Chewy on the Bayou

Bentley: “I was chillin’ in the BFTB office the other day when I heard a knock on the door.  We knew that Chewy.com was supposed to arrive but had no idea that he’d be here so fast!”

Pierre: “It is always so exciting to open the door and see Chewy with a blue Chewy box.  Bentley inspected the box and gave it a good sniffing.  He always has to sit and admire his new stuff.  Me, I just wanna tear into everything!”

Reality Calls for Dog Hugs

There are some days when the world’s reality makes you need to hug your dog.

Meet Dr. Harvey's ~ A BlogPaws Conference Sponsor

  There are so many things that I love about BlogPaws Conferences.  One of my favorites is the chance to meet and talk with the incredible brand sponsors.  You can see the list of the brands that will be sponsoring this year’s conference in Nashville by clicking here.  I'll be introducing you to the sponsors that I work with and those I am looking forward to networking with at the conference.

 

Both of these foods are easy and the boys ♥ them!

I am so excited to meet the friendly people from the family-owned Dr. Harvey’s in person!  It has been my pleasure to get to know them over the past few months through social media and letters.  Bentley and Pierre are even more eager to shake paws with them.  We have shared our reviews of a few of their tasty products, but today I’d like to share the Dr. Harvey’s story.

BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News 4/27/2015

Bentley: “Hello and welcome to this week’s BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News.  I’m your newshound Bentley and together with my co-anchor Pierre, we’ll provide you with the news we nose.  Our lively Weather Lab Paisley will fetch the forecast.  We are hoping for some sunny skies.  Pierre, what is today’s hot top story?”

It's Squirrel:Thirty on the Bayou

   I mentioned the other day that Pierre was obsessed with squirrels.  When I say “obsessed,” I mean that he will sit at the back door from 4:30 to 7:30 every day.  This is Squirrel: thirty o’clock.  Approximately every fifteen to twenty minutes, a squirrel will dare to put his feet in our yard.  Pierre has one mission.  Eliminate the perpetrator.  He also has one problem.  He cannot sneak because it is physically impossible for him not to bark.  He starts with a whine at the door.  That quickly escalates into a nervous bark and rapid pacing from the window to the door.  If we don’t let him outside, the sound rises and becomes a desperate plea for release.  He will shake with excited anticipation.  When the door opens, he shoots out like a bullet!  The squirrels are still winning the race, but he has gotten close.  Our squirrels stay within a hop, skip and jump to the trees for a quick getaway.  The word is out in the woods that Pistol Pierre is always on duty.

Any Old Treat in a Storm

We were under severe weather warnings last night.  Bentley doesn’t mind the rain, but when the thunder rolls, he is not a fan.  I wrote a review last month about the SmartPetLove Safe & Sound 4-in-1 Harness.  It is the harness with the heartbeat and it does a tremendous job of calming Bentley.  As soon as we knew the storm was approaching, we put him in his lightweight tee shirt and turned on his heartbeat harness. 

One-Month BlogPaws Conference To-Do List

Can you believe the BlogPaws 2015 conference is only one month away?  You might be wondering what you should be doing now to be prepared.  I thought it might be helpful to give you a quick one-month checklist.  Don’t stress over anything, you have time to get things done.

I'm a Blogpaws Veteran

Buy Your Ticket: The BlogPaws Conference is sure to be another sell-out.  There are a limited number of tickets available and you risk missing out if you wait much longer.  Your ticket includes meals, learning sessions, renowned keynote speakers, access to representatives from top brands in the pet industry, a red-carpet award's dinner and swag galore.  You can save 10% with my Ambassador’s code BP15-Amb-Melissa-10 *Be sure to add your badge to your website.

Book Your Room: This year’s conference is being at the luxurious Sheraton Music City Hotel.  The group rate of $139 is only available until May 11^th.  Just as with the tickets, the rooms are subject to availability.  *On a personal note, I strongly urge you to stay on the conference grounds.  It will make going to your room between classes or after a meal so much easier.  You will also want to empty your swag bag throughout the day!

Squirrel Play

   It’s no secret that the Bayou Boys love their PrideBites™!  We recently shared a post about our stylish new collar and leash matching set, but today we are talking the original PrideBites toys.  Let me rephrase that.  We are talking about the 2014 Family Choice award-winning toys!  That’s right; these PrideBites foam-stuffed, customizable toys have tongues and tails wagging about their awesomeness.

Celebrating Earth Day #52Snapshots of Life

We are celebrating Earth Day with a photo my husband took on our Alaskan cruise.  There’s no place like earth.

There’s only one.  Let’s take care of it.

Happy Earth Day!

Pose-A-Pet #Rescuerevolution

 

   We’ve all been there before.  You are trying to get a great photo of your dog or cat and they look everywhere except at you.  If it is difficult to get your pets to look, imagine the trouble of getting a frightened rescue dog’s attention.  Until now, we had to resort to a plethora of gimmicks.  I can’t tell you some of the bizarre things we have done to get Bentley to look at my phone or camera. 

   Thankfully, those difficult shots are behind us.  We have discovered The Pose-A-Pet™ smartphone app.  It will not only help me take great shots of Bentley and Pierre, but I can also snap photos of the Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana (HSNWLA) pups like this one of Stella.  Let me tell you more about this cool app.

   The Pose-A-Pet app was created to help you take great pictures of your pets by using the same sounds that a professional photographer uses to capture a pet’s attention.  The creators of Pose-A-Pet are involved in animal rescue.  The initial app is free to download and comes with a limited number of sounds.  This app will help make it easier for a rescue animal shelter to get their pet photos in front of literally millions of potential forever families. The best thing about this pet photography app is how easy it is to use. 

BFTB NETWoof News 4/20/2015

Bentley: “It is hard to believe, but here we are at the beginning of another week.  Thank you as always for joining us to track down the news that you need.  I’m joined by my co-anchor, Pierre the Westie and our Weather Lab, Paisley.  We have a lot of news that we have dug up this week so let’s get started with our top story.”

Grab Some Happy

Grab yourself some happy today!

A Quizzical Birthday Celebration #52Snapshots of Life

We are participating in the #52Snapshot of Life Photo Challenge from 

The Lazy Pit Bull.

Happy Birthday Pierre

Bentley: “Hey Pierre!  SURPRISE!!  Guess what is special about today?”

Pierre: “Aww, y’all remembered.  Is there cake and presents?  Will there be a party with the birthday song?”

Me: “Happy fourth birthday, little man.  Of course, we will have a party later today.  We are going to show our friends a picture of you in your birthday suit.”

Pierre: “You can’t be serious!  How will I ever be seen in public again?”

Me: “I’m talking about the birthday suit we bought at Petco.  Since it’s your big day, why don’t you take over from here?  Bentley and I need to go get things ready for your party.”

Pierre: “I could get used to this special treatment.  It all started yesterday when we loaded up and rode to the pet store.  They had small buggies that were the perfect size for me to get a good look at everything. 

Do the Poop Scoop Swoop with Sooty Paw Paw

Me: “Bentley, Pierre, do y’all remember what we were talking about the other day?”

Bentley: “I think you mentioned something about giving us more treats.”

Pierre: “Well, I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but…Toot! Toot! Tomorrow is my birthday!  I am pretty sure that you should have already talked and shopped about that major life event.”

Me: “I don’t know why I ask y’all these questions.  I am referring to our talk about the Sooty Paw Paw® poop bag infographic we posted April 3^rd.  It told how important that it is for folks to pick up after their dogs.”

Bentley: “Oh yeah, I remember that.  It’s the infographic that had the pictures of the bags with their cool dispenser.  You know the one that makes sure that you can tear the bag with one hand and only one bag comes out each time.  It’s amazing; although I kind of miss watching you try to rewind all those bags from our dispenser.  You looked pretty silly.  Is that the infographic that you are

talking about?”

Me: “Yep, that’s the one.  We are going to tell our readers how our experience with the bags and holder has been going.”

Pierre: “Okay, so we aren’t talking about my birthday?  Fine.  I don’t mind saying I’m a wee bit hurt.”

Me: “Keep a stiff upper lip, Pierre.  We have something special to tie in with your big day.  I don’t want to tell everybody until the end.  You know go for the big finish!”

Pierre: “That certainly makes sense.  When you announce it, can I say ta-da?  I think that would make me feel better.”

Bentley: “Great!  All this talk about going and finishing reminds me of something.  Let’s go for a walk.  I have some business I’ll need you to take care of down the street.”

Four on Friday

A certain little fluffy white fellow is about to celebrate

his Happy Birthday this Friday.

Pierre is turning FOUR!

We are going to surprise him with a party and

you are invited for the fun! 

Humane Society of NW Louisiana Volunteers

 

  I want to begin by saying “Thank you to the wonderful volunteers from the Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana.  The week of April 12 thru 18 is set aside to honor the volunteers that selflessly give of their own time and money to help many causes around the world.  It takes a special person to donate their time and energy without expecting anything in return.  The world is a better place to live because of volunteers.  No matter what your passion, there are heroes out on the frontline making a difference.  I want to share two of my favorite references to volunteering.

*Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody*

This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.  There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.  Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.  Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job.  Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.  It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.

~Anonymous

This next quote is one that motivates me in my writing and everyday life.  I think Lily Tomlin is one incredible lady.

“I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that, then I realized I was somebody.”

~Lily Tomlin

BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News

Bentley: “Hello and welcome to this week’s edition of BFTB NETWoof News.  We’re your news hounds digging up stories that you need to nose know.  I’m joined today, as I am each week by my co-anchor Pierre the Westie and our Weather Lab Paisley.  Let’s get hopping with our top story.”

Pierre: “It's funny that you should mention hopping because our top story is about some scary toads in Florida.  The Giant Toad or Cane Toad has become a threat to dogs and cats.  They are not indigenous to the state, but man introduced them in hopes of controlling white larvae on sugar cane plants.  It was an epic failure.  These giant creatures are eating the native frogs and toads.  Gramma is constantly warning me not to mess with the frogs in our yard.  It may be time to pay attention.  When the Cane Toad is threatened, it secretes a toxic milky substance from the back of its head.  If a dog or cat ingests that nasty stuff, they can become very sick.  It can cause convulsions and even death!  No sirree, I am not going to mess with any more frogs or toads.  *shudder  Join me and be toad free!”

What Do We Want Now?

What do you think the boys want now?

Blessings with #52Snapshots of Life

Two of my greatest BLESSINGS each have

Tips for a Successful BlogPaws Conference Experience

   

   If you follow my blog then you know I am one of four BlogPaws Conference Ambassadors.  It is a big honor and a bigger responsibility.  I am in charge of the “Newbies” Group on the BlogPaws community.  If you have any questions about what to pack or bring, that’s the place to ask.  Those of you who are veterans are welcome to add any tips that you wish you’d known your first time.  

   Last year was my first BlogPaws conference and I knew immediately that I’d be at every future event.  It was that incredible.  We met our friends Emma, Bailie, and their mom, Joy entering the hotel.  Emma is Bentley’s girlfriend, so they were definitely on my ‘to-meet’ list.  This year, Bentley and Emma will meet in the fur.  It should be exciting and I’m sure there will be many photos.  *Tip: Bring a camera 

It's Wild Calling! #TheArtofNutrition

The most beautiful packaging I've ever seen!

   I want to introduce you to a company that was started with a story, not a strategy.  Tim Petersen of Greeley, Colorado had worked as a pet food distributor for years.  Knowing the business allowed him to search for the perfect brand for his pets.  It didn’t take long before he became disappointed in the choices.  He finally gave up and decided to make his own all natural food.  Wild Calling!® is a new family-owned, family-run company.  Tim works with his two sons, Jeremy and Trevar to bring our dogs and cats the type of foods that animals would hunt in the wild.  That means a grain-free diet rich in meat and high-quality protein.  The formula was years in the making and it was certainly worth the wait.  The merging of dietary science with the beauty of nature and a genuine love for our pets is an artistic idea they call, “The Art of Nutrition.”

National Dog Fighting Awareness Day #GetTough

Dog Fighting is a CRIME!

It is time to #GETTOUGH with the laws.

There are No Words.

Dr. Harvey's in the House

"Look at these goodies from Dr. Harvey's!"

Bentley: “A few weeks ago, a big box was delivered to our front door.  As chief taste tester here on the Bayou, I hurried behind Mom to see what we had.  It took her forever and a day to open the box, but when she did…”

Pierre: “I hear you, Bentley.  It was obvious from the smells that this was no ordinary box of goodies.  The scent was drool-worthy.  On closer inspection, we discovered the box was from Dr. Harvey’s Fine Health Food.  You might remember our rave review of their Barkotti and the Coconut Smiles.  Is it wrong to fall in love with a box?”

Bentley: “With the box?  Yes, that is weird.  If you have fallen in love with all of the great things that were in the box, that’s a different story.  Take these new Sweet Potate’r Chews.  No, don’t really take them.  That’s just a sayin’.  Seriously, bring them back!”

BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News April 6, 2015

Bentley: “Thank you for joining us for this week’s BFTB NETWoof News.  I am your News Hound Bentley.  Joining me at the news desk is my co-anchor, Pierre the Westie and our ever-growing Weather Lab, Paisley.  Together we sniff out the top pet stories of the week and let you know the weather forecast.  We always strive to bring you the happiest news stories.  What’s our top story this week, Pierre?”

Every Bunny Loves PrideBites

Wishing you a very 

♥ Happy Easter ♥

*Clicking this picture or links will to take you to our affiliate PrideBites page. Thank you!

Going, Going, Gone

Pierre and Bentley love when we get on the floor with them for belly rubs and scratches.

Two hands, two dogs and feeling too good.

Sooty Paw Paw Infographic

   I want to introduce you to the most ingenious dog poop bag dispenser ever.  Sooty Paw Paw has a patented design on the dispenser that guarantees one bag tears off at a time.  The days of having to “rewind” bags onto the spool are gone.  The bags are large, sturdy, AND eco-friendly.  

PURGGO Perfection

   Let’s face it; there are a lot of automobile air fresheners on the market.  You can drive in a vehicle that smells like a Pina Colada, a vanilla cookie, or the ever-popular pine tree.  The problem with these is they all cover the stink with a stink of their own.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t find anything pleasing about fast-food/dogs/artificial scent combos.  What is wrong with eliminating the odors and replacing it with the smell of nothing?  There is a lot to be said for fresh air.

Foolish #52Snapshots of Life

Happy April Fools Day!

Have you ever wondered what happens if you leave a nosey Basset Hound alone for a moment with a swingtop garbage can?