Bayou Blizzard 2015

   Let me begin by apologizing to my friends in the northeast who are being hammered by near record-breaking snowfall.  I know that our small amount of snow would not even be an annoyance to you.  I’ve seen the pictures and videos of your Winterfest 2015!  You have my respect and sympathy.

   When you are raised in the Bayou State, snow is not on your weather radar.  When snow is predicted; we try not to get our hopes up, because we know it will end in disappointment.  Snow goes north of us; across Arkansas.  The weather map will show blue clouds indicating snow is heading straight for us, then it dissipates or turns.  We watch the neighboring areas being blanketed with the white stuff.  The local news always shows those lucky kids racing down hills on makeshift sleds and having snowball fights.  Oh, how we yearn for just a little bit of it.

10 More Minutes

"Come on; gimme ten more minutes."

Guess What We're Celebrating Today

Bentley: “Hey Pierre!  Guess what we are celebrating today.

Pierre: “Is it my happy birthday?  Do we get cake?”

Bentley: “No, it’s not your birthday.  Today is George Washington’s birthday.”

Pierre: “Ummm, is there cherry pie?  I’m good with some cherry pie ala mode.  Woo Hoo!  I love pie.”

Bentley: “There is no pie.  I was just pointing out that while it is not your birthday, it is our first president’s 283^rd birthday.”

Pierre: “Holy cow!  Surely, that is in dog years.  He must be even older than Gramma!”

Who Brushes Your Dog's Teeth? #52Snapshots #PBSG

Not all dogs can brush their own teeth…

They depend on you for their dental care.  Brush regularly, give dental chews, and go for veterinarian cleanings as recommended.

Does This Pillow Make Me Look Spoiled?

It is National Spoil Your Pet Month, although to be honest it’s pretty much a yearlong celebration here on the bayou.

“If having a frilly pillow to rest my head on is considered spoiled, then I am guilty as charged.”

We are joining our friends at BlogPaws for Wordless Wednesday. 

If you’d like to know more about BlogPaws, you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or get the newsletter delivered in your email. 

For information on the huge social media, writing, and pet friendly convention being held in Nashville for three fabulous days, click these links:

Conference Details

Keynote Speakers

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*Use my Ambassador discount code for a 10% savings on your ticket price.  BP15-Amb-Melissa-10

Enjoy these other wordless blogs by clicking the names below.

Dr. Harvey's Is In

   I want to introduce you to some new friends.  They are the family of Dr. Harvey’s Fine Health Food for Companion Animals.  You can just call them Dr. Harvey’s and you are going to want to become great friends with them.  Why?  They make the highest quality products with no processed ingredients.  You’ll find they have wonderful products for ALL of your pets.  That means if you have a dog, cat, horse, or bird; Dr. Harvey has you covered with everything you’ll need.

   We recently received a box chocked full of some of the terrific items they offer for dogs.  In order for you to appreciate everything, we can look at them separately over the next few weeks.  I will start with one of Bentley’s favorites. 

B & W Outtakes

   I always enjoy seeing people’s “outtakes” from a photo shoot with their dogs.  It tickles me when I see dogs that are usually being so obedient, acting goofy.  We were taking pictures for our Snapshots of Life “Love” post the other day and I thought I’d share two of our outtakes.

We Are On Facebook

Psst…hey pal!

Create ~ Snapshots of Life

Sometimes you have to ‘Create’ your own reality!

Authority Dental Sticks #DogDentalHealth

This post is sponsored by PetSmart, and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network.  I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Dental Health Month, but Barking from the Bayou only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.  PetSmart is not responsible for the content of this article.

   February is National Pet Dental Health Month.  It is important to include a good oral hygiene program in your dog’s day.  This should include brushing their teeth and providing dental treats.  It’s not all about fresh breath, but it would be nice to have “dog-breath” become a positive phrase. 

   How important is great dental care to your best friend? 

The Dog Clothes Dilemma

   There are two sides on dressing your dog in clothes.  You either love it or hate it.  Most people have an opinion and aren’t afraid to voice it.  I think if your dog doesn’t mind or enjoys it, more power to you.  If your dog thinks it’s stupid, you should respect that and not put them in incredibly cute pajamas. 

   I have a dog clothes dilemma.  Let me explain.

   The pet clothing industry is a booming business and it is gaining in popularity every year.  You can find incredible doggie duds from some famous designers.  I love looking at dog clothes and I really want to buy some.  Why don’t I?  If you thought the sizes were wonky for women’s fashions, you should try to follow the sizes in canine couture.

Microchipping Your Pet

   We finally did it.  Last Friday we took Bentley to see our AAHA accredited vet to be microchipped.  It is something that I have given a lot of thought to over the past few years.  I had what I considered legitimate excuses.  The thing is; that’s exactly what they were…excuses.  To be honest, they weren’t even great excuses.  Now, Bentley walks around with a chip between his shoulders!

 

Bentley is in chip-shape and I have the card to prove it.

 A microchip is a tiny computer chip housed in a special glass that is compatible with living tissue.  Once your pet has been microchipped, there is no need to change or replace it.

   Our vet, Dr. Mirts cleaned the skin where he would be inserting the chip.  He showed us the needle and explained everything as he proceeded.  The special syringe is large, about a 14 to 16 gauge.  The actual microchip is the diameter of a pencil lead and as long as a piece of rice.  It is inserted under the skin between the shoulders. 

52 Snapshots of Life ~ #Winter

Here along the bayou, our winters are usually warm with little chance of snow.  Bentley has enjoyed one snowfall in his life way back in February of 2010.  He had a blast catching snowballs and playing chase.  Just so you know, the entire city closed down for two days during this 1" ~ 2" Bayou Blizzard!