Friday, December 2, 2016

Happy 9th Birthday, Bentley Basset Hound

We are celebrating Bentley’s 9th birthday!!
   In honor of this milestone, I thought I’d share 9 reasons I love him so much. Okay, there are seriously a gazillion little things that he does to melt my heart but sticking with the theme of 9, I will hit the highlights. If you have never read how he came to live with us, please take a minute to check out Bentley’s Story. It explains a lot.
   Without further ado and in no particular order here are…
9 of the Gazillion Reasons I love
Bentley Basset Hound
9. He is a free thinker.
   I have had dogs that will do exactly what was asked of them. No hesitation. Bentley is not one of them. He knows what I am telling him to do; he is a great communicator but he likes to mull over his options. “What’s in it for me?” is the usual look that I get to my request that he come inside or get off my spot on the couch. It can be exasperating at times, hilarious at other times but I can’t help but love him for it every time.
8. He gets me.
   Bentley seems to know exactly what I am feeling and thinking. If I need a dog’s head in my lap, his suddenly appears. If I am sad and need to shed a tear or two, he understands. He is always near with a neck full of wrinkles to bury my face. I have had many dogs and I adored each of them. Bentley and I have a special connection. It’s like it says in those bold letters; he gets me.
7. His ears
   If you have never felt the long velvety ears of a Basset Hound, I urge you to add it to your Bucket List. They are so soft and Bentley knows how to move his in a way that turns me into putty in his paw. There have been times over the years that I have cursed those same ears because of chronic infections. Since we have been using The Purple Stuff every month, we have not had a single problem since February. I can’t sing its praises loud enough.
6. His Armpits
   Believe me, I know how weird that sounds but if you could feel under his arms, you’d understand. They feel like a baby’s underarms. He loves to have his armpits scratched and they make excellent hand warmers!
5. His Tail
   Bentley’s tail is usually wagging. When he gets really excited, it goes in a circle. If he is asking to play, it is a hesitant wag. Whenever he is happy, it can sound like a drum beating against anything that he’s near. If he is concentrating it will stand perfectly still curved over his back. His tail speaks volumes.
4. His Alert Warning
   Bentley enjoys barking for no reason other than to hear his own husky voice. However, there is one bark that signals trouble. We have only heard it a couple of times but it is very distinct and in both cases, it was his fur siblings in distress. Once our Golden Retriever became tangled in some berry bushes and could not get loose. That is the first time we heard it and my husband rushed outside with me. There was Bentley sitting faithfully next to Tucker barking non-stop for our help. Over the summer we heard it again but this time it was concerning Pierre. He was chasing a rabbit and had somehow scooted under our fence. I don’t think he even realized he had left the yard in his excitement. As soon as we heard Bentley, Skipper said, “Something’s wrong.” We ran outdoors and found Bentley at our back fence alerting us where Pierre escaped. Luckily, Pierre was still sniffing along the other side of our fence for the elusive bunny. Although I hope we don’t hear his alert warning again, it is nice to know we can depend on him in emergencies.
3. Those Big Ol’ Paws
   Bentley’s paws fill the palm of my hand. He likes me to hold his paw and I love that. Those big paws have been waking me up each day for the past nine years. When he was a puppy, he would bang the door of his kennel when he woke up in the mornings. We called it his Jailhouse Rock. Now, he puts both paws on the edge of our mattress and scratches until I wake up. He and Pierre go outside to take care of their business, get a treat, and if it is early, I climb back in the bed. When that happens, he goes around to his Dad’s side of the bed and sits up staring at him until he wakes up. Then, he likes his Dad to hold his paw for a few minutes before going back to sleep.
2. He Cracks Me Up
   I love to laugh. It is my very favorite thing in the world. It feels good and is great for your health. If you make me laugh, chances are we will be great friends because we have the same bizarre sense of humor. Bentley makes us laugh every day with the things he does. There is no doubt that he knows he is being funny. He is our lives’ comic relief.
1. I Love How He Loves Us
   Bentley is not a pet, he is family. He loves us and we love him unconditionally. He makes me a better person by being his mom. I look in his eyes and know that he is my true soul dog. I am so lucky that we found each other.
Happy birthday, Bentley!
Bentley: “Hey y’all, thanks for coming to celebrate my birthday. Enough of Mom’s mushy talk, let’s get our party rockin’. The best way to do that is to give you a chance to win this Wooftastic Birthday Giveaway
   One lucky reader is going to win a prize from all of these amazing sponsors. We are so thankful for their generosity. 
   All you have to do is enter with this Rafflecopter form below. Don’t forget to come back each day for an extra “tweet.” We will share this weekend’s party pics next week. Good luck!
   Legal Jazz: This contest is void where prohibited by law. It is open to U.S. residents age 18 and over. There is no purchase necessary. One winner will be randomly selected via Rafflecopter and has 48 hours to claim the prizes. We reserve the right to disqualify anyone not abiding by these rules. The delivery of each prize is the responsibility of the companies donating them. Approximate prize value is $250. Style and color of prizes may vary. 
How to enter on Rafflecopter: You must leave a comment. One you’ve commented, click the “I Commented” in the lower right-hand side. The rest of the entry form will open. Visit the Facebook page of each of our awesome sponsors. You don’t have to like the page, but it would be great if you did. You can also tweet out our Twitter message once a day for extra points. The Party Favor is a free entry just for visiting.  If you have any questions, let me know. 
It's the Pet Parade Blog Hop!  Join the fun with Rascal and RoccoBionic Basil’s BlogLove is being owned by a Husky, and me. We are open all week! 


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109 comments :

  1. Happy Birthday dear bently, I so agree with the 9 reasons and I bet there are 99 reasons or 999 reasons or more to love you. Have a wonderful day we send you not 9 but 99 hugs.

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    1. Thank you so much. You are on our hearts today. ♥

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  2. Happy Birthday Bentley!! I absolutely LOVE this post!!! Your love for him is evident...and I'm sure he feels the same way about you! Enjoy your day Bentley!! xo

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  3. Happy Birthday, Bentley! You are a blessing♥

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  4. Happy Birthday, my love. My baby sister has big feet too. Everyone comments on them, but we all have the long ears that we tripped over as puppies. You have a wonderful set of parents and I know they love you as much as I do. I wish you the best birthday ever! Love, Emma...smooches

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    1. Thanks, Emma. I'm a lucky guy to have you for my sweetie. ♥

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  5. Happy Birthday Bentley! You are a very handsome dog. Have a fabulous birthday and may all your wishes for lots of treats and a bundle of toys.

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    1. Thanks y'all! I think I saw some presents with my name on them. ☺

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  6. Happy Happy 9th Birthday Bentley - lots of cuddles and treats today (and everyday :)

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    1. He is snuggled between me and my husband now. ♥

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  7. Happy Birthday Bentley!!!!!!! XOXOXOXOOXOXOXOO

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  8. Happy birthday, Bentley. May there be many more celebrations.

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    1. Thank you very much. We are looking for many more parties.

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  9. ♫ HAPPY BIRFDAY TO YOU... ♫ HAPPY BIRFDAY TO YOU... ♫ HAPPY BIRFDAY DEAR BENTLY ♫

    omd OMD we loved your mom's 9 BAZiLLiON reasons.. Enjoy your big day buddy...

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  10. HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY, BENTLEY!!! You beautiful Basset hound! You are so special & you give your Mom & Dad so much. You are blessed to have each other. Great giveaway!
    Love & biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

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    1. Thank you, Cathy. Mom gets carried away sometimes and embarrasses me with tales of my armpits. LOL!

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  11. Happy Happy Birthday to youuuuu
    Lily & Edward

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  12. Happy birthday to you and many more. Now we know all about your armpits. hehe

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    1. Is there nothing sacred anymore?!? I can't believe she told the armpit story. Heehee!

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  13. Happy 9th Birthday Bentley!!! Such a cute post only thing missing is the cute way Bentley sits!

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    1. Thanks, Amy. I hope to be sitting pretty in front of a birthday cookie tomorrow! There will be photos. ☺

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  14. Happy Birthday Bentley!!!! We hope you enjoy a day filled with lots of love and treats!

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    1. Thank you, my friend. Make sure your mom enters for your chance to win all of these goodies.

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  15. He has the best photos! Bentley always makes me smile. Happy birthday to one awesome pup! ~Rascal and Rocco

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  16. Happy Birthday Bentley! Walter has some of those same qualities that you poses, from the silky ears (although Walter's aren't quite so long) to the comic relief. Thanks for having a give away. May the best pup win!

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    1. Silky ears are the best, aren't they? Give Walter and Millie a kiss from us.

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  17. Happy happy birthday, Bentley ! Your mom chose 9 wonderful reasons to love you among a bazillion, and we know there are many many more ! Purrs

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  18. Happy yappy Birthday, Bentley. We know you give your mum so much love and happiness. You're truly a heart dog!

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    1. I do love to give Mom and Dad lots of hugs and kisses, especially early in the morning. LOL!

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  19. •♪ღ♪Happy★Birthday, sweet Bentley♪ღ♪*•
    Your 'baby' pic is beyond adorable! Hope you have a day filled with loads of ear scratches and treats!

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    1. Thank you and I'm so glad you are feeling better.

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  20. Happy Happy Birthday Bentley!!! love you pal!!!
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

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    1. Happy birthday to you too, Mr. Bailey! We love y'all. ♥

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  21. Happy Birthday, Bentley!! You are one very special boy, and we love how happy you make your family. We are sure you are having a very wonderful birthday full of love!!
    ♥ from all of us at Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  22. Happy Wooooooooooooooofday to youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu, have an awesome pawsome time with lots of games and treats, with love from Layla @ Layla's Woof

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    1. Thank you, Layla! You have a lovely singing voice. ☺

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  23. Happy Birthday, Bentley! We hope you're having a treat-filled day!

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    1. Thanks! I have my paws crossed for a day of treats and belly rubs.

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  24. A very Happy Barkday week Bentley!!!
    Smileys!
    Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo

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    1. Thank you very much! It is an honor to have the Mayor-elect celebrate my birthday. ☺

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  25. BENTLEY!!! WE LOVE YOU!!! You are a such superstar dog! :D We can tell your mommy loves you so much and you are a lucky dog! <3 Thank you for making us laugh and giving us so much happiness Bentley! BE HEALTHY AND HAPPY FOREVER!<3

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    1. We appreciate your friendship very much, Happy & Hazel. You always make us smile. Good luck in the contest!

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  26. Happy Birthday Sweet Boy! We can't wait to see you again!

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    1. Thank you. We will be thrilled to see you again, too!

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  27. Happy Birthday, Bentley!!! I hope you are having a wonderful birthday and get lots of underarm rubs!

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    1. Thank you! I'm sure she will be rubbing my pits all day! BOL! BOL!

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  28. Happy Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!!!!!!! "Armpits?" seriously! God I love you!!!!!!!! xoxoxo DakotasDen

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    1. Mom says that you have to feel them one day. LOL!

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  29. Happy Happy Barkday Bentley <3 love all your mom reasons. You do have big paws, BOL!!!. Sending your lots of Love and Woofs, SUGAR

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    1. Thank you, Sugar! I strive to be a happy active senior like you. ♥

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  30. Happy birthday Bentley! I hope it's your best birthday yet :)

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  31. Happy Birthday, Bentley... dey's got a soft spot fur bassets round here... Momma & Daddy have had 4 bassets while they's been married... and dey had 'em growing up, too!

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    1. Who would have thought Basset Hounds and Westies could be besties? I'd love to see photos of yours. ☺

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  32. What a great birthday post! Happy birthday Bentley I hope you have many many more! You and your moms love shines all the days through.

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    1. Thanks, JoAnn. This week's losses have shown how precious our time is together. Bentley enjoyed his special day. ♥

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  33. Happy Birthday, Bentley! I hope you have a great celebration with lots of presents.

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  34. I love you, Bentley! Happy Birthday!

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  35. Happy birthday, Bentley! We hope you had a super special celebration!

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  36. We hope you had a pawsome birthday, Bentley! This was a favorite post of the weekend! :)

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    1. Thanks! We are so happy to be your favorite. ☺

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  37. That is a whole heck of a lot of love :) Happy belated Birthday Bentley!

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  38. I hope Bentley had a great birthday! I loved your reasons, also. My favorite thing about dogs is their ability to make people laugh!

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    1. Thanks, Erin. Making humans laugh is one of a dog's greatest gifts. ☺

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  39. Happy Birthday Bentley! I would love to give you some big birthday tummy rubs and kisses.

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    1. Ohhh, thanks Molly! I love me some tummy rubs. ♥

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  40. Happy birthday, buddy. I hear 9 is the new 6, soooo...... Hope you had a fun day!

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

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    1. We are totally going with it being the new 6! Thank you so much.

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  41. Happy, happy birthday, Handsome!

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  42. What a wonderful tribute. You made me tear up a little bit. We should all be so lucky as to have a dog that really "gets us." It's a blessing that's so hard to describe, and you did a lovely job of it. Happiest of birthdays to Bentley!

    Jean from Welcome to the Menagerie

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    1. Thank you, Jean. It is hard not to become too emotional when I write about what he means to me. I really appreciate your comments. ♥

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  43. oh dude! How did I miss your BARKDAY??!!! Dang, Ma really really really needs to pay more attention!!!!!!!! Anyhu, your PAWTY looked FABulous and more of a pawty then I ever got! (cue the violin music.....) I hopes you were able to sneak an extra bone, you deserve it!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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    1. I sure hope that you entered my contest. You'll love everything! Thanks for the barkday wishes. ♥

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  44. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BENTLEY AND MANY MORE>

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  45. Those are 9 fabulous reasons :) Happy (belated) birthday Bentley! Hope it was a super special day just like you!

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