Thursday, December 1, 2016

An Interview with a Basset Hound About Being Older

   Bentley is going to celebrate his 9th birthday this Saturday, December 3rd. It doesn’t seem possible that it has been nine years since he was a wiggly long-eared wrinkly puppy. Then again, I can hardly remember life before he was in it. He has changed me in ways that I never dreamed possible. I will discuss that tomorrow.
   You might remember on my birthday a couple of years ago when he was gracious enough to interview me. I decided it was time to ask him a few probing questions.
Me: “Bentley, thank you for agreeing to this interview. I know that you are a busy Basset.”
Bentley: “Never too busy for you, Mom. Are those the treats you promised?”
I nod and slide him a piece of jerky.
Me: “My first question is how life is different now that you are considered a senior?”
Bentley: “That’s rich! You asking me about being a senior as if you don’t already know. I may have a little white around the snout but I still have lots of pep in my paws.”
Me: “That’s for sure. You can walk circles around me and sometimes you try. Until you decide to stop, then it is like trying to move a mountain. Why do you do that, anyway?”
Bentley: “Sometimes I smell something in the air that needs detecting. Every once in a while, I hear something that requires me to pay attention. Mostly I just start thinking really deep thoughts.”
Me: “It has nothing to do with you wanting me to give you a treat to start walking again?”
Bentley: “You cut me to the quick! Go ahead and slide me another one of those jerky bites. Are we through or do you have more questions?”
Me: “Only a couple. What is your favorite part of the day? Before you answer, let’s rule out breakfast and dinner. That’s a given with a Basset Hound.”
Bentley: “It’s true, I do enjoy my food. Hmmm, I love when Daddy plays laser light with me. Our walks are always a lot of fun and I do enjoy a game of chase or wrestling with Pierre. All of those things make me happy. If hard pressed, I’d have to say the most favorite part of my day is when I wake you up. I love putting my front paws on the mattress and scratching until you wake up. It is so cute how you kiss my nose and tell me to give you a few more minutes. That always makes me chuckle. After I refuse to snooze, you roll out and lay down on the floor next to me for our quiet time when you scratch my belly, give me snuggles and kisses.”
Me: “That is the best way to start my days too. That brings me to my next question. Why do you like your belly scratched so much? I’ve seen you throw yourself down in front of friends, family, and complete strangers for almost nine years. What’s up with that?”
Bentley: “You know the saying, if it feels good, do it and it feels sooooo good! I am hoping to get extra belly rubs and scratches on Saturday.”
Me: “I think we can make that happen. It’s almost time for you to eat so one last question. Is there anything special that you’d like to do for your birthday?”
Bentley: “I’d like to make one of our friends super happy by having a birthday giveaway with some of my favorite things. Can you make that happen too?”
Me: “Why yes I can! Thanks to the awesome companies that we have worked with throughout the year. Many have generously offered to help celebrate with you by donating cool toys, treats and more. Since we don’t publish on the weekends, your birthday giveaway will begin on tomorrow, December 2nd. It is going to be wooftastic so we hope everyone comes back to enter. Thanks for answering a few questions today. Now, roll over and let me rub that belly.”
On a serious note…
   It wasn’t too long ago that I wrote Pet Blogging Is Not Supposed to Hurt. I always want to believe that’s true but once again I find that is not always how it works. Writing and reading about our dogs, cats, and other pets is a fun way to escape from the harsh reality of life. In our world, the pets can talk, drive cars, and go to parties. It is a wonderful place to play. All too often those lines between our fantasy and real life collide and we have to face the heartbreak of losing a friend. It happened again this week when our favorite Weimaraner, Easy Rider crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I want to thank Easy for all of the laughs and love he provided us. He left big paw prints on our hearts that will never fade. We are sending our thought and prayers for his parents.
♥ Easy Forever 

16 comments :

  1. Belly rubs and scritches are the best, Bentley!
    Our hearts break for Easy's peeps.

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  2. We love your holiday header. That is too clever☺

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  3. What a great interview, you are a wonderful fella Bentley!
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  4. Bentley, no worries about turning nine, it just brings you one year closer to the perfect ten! Humans worry about the birthday thing while we dogs don't think much about aging at all. I love every wrinkle you have...the older you get the more handsome I say! PS...I got a package yesterday but I was at the spa. Mom says I can open it today because I was too wiped out last night.

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  5. Great interview! I'm partial to ear scratches, myself.

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  6. We LOVED Bentley's interview!! Dakota and Cody want to tell Bentley not to worry about being 9. Dakota turned 9 last February.....I am in shock that this Feb he will be 10. I hate thinking about it! Cody will be 10 in April, God-willing. We are still reeling about the loss of Easy, our hearts are broken. Your post was just wonderful! xoxoxo DakotasDen

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  7. That was such an in depth interview offering insights that hoomans have never known (such as the belly rub part). Happy almost birfday Bentley!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  8. Hey Bentley! I will be 14 tomorrow!! lets pawty!
    hugs
    Mr Bailey
    Mabel & Hazel too

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  9. Nice interview, Bentley! You're not old...you're more experienced!

    We were shocked when we heard the news about Easy. We send lots of purrs to his heartbroken family.

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  10. Bentley, we think you've got a pretty good life there, and we bet you're going to have an awesome birthday!
    Sometimes it surprises me when I cry and feel so sad over losing someone I've never even met in person. It just goes to show what is so special about this community. ♥
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  11. I love all the fun facts about life with Bentley, but especially the photos! I just entered your awesome birthday giveaway, thanks buddy!! Have a fabulous birthday, my friend!
    Love & biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

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  12. I love all the fun facts about life with Bentley, but especially the photos! I just entered your awesome birthday giveaway, thanks buddy!! Have a fabulous birthday, my friend!
    Love & biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

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  13. What a great interview, made me smile. So much sadness for easy.

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  14. Bentley, you give such great interviews. We hope your birthday was as special as you!

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