M.K. Clinton's Blog: M. K. Clinton's Barking from the Bayou, page 173

Sepia Saturday

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Pet Bloggers Challenge Accepted

   Today I’m excited to be a part of the 4th annual Pet Bloggers Challenge hosted by Edie Jarolim of Will My Dog Hate Me?.com and Amy Burkert from Go Petfriendly.com. It is a chance to read what pet...



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This 'N That Thursday Confessional

You can now follow me on Bloglovin' so please click and Follow my blog with Bloglovin
This week has brought extreme cold to most parts of the U.S. Meteorologists blame the frigid weather to a...



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A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words

It's Wordless Wednesday, a blog hop hosted by my friends at BlogPaws Community.  Since you won't spend time reading a long post, hop over to the other blogs to enjoy their photos.  Thanks...



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Knick Knack, Paddy Whack, Give a Dog a Home

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This "N That Thursday

This is January 2, 2014, which means the Holiday season has officially ended.  I hope everyone has recovered from all of the excitement.  I hope that you have made it to day two of any resolutions.
That brings me to our “Move Your Mutt” resolutions.  We will officially post our goals on “Fit Friday,” and participate in the “Move Your Mutt-a-Thon” on Saturday, Jan. 4th.  If you’d like to learn how to join in the fun with your dog, visit either http://petsmove.org/or http://slimdoggy.com/ for the information.  

This week has been exciting as we watch the Facebook “LIKES” for each of our four “Make My Pet A Star” finalists’ count rising.  Please make sure to visit The Returns’ Facebook page http://on.fb.me/1bfaBvY and click “Like” on the dog’s photo of your choice.  Check out each dog’s complete “Bio” on the Make My Pet a Star Finalists tab at the top of this page. 
That final tally of “likes” will take place at midnight (central time) Sunday, January 5, 2014.  I will announce the dog you have selected to have a role in The Returns book #3 on Monday, January 6, 2014.  All four pups are counting on your “likes” so “paws” for a minute to cast your vote.
This button is located on my right sidebar.  If you will click it each day when you visit, it will help The Animal Rescue Site provide pet food for animals that are being sheltered in sanctuaries across the country. 
That led to 68 million bowls of food for sheltering animals in the last year just by clicking a widget. 
This is a blog hop hosted by 2 Brown Dawgs and Ruckus the Eskie called, “This ‘N That Thursday.”  I appreciate them hosting and you need to check out the great photos they have today!  I hope you enjoyed your visit and have fun visiting my other “hopper” friends’ blogs.  
That will bring me to PetSavers’ Adoptable Pet of the Da y : http://www.petsaversshreveport.org/do...

Black Eyed Peas, Cabbage & a Happy New Year

  There is one southern tradition that we participate in every January 1st.  I cook black-eyed peas, cabbage, ham, and cornbread.  The peas are for luck, the cabbage is for money, and the ham is for progress.  What is significance of the cornbread?  It is delicious with black-eyed peas, cabbage, and ham!  I'm not sure if serving and eating this particular meal actually leads to a better year.  We've eaten it each New Year's Day for as long as I can remember.  I'm not about to chance it's legitimacy at this point!  In case you are wondering, yes, the dogs get a tiny plate with a sampling of each.  I think they deserve the same advantage as the rest of the family heading into 2014.
   We participated in the BlogPawsChat last night.  It was so much fun and I connected with many new Twitter pet friends.  PetBox gave away fifty pet boxes to lucky winners as we scrambled to answer trivia questions.  I played and tweeted until the very end, or so I thought.  I saw the door prizes announced and people started saying their good-byes.  I had company at my house so I bid my farewell to go socialize.  Imagine my surprise when I kept hearing my phone "ding" with incoming tweets.  I went to see if it was my new friends saying "Happy New Year."  It was actually them saying "Congratulations!"  I had won the free three-month subscription to PETBOX!!  WooHoo!!  Yippee!!  Bentley and Pierre are so excited to pick out their choice of goodies.  Thank you so much to PetBox and BlogPaws Community.  What an awesome way to begin the New Year.
     I can only imagine what is in store for us after we eat our lucky dinner today!  Look out 2014...here we come.  The Returns and I wish all of you the happiest year that you can imagine.

Bentley & Pierre's 2013

This is the time of year everyone looks back to see if they have really accomplished anything during the past 365 days.  I was discussing this with my Basset Hound, Bentley and our granddog, Pierre the Westie earlier today.  They both feel that they had a very successful 2013.  I told them it would be fine if they shared their reflections of the past year in today’s blog.  I suggested they draw straws to see who would go first but Bentley nixed that idea.  Pierre thought he should go first since technically he is a guest in our home.  Bentley said that was a lame reason and so it went back and forth.  I told them we would go alphabetically which meant Bentley first by either name or breed.  Sometimes, it is necessary to put my foot down with those two. Bentley : My year had its ins and outs.  What I mean is I go to the back door, bang the blinds, my mom, or dad let me out, I go bark at the neighbor before I come back to the door and hit it to signal them that I want back inside.  I must say my people have been well trained.  Of course, I could ring the dog bells hanging on the door and bark to come back in but that is so overused by dogs.  Last February, we participated in the Barkus and Meoux Mardi Paw parade.  There were at least a gazillion dogs of every description there.  We wore costumes, made a lot of new friends and I even made the evening news!  Some humans that read my mom’s book started sending me fan mail and I even got some presents in the mail.  I have decided to cooperate when we go out for walks.  It makes me look so much more distinguished when I do not have to drag mom around.  Sometimes a smell still leads me astray but you know…puppy steps.  I also discovered a cool new store called Petsmart.  It is wall-to-wall pet stuff and I get to go inside to shop.  Mom and Dad let me pick out toys, smell a bunch of dog food, and look at some strange lizards.  I didn’t really understand why they had chew bones out in open bins if they weren’t meant to be free samples.  It seemed a bit of a cruel hoax to me but Dad bought me some so it was okay.  We also went to the “Stinko De Mayo” pet wash to benefit the dog park some good folks are trying to get established.  I think it would be awesome to have a place to play with other dogs.  Pierre came to live with us during the summer.  I like having him here even if he is a bit hyper.  We wrestle and play chase in the yard.  He takes off running, can’t stop when he gets to me, and ends up using me as a springboard.  I usually have to take him down for that until he says “Uncle.”  I have a bunch more that I could tell you but he is whining that I am taking up too much space so I’ll let him give you his account of his year. 
Pierre : Happy New Year everyone!  I am so excited to tell you how fabulous my 2013 has been.  What?  Oh, Granma says I can’t give you an actual day-by-day account so I suppose I will just touch on the highlights.  I started the year living with my mom in our apartment.  It was just the two of us and we had a great time together.  We went to the Mardi Paw parade with Bentley and Tucker.  The three of us looked so good.  I am still a bit miffed that I wasn’t on the news too but who understands the media.  Anyway, my mom’s boyfriend asked her to marry him.  She discussed it with me and I told her it would be fine.  I’d love to have a daddy and I knew it would make her very happy.  The thing was, he lives very far away on an Army base where it snows really deep and gets in the sub-zero temperatures.  Now, I’m not saying I couldn’t handle that type of weather but I’m more of a mid-sixties temp guy.  I asked her if I could stay with Granma and Papaw until they move to a more reasonable climate next summer.  I love my Papaw because he gives me treats.  I packed up my stuff and made myself right at home with them.  It has been quite an experience.  I get to run in the back yard, play chase, and I have discovered these furry animals that like me to terrorize them.  Granma calls them “squirrels.”  I sit at the back door and watch for them to climb down a tree.  I kind of lose my mind when they get on the ground.  I run in a circle screaming until they open the door, then I charge out and yell at those squirrels to get out of my yard.  They do too; they are really scared of me.  Bentley laughs at me because he says I will never catch one but I keep trying.  I’ve also discovered some underground squirrels that papaw calls “moles.”  I try hard to dig them up but they have alluded me so far.  I love to chase lizards but they have gone away since it has gotten cold outside.  I miss them and I still check the monkey grass to make sure they aren’t just hiding.  I’m being spoiled here at my grandparents’ house but they insist that is their job.  Bentley is glad I am here because I get on the couch all of the time and now he can get on the couch too.  Before I moved in, dogs weren’t allowed on the furniture.  I think that he owes me one for that privilege.  Well, I guess I’d better go see if Bentley wants to go outside and bark for no apparent reason; after all, it’s getting late.    


This is a Blog Hop for BlogPawsChat on New Year's Eve! @PetBox will be giving away 50 PetBoxes during the Twitter Chat 8-10p.m.est Come join us!

The Mischievous Shelter Dog

This is a story for the Monday Mischief Blog Hop hosted by Luna & Cynder of Lunadogslife, My Brown Newfies, Alifie's Blog, and Snoopy's Dog Blog.  It is a fictional account of an unnamed shelter dog's story.  Unfortunately, it could be any shelter dog's autobiography.



Photo courtesy of Rachel Ray's Nutrish
   Hi there! You don’t know me but I’ve seen you before.  I’ve seen that sympathetic look in your eyes when you have come across my photo on the “adoptable pets” website.  Surely, you recognize me.  I’m the nondescript six-year-old dog with kind of shaggy brown hair.  The sign on my kennel door says I am “Male-Mixed.”  I’d prefer “Sexiest Dog Alive” but they didn’t confer with me before they posted the placard.  I usually give the camera my good boy look, but I’m sure some of the hopeful sparkle no longer shines in my bright eyes.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy that I ended up in a no-kill shelter.  I’ve heard the alternatives are pretty dismal.  How did a great guy like me end up in a place like this you wonder?  Let me tell you my story.   I remember when my eyes first opened as a bouncy fat pup.  If the crowd gathered at my mom for dinner was any indication, I came from a large family.  We lived in some kind of wire cage outdoors in the country.  It was a good time in the beginning.  I wrestled with my litter mates, climbed on stuff, and slept.  Once Mama quit nursing us and we wanted puppy food, the humans complained that it was too expensive to feed us.  One day they loaded us in a box, put it in the back of a truck, and drove to a store parking lot.  The woman human put a big sign up that read “Free Puppies.”  I watched as one by one people took my brothers and sisters to live with their families.  When it started getting dark, the humans were tired so they took down their sign and loaded us back in the truck.  The box was a lot roomier since it was just my two sisters and me left behind.  We snuggled together on the towels lining the box and waited anxiously to see Mama.  She was going to be shocked to learn the others had gone to live somewhere else.  We all hoped that she wouldn’t be too sad.  I remember what happened next as if it were yesterday.   The man human did not take us back to our family cage.  He stopped the truck at a smelly place where people take their garbage.  It was so gross and the smell made us sneeze.  My sister “The Runt” was certain that he was just stopping on his way home.  Runt was wrong.  He took our box out, shoved it next to the dumpster, and they drove off without us!  We squealed as loud as we could but it was no use.  We had been duped and dumped by the humans that we thought we could trust.  Oh, the inhumanity of humans was a bitter realization for a helpless trio of puppies.  The three of us huddled together through the night hoping no monsters came.  Actually, the only visitors we had were a couple of feral cats.  They looked in our box, shook their heads, and tsked.  Obviously, they understood all about being dumped because they brought us back some scraps of bread.  Other dogs can say what they want about the feline persuasion, but those two cats saved our lives that night.    When morning finally came, an older man wearing faded denim overalls came and peered into our box.  Being the protective brother, I gave him my ferocious puppy growl.  He laughed before he picked me up and gave me nose nuzzles.  He mumbled something about his wife “skinning him alive” if he showed up with more puppies.  Before we knew what was happening, he loaded us into his truck and we were off on another journey.  I told my sisters not to be afraid because I would protect them.  I never let them see how frightened I truly was because they needed me to be brave.     We didn’t go very far before the man got back out, leaving us in our box on his front seat.  He came back with some yummy canned dog food.  We gobbled it up, padded our fat bellies over to a puppy pile, and fell sound asleep.  I’m not sure how much further we traveled but he finally came to one more stop.     This time, it was here at my shelter.  I’ve spent six years waiting for another ride to take me somewhere else.  My sisters have been gone for years; they were adopted while we were still puppies.  I haven’t had a bad life so please don’t think I’m whining.  The folks here are nice, I get plenty to eat, I’m groomed, exercised, and sometimes I get to wear an “Adopt Me” vest when I go for walks.  I have heard the some volunteers say I’m probably getting too old for anyone to adopt.  How in the heck can that be possible?  Dogs can live for a long time; I’m not even middle age!  According to Guinness, the dog that holds the record as the oldest living dog at age 21 was an adopted shelter dog.  Besides, I am totally over the gnawing stage; I’ll admit there are a couple of chairs I left my mark on back in my teething days.  People can see how big I’m going to be, so there are no surprises.  I’ve seen some fellas leave here tiny and come back the size of a semi-truck!  No sirree, with me it’s what ya see is what ya get.  Being my age also assures people that I don’t have any hidden genetic problems.  I’m healthy as a horse and my awesome personality is well established.  Did I mention that I could be the sexiest dog alive?  Yeah, I thought so.  It is possible that I could become a famous television personality.  I am not sure if you’re aware of this fact but many talented dogs come from shelters and make it big in show biz.  I don’t like to name drop but does “Benji or “Old Yeller” ring a bell?  I’m not making any promises but I’m just saying it is a possibility.  There is no limit to my potential with the right person and that all important love connection.     Anyway, that’s my story and as you can see, it’s not that sad.  I mean there are worse things that can happen to a dog besides being in a shelter.  It’s just that it could be so much better.     It might be a bit mischievous of me but here’s my deal for you.  Have you made a New Year’s Resolution?  No?  Great…let’s make one together.  You go to the shelter in your town to either volunteer or adopt a dog.  I’ll wait for you to show up and look for me.  We will know when we find each other because you will have that look of love at first sight on your face.  I’ll wag my tail and bark to let you know that it’s me.  Then, you go fill out my adoption papers and we can go home together.  It’ll be fabulous for both of us.  You can rub my belly, I can fetch your shoes, and you’ll see…it’s an awesome plan!  Happy New Year and hurry, I’ll be watching for you!
    *Before you hop off to read more mischief, scroll down and read the final four in the "Make My Pet a Star" contest.  Be sure to cast your "Like" vote for your favorite!
    **Thanks for hosting another great Monday Mischief y'all!

Meet the "Make My Pet a Star" Finalists

I want to thank everyone who took the time to submit their pet to The Returns’ “Make My Pet a Star” contest.  After a lot of consideration, I have narrowed the selection down to four awesome entries.  I am now leaving the final decision up to my readers.  Listed below you can read the bios of each contestant.  When you choose the pet that you think would make the best character for my next book in The Returns series, click over to our Facebook page:   http://on.fb.me/1bfaBvY     You will find all four dogs’ photos displayed.  Simply “like” the photo of the pet that you’d like to read about in my new fun-filled adventure.  You can only “vote” once for each dog, so be sure to help your favorite win a role by spreading the word via Twitter, Facebook, or good old dependable word-of-mouth!  The entrants are featured in alphabetical order.  The Returns offer their congratulations and good luck to all of the finalists.






Bella: The first contender was born the daughter of a royal dignity.  She spent her childhood exploring the castle grounds astride her favorite horse.  Always adventurous, she often rode into the surrounding forest, which usually led to trouble.  Bella enjoyed the finer things life offered a princess.  She loved dressing in her fancy gowns to attend tea parties with her friends and grand balls that her parents hosted.  The one part of royalty that she didn’t like was being betrothed.  Always one to believe that true love would come her way, she unfortunately met a premature death before meeting her Prince Charming.  Not surprisingly, Bella found herself “returned” in the body of a Queensland Blue Heeler.      
Brownie: Our second finalist was “returned” to fulfill his destiny in the body of an adorable Pomeranian.  During his human days, he worked with the CIA as a Research Scientist.  He doesn’t want to claim to have lost his life saving humankind with his highly sensitive research.  However, he would like to point out the fact that you are surfing the web and reading his story, while he is now a dog.  In his leisure time, Brownie enjoys reading, playing with his chemistry set, and occasionally, chasing his tail. 
Lola:  During her younger human life in Italy, Lola was a renowned soccer player.  She played alongside Giuseppe Bergomi on the Inter Milan team.  She was hailed a hero after spearheading the team win and leading them to the World Cup title of 1982.  Deciding to retire from the game while on top, she kicked the soccer ball and headed for the bright lights of Paris.  A natural at high kicking and light on her feet, she soon found work as a featured dancer at the Moulin Rouge.  That’s right, her name is Lola, and she was a showgirl.  She would merengue and do the cha-cha!  Finding herself in Heaven’s Returns Department, Lola was happy to be sent back in the body of a gorgeous Italian Sheepdog complete with long dreadlocks and a kick in her step.
Pepper:  It seems only fair that Pepper would be “returned” as a Basset Hound with an acute sense of smell.  He has also retained his sensitive taste buds.  When he was in his human body, he was the most sought after gourmet chef/personal trainer in the U.S. and abroad.  Many actors clamored to hire him before starting a new film.  It is often said that he could make a protein shake actually taste delicious.  He authored the best-selling book, “Add Pepper to your Pastas and Pecs.”  Since becoming a Basset, Pepper is involved in agility trials and baking healthy dog treats.  He is currently writing a dog treat recipe and exercise book hoping to reclaim his previous spot on the New York Times bestseller list.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I told you it was a tough choice!  It was very difficult to narrow it down to these four but they seemed very intriguing.  Now that you’ve read about them, click over to our Facebook http://on.fb.me/1bfaBvY and “like” your favorite.  I’m sure they’d appreciate your support and I’d appreciate the help in choosing the winner.  Thanks for participating and have a great day!