New Year's Eve is Doggone Fun

   It is time for the Blogville New Year’s Eve Dance. I am honored to escort my sweetie, the gorgeous Emma from My GBGV Life. Pierre is taking her kid sister, Bailie. We always have a great time when we are together. As the more mature couple, it is our obligation to babysit keep an eye on Pierre and Bailie. They aren’t old enough to drink any of the margaritas that Ruby likes to serve. We have also witnessed them trying to twerk on the dance floor. Needless to say, Emma and I were mortified!

A Year in Review 2015

   As 2015 comes to a close, I thought it would be fun to take a photographic trip down Memory Lane. I tried to select my favorite pics of the year, but it proved more difficult than I imagined. My husband, Skipper does an incredible job taking photos of Bentley and Pierre. Although they are not the most cooperative subjects, he always makes them look as if they were natural born models. I hope that you enjoy our video compilation. 

We are looking forward to 2016 with the camera ready!

Let There Be Peace on Earth

We are finishing up our year-long photo challenge,

52 Snapshots of Life
hosted by The Lazy Pit Bull.
The last word prompt of the year is
PEACE

A Visit from Santa Paws

   Bentley and Pierre had a wonderful Christmas! They took part in the Blogville Christmas gift exchange for the first time this year. Bentley received his gifts from MyLife with Scotties’ Jacque. Pierre’s presents came from a fellow Westie named Duncan who you can find on The White Dog Blog. Both of them were thrilled with their goodies!

“Oh la la! Jacque, these Wet Nose Sweet Potato Cookies are trés bien! Merci beaucoup!” ♥

Merry Christmas ~ Happy HoHoHolidays!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Card Count

Professional Christmas Tree Trimmers

 

"Don't worry, we are professionals. It takes a steady paw to trim a proper Christmas tree."

Merry Christmas ~ Barking from the Bayou

Barking from the Bayou 
wishes you a Very Merry Christmas!

All They Want for Christmas is Dog Treats #Recipes

   Some of the best Christmas gifts are homemade and that goes for food too. Unfortunately, most of the traditional human goodies are not healthy for our best friends. All they want for Christmas is dog treats! Here are some delicious dog-approved recipes from Kurgo. Bentley and Pierre are hoping they will find these in their stockings on Christmas morning.

I Saw Bentley Kissing Santa Claus

I saw Bentley Kissing Santa Claus!

Old Friends

Confessions of A Dog Parent Snob

   Well, it’s happened. I’m not sure how or exactly when, but I’ve become a dog parent snob. Actually, I do know how, but not exactly when. It’s been over the past two years of blogging. I have become a judgmental dog parent snob. Let me explain.

   It hit me like a ton of bricks last week when I had Bentley at the vet. A man came in with his dog on a rope for its leash. It had no collar on, just a rope with a loop on one end that was serving as both collar and leash. I found myself judging this man and what kind of dog parent that he was. It disturbed me that I knew nothing of this guy or his situation but felt I could judge him. Let me tell you, I was very disappointed in myself. After all, he did have the dog at the vet so it was obvious that he cared. I might be able to let it go if this was the first time that I’d been guilty of dog parent snobbery. Unfortunately, it’s not.

   

Doppelganger Dog

We recently discovered that Bentley has his very own doppelganger! 

This adorable cookie jar is from

 Ree Drummond's 

The Pioneer Woman collection.

"Is this cookie jar mocking me?"

Happy 2nd Bogiversary to Us!

Me: “Hey boys, guess what day it is?”

Bentley: “Is it Christmas?”

Pierre: “Woo Hoo! Let’s go see what Santa brought us!”

Me: “It’s not Christmas. It is our second blogiversary! That means that we have been Barking from the Bayou for two years!”

Bentley: “Do we get presents?”

Pierre: “And cake…please let there be cake.”

5 Tips for Being a Good Pet Neighbor

  Are you a good pet neighbor? There are a few common courtesies that will keep you from being “that person with the dogs/cats.”

We Choose Jones Natural Chews Co. #MakingDogsSmile

This post is sponsored by Jones Natural Chews and the BlogPaws® Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping promote all natural dog treats made in the USA, but Barking from the Bayou/mkclintoncom only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Jones Natural Chews is not responsible for the content of this article.

   Christmas is a very busy time at Jones Natural Chews. That’s because every good puppy and dog have Jones meat treats on their wish list. It is the must-have dog stocking stuffer this year. You shouldn’t be surprised since Jones Natural Chews are 100% all natural ingredients that are certified grown and made in the USA. Most of their products are single ingredient treats and that includes their bones. With a variety of delicious treats from beef, chicken, lamb, pork, rabbit and venison, the Jones family has been making dogs smile since 1970. Their history as meat cutters and butchers can be traced back sixteen decades. Needless to say, they know meat. That’s why we always choose Jones’ dog treats!

Christmas Travel is for the Dogs

   Does your holiday trip over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house include your dog? Here are some interesting facts about traveling with your dog this season thanks to my friends at Kurgo®.

Super Models or Just Diva Dogs

   We were looking through our thousands of photos this week and came upon this gem from summer. The boys are usually very tolerant of the countless photo shoots that are required of them. However, on this day they preferred to chill in the grass.

Selfie Assured

I've been practicing my "good boy" look for when I visit Santa! Does this look sincere?

A Bokeh for You

Do you have a dog or cat loving reader on your Christmas list?   

Give them the gift of laughter with my book series.

The Returns & The Returns 2~Showstoppers

The Party's Over

Bentley: “I’d like to thank everyone for all of the happy birthday wishes. It really put a wag in my tail to see so many people thought about me. I was pretty much spoiled from the time I opened my eyes until I crashed out from pupcakes and partying! Let me share the party highlights with you.

Happy Birthday, Bentley Basset

Happy 8^th Birthday

Bentley!

   I can’t believe that it has been 8 years since Bentley joined our family. He is without a doubt the most special dog I’ve ever loved. ♥ If you haven’t read “Bentley’s Story,” take a few minutes and discover how he came to be my soul dog.

   We will celebrate today with a special dinner, treats, pupcakes and doggie ice cream. Oh, did I mention presents? Yes, he has a few gifts to enjoy. It should be a very fun day!

I made this birthday video in honor of his special day. I hope that you like it.

Be sure to stop back tomorrow for party pictures.

Me, My Selfie & I

Selfies can be “ruff” with short Basset Hound arms!

He's Not Sorry

This is how I usually stand at the kitchen sink. It is easier to straddle Bentley than it is to move him! He's not sorry. LOL!

Christmas Gift Guide for Dogs Video

We know many of our friends are out in the hustle and bustle of Black Friday Christmas shopping. Bentley and Pierre wanted to share some of their favorite gift ideas to make shopping for your best friend easier. I hope that you enjoy our video and get some great ideas to make your holiday shopping fun~tastic! The wonderful thing is that most of these gifts are available online, so no need to join in the shopping madness. ☺

Thank You For Being A Friend #Thanksgiving

Dogs That Capture Our Hearts

   Sometimes things happen in our lives that are completely unexpected. Five years ago I would never dream that I’d be a published author and a professional dog blogger. Yet, here I am and it is a life change for which I’ll be forever grateful.

   An amazing thing has happened as a result of writing The Returns book series.  A few of my quotes have become very popular. I am still shocked to see my words and name listed in the 50 Famous Dog Quotes between Agatha Christie and Charles de Gaulle. It fills my heart with joy to know that the words have had an emotional effect on people. I’ve seen it used in magazines, as memes and in tributes to people’s dogs. I am truly humbled and honored.

   Recently, I was contacted by the artist Kimberlee C. Maselli. She was compiling a book of beautiful dog paintings and stories by various artists and dog lovers. The proceeds for the book will be donated to rescue and shelter groups that provide food, shelter, and medication for homeless animals. Kimberlee asked for permission to use my quotes in her book. Of course, I said “yes.”

It's Mole Season

Pierre wants you to know that it is

MOLE SEASON!

Two Dogs' Passion

This week’s word prompt in The Lazy Pit Bull’s

52 Snapshots of Life Photo Challenge is

♥ PASSION ♥

 

Scrub-A-Dub-Dogs

   Here on the bayou, we went for three months without rain. It was nice because we never had to deal with the “wet dog” smell. Bentley and Pierre didn’t need a bath every week so that was great! The change of seasons has brought torrential downpours and the return of the dreaded wet dog. That means more baths. Bentley has always enjoyed his bath time.  Pierre, on the other paw, has considered it a form of waterboarding. It has taken two years, but I am proud to say that he now volunteers to go first. That’s right; I ask them who wants to go first. It is pretty funny to watch them decide because there is definitely communication going on between them.

The Basset of Wall St.

You know about the Bull and Bear Stock Markets.

You have heard of the Wolf of Wall St. 

It is time to welcome...

The Basset of Wall St.

I'm A Dreamer #MoreLove

♥ My brother took this photo in N.Y.C. Central Park's Strawberry Fields yesterday after the Paris attacks. Thanks, A.  ♥

“You may say I’m a dreamer

But I’m not the only one

I hope someday you’ll join us

And the world will live as one.”

                                       ~John Lennon

Happy First Birthday

Guess who turns 

One Year Old Today?

10 Ways to Help Shelters on World Kindness Day

   Today is World Kindness Day. It’s the perfect day to share a few ideas on how you can help your local shelter. The colder weather is not far off and in some areas, has already arrived. This is a tough time for many rescue groups. People are busy preparing for the holidays. Buying Christmas presents can put a strain on everyone’s budget. I hope this list will show you that helping doesn’t have to cost too much.

·        Many stores have fleece blankets for sale under $4.00. Pick up one or two whenever you see a great price.

·        Shelters are always in need of paper towels and cleaning supplies. Keep an eye out for bargains.

Ear Ye, Ear Ye #DrHarvey's

Ear Ye! Ear Ye! Be it known that dirty dog ears stink!

   Two of the things that people love about Basset Hounds are also the things that can be the dirtiest. I’m talking about their long velvety ears. They are the most noticeable feature on the breed and the first thing people want to feel when they meet Bentley. Luckily, he doesn’t mind the extra attention and loves having his ears rubbed almost as much as his belly.

Thank You Veterans 2015

We will never forget that our freedom is not free. 
Our heartfelt gratitude to the 

men, women, and canines that sacrifice so much for America.

♥ God bless you ♥

Whimsical Whimzees

Bentley: “Hey Mom! You forgot to brush my teeth after I ate my dinner. Do you think brushing is something that you can just do on a whim? I treasure my pearly whites, you know.”

Me: “I didn’t forget. I just thought we could try something new that arrived earlier today. I think that you are going to be very happy.”

Easy

♥ Have an easy Sunday ♥

Fall Asleep or Fall in Love

Bentley can fall asleep anywhere.

When I look at him I fall more in love.

Do you look at your dog and wonder what you did to get so lucky?

Flagology Nation

Bentley: “You are never going to guess what happened to Pierre and me yesterday. We started out just two incredibly handsome dogs and ended up having our own nation.”

Uncanny Caru Means To Love

   Have you tried Caru™ Real Stews for your dogs? There are days when I like to treat my boys to something special on their food. Those are the days when I open a Tetra Pak® of one of Caru's Real Stews. I know the Tetra Pak ‘protects what’s good™’ inside. The packaging is also BPA-free, made from up to 70% paper, it’s easy to open, serve, and store.  It is ‘Uncanny nutrition. Uncanny taste™.

Dogs Are Loyal #Showstoppers

“Dogs are loyal, patient, fearless, forgiving, and capable of pure love. Virtues that few people get through life without abandoning, at least once.” 
― M.K. Clinton, The Returns

It's Our Halloween Spooktacular

  Have a SpooktacularHalloween!

The Night Before Halloween Story

   It was the night before Halloween as Pierre and Bentley started off to Ye Ole Pumpkin Patch. Even though they had waited until the last minute to pick their perfect gourd for carving into a jack o’ lantern, they weren’t worried. This was the time that all of the pumpkins get slashed by 75%. Since they are cheap money conscious, it is a great time for them to shop. Besides, they only had time to carve one so they were sure finding a single pumpkin wouldn’t be a problem.

   As they walked closer to the field where the pumpkins lay scattered about, Bentley felt the hair on his back rise. Something was wrong, his hair never made a mistake. Pierre bounced along without a care in the world. “Do you hear that?” Bentley asked anxiously. “I don’t know what you’re talking about," Pierre replied, "the moon is full, trick or treating starts tomorrow and we are about to pick out the perfect pumpkin. All I feel is excitement from the tip of my black nose to the tip of my white tail. Come on, let’s hurry.”

 

Where is the Halloween Fun?

Bentley: “This Saturday is Halloween and I am so excited! Think of all the candy we can get. Chocolate bars, gum, caramels, and more chocolate.”

Pierre: “I can hardly wait. I have my costume and I am ready to go score some major treats. Except for the orange and black wrapped candies. Seriously, does anyone eat those?”

Me: “I hate to break it to y’all, but you boys can’t go trick or treating for candy. You know that chocolate can be a killer for dogs. As a matter of fact, there isn’t a safe human candy for dogs to eat. You will have to settle for some pumpkin dogs treats.”

The Difference between Awesome and Cool

Dog-Tired

This is what being dog-tired looks like.

Bayou Pupcakes #Pumpkin

How do you fix a broken jack-o-lantern?

With a pumpkin patch!

Dream Big with #ThePeanutsMovie

   Let me start by stating unequivocally that I LOVE CARTOONS. As far back as I can remember, cartoons have made me laugh, cry, and laugh some more. When Charlie Brown’s Christmas debuted in 1965, it became a part of every Christmas memory. Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang have always been a staple in my home for the holidays. We have enjoyed a Peanuts Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s, and Easter. Now, the entire gang is making their big-screen debut in state of the art 3D animation! I can hardly wait.

FURminator Nation

After a nice long shower, Bentley did feel much better.  It amazed him to see all of the hair he lost while he shampooed.  Apparently, Basset Hounds were shedders.  At this rate, he figured to be bald in a few short weeks.  He was still not too sure about this whole dog thing, but at least he was alive.

Exert from The Returns  by M. K. Clinton

   If you are a pet parent shedding is a way of life. Those of us that live with heavy shedders can appreciate the above exert. When my main character is returned to earth in the body of a Basset Hound, shedding is just one of the things he discovers.

   The FURminator® was one of the best investments that I have made to combat shedding. We have used our original one for years.

The Reason Dogs Bark at Vacuum Cleaners

Now we know the reason dogs bark at the vacuum cleaner!

One Love is One Dog Organic Bakery

   I am thrilled to announce that I won last month’s drawing from Veronica Glynn’s One Dog Organic Bakery. The box arrived yesterday and I was so excited to see what was inside! It was an actual gift basket complete with a beautiful pink ribbon. Bentley and Pierre were all noses when I took it out of the box. There were some extra goodies that I was not expecting. I thought it would be just a couple of bags of cookies. Oh no, not by a long shot.

   I opened my basket to find so many awesome products. The main treasure was the delicious homemade gourmet dog treats with certified Organic & GMO-Free ingredients. They were in a cute holiday tin divided into three different compartments full of cookies!

Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon

Bentley is lazing on a Sunday afternoon.

Top Of The World

Bentley and Pierre are feeling on top of the world.
We hope that you are too.

Enjoying the Golden Years

   The one thing every pet parent wants is for their dog to live a long and healthy life. Many dogs are considered senior or geriatric at the age of seven. This is when you need to adjust their food and vitamins accordingly. There are a number of supplements on the market today to help pets as they get older. If you take a look at the labels, the majority of them have ingredients that you don’t know how to pronounce, much less the purpose they serve. This was the situation that I found myself in a few months ago.

   Since becoming a dog blogger, I have learned so much about being a proactive caregiver to my dogs. As the saying goes, “When you know better, you do better.” This has been the case with Bentley’s food and supplements. It seemed to me that if I couldn’t recognize the ingredients in the products that I’m using, it was time to make a change. As he is getting older, it is imperative that I give him the best food and additives that I can find. Dr. Harvey’s has been a wonderful respite from all of the chemical laden products available. Along with their holistic all natural dog food, Bentley gets their Golden Years Geriatric Supplement.