Winston's 4th Bark Day

Happy 4th Bark Day

Winston!

I was born on January 30^th in the hills of Missouri with a reputable breeder.  I did not find your fur-ever family until I was 4 months old.  I was scheduled to be purchased by a family in Canada but right before I was supposed to be shipped I came down with an infection and my breeders would not allow me to get on a plane to fly to Canada.  Well those people were very anxious to get a puppy and they didn’t want to wait for me to get better, so they decided they did not want me.  So my picture was placed up on the internet again and that is when my real fur-ever family found me.

It had been 6 months since Mom and Dad had lost their boy Elliott to liver disease at the age of 12.  Mom was really feeling lonely and needed another male in the house to keep the girls in check.  That is when she found my famous picture on the internet.  That is why I am called her “Internet Baby”.  

She immediately showed my picture to Dad and said, I have found your boy.  She thought it might go over a little bit better if she presented to him that way, which it did.  She immediately contacted the people and a deposit was sent that day to hold me for them.  She also knew I was the one because I had the same birthday as her Elliott and she really felt it was a sign.

The only thing they were presented with was when to drive to Missouri to pick up their new boy.  They had an upcoming vacation already planned that would place them in that area, but it would not be happening for 4 weeks.  They were so worried about bringing home a puppy and then leaving for vacation.  They didn’t really want to leave me with anyone else at such an age, afraid I would attach myself to them instead.  So they contacted the breeder and we worked out a deal for me to stay with them until they would be going South for vacation.  That was the longest 4 weeks of my life having to wait for them  (Mom said it was the longest 4 weeks for her to).  They did send me a care package with a blanket, with the other doggie smells on it for me.  They also included several chew toys and things, so I would have something to bring with me to make my adjustments in to their home easier.

Little did they know that I was just a very social kind of guy and I fit right in to the hound family.  Mom says that I was the best thing for Cleo and really brought her around from her bad experiences.  We also had Tabby at the time (who has now crossed to the bridge), she was not as fond of her new brother.  Winston was an ankle bitter that did not give up very easily.  It took her almost 2 weeks to come out of the bedroom and begin to socialize with him.  But it didn’t take long and they were best buddies for sure. 

See how well I fit in after the first day.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Sniffs, 

Winston

Winston now makes his home with two fur-sibling sisters (Cleo and Amiee) who adores and makes sure they are always by his side.  Winston is the most fun loving basset  and brings a new set of challenges to the basset breed.  He was my first basset to counter surf, climbs, jumps and whines to no end, loves and I do mean loves "butter".  He is has some the softest eyes and most unique features.  He can melt your heart in a second, with that look and a wiggle of the butt, because he so loves his butt rubs.

Winston we are so glad you are here with us today and we look forward to many more years of your fun wisdom.

Love ya bunches and bunches,

Mom, Dad, Cleo and Amiee

Wordless Wednesday - 1/26/2011

Wordless Wednesday

Amiee

Mango Minster 2011 - Side Event Contest

Mango Minster 2011 - Side Event - Costume Contest

Presented by Baby Rocket Dog & Hootie

We are really getting into the Mango Minster 2011 spirit this year.  Baby Rocket Dog & Hootie are sponsoring a Side Event this year.  It consists of submitting a photo (NO photoshop) of your favorite outfit (costume).  Cleo has decided she wanted to enter this event, so we submitted the following photo to the Baby Rocket Dog & Hootie side event.

This is me in my 50's costume that I wore to the Fashion Show fundraiser for our local Humane Society.  My costume consists of toddler clothes from the local thrift store.  Mom then customized it with the basset hound and sequences.  I was a member of the Pink Rescue Doggies and Mom was my date.  She dressed up as a 50's dude.  We didn't win the fashion show, because it was based on how many friends/fans you had in the audience to vote for you.  I don't have many friends or fans except in blogville, so we just strutted our stuff so we could raise $$ for homeless fur-kids.

Cleo

Cleo's backside (showing you her basset skirt)

Cleo and HoundDogMom

Even if you are not participating in the Mango Minster 2011 you can still enter all the great side events that are starting to kick off.  So far there are three Side Events that are just getting started.  So take some time and check out these great events and enter one, two or all three.  We hope to figure something out for the other two contests as well.


Baby Rocket Dog & Hootie  (Costume Contest)  Deadline is February 6th

Noodles (A Rose by Any Other Name Contest) Deadline is February 6th

Norwood (Find Your Better Half Contenst) Deadline is January 31st

Also, don't forget to check out our entry for the Mango Minster 2011 - Insane "Cracker" Dogs.

Insane Cracker Dogs

Cleo

Wordless Wednesday - 1/19/2011

Wordless Wednesday

The HoundDogs
Cleo, Winston, Amiee

Mango Minster 2011 - "Cracker" Dogs

MANGO MINSTER 2011

Last year we watched from an internet connection while the Mango Minster 2010 was held.  We lurked, behind the connection because we were just too afraid to enter.  This year since the Mango stopped by our comments section and left of some words of encouragement we have decided to take the plunge this year and enter.

There are some great catagories and our human has had quite the time trying to decide which one we fit into.  Since we could only enter 2 per household, but groups were okay.  Our human thought it would be best if we went for a group entry, she is so darn worried about one getting more attention than the other.  She also wasn’t sure because we didn’t quite fit into a category where we could answer all the questions.  But there was one category that she felt that the three of us together would qualify for……..

We hate to admit it because really feel we are either the Shamless Divas or the Good Ol Boy.  But NO she must enter us into the Cracker Dogs category.

The HoundDogs AKA "Cracker" Dogs

Are you a terrier basset hound (this alone qualifies you). Now before all you "mild mannered" terriers basset hound wax indignant, I remind you that we are HUGE terrier & basset hound fans here at the estate. But I know that there is cracker dog inside you all (yes, even a certain ladylike NYC dwelling gal of whom I have seen actual video footage all running cracker dog in the snow).  This is not us but we sure do have one that qualifies us.

Nope I am not a terrier, but I feel I is a "Cracker" dog.  Here are our qualifications.

The HoundDogs AKA "Cracker" Dogs

 

Do you run zoomies for no apparent reason other than, well, you know... CRACKER!

I was so excited to finally get the video uploaded, I forgot to edit the sound.  Had no idea the TV picks up that well on the camera. LOL --HDM

Do you dig gigantic holes just for the fun of it?

 

Do you shred paper, boxes, or anything else that is handy (including, but not limited to tables, rug, toilet tissue, Sanita clogs, or furnitures)? 

Do you find it necessary to fling yourself at the door whilst yapping your head off whenever a guest comes a knocking? 

Are your legs spring loaded, thus allowing you to poke your snooter into human eye sockets even when the hapless human is standing upright? 

Do you spaz out at the mere mention of a tennis ball?

Winston

Amiee

Cleo

Well this is our official entry into the Mango Minster 2011.  We our human has entered us into the "Cracker" Dog(s) category, thinking this was the best to be able to include all three of us.  Plus how many people have really seen a "Cracker" basset hound.  We feel there were more suitable categories for each one of us, but what is a fur-kid to do when you have no thumbs.

We are hoping you will support us in this year's Mango Minster.  Since we are entered in the "Cracker" Dog category, we would also like to introduce you to the most greatest Teacup Chihuahua in blogville Twinkie.  Stop on over and give a shout out for the The HoundDogs AKA "Cracker" Dog(s).

The HoundDogs (Cleo, Winston and Amiee)

Wordless Wednesday - 1/12/2011

Wordless Wednesday

  

Cleo

Questions Answered from Wordless Wednesday Picture

Our Wordless Wednesday picture created lots of questions on or comments yesterday.  So we are going to attempt to answer your questions and explain our Wordless Wednesday photo a little more.

Helen said - What a great picture! Did you guys plan it or just happen to catch them that way?
Well, if you know my hounds there is absolutely no way you plan for a picture like that.  I just happen to look out the back window and seen them sitting like that.  Hoping they would stay like that till I could fetch the camera.  I did know that if I opened the back door that would set them off, so I actually took the picture from inside looking through the window of the back door.  I was pretty amazed how well it turned out and did not have a lot of glare on it.

Everyone said - What the heck are they looking at over there.

Well with all the rain that we had on New Year's Eve Day the empty lot next to us became a swimming pool.  But then the next few days it got cold again and the swimming pool froze.  Well this provided some great entertainment for the feral cats that we have.  So, I cannot be 100% positive but I do believe the cats were ice skating on the ice which grabbed their attention. 

The Cheesehounds and BZ Training - Wanted to know how I got them up there on that picnic table.

Do not let those short little legs fool you.  As you notice only the girls (Cleo, Amiee) are on the picnic table.  They just jump right up there like little jack rabbits.  Being short legged this really puts them up in the world and they can see everything.  The picnic table was our bloodhound "Tabby's" favorite place to spend her days, it allowed her to escape the new additions and their ankle bitting ways.  Unfortunately, Winston has not mastered this task yet, that is why he is sitting in the grass.

Here are a few more shots that we took, this just shows you that Winston just cannot figure out how those girls get up there.  Winston is the most energetic basset hound we have had.  He jumps, leaps, climbs on about everything in the house.  He can fly leap off the couch going about 5 feet, he walks on his back legs and clears a counter in seconds.  But he cannot for the life of him figure out how to climb up to the picnic table.  I didn't catch it but he actually tries to reach his back leg up on the seat portion, but he has not figured out how to actually get up there and sit.

See Amiee looking at him like, come on Buddy you can do it.  You hike your leg on everything else why can't you hike it up here.

He walks the entire length of the picnic bench on his back legs

It is amazing the different personalities and traits that he one has, silly hounds is all I can say.

The HoundDogs (Cleo, Winston, Amiee)

HoundDogMom

Wordless Wednesday - 1/5/2011

Wordless Wednesday

The HoundDogs (Cleo, Winston and Amiee)

We Won A Give Away

The first part of December 2010 Hound Girl hosted a give away for some organic treats from The Barkers Dozen.  We found out shortly before Christmas that we actually WON!  We received our treats on Christmas Eve day, but we had to wait until after Christmas to open.  We had pawticipated in several gift exchanges and we were working on those gifts, lots of yummy treats we have never had before.  Our human mom is very cautious when introducing new things into our diet.

But we must tell you the wait was more than worth it.......These treats are pretty darn yummy and Mom is beginning to get a little nervous.  She is afraid we will snub her treats after getting all these yummy things.

The Barker's Dozen was founded in 2009 and makes Homemade Organic Pet Treats.  Our winnings consisted of the 1/2 pound of each (Organic Carrot, Organic Peanut Butter, Organic Chicken, 4 - Peanut Butter Cups and 3 - Barkscotti).

The could sure smell something inside that box for sure.

Yep, girls it is addressed to us

Our treats were packaged in the most beautiful bag wtih a very nice Thank You card from The Baker's Dozen

Pictures of all the yummy treats we won.  Each individual box was packaged so nice and wrapped with a bow on top.

 

Disclaimer Notice:  Cleo, Amiee will eat anything.  Winston is very picky ever since he burnt his tongue and got a some scraps with hot sauce on them.  So, if Cleo and Amiee eat it we consider it to be a success in our house.

We first tried the Organic Carrot Treats

Cleo and Amiee found these treats a little harder than they were use to.  Most of their normal homemade "Mom" treats are pretty soft.  But once they were able to break them they ate them and begged for more.  Winston on the other hand was not fond of it and left it laying for Amiee to snarf up.

2nd we tried the Organic Peanut Butter

These were more of a hit with the hounds than the carrot treats.  They absolutely love Peanut Butter.  These were a hard treat but not nearly as hard as the carrot ones.  They seemed like they were able to eat these a lot easier.

3rd we tried the Organic Chicken

Yep, these were the favorite of all three.  They all had no trouble biting into these and devouring them in a record time.

We have yet to try the Peanut Butter cups and Barkscotti.  We hope to try these after our supper has settled.  Don't they look so yummy, just like the human Peanut Butter cups.

We are just like super drool excited over these new treats.  Mom doesn't have to bake for at least a couple of weeks.

Thanks again to Hound Girl for hosting this give away and Thanks to The Barkers Dozen for donating these awsome treats. 

The HoundDogs (Cleo, Winston and Amiee)