greets people with a kindness not common these days - she melts hearts - and she mends broken souls.  Luxxy is no ordinary girl!!

Amy and Dave Bassett engrossed themselves in understanding the genetics of the singers and how to best affect the conservation efforts of the NGSDs.  They were able to bring people together from various conservation groups through the love of Luxxy to put together a plan for breeding Luxx, the Canadian Sweetheart!.  

Today we learned that Luxx is pregnant with 5 precious babies. These babies will be so full of her love, sweetness, and healing.  We cannot wait to share her journey and the countdown to the babies.  Check back for daily updates on Luxxy, the Daddy, and her babies!! 

Baby Luxx

Baby Luxx

NPR Colin McEnroe Show features the RDFs and interview with the Founders of JABCECC

http://wnpr.org/post/teaching-old-fox-new-tricks

The Founders of the JABCECC were interviewed by Colin McEnroe from NPR on their experience with the Russian domesticated foxes.  The show airs today (July 26th) at 1 PM ET. 

Tune it to learn more. 

Want to meet the Russians - schedule a private encounter on Aug 5th - or set up a separate private event with them!!!

 

Stay Foxy!!

CALIFORNIA HERE WE COME

We are super excited to announce that we will begin taking reservations for encounters starting July 15th.  Stay tuned for more information on the encounters, any upcoming events, and opportunities to meet our Ambassadors. 

If you are interested in scheduling a private event or encounter, or a photoshoot - please contact us at foxes@siberiancupcakes.com.  We partner with designers, wildlife and fashion photographers, models, musicians, and artists.  In addition, we offer educational seminars for various age groups.  Let us know how you would like to partner with us to help us be the voice for these amazing animals.

 

SAVING LUCI AND VONN - Yes, we do more than just post cute pictures of foxes!!

Luci and Vonn, happy together, at the roadside zoo before they were sold to the exotics breeder. You see the light in their eyes.

Luci and Vonn, happy together, at the roadside zoo before they were sold to the exotics breeder. You see the light in their eyes.

Saving Luci and Vonn - New Guinea Singing Dogs


Mans' first BFF?: The Living FOSSIL The New Guinea Singing Dogs
The New Guinea Singing dog (NGSDs) is truly a living fossil.  It is though by many that these dogs are very similar the first canids to leave their home in the wild to live beside man and go on to become our best friend and companion.  In the 1950's two of these dogs were brought to the United States.  They became the founders of a captive population of these dogs created in order to ensure this valuable link in the evolution of dogs was never lost.  Due to development in New Guinea as well as the introduction on modern dogs this was, and remains a real possibility.  Unfortunately, due to the unique status of these dogs they often need our help.  People exploit their rarity as a way to make a quick buck with zero regard for their well being.  It is at these times kind souls need to step forward and rescue these animals from the wretched existence provided and give them the love and dignity they deserve.  Two NGSDs that currently need help are Luci and Von.

 The Canadian Singers: The ones left behind - THEY NEED OUR HELP TO Re-SPARK THEIR LIGHT!!

Vonn: The Stoic      
Vonn is a Senior NGSD from Canada, approx. 11 years old, and was born in a small roadside zoo in Canada to a small group of NGSD’s that called the zoo home for over 25 years. All of them were members of a NGSD legacy that stretches back for almost 30 years. They are descended from very important NGSD Founders imported to Canada from Taronga Zoo, Sydney, Australia.  Vonn did not have frequent interactions with people as a puppy and therefore is not socialized. It is possible Vonn could have been abused and was living in a very stressful situation.  In time we hope with trust, love, and respect he will allow us to be his friend and receive the love we wish for him. He is very handsome and special.  Vonn is the LAST full blood, remaining New Guinea Singing Dog from this very important original Canadian Line.

Luci: The Love
Luci is 5 years old, also born at  the zoo and descended from 5 Singers purchased and brought to the zoo in 2007.  Luci had puppies while at the zoo, some of which, were a rare Black and Tan coloration.  This coloration is seen in wild NGSDs but has only been seen 10-12 times in the captive population.  Luci is very gentle, social and loves to be held and snuggled.   She wants nothing more than a soft bed and unconditional love.

Luci's first time sleeping inside, on a bed, with her loving Auntie Heidi. She is a gentle soul that needs to be given the love and a chance to love in return!

CANADIAN SINGER STORY: The FORGOTTEN
Life in a roadside zoo: Harsh weather and not enough love.

Life was very, very hard for the Singers in Canada, extreme winters, interactions and high mortality rates kept their population very small.  They were isolated and ‘forgotten’ for many years until a small group of Singer Enthusiasts stepped in to try to save the Canadian Singers.  Seven Singers/pups were imported into the U.S. from Canada and placed in private homes from 2013-2015, including 3 of Luci’s own babies.  The zoo was having many issues in Canada, and was forced to close its doors and sell all of their animals, including the Singers. Vonn and Luci were sold to an exotic animal  breeder by the zoo whose intent was in making $$ from the sale of their pups. He thought they would ‘make’ rare black and tan puppies that could be sold for a lot of $$$!  Luci and Vonn did have a litter with this breeder; however he had a very hard selling/placing their puppies.  This left Vonn and Luci of little to no worth to the exotic breeder.  Little care was provided to them and both were kept in very small areas with many other dogs, becoming increasingly stressed, fighting each other and trying to fight other dogs kept by the breeder. There was no love given and the light in their eyes diminished quickly!!!  Luci was severely hurt by Vonn in early 2017 after 3 years together as a bonded pair, she has numerous permanent injuries and scarring.  Their diet consisted of the lowest quality of dog food available.  They were not under any veterinary care and it is evident Luci self-healed in pain and suffering from her injuries. It is suspected Vonn has been hit/beaten, although he retreats and cowers rather than showing aggression.   Both have been damaged mentally and physically and have a long road ahead of them.  

The nasty conditions they lived in at the exotic breeders and the light disappearing from their eyes!
Luci was living in a small box with poop everywhere. Her scars are visible on her face and the loving girl is scared and without hope!

It only took a very short time with this exotics breeder and the stress of their conditions severed the love they had for each other.  Vonn would turn on Luci and they would have very nasty fights. 
Vonn living in filth.

SAVING LUCI AND VONN!!
Restoring their light
One of the NGSD enthusiast, Gayle Person,  never gave up looking for Luci and Vonn - she never gave up hope that she would find them and bring them into love and light.  She has been their biggest advocate and has spent a better part of 6 years devoted to saving the Canadian Singers (with the help of others).  Her tenacity and love for these babies was tireless and SHE FOUND THEM!!!!
Luci Safe in Gayle's loving arms!!

Two months ago it was discovered the exotic breeder was selling ‘his breeding pair’, Vonn & Luci.  Inquiries were made, photos exchanged and it was apparent both were in immediate need of rescue!!  The photos were heartbreaking and neither one looked like the same singers he purchased 2 years ago!  They had lost their light, their hope and the hard life they were enduring showed in their eyes!! Through the joint efforts of the JAB Canid Education and Conservation Center (a non-profit organization), the New Guinea Singing Dog Conservation Society (NGSDCS), Don Ehrlich; long time Singer Conservationist & Historian, and a small group of private Singer Conservationists, Vonn and Luci were purchased from the Exotic Breeder,  thanks to a generous donation from the NGSDCS and a generous donation from White Label Juice Co. After what seemed like a very long 30 day wait for rabies quarantine they were quietly shipped to the U.S.


Three amazing and beautiful souls, Gayle Person (the Canadian Singer Mama Bear), Heidi Ann (we call her the Auntie Heidi), and Matt Person (the fearless animal advocate) stopped their lives and drove to get these babies and bring them into the loving care of Don Ehrlich, Singer expert. After 20 hours road trip,  that included a hotel stay and for Luci, the first time ever sleeping in a bed, or indoors, they made it to a private facility to start their healing process. 

They are housed in separate spacious pens with enrichments next to each other and a diet of supplemented meat to help them heal.

PEACE, LOVE, and HARMONY
Singing again!!!


HOW CAN YOU HELP?
We need your help to bring the light back into Luci and Vonn's eyes and for them to learn to trust again!

Their story is far from over, their story is just beginning and with your help they can have the happiest ending imaginable!  After a few months in private care they will be transported to the JABCECC in San Diego, CA (a non-profit organization).  Urgently needed is funding for ongoing care, veterinarian expenses, transport and enclosures to be built at JABCECC.  These 2 have become icons to the Singer Community and their story needs to be shared and told. They have endured more than any animal should ever have to, from the day they were born until they day they were rescued, and  now  have opportunities never thought possible or imagined. They DESERVE this and hope you can support them….


Any amount will help to support their ongoing care at their sanctuary for healing and help them come to their forever home in San Diego - where they can be loved by so many!!
If you want to Sponsor them: We are asking for $300 a month.  You can support for as many months as you can!!  We are also looking for donations or support in providing food, enclosures, beautiful loving homes for them at the center, and veterinary care.  PLEASE, SHARE THIS with all your friends and please any amount will help!
You can also provide direct tax deductible donations to the JABCECC (www.jabcecc.org). Tax ID 81-3848496.  
foxes@siberiancupcakes.com for direct message.

BE LOVE, LIFE, and LIGHT for those needing a voice!

Luci sleeping in a bed with a human for the first time. She is LOVE!

Luci sleeping in a bed with a human for the first time. She is LOVE!

Vonn in his temporary home, starting to heal!

Vonn in his temporary home, starting to heal!

We have a gofundme as well as donations possible through our website and we accept checks!!

Happy Dance - Foxy play behavior

Sophie, Siberian Cupcakes' Russian domesticated fox had a play date with Maksa, JABCECC Fox Ambassador.  Sophie is demonstrating play behavior towards Maksa and we had to share!  It had me laughing so hard I almost snorted!!!  Sophie can be a bit sensitive or "tender" as the Russians called her.  She is super-emotional and if you make her made, she will put a whoop butt on you!!! - As Boris and Ishy know, all too well.  But she also loves to play, and be loved. 

 

When we first set out to bring Russian domesticated foxes into our family, we had the ICG videotape the behavior of Boris (they named Eric) and Sophia (they named Amy).  We also had them perform PAT testing on both.  WOW - the differences between the two were evident and truly represent who they currently are today.  The testing was extremely predictive of their adult behavior, even though this testing was developed for domesticated dogs. 

We are pretty sure when given the chance to meet Maksa, you will want to do the Sophers' Happy Dance too!!!

Clive Wynne visits the JABCECC

We were super excited to get a visit from world renowned canine behavior expert, Dr. Clive Wynne and two of his colleagues, Lisa Gunter and David Beckström-Sternberg.  We decided to perform an impromptu experiment assessing the prosocial behavior of the Russian domesticated foxes, the US tame fox and primitive dogs, New Guinea Singing dogs towards humans.  This experiment has been performed on domesticated dogs and wolves.  We were very curious to see how they would respond; would they act more like domesticated dogs, or wolves, or neither.  Well, we can certainly say that we were fascinated while watching each animal perform testing with a non-familiar person and a familiar person (in a familiar environment).  We tested 8 animals in total.

This type of behavioral testing on the Russian domesticated foxes and US tame foxes is limited and we believe that this testing, combined with genetic testing, is critical to truly understanding the difference and similarities of these canids and the domestication process. We cannot wait to see the results of this small pilot study. 

Sophie, a Russian domesticated fox during the non-familiar, passive testing.

Sophie, a Russian domesticated fox during the non-familiar, passive testing.

Stay tuned to learn more. 

Boris, a Russian domesticated fox during the non-familiar, active testing.

Boris, a Russian domesticated fox during the non-familiar, active testing.

Viktor, a Russian domesticated fox during the non-familiar, active testing.

Viktor, a Russian domesticated fox during the non-familiar, active testing.

If you are interested in collaborating with the JABCECC, scheduling a visit, or a photoshoot -  please reach out to us.  We are a non-profit and donations are also welcomed.

 

Huge Thanks to Clive Wynne and his team from the Canine Science Collaboratory at ASU.

Newsela publishes article on the RDFs (Featuring the JABCECC)

>> CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE

Newsela published an article based upon the PBS article on the Russian domesticated foxes, featuring the JABCECC.  The article was tailored to children and was age appropriate.  After the article was a quiz that educators could use to test the reading comprehension of children.  The JABCECC absolutely LOVES that that Newsela did this article, as one of the primary missions of the Center is to provide education to children.  We are very excited and cannot wait to start collaborating with educators and bringing the cute fluffy kids to classrooms, events, and parties to increase awareness about the program, as well as our conservation efforts for canids!

The Center Update and Welcome Matt!!

We have lots of exciting news to share!!!!  We have signed a contract with S&S Contractors to build the center structure.  They are going to begin the work to build a place where our healing can take place.  We expect the project to take a few months and then there will still be plenty of work to occur to make it beautiful and a place we call home for the babies.

Enclosures and fencing is under way and we will still need support to improve the living spaces for the babies and keep them safe and happy!!

We have added Matt Person to our team!!.  Matt has an insane amount of experience with wildlife rescue, dogs, and animal conservation.  He is currently in school for animal conservation and is one of the best handlers I have met.  He has such a natural connection with animals and an amazing spirit.  Everyone will surely fall in love with Matt!  Matt will be helping in the design of the enclosures, development of programs, spearheading our conservation efforts, and assisting in animal handling and educational events.  Matt is a very special addition to our team and we are over the moon blessed to have someone with his energy and skills a part of our non-profit.

Please welcome Matt!!