The Atlas Obscura Podcast Caring for Canids (Classic)
Jan 23, 2026
Amy Bassett, a conservationist and co-founder of the Judith A. Bassett Canid Education & Conservation Center, teams up with her husband Dave Bassett, an experienced animal trainer. They dive into the fascinating world of canids, sharing how they brought Russian domesticated foxes to the U.S. and the challenges of training these clever yet self-interested creatures. Their center promotes empathy for canids through interactive visitor programs, emphasizing the importance of public connection to inspire conservation efforts.
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How The Foxes Arrived
- Amy and Dave discovered Russian domesticated foxes after reading a Nat Geo article and decided to import them within a year.
- They picked up their first foxes in Salt Lake City and named them Boris and Sophie.
Foxes Aren't Dogs
- The foxes showed high intelligence but limited desire to please humans, unlike dogs.
- Dave explains they only follow behaviors that benefit themselves, making tasks like recall difficult.
Legacy Shaped The Center
- After Judith Bassett's death, Amy and Dave named the center to honor her dog-training legacy.
- They moved to Southern California to find community support for canid conservation.