Every House Should be a Pet House

    There are a few things that are certainties when you come to my home. The first is Bentley and Pierre will come running to welcome you. The second is our house will smell wonderful thanks to my electric wax warmers. I have loved the smell of scent chips for as long as I can remember. That is why I was thrilled when I was contacted about Pet House’s electric wax warmer!

   PetHouse by One Fur All is well-known for their amazing line of candles but if you would rather not burn candles, the electric wax warmer is the answer. With no open flame to worry about, I can have a delicious scent wafting throughout the house and not have to watch for wagging tails. I have several other scent warmers but this one is special…it is specially designed for pet lovers. The saying around the edge of it reads “A house is not a home without pets.” Isn’t that perfect for all of us pet parents!

   Pet House by One FUR All offers over 30 different scents in their Wax Melts. We chose the Pumpkin Spice melts and they smell INCREDIBLE! The scent is stronger than store-bought wax melts and that means you use less. They are 100% natural soy wax and guaranteed to eliminate pet odors. I’m in love!

   Pet House still offers their incredible candles, mini candles, air fresheners, room sprays, and car air fresheners. Now is the perfect time to shop for the scents that make your home feel cozy when that first cool snap hits. Fall is next week, y'all and Mmmmm…pumpkin spice, apple spice, pecan pie and red currant all sound "scentsational”.

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Be sure to join us for this week’s Pet Parade blog hop. All pet bloggers are welcome, and you can select your subject or stay totally wordless with just a photo. We’d love to have you join in the fun! Visit Dash Kitten and Basil & The B Team today.

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September Shenanigans

 One thing we know for certain is that everyone could use a laugh these days.   That is why we are here!

~ APPEARING THIS WEEK ~

The Bayou Boys

Comedy Tour

BFTB NETWoof News for September 2020

 Bentley Basset: “Hello and welcome to September’s BFTB NETWoof news. I’m happy to report that this month had several feel-good stories we are able to share. Maybe it means things are starting to look little brighter in the world. Let’s check in with Pierre for our top story.”

Pierre Westie: “They say dynamite comes in small packages and that is certainly true of our first story.

   Bubu is a chihuahua that lives with his eighty-six- year-old Navy Veteran owner on a houseboat in North Carolina. When the man suffered a stroke, our tiny hero ran to the nearby dockmaster and led him back to help. Bubu is credited with saving his owner’s life and is expected to make a full recovery.”

A Mixed Bag of 2020

    I guess 2020 wouldn’t be complete without a couple of hurricanes in one week. We are keeping a close eye on Laura to see how Houston will be impacted. As of Tuesday night, we are expecting some high winds, rain, and will most likely lose power. Thankfully, we have had plenty of time to prepare.

   In case you need to prepare your pets for possible evacuation due to Hurricane Laura, this link will take you to our Pet Hurricane Preparedness post. This is going to be a fast-moving system unlike Hurricane Harvey but there are still things to keep in mind After the Hurricane (another helpful BFTB post).

Do You Snapchat?

Have you seen all the cartoon looking photos of dogs flooding social media? This aww-inspiring craze to “cartoonize” your pets is just the latest filter from Snapchat. I’ll admit to being an amateur at this particular social media app but find it to be a great way to entertain myself. It is also free so that makes it even better.

 This particular effect is called Cartoon Face and works on humans and pets. It flickers until you get the pet’s face positioned correctly but once you do…Disney-like magic!

Love On the Lamb

There are only a handful of toys that the boys wear out that I replace. *Lambchop is one of those toys. Pierre loves to chase and play tug with it. Bentley, as you can see, enjoys the snuggling aspect of the LambChop. This is probably our fifth or sixth one but since they are less than $10 and last up to a year, I feel it’s a good investment.

BFTB NETWoof News August 2020

Bentley Basset: “Hello and welcome back to BFTB NETWoof News! We have been away for quite some time, but we are back behind the news desk and have fetched some great stories for August. Let’s toss it over to my right-paw dog, Pierre, for our top story.”

Pierre Westie: “Well, it is great to be back and our top story proves that we should always keep the faith and some things are just meant to be. We found this story on Facebook’s Weird Facts. It has the coolest information.

Benefits of Rubbing Your Dog's Ears

Dogs’ ears come in all shapes and sizes depending on the breed. Pierre has cute little perky ears while Bentley’s long velvety ears drag the ground. No matter what the size or shape of your dog’s ears, they probably enjoy having them rubbed.

How Much Water Does My Pet Need?

Did you know that July is #NationalPetHydrationAwarenessMonth?

You might be wondering how much water your pet needs to drink each day. That’s a great question!

🐶Dogs usually require 1oz. of water for every pound they weigh. That means a 10lb. dog would need a little over a cup daily.

🐱Cats need 2-4oz. every day.

How to Keep Your Dog Cool this Summer

Summer is here and the heat is set on high. Here deep in the hot of Texas, we are looking for ways to stay cool. Of course, staying inside with the air conditioning is recommended for seniors and senior dogs which we do most afternoons. Temperatures can reach the triple digits by noon, so we ride bikes and let the boys enjoy the outdoors early.

Bentley has always loved to lay out in the sunshine. The hotter, the better. In the past, we have let him get his fill of heat. As a 12 ½ year old, there is a greater concern of heat stroke, so we limit his time in the direct sun. Their backyard horseplay is also discouraged in the afternoon heat.

Due to the coronavirus, we do most of our shopping on Amazon, so I set out to find some products to help us survive the dog days of summer. We are Amazon affiliates so if you purchase through these links, we might receive a tiny commission. (Thanks so much!)

How to Keep Your Dog Cool this Summer

Chillz Cooling Mat

This mat can be used in the car, outdoors or indoors and keeps your dog cool with a pressure activated gel. This lightweight, portable, and puncture resistant mat comes in four sizes. No need to freeze or chill mat to maintain a cool surface. Simply allow air to cool and recharge mat between uses.

The Weight is Over!

   Did you know that obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States? It’s not just a human problem either. Our pets are gaining weight and it is a real cause for concern. Even five extra pounds on a dog can put them at risk of serious health problems. There is good news though. Obesity is a completely treatable problem and thanks to Dr. Harvey’s, it is now delicious!

Introducing Healthy Weight

Dr. Harvey’s Specialty Diets

The Healthy Alternative to Kibble

A 4th of July Declaration for Pets

To our friends north of the border we say

Happy Canada Day!

Here in America we are preparing to celebrate our 244^th birthday. Over the past few years, we have said happy 4^th of July in a variety of ways. As I was looking through my photos, I came across the Pet’s Declaration of Independence from way back in 2014. The boys voted to share it again this year along with one of our favorite photos.

Summer is Here!

Summer is here and we are ready for some fun!

We have had enough of the sad 2020 so we’re ready to start the second half on with a smile.

Let's Discuss Treatibles and Your Pet

   I have been an affiliate of Treatibles Full Spectrum Hemp Oil products since 2017 for one simple reason. The results I have seen in Bentley are nothing short of amazing. Here is the link to our first post about Treatibles.   

   He has gone from panting, pacing, and trying to climb behind our couch to simply wanting to be close to us. He no longer trembles and will actually go to sleep during a storm. That means WE can get some sleep when overnight storms hit. After being awake during overnight storms for years, this was a welcome improvement!

   Here are a few questions that I thought we could answer in case you are still undecided if Treatibles CBD products are for you and your pet.

How can Treatibles benefit my pet?

Pierre's Pooped

We have been staying busy with the grandbabies and Pierre could not be happier. He has dubbed himself their best friend and stays right beside them. They throw his toys, play tug and love to run!

I have a funny feeling these two are going to be a pretty mischievous duo. Audrey calls them “her dogs” and neither of them would deny it.

Be the Good

   Like most of you, I am rather shell-shocked at what has transpired in America over the past few days. To see a video on television showing a man being murdered by a police officer is something none of us should be able to get out of our heads.

   It is important to believe there is more good than bad in the world but sometimes it is difficult. I pray that we can come together as a nation and world to begin the long journey of healing and acceptance. It is past time. 

DIY Dog Bed/Children's Chair

Every child, dog and cat know that there is nothing more fun than an empty box. All it takes is a little imagination for a box to become a rocket to Mars, a school bus, or playhouse. The possibilities are endless!

What if I told you that making a child’s chair or a pet’s bed is one of the simplest handy dandy craft you can make? Well, hold on to your hats because that is exactly what we are making today. 

What's the Deal with My Dog's Anal Glands?

    If you live with enough dogs or cats in your life, sooner or later you are going to have to deal with their anal glands. It is not a pleasant subject but today we are going to “clear the air” so to speak on what’s the deal with anal glands.

What are anal glands?

   Anal glands are basically scent glands located between the layers of muscles that make up the rectum. When they are working properly, the dog expressed these “anal sacs” naturally through a duct that connects the gland each time the dog poops. It is nature’s way for a dog to mark their territory and leave a smell for other dogs to discover. That’s why your dog can ALWAYS find poop that thoughtless owners leave behind.

The Boys Met the Girls

Pierre Westie: “SQUEEEE!! The most exciting thing in our entire universe happened last week! Lemme tell them, Bentley…let meeeeee!”
Bentley Basset: “Okay, you can tell them. Let me give them a little back story before you begin. Take a couple of deep breaths. I’ll be brief.
   We have two little humans called grandchildren that have begun staying at our house a few days each week. We’ve only met them under controlled circumstances because they’ve been tiny and we’re not used to such small creatures. We were social distancing before it was a thing.
   Since they’ve started coming around more often, we’ve gotten to know each other. Mom put us in the master bedroom behind a baby gate. The girls have gotten used to petting our heads and throwing us lots of toys. They understand that Pierre is talking when he barks and we understand that little girls like to sometimes scream and sing loudly.”

Pierre: “Let me tell them! I can’t wait another minute…
WE GOT TO PLAY WITH THE GIRLS!!! NO MORE FENCES!!!

How to Make a Simple & Comfy E-Collar for Your Dog

   There comes a time in most dog’s lives where they are forced to endure the humiliation of the “Cone of Shame” or Elizabethan collar. Whether it is to prevent them from licking their stitches or a hot spot, it has always done its job. They have always looked stupid and extremely uncomfortable to me although the new material ones don’t look quite as bad.
   We’ve been lucky not to have to use an e collar on the boys other than when they were neutered. That was until last week. Pierre started biting at his tail area, but we couldn’t see anything wrong. I didn’t want him to lick or chew a raw spot, so we needed a way to keep him from reaching that area. I didn’t want to go out and buy an e collar, but we did have last year’s pool noodles so…

Cut your pool noodle into sections. I used a 3” noodle and cut my pieces 1” - 2 1/2”. You can buy larger pool noodles and adjust the lengths for your dog’s size.

When Grooming Becomes Essential

   You know the saying that you never miss something until it is gone? I think we have all experienced that over the last few weeks as some people are still searching for toilet paper! It seems like forever since we could run up to the store to pick up a couple of items, go out to dinner, or shop at the mall. I don’t know about y’all but I miss all of those things a lot. I am really happy that Texas is beginning to reopen with health guidelines in place. I know this is a controversial topic but feel that people can make up their own minds as far as their own health status when they should re-enter society. I’m afraid face masks and social distancing will be a new way of life until a vaccine is found. On a positive note, we won’t have to wear lipstick or wonder if we have anything stuck between our teeth in public!

   The Texas COVID-19 shutdown of “non-essential” businesses included dog groomers. As you can tell, Pierre was a hot mess after almost six months without being groomed. Our plan was to take him to his groomer at the first of March because we had family coming to visit and wanted him to look handsome. Their plans were canceled as the country began to self-isolate. Before I had time to regroup and schedule an appointment, our state closed down.

Celebrating Earth Day 2020

It’s the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day and it comes at a time when the earth is actually trying to heal some of the damage it’s endured by mankind. We have certainly learned over the past few weeks what a difference it makes when people stay home. The skies are clear over cities for the first time in years. There are places where residents can see mountain ranges that have been obscured by pollution. Rivers and streams are running clear. Animals are able to repopulate without human interruption. Sea turtles hatched thousands of eggs after many beaches closed.

While it is important that we get back to the business of living, let’s hope that we have learned something from this bizarre time in our lives. 

We need the earth.

🌍

The earth does not need us.

Pierre, This is Your Life!

Welcome to Pierre’s 9^th birthday celebration!

We appreciate you stopping by for the fun.

As a surprise to the birthday boy, we have our version of

This is Your Life, Pierre

Mom: "You entered this world with no idea of the exciting times ahead."

Prepping for Pierre's Paw-ty

Pierre Westie: “Hey, Bentley! What are you doing? That wouldn’t happen to be a list of things for my birthday, would it?”
Bentley Basset: “Don’t be silly. Like I don’t have anything better to do than plan some lame paw-ty for my little brother.” Sighs and rolls eyes dramatically

Pierre: “You can’t fool me, bro! I know you are going to be ready to dive into some delicious birthday cake and ice cream. Are you inviting all of our friends to stop by the blog and visit? It can be a self-isolation paw-ty. They are all the rage these days.”

Pierre's Easter Jokes

At this week’s Barking from the Bayou team meeting, we discussed several different topics including the most obvious…the COVID-19 pandemic. I think it was Pierre who insisted suggested he tell a few jokes instead. After Bentley and I groaned, we agreed it would be more uplifting and we could all use a laugh these days. Of course, with Pierre’s comedy routine, that isn’t something we can guarantee.

Sit...Stay

Bentley Basset: “It’s day 8 of our humans’ government ordered “Stay at Home” mandate which means we have them all to ourselves! It’s the greatest time ever to be a dog or cat.” 

Pierre Westie: “Mom and Dad are retired but our jobs as guard dogs are essential.

Free Fun for Self-Isolation

    It seems just when we think life can’t get any more bizarre, we wake up to another day of what seems to be an unimaginable episode of The Twilight Zone. Houston has become one of many major cities to issue “Stay at Home” orders. We are to limit our movements to the grocery store, pharmacy or work if your job is in one of the sixteen industries the federal government has deemed essential. It is still okay to go on walks or visit local parks if you maintain a 6’ distance from others. Playgrounds and basketball courts are off-limits. I am not babysitting the grands and we are not riding our bikes to be super safe. After last month’s flu, we do not want this virus. The fact they keep mentioning those over 60 makes me cringe. How the heck did we get in the senior citizen danger zone? Yikes!

Spring Into Health With Dr. Harvey's

   

   Spring is the time of year for rebirth and renewing our promise to take better care of ourselves and pets. The days are getting longer, and the weather is nice so spending time outdoors with our dogs is a safe option during this time of self-isolation. As we practice self-care, it’s important to make sure our dogs are healthy too.

Good News is Coming

Bentley Basset Hound: “Hey y’all! Can you believe how crazy the human world has become over the last couple of weeks? This coronavirus is changing the way we live and there are many people who are really scared.”
Pierre Westie: “That’s right, Bentley. This is what we’ve been training for our entire lives. Dogs and cats cannot catch or carry this virus, so we are ready for unlimited cuddling. Well, cats might have a time-limit, but we animals have agreed to submit to hugs, kisses, and cuddles each day our peeps are having to stay home to avoid others. It’s the least we can do to help calm them.”

5 Quick Spring Cleaning Tips for Dogs

    Spring is in the air down here in Texas. It makes me want to open up our windows and clean the house. Living with dogs means before you clean the house, you need to clean the dogs. 

   If yours are anything like mine, the first trick is to catch them. Bentley actually loves grooming and will follow me anywhere if I have his FURminator. Pierre avoids all forms of grooming other than brushing his teeth. If there is an area I don’t want Pierre to go, all I have to do is set his brush down and he’ll avoid it like the plague. Either way, it’s spring and they need to freshen up!

5 Quick Tips for Spring Cleaning Dogs

BFTB NETWoof News March 2020

Bentley Basset Hound: “Hello and welcome to our March edition of BFTB NETWoof News! We sure have missed y’all but are happy to report that everyone is finally well and ready to bark some good news. Pierre, what’s our top story?”

How to Overreact When Your Senior Pet is Sick

   Bentley has been sick over the last week and frankly, it gave us quite a scare. He is on the mend and doing a bit better each day. I wrote out a thousand-word post describing everything that happened in excruciating detail but discarded it to make it more entertaining for you and me. I’ve decided to title it,

How to Overreact When Your Senior Dog/Cat is Sick

1. As soon as you notice a change in your pet, observe every single move and analyze it to death.

Shaking My Head and Saying, "Hmmm"

   It seems as if each time we venture out among other humans, there is always something that makes me shake my head. Is it because I am older? Have I become that “You darn kids get off my lawn” person? I don’t think that’s the case. I truly believe that common sense is just not as common as we’d think. 
   Let me give you some examples and see if you agree.

• The biggest head-shaker for me is people who don’t pick up after their dog. Why would someone care enough about their pet to take them on fun walks and fail to bring poop bags? Our neighborhood does have poop stations with ample bags available so it’s not too bad.
   Our bike trail, on the other hand, has a number of inconsiderate dog walkers. These people actually load their dogs up in the car and drive to a beautiful place for a walk then leave their crap for others to step in, ride through or have their dogs try to sniff it. This definitely makes me say, “hmmm.”
• It is important to exercise your puppy but remember they are still developing. A general rule is five minutes for every month during the first year depending on the breed. That means a three-month-old puppy should get 15 minutes of exercise daily.
   I shake my head at the number of people I see running long distances with their puppy. Of course, they will run as far and as long as their little legs will carry them. They want to please their human. It is the person’s responsibility to not overwork their new bestie.  A puppy will learn to love exercise if introduced properly.
   Another thing to remember is ALWAYS bring water for your dog. They get hot and thirsty too.

• Why would someone let a dog ride in the back of their truck unless they lived on a farm? I will never understand how someone can put their dog in the bed of their truck and take off down the highway! Don’t get me wrong, I grew up in the ’60s when we didn’t have seat belts and often rode in the back of my neighbor’s truck. That should only prove that when we know better, we should do better. 
   The dangers of letting your dog ride in the bed of truck should be obvious to everyone and yet, it still happens. They are not safe loose or tied up in an open truck bed. I have to say, “Hmmm” each time I see it and pray the poor thing doesn’t leap or fall out in front of my vehicle.

• These last two things on my list today are about social media. More specifically, Facebook. I shake my head so much when I read some posts that I turn off my computer and pick up a book. Here are my two top head shakers…
   Veterinarian Advice! Why would someone seek medical advice from a bunch of fellow pet owners? Now, I’m not talking about routine problems that most dogs or cats might experience. I’m talking seizures, bloody stools, face swelling, trouble breathing…you get the idea. For the love of all things holy, TAKE THE DOG OR CAT TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY!!! Your Facebook group or Google is no substitute for your veterinarian’s medical degree.
   Okay, this is the last one for today. We all know that there are horrible people doing outrageously horrid things to animals. I do not want to see pictures. Please do not post pictures of suffering animals for others to see. Is that burying my head in the sand? No, like I said, we all know these things happen. It’s on the news, in the paper, and on those darn ASPCA commercials. I don’t want to see it on my social media timeline. It doesn’t just make me say “Hmmm.” It hurts my heart and that is not why I get on Facebook.
   So, what are some of the things that have you shaking your head and saying, "Hmmm" today?

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Be sure to join us for this week’s Pet Parade blog hop. All pet bloggers are welcome, and you can select your subject or stay totally wordless with just a photo. We’d love to have you join in the fun! Visit Dash Kitten and Basil & The B Team today.

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Catchin' Up...Again

Bentley Basset Hound: “Hey, y’all! I guess that you were expecting to see us on a lost poster or milk carton since we’ve been gone for what seems like 87 days. Believe me, it was NOT my choice to go AWOL. After all, I have things to bark about and my paws just won’t allow me to type up a blog post by myself.”
Pierre Westie: “I’m right there with you, Bentley. At least you didn’t have nurse duty. Not that I’m complaining but Mom really wasn’t much fun. I had to poke her a few times just to get a well-deserved belly rub, but I didn’t leave her side the entire 87 days. I need a vacation.”

Space Center Houston is Out of This World

    One of the cool things about moving to a new city is that we’ve never been to most of the major tourist attractions. When you are talking about Houston, Texas, there are a LOT of things to see and explore. We have shared some of the fun places that we’ve visited before like our trip to the Houston Zoo, the theater district, and the Renaissance Festival. It’s an exciting place to live and I look forward to showing the city as we bark about the Bayou City.

   We recently went to Space Center Houston and it was incredible. As a child in the 60’s, I was fascinated at the thought of going into space. A lot of it probably had to do with watching the Jetson’s cartoon. Like most everyone in the world with a television, my family watched in awe on July 20, 1969, when Neil Armstrong took the first steps on the moon. Our incredible city was front and center when he reported from the moon’s surface on that fateful day, “Houston, the Eagle has landed.”

What's Happening on the Bayou?

Bentley Basset: “We thought today would be a good time to catch up on the things happening around the bayou this month. There were some fireworks on New Year’s Eve but, I had my *Treatibles and settled in for a nice snooze.”

We're Left Kong-fused

Bentley Basset: “Hello! It’s our first post since the howlidays and we hope that 2020 has been awesome for y’all so far. We thought we’d share our Christmas with an update on our toys that have left us very Kong-fused.”