Warning: Will Party

Warning:

Will party at a moment’s notice.

Five Steps to a Pet Safe New Year's Eve

  It is almost New Year of 2015 and I have just gotten used to writing 2014!  We keep New Year’s Eve pretty low-key around here.  When the kids were growing up, we exploded fireworks.  They have never really bothered our dogs.  In fact, we had a miniature Schnauzer that loved to watch fireworks.

  Bentley absolutely HATES fireworks.  He is certain that we are under military attack.  Bathroom breaks must be timed very carefully.  If he is in the middle of some serious business and a firework booms,

BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News 12/29/2014

Bentley: “Welcome to our final broadcast of BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News for 2014.  I’m Bentley, the hound with a nose for news.  Today, my co-anchor Pierre and I will be covering the top stories of the year.”

Pierre: “That’s right Bentley.  This year has really flown by here on the bayou.  According to some, the older we get the faster time goes.  That is why really old people hold onto to stuff when they walk.  Time is going by so fast for them; they have to hang on to keep for falling over.  *snicker  2014 was a fun year and there was a lot happening in the dog world.”

Get Plenty of Rest

It is important to get plenty of rest before our Monday newscast of

 BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News. 

It will be our end-of-the year broadcast.

Meet Paisley the Puppy

   Yesterday was super exciting for our family.  We welcomed a new granddog! Our son and his wife added a precious puppy to their family.  Her name is Paisley and she is a six-week old chocolate Lab.  We went over to see her, give her puppy presents, and get some puppy love.  She is adorable, bouncy, and full of curiosity.

   Don’t take my word for it.  Here she is…Paisley!

Barking from the Bayou's Christmas Morning

Bentley: “We hope that everyone enjoyed a wonderful Christmas holiday.  Santa Paws sure must have thought we were super good boys.  Pierre and I were so excited with our treats and toys.  Santa even brought me a brand new Slappy!  It is my bestest toy in the universe and my old one is pretty ragged these days.  You will notice at the end of this video, a certain “friend” tried to do the snatch and run with my new Slappy!”

Merry Christmas Y'all

♥ Merry Christmas Y'all ♥

Merry Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas Eve

To: All of our Friends

From: Melissa, Bentley, & Pierre

D.I.Y. Holiday Dog Treats

   One of the Christmas traditions we have on the bayou is baking goodies and making candies.  The only problem is none of the things we enjoy are good for our dogs.  As much as they insist a little chocolate won’t hurt them, they are wrong.  It is best to avoid giving your pet any candy or treats meant for humans.  

   This year, thanks to our friends at Kurgo, I can bake something special just for them.  Now all of those pleading eyes can be answered with a doggie-approved holiday treat.

BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News

Our top story; "The dog ate the homework."

Bentley: “Happy Holidays y’all!  Welcome to the Christmas edition of BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News.  I am your Ho-Ho-Hound Bentley Basset and along with my co-elf Pierre, we are sniffing out all the good news you need to know.”

Pierre: “How come you get to be Ho-Ho-Hound and I’m an elf?  Maybe I want to be Pierre Paws or something cool like that.  Just sayin’…”

Bentley: “Well, I’m just saying that you’d better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, and I’m telling you why.  You can’t be Pierre Paws, because I am already Ho-Ho-Hound.  It’s just that “ho” is in my name.  That makes it the law.  Now, let’s get back to the news Elf Boy.”

Pierre: “It’s all fun and games until you get a lump of coal.  I do know one dog that should be scared of getting some coal in his stocking.  Roscoe, a five-year old mixed breed decided his human sister’s diorama of a Middle Ages farm would taste really great.  The Texas sophomore had completed her project with plastic animals, grass, wood, and metal wire fencing.  When the teen’s mom saw the project in shambles, with a lot of pieces missing, Roscoe was rushed to the emergency vet.  Sure enough, the vet confirmed the dog had bit most of the farm.  Luckily, with the use of an endoscope, the farm pieces were removed.  The student took an x-ray as proof to her AP World History teacher.  She was allowed extra time to rebuild the farm.”

Bentley: “E-I-E-I-Oww!  That is one lesson they both learned the hard way.  Here is one dog that will definitely be on Santa’s nice list.  Daisy is a brown and white Pit Bull.  She had been living on a boat in Sausalito with her human.  That is until a torrential rainstorm came by and sunk his boat.  Her owner had gone to help a friend and returned to see the mast of his home in the water.  He feared that everything he loved in the world was lost to the storm, including his best friend.  Little did he know that Daisy had swum 1 ½ miles during the dark storm and walked to a local church.  She knew this place, because her owner took her there when he needed a meal.  When the owner showed up to eat one Friday, the reverend asked him about the dog.  The man explained the dog was gone.  The reverend than asked if the dog’s name was ‘Babe.’  The man explained that was her name before she was his.  It was then the man of cloth explained the dog showed up and seemed to be waiting for him.  They reunited with licks, wags, and tears of joy.

Pierre: “I’m so glad that Daisy is back with her human.  This last story is about a man and dog that spend all of their time together.  A UK man gave up his job, home, and possessions to bike with his Collie, Nero.  He had a welder modify his bicycle with a shelf for Nero to sit on.  The two traveled 2,500 miles in two months.  The journey was such a success that the team is going to take on Europe!”

"We will be tracking Santa Paws all of Christmas Eve."

Bentley: “I’m thinking Nero is going to need to learn how to back pedal.  I want all of our readers to know that we are on top of Santa tracking.  None of you dogs or cats want to be caught sniffing around when you should be asleep.  As you can see from our Sleigh Tracker, we will have the best in dog tracking systems on the jolly old soul.”

Pierre: “Are we going to have a white Christmas?  I would really like to build a snowman.  Do you wanna build a snowman?”

Bentley: “Just let it go, Pierre.  The only thing frozen around here will be some treats if we’re lucky.  There is a zero chance of snow on the bayou this Christmas.  In fact, it will be a sunny 64˚ on the big day.  My sweetie, Emma and some of our other friends in the north may have themselves the white Christmas that we can only dream of here. 

Today's totals ~ Us: 56 / Mom & Dad: 10

Pierre: “Well, I have to confess, my feelings aren’t hurt at the idea of a sunny day.  I’m afraid that I’d get lost in a bunch of snow.  Speaking of getting lost reminds me of our Christmas card count.  I’m sure Gramma is hoping most of her cards were lost in the mail.  TeeHee!

Bentley: “I’m sure their cards will come flooding in any day.  *spit, sputter, snicker!  We do want to thank everybody for all of our paper and ecards.  Each one has brought a smile to our faces and a wag to our tails.  From BFTB NETWoof News, this is Bentley Ho-Ho-Hound and Pierre Paws saying “Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all and be sure to grab some holiday happy!”

News Sources:

Dog actually ate the homework

Dog Swims to Safety 

Biking with the dog 

  

  Many mischievous thanks to our friends Alfie’s Blog, Snoopy’s Dog Blog, and My Brown Newfies for their Mischief Monday blog hop.  Join them and these other blogs for more fun.

Hustle and Bustle of Christmas

During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season,

take time to enjoy your best friend.  It's the perfect gift for both of you.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

"Do you hear what I hear?"

Before I began Barking from the Bayou, my blog was about writing and humor.  This post from last Christmas is one of my favorites.  It is about Christmas carols and I hope that it makes you laugh.

Click for “Christmas Carols”

The 12 Gifts of BlogPaws

   I have always loved the holiday classic “The 12 Days of Christmas.”  Every year some news media will give us the total cost of purchasing everything on the list.  It is always astronomical and comical.  Seriously, who wants all of those birds and leaping lords in their home?

   This year instead of worrying about how to find eight maids-a-milking, consider giving your true love a ticket to the 2015 BlogPaws Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.  We will be kickin’ up our heels and paws at the Sheraton Music City Hotel on May 28^th thru 30^th.

To help you understand the impact of a BlogPaws Conference ticket, here is what you are giving.

“The 12 Gifts of BlogPaws”

Christmas Pet Safety

Bentley: “Can you believe Christmas is next week?  I am so excited to see what Santa Paws is going to bring me.  I’ve been a very good boy and…PIERRE!  What are you doing dude?”

Pierre: “Nothing, I was just about to see if this potpourri is as tasty as it smells.  Here, smell this.  Don’t you think it’d be yummy?”

Bentley: “Put that down and go wipe your paws.  Potpourri is among the potential dangers that the American Veterinary Medical Association warns us about during the holidays.  You shouldn’t even be left alone in a room with potpourri, candles, or other holiday decorations.”

Christmas Snow Globes and Dogs are Magic

Christmas snow globes have always held a special kind of magic and wonderment.  When you add dogs to them, snow globes are even more special.

10 Ways to Help a Shelter this #Christmas

  Christmas is quickly approaching and it is a perfect time of the year to play Santa Paws for your local no-kill pet shelter.  There are countless ways to help and not break your holiday budget.  In fact, most of the ways are completely FREE.

BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News 12/15/2014

Did he or didn't he? Find out our Top Story below.

Bentley: “Welcome to this week’s BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News.  I’m Bentley and along with my co-host Pierre, we bring you all the news we nose.  Hee Hee!  That’s a newshound joke.  Our top story today is not a joke, but a case of “Do All Dogs Go to Heaven?”  It was widely reported that Pope Francis comforted a small child with the words, “One day we will see our animals again.  Paradise is open to all of God’s creatures.”  The Vatican spokesperson has discredited the account, but not before it went viral.  What do you think Pierre?”

One Dog A~sleeping

After a mega-birthday celebration and our one-year blog anniversary, Bentley is dog-tired.

If the visions of sugarplums would quit dancing in my head, I could get some serious sleep.

We are joining Sugar the Golden Retriever and Dachshund Nola for their Black & White Sunday blog hop.  You can click below to visit other participating

 B & W blogs.

Celebrating Our One-Year Blog Anniversary

  

Win Bentley's Fave Things for Dogs

All of this to ONE lucky reader!

Kurgo Makes a Quantum Leap in Dog Leashes

    I am a leash hoarder.  We have more than a professional dog walker, but all of them serve different purposes.  I have some cutesy ones, some retractable ones, leather, paracord, and training ones.  We even still have our quick-release short collar from our police K-9 Shepherd.  Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a leash that does the job of several and still look stylish?  In the words of Santa, “I have just what you asked for and more.  Ho*Ho*Ho!”

   The Kurgo Reflect and Protect Quantum Leash has everything that you’re looking for in a dog-walking product.  When my leash arrived, I wasn’t sure how to use it.  This is because it is unlike all of my leashes.  KURGO has developed the Quantum Leash to extend to a 6-foot long lead.  Nothing new there, but just wait!  

When Fall Fell

   Once the majority of our leaves fall, it is time to mulch them.  The boys love to roll in the freshly chopped foliage.  The tiny pieces fall off Bentley with a couple of shakes.  Pierre…not so much.

Easy Dog Cookie Recipe

I wanted to share the other recipe that I used in celebrating Bentley’s birthday.  These are easy and the boys give them a paws-up.  It is really just a basic dog treat recipe with a special ingredient.

Bentley’s Birthday Bones

Ingredients

½ cup Cornmeal

6 Tbsps. Oil (I used canola)

2 cups Whole-Wheat flour

2/3 cup Water or Broth*

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350˚.  Mix well.  Roll your dough to approx. ¼” thick.  Cut into the shape of your choice with a cookie cutter.  Bake on parchment paper for 35-40 minutes.  Let cookies cool completely before decorating.  Store in tightly sealed container or refrigerate if frosted.

*I used 2 Tbsp. of The Honest KitchenWinter Warmers (available in my giveaway) to 2/3 cup of hot water.

BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News

Bentley: “Welcome to BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News for Monday December 8, 2014.  We are still recovering from my amazing birthday party last week.  I’d like to thank each of you publicly for the warm wishes.  It touched my Hound dog heart.  I’d like to invite each of you to enter my Favorite Things giveaway with a dozen great products.  *whispers: “Y’all can get extra entries by retweeting each day.  See our Current Giveaways tab  Ahem, Pierre what news have you sniffed for our viewers?”

Pierre: “In keeping with our good news for December theme, I am happy to report that the trial of the “Crying Elephant” has been decided.  Raju the elephant has been shackled and abused his entire life.  He was rescued and re-homed to Wildlife SOS sanctuary.  When his shackles were removed for the first time, his rescuers noticed tears falling from his eyes.  A judge ruled that Raju must remain at the sanctuary where he can roam free and take a dip in the water any time.”

Up to My Belly in Leaves

When you have short legs, everything is up to your belly.

Do You Want to Make a Pupcake? Easy Recipe

   When it comes to creating dog friendly treats in the kitchen, my experience consists of liver cookies.  The dogs love the smell, the humans not so much.  Since this was a big birthday for Bentley, I wanted to try my hand at pupcakes.  I used to bake and decorate cakes, so I figured dog cakes couldn’t be much different.  I began searching my favorite pet blogs that I trust for great recipe ideas.  I ended up taking bits and pieces of several and came up with a tasty recipe for the cakes and frosting.  Yes, I took a bite before giving it to Bentley.  In case it tasted gross, I didn’t want him to gag on his birthday.

This is a simple recipe and was definitely a winner in Bentley’s opinion.

Are You Pampering Your Pets this Christmas

Bentley: “It’s time for another segment of Questions to Bentley.  This letter comes from my Mom Anonymous.”

Dear Bentley, 

   How do I know if I am spoiling my adorable Basset Hound?  I have been accused of giving into his every whim.  Are there pampering guidelines?  

Thanks, Baffled Basset Mom

Dear Baffled,

   Thank you for your intriguing question.  Personally, I don’t believe that a dog can be too spoiled.  However, there are certain tell-tail signs that you may possibly be construed as pampering.

1.   Your dog has one or more monogrammed collars, items of clothing, or other pet products.

2.   You have spent hours getting the perfect photo of the dog for your Christmas card.

3.   You sneak the dog’s Christmas presents inside, so they will be surprised.

4.   Your dog has its own Christmas tree ornament and stocking.

5.   You sign their names to the family Christmas card and even add little paw prints.

6.   The dog has the most gifts under the tree.

7.   You watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with your dog, so they can see Snoopy as the WW1 Flying Ace.  You are certain the dog is laughing at it.

8.   You play the barking dogs “Jingle Bells” for their entertainment.

9.   You have been looking at Christmas doggie pajamas online.

10.        There is no way you will miss the Santa Paws photo shoot at the pet store.

If you nodded your head at most of these, you may be accused of dog spoiling.  We at Barking from the Bayou think every dog should be spoiled this holiday season.  I hope this helps.  

Your friend, Bentley

Bentley's Bayou Birthday Bash

"A group shot with some awesome friends from left to right; Bailie, Ruby, Chewy, Me, Emma, Mika, Pierre, and Koda."

Bentley: “Wow!  Thank y’all sooo much for all of the birthday wishes.  I had so many visitors and it was so much fun.  I’m going to have to rest my tail from all the wagging.  I have lots of party pictures, so I’m going to try to not talk too much.  *snicker  I was answering the comments that you left, but Mom said it was time to write our post.  I’ll get back to everyone as soon as possible.  I want to give a special thanks to Ruby for her Ruby~rita truck.  It was definitely a hit.  I could tell some stories, but what happens on the Bayou, stays on the Bayou!  A big hug to our pals at Love is being owned by a Husky for their beautiful sparkling card.  My sweetie Emma gave me a very special card.  I may or may not have gotten a hug and kiss.  Bassets do not kiss and tell.”

Happy Birthday Bentley #7

Bentley: “Hey Pierre!  Guess what day it is.

If We Ever Had Some Snow

  
 We enjoy many awesome things on the bayou.  We have beautiful trees and flowers, great bayous and waterways, Mardi Gras, southern-fried chicken, Cajun food, and New Orleans.  There are also things that we don’t get to enjoy.  We are out of luck if we want to climb a mountain, we have the Gulf of Mexico, but no oceans and we never get much snow.  Ever.

BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News !2-1-2014

"Welcome to the world!"

Bentley: “Welcome to another exciting report from BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News.  Wednesday is my big birthday, so today we will only deliver happy news!  You’ll have to go elsewhere for doom and gloom.  Let’s start out with some exciting news from right here on the bayou.  We want to send congratulations to our friend Breezy the Doberman for becoming a mom yesterday!  We are so excited to welcome the new babies into the world.  In addition to her human mom, dad, and three brothers, Breezy now has three sons and five daughters.  They are all doing fine.”