A Conversation with a Basset Hound

   Bentley and I were discussing the Basset Hound breed the other day. I thought he’d enjoy learning about his heritage as I brushed the usual ton of hair off him.
     Here’s your chance to be the “fly on our wall.”

Me: “Did you know that your sense of smell is second only to the Bloodhound? I guess that is why you are so busy sniffing everything on our walks.”

Bentley: “That is true and why you should never let me go out without a leash. I’ll be the first to admit that when I pick up a scent, it’s total tunnel vision until I discover the source or the scent fades. That could be a long way and then I’d be totally lost. Of course, you’d be ugly crying. It’d be a bad scene.”

Me: “You are preaching to the choir, boy. I’d never trust you off leash! Okay, fact #2 is that Bassets are mainly used in the United States for hunting rabbits.”

Bentley: “Bunnies fear me! I have kept rabbits, deer, coyotes, grizzly bears, and elk out of our backyard for years.”

Me: “Bentley, we don’t have any of those animals in our yard.”

Bentley: “And you’re welcome!” 

Me: “Errr, thanks, I guess. Look at your legs. A Basset Hound’s leg bones are the heaviest of any breed, any size. That’s pretty impressive!’ 

Bentley: “Anyone wanna paw wrestle? My cankles are not fat. I just have big bones”

Me: “Hey, maybe I just have big bones too!

Bentley: “Aww, that’s so cute, Mom. I mean, yes ma’am. I’m sure it’s just big bones.”

Me: “Basset Hounds have been used in literature and advertising for years. Shakespeare described Bassets with “Ears which sweep away the morning dew.”
Bentley: “I want you to start describing my crusty ears like Shakespeare.  My ears are simply sweeping away the mud. That sounds much better!”

Me: “Shakespeare probably didn’t have to soak the ends of his Basset’s ears after playing. He would have appreciated a snood back in the day.”

Bentley: “I don’t think he would have put a snood on his dog’s head. Obviously, the man enjoyed having his dew swept in the morning.”

Me: “Some historians believe George Washington owned Basset Hounds that were given to him by Lafayette after the American Revolution.”

Bentley: “That’s why I think that Washington should be on the million-dollar bill!”

Me: “They don’t print million-dollar bills. Anyway, he is already on the one-dollar bill.”

Bentley: “Well, if they ever do, my new favorite President should be front and center.  Do you think I’m descended from one of Washington’s Bassets?  Good old great, great, great, great, grandfather George.”

Me: “I suppose that you could be related but don’t go telling people that you are kin to George Washington.” 

Bentley: “I won’t say anything unless someone says something about my awesome patriotism. Don't roll your eyes, it could happen. Are you through brushing me? All of this learning has made me hungry.”

Me: “Sure. Let me say that Basset Hounds are also kind of bossy but very lovable! Don’t tell Pierre, but he is getting brushed next and I’ve looked up some Westie facts for him.”

Bentley: “Poor little guy.”

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