The Amazing North Shore Animal League Tour for Life

     On March 26, 2015, the North Shore Animal League Tour for Life pulled into our town.  They stopped by the Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana (HSNWLA) to pick up some dogs and drove them in their awesome mobile adoption center to our local Petco parking lot.  The HSNWLA was the partner shelter.  Many of our other local rescues and eager residents looking to adopt a new best friend were there.  It was a terrific day to adopt a pet in Shreveport!

BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News 3/30/2015

Bentley: “Welcome to this week’s edition of BFTB NETWoof News.  I am Bentley and my job is to fetch the happiest hound news around.  My co-anchor is Pierre the Westie and somewhere on the set is our cute Weather Lab Paisley.  There are a lot of stories, so let’s get right to it.  Pierre?”

Watching the World

Bentley loves watching the world from our front window.

Spring ~ #52Snapshots of Life

Smart Pet Love Safe & Sound 4-in-1 Harness

  Have you heard of SmartPetLove?  It is the new name of the Snuggle Pet Products line of fantastic products with heart.  They make products that use the natural calming effects of a beating heart to help soothe your dog or cat.  The best thing about the heartbeat technology is that it works!

   You are probably asking yourself, “how does this work?”  Dogs are pack animals and love to be with another beating heart.  Just as the sound of someone’s heartbeat calms and helps a human relax, the same is true for dogs.  SmartPetLove has been making the world famous Snuggle Puppies since 1997.  Now, they’ve put the same heart in a wonderful harness.

What are Pet Bloggers Doing on Social Media?

One of the great things about belonging to the free BlogPaws Community is all of the different groups that you can join.  I am proud to be a member of the BlogPaws Pet Blogger Influencer Group.

North Shore Animal League America's Tour for Life 2015

   The North Shore Animal League America's Tour for Life 2015 is rolling in to Shreveport, LA. They’ve selected the Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana as their partner shelter!  

   This is the 15^th year the Animal League has hit the road with four enormous tour buses traveling at the same time across the United States.  They will stop in 40 cities across 25 states.  Being selected as one of their tour stops is a big deal!  Congratulations HSNWLA and thanks to the Tour of Life®. *To learn more about the work of the Animal League, click here.

Maximum Tasting Minis

Bentley: “Guess who came to visit me.  It was my friend Chewy and as usual, he came with something fantastic for me to try.  I recognized the smell as soon as Mom brought the package into the house.  It had to be some of my favorite Nature’s Valley Instinct Raw Boost treats.  I followed her like a back pocket to the kitchen.  She took way too long to find the “good” scissors and open the package, but when she did…EUREKA!  My nose was exactly right. 

   It was the Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Minis.  The all-natural, pure raw treats are what dogs like me crave naturally.  I have been watching my weight and high calorie treats are few and far between.   These bite-sized pieces of wholesome deliciousness are only two tiny calories each.  I’ll be able to enjoy more of these Minis between meals for tricks or general mooching. 

BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News 3/23/2015

Bentley: “Welcome to BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News for the first week of spring 2015.  Those of you in the northeast can put your snow shovels down…while you reheat the coffee and read our news.  Can you believe this wacky weather?  Luckily, we have our Weather Lab Paisley on the trail of an accurate forecast.  As always, my trusty co-anchor Pierre the Westie has our top story.  Pierre, it seems a longstanding argument has finally come to an end, so to speak.”

Paused Paws

We are joining Black and White Sunday’s Blog Hop hosted by our friends Sugar the Golden Retriever and Dachshund Nola.

Glacier Green #52Snapshots of Life

   52 Snapshots of Life

~ A Yearlong Photo Challenge ~

This week's word prompt is 

Green

These are Spruce trees overlooking the Mendenhall Glacier

in Juneau, Alaska.  It is truly one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen.

The Birthday Interview

      Hey y’all!  It’s Bentley and I am doing today’s post as a birthday present for my mom.  Today is not just the first day of spring, or World Frog Day, but it is also her happy birthday!  She is really, really, really old vintage.  I think she shared a school locker with Methuselah.  I’m going to ask her a few birthday questions about her past.  I’m sure that she will be very excited to be able to relax and scratch my belly while I ask the tough questions.

Bentley: “Happy birthday Mom.  Can I get you a pillow or a new hip?  I know at your age it is important to keep you comfy, so you don’t get a cramp or stove up on me.”

Mom:  “Thanks Bentley.  I am fine for now, no numbness, no cramps, no need for a hip.  Do you have real questions for me?”

Bentley: “You cut me to the quick.  Who is the lead anchor on BFTB NETWoof News?  I didn’t get that anchor seat by doing fluff pieces.  I’m going to start with a question that has been bothering me.  You said that your first dog was a Beagle named Barney.  Mom…I watch television.  Barney was a dinosaur.  You don’t have to pretend with me.” 

How to Translate Southernisms

   I know that many of my blogging friends are coming to Nashville, Tennessee on May 28 thru 30, 2015 for the BlogPaws conference from all over the world.  One of my duties as a BlogPaws Ambassador is to make sure that you are prepared for the adventure.  Since I'm the GRITS (Girl Raised in the South) of the group, I thought I could do my part to familiarize you with some of our 'southernisms' sayings and pronunciations.

Y’all: rhymes with ball ~ (1) Y’all means two or more people (2) All y’all is a larger group of people  Example:  What sessions are y’all taking at the conference?  Are all y’all going to stay at the Sheraton?

“G”: You will notice a lack of the letter “g” at the end of words.  We don’t use it and we aren’t fixin’ to start.

Fixin’: This means that you are preparing to do something, but not actually doing it yet.  Example: I am fixin’ to make a list of the things I need to pack. I'm fixin' to go to sleep.  *We also fix supper, fix our hair & makeup, and get in a fix.

Modern Dog Magazine Inspiration

   I am a certified ‘Quote-aholic.’  I fell in love with quotations as a sixth grader when my teacher, Mrs. Williams had us memorize a different quote each week.  The words intrigued me and I began absorbing them.  The love for quotes has never left me.  When the category on Jeopardy has anything to do with quotations, this girl is on fire!  Quotes Rock!

   You can imagine my excitement when one of my blogging friends, Chelsea Price from Second Chances sent me a 'tweet' to say that she had seen MY QUOTE in the spring edition of Modern Dog Magazine!  I went to my local bookstore and found the newest edition and there on the cover is a box that says “Get Inspired” page 91.  I eagerly turned to the page and LOOK!  It is a quote from my second book TheReturns 2 ~ Showstoppers.  I am extremely honored and since my birthday is the first day of spring, it is the best present that I could receive!

Crate Training is Great Training #CrateHappyPets

   This post is sponsored by PetSmart, and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Containment Products and Education for your pet, but mkclinton.com/Barking from the Bayou only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. PetSmart is not responsible for the content of this article.

Bentley opens his kennel and gets inside.

 “To crate or not to crate.”  It’s a question many new pet parents ask themselves.  That’s because many loving people believe it is a form of punishment to crate their dog.  Rest assured, just the opposite is actually true.  There are many times in your pet’s life when the benefits of crate training will come in very handy.  PetSmart® stores are having a huge sale on their crates, kennels, and carriers this month.  Their knowledgeable sales staff can help you select the ideal kennel or cart to fit your pet’s needs.  That makes now the perfect time to begin your pet’s crate training.

BFTB Channel & NETWoof News 3/16/2015

Bentley: “Hello friends!  Welcome to this week’s edition of BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News.  I’m Bentley, your Hound on the Ground sniffing out only the good news stories that will make your day brighter.  What can I say, I’m a dog; it’s what I do.  I’m joined at the news desk by my perky co-anchor, Pierre the Westie.  Our Weather Lab Paisley is scampering around for any last minute storm warnings.”

Drawings by L.E. Mastilock

My friend and Pet Parade blog hop co-host, Leah Mastilock, did the beautiful artwork featured today.  When we held our one-year anniversary of the blog hop, the co-hosts all donated things to be included in a giant giveaway.  One of the items was an awesome cat drawing that Leah had donated.  Since I wasn’t allowed to win the giveaway, I asked her about drawing Bentley and Pierre.  I was thrilled when she agreed and I think you can see why! 

Travel ~ #52Snapshots of Life

This week's 

52 Snapshots of Life

word prompt is:

TRAVEL

Where in the world would you go?

How to Clean a Dog's Ears or Cheers for Clean ears

    One of the responsibilities that come with having a dog is to make sure that you are tending to their grooming needs on a regular basis.  This includes bathing, brushing their teeth, trimming their nails, and cleaning their ears. 

   I have always been particular about my dog’s ears.  Living here in the south with high humidity, a dog’s ears have a tendency to stay moist.  This is especially true with floppy ears, although my German Shepherds also had trouble with their ears.  No matter where you live, ear infections hurt!  The best way to prevent an infection is to clean your dog’s ears on a weekly basis.  If you have a Basset Hound whose ears drag the ground, daily cleaning is required.

   Bentley’s long ears are dirt magnets.  I use a wash in his ear canals once a week at the recommendation of my vet.  It helps to keep his ears dry, eliminates odors, earwax, and any itching that he may be experiencing.  I wipe the inside of his ears every day to keep them fresh. 

   This routine has been going on for over seven years.  During that time, I have tried countless ear washes.  Many have been by prescription, but most have been over the counter.  I do keep some prescription Otic drops on hand at all times, just in case.  Of the many different washes that I have tried, I have not found the perfect one for Bentley until now.  I was recently introduced to the BVH Pet Care Premium Dog Ear Cleaner and I love it.  You may remember reading about the BVH Premium Shampoo and Conditioner here.  I am so impressed with these two products that we teamed up with the fine people of BVH Pet Care to offer you a $2 savings on both products.  See the sidebar ads for more details.

Mad About Russell Madness

   

   When was the last time that you enjoyed a great family-friendly movie?  Well, that’s too long!  The creators of the beloved classics “Air Bud” and “Buddies” films have done it again.  This time they have teamed an adorable Talking Terrier with a hilarious monkey for the all-new movie sensation, Russell Madness!

   This heartwarming movie introduces, ‘Russell’ the Terrier who goes from the rescue to the wrestling ring!  It debuted in theatres February 21, 2015 as part of Fandango Family Screening Series.  You can own a Russell Madness DVD/Blu-ray or HD Digital Download and the Plush Toy today!

   Russell Madness tells the story of how an undersized pup with a super-sized heart changes the lives of his adopted family, The Ferraros.  As the family struggles to revive their grandfather’s wrestling career, they discover there is more to Russell than meets the eye.  Hijinks and hilarity prevail as the little Terrier takes a bite out of the wrestling world.

Pet Blogger Education Month

   It is 'Pet Blogger Education Month' at BlogPaws. You can learn from friends, experts, and colleagues in a friendly community of pet lovers.  Join today and sign up for the newsletter.  It is free to become a member, because the benefits are priceless!
   I'd love to meet you at this year's BlogPaws conference in Nashville.  The program is incredible and the three-day event may sell-out early.  Don't miss your opportunity to network with experts in publishing, blogging, pet care, pet brands, and social media. It is an investment that will change your life.

Long Live Pets

 

   We all know the truth.  We can turn our heads, we can get involved, we can adopt, and we can volunteer.  Still, we know the truth.  Here in the United States of America an estimated seven to eight million pets enter the shelters and rescues each year.  Almost half of these never get a second chance at love.  Our shelters kill three to four million of these dogs and cats due to lack of space.  If most of us read headlines accusing facilities of killing over 9,000 pets each day, we would be outraged.  Sadly, it just doesn’t make headlines often enough.  Yet, every day in shelters and rescues across this great country, that is exactly what is happening.  They do it behind closed doors, but make no mistake about it; they are killing thousands of helpless animals.  Every.  Single.  Day.

   What can we do about it?  We are just one person, one blogger, one pet lover.  One is a lonely number, right?  If enough small voices begin to sing, the choir will be so loud that it can be heard from sea to shining sea.  How can we begin our song?  I am so glad that you asked!  Let me tell you about the launch of a wonderful multifaceted campaign called Long Live Pets.  It begins with these two amazing teams coming together.

BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News 3/9/2015

Bentley: “Welcome to this week’s BFTB NETWoof News.  You can count on us to bring you all of the news that we've dug up or tracked down over the past week.  As always, I am joined at the news desk by my co-anchor Pierre and our adorable Weather Lab Paisley.  What’s our top story today, Pierre?”

I Knee'd You

“I knee’d you, Mom.”

A Dirty Joke? #52Snapshots of Life

We have accepted The Lazy Pit Bull's 

#52 Snapshots of Life Photo Challenge.  

Each week a new word prompt is given.  

This week's word is

~ Mischief ~

Why BlogPaws?

 

    Why should I join BlogPaws?  What can they do for me?  Let’s face it; everyone wants to know what’s in it for them.  How am I going to benefit from this offer?  There is nothing wrong with that, in this time of over scheduled lives, you don’t have time for one more club or organization.  Unless…unless, that organization can help you become a better blogger and bring the dream of making money from blogging out of your dreams and into your reality.  That, my friends, is what BlogPaws can do for you.

I Love a Liebster

Barking from the Bayou was honored to receive TWO Liebster Awards last month.  Our friends Cello’s Corner and K9s Over Coffee were both extremely kind in their nomination of our blog.

We have reported on Cello’s Corner during our BFTB NETWoof Sports.  Cello and her younger prodigy Hooch are Dock Diving Dogs of the highest order.  The amazing German Short Haired Pointers spend most weekends at events and invite their readers to join them via Instagram, Facebook, and their website, Cello’s Corner.  Jenny and her husband Brian have an incredible 1927 log home that they have completely restored.  I am in total awe of the entire gang from Cello’s Corner!  Thanks so much for thinking of us!

If you haven’t met K9s Over Coffee, then you are missing a great way to enjoy your first, second, or fifth cup of the day!  Barbara is the founder of K9s Over Coffee Customizable Pet Care Service and a fabulous blog by the same name.  She offers great tips, products reviews, and wonderful photography.  You’ll enjoy adventures with Barbara, her husband Ian, and their two dogs Missy and Buzz.  Be sure to follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. I really appreciate K9s Over Coffee for selecting us to receive the Liebster Award.

Guess Who is Going to BlogPaws 2015

Guess who is going to the BlogPaws Conference in

Nashville? 

Barkotti on the Bayou

 

 Remember back when your choice of dog treats was limited to a handful of ho-hum rawhides or bones?  Well, the times they are a-changing!  The Barking from the Bayou gang recently met Dr. Harvey’s gang and it was a match made in heaven.  Last month, we introduced you to their fantastic Coconut Smiles treats.  Bentley and Pierre LOVE them!  If you thought that we were through tempting your drool meters, you were wrong.  Check out what we have for Tasty Tuesday!

   Barkotti by Dr. Harvey’s is handmade biscotti for dogs.  I am serious!  First, the packaging looks like a gift box from a high-end retailer.  Then, wait until you open the resealable inner bag.  The smell is incredible and they look better than many of the biscotti that I have bought for myself.  

Dr. Harvey's Barkotti look delicious!

   

BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News 3/2/2015

Bentley: “Thank you for joining us in another edition of BFTB Channel 7 NETWoof News.  I’ll be bringing you the real news that’s real fun along with my co-anchor Pierre.  As usual, we will hear from our Weather Lab Paisley.”

Pierre: “That’s right, and we have dug up some great stories this week.  You might have noticed our uber cool hats.  We are paying homage to one of the great literary geniuses of our time.  It is Dr. Seuss Day or National Read Across America Day!  What childhood or adulthood is complete without “Hop on Pop” or “Green Eggs & Ham”?  We encourage all of our friends to read each day.  I’d like to recommend our daily posts or our books, The Returns series.   Dakota's mom just finished The Returns Book 1 and has a review posted on Dakota’s Den today.  Be sure to stop by and see what she thinks.  Back to you Bentley.”

Humans Can Learn A Lot From Dogs

Pierre: White West Highland Terrier