Bassett Hounds are Funny
Filed Under Bassett Hounds, Cartoons, Droopy Dog, Humor | Leave a Comment
I was contemplating what to write about Bassett Hounds and considering the serious nature of this blog, I thought it could use an injection of humor. I began to search for ideas about what was funny about this breed that isn’t already overly familiar.
Although I didn’t find anything new that was specifically funny about the breed, I did find some things that were quite unique and humorous.
The first is a site that uses a rapping / scratching / barking dog of the kind we all love except this one you are totally in control of, unlike that lovable lazy blob that lays at you feet most nights, sleeps most days and has a mind of his own.
Go on over to the site but be forewarned isn’t even in English. I think they are selling something to do with communications. Cell phones, internet etc. and I really am not sure how the rapping dog plays into it. If any of you know this language maybe you could leave a comment and explain what the dog has to do with cell phones and internet service and I will update the post.
The other unique and funny thing that I found was about the cartoon character Droopy Dog, created in the early 40s as a slow speaking sad faced Basset Hound who could out maneuver all his rivals. The funny thing was he was nominated for an Academy Award in 1957. Now from the perspective of this century that is funny in my book. Here is what Wikipedia says about Droopy Dog:
Droopy is an animated cartoon character, an anthropomorphic dog (a basset hound), created by Tex Avery for theatrical cartoon shorts produced by the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer cartoon studio in 1943. Essentially the polar opposite of Avery’s other famous MGM character, the loud and wacky Screwy Squirrel, Droopy moved slowly and lethargically, spoke in a jowly monotone, and, though he didn’t look like much, was shrewd enough to outwit his enemies.
Can you imagine in an age of smart-y pants Bart Simpson and the edgy adult humor of today’s cartoons, a character even loosely based on the wholesome pranks and mental agility of dim witted Bassett Hounds being nominated for an Academy Award? I mean what commercial value does he have anyway? Times have changed! Or have we changed into a species with a callused sense of humor in need of more and more stimulation to be put us into a comatose state we interrupt as entertainment? Sorry, now I’m moving from humor into commentary.
Hopefully you will find these things a little funny or at least cause you to take pause from your hectic day and maybe sport a smile next time you glance at your unique and humorous Bassett Hounds.
A Bassett Hounds Buyer Nightmare
Filed Under Bassett Hounds, Breeders, Health, Puppies | Leave a Comment
Get it? “Hammy and Cheese”, the perfect pair!
Looking back on the meeting she had with him. She thinks he was very anxious for her to take the dog but she and the kids had been so excited that she didn’t really pay attention. She was too busy looking and playing with all the beautiful babies he had for sale. There was nothing in writing either so she had no way of recovering from what appeared to be a scam. At least it felt like that to her.
Holly had spent $1350 on vet bills and the initial purchase so what started as an exciting adventure had now turned into a nightmare now that Cheese Whiz was gone. It is no surprise to anyone that Holly could be blinded by those sad eyes and floppy ears but one has to ask, what do those of us that love Bassett Hounds need to do differently?
Here is a list of 6 suggestions for the time you are looking for a puppy.
1.) We have to keep ourselves from getting caught up in the moment while we are “shopping” for a puppy. You know “puppy love” is very strong.
2.) Second, you should permanently record the breeder’s information including phone number, address and maybe even a driver’s license or ID.
3.) Fortunately in some states there are now “lemon laws” covering the sale of puppies. The following states have some form of these laws:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Each state is different in what it covers and what recourse a buyer has and for how long. For instance one major difference is the length of time a buyer is covered. It can range from 7 days to one year depending on the state.
4.) Deal only with reputable breeders. They will always provide a health warrantee and you need to get it in writing and pictures would be best for proof.
5.) Take pictures. Take a picture with the breeder and the two of you holding his puppies. It can be for “your album”. This is a good record of the person and the time of purchase. Make sure the date stamp is turned on when you take the shot. Most cameras have the ability to do that and it will be one more piece of proof if you need it.
6.) Meet at their residence or business so you have an address to tie into the transaction. If they insist on meeting you in a public place take a picture of their car and license plate. That will serve as additional ID if necessary.
Once you have your puppy at home it is naturally your responsibility to take care of the dog as well as possible. It is not uncommon for lack of exercise, grooming and cheap or unhealthy dog food to be the cause of health problems. It is your job to get educated for your dog’s sake. These things and others topics about Bassett Hounds will be covered in other posts for other days.
Caring for Your Bassett Hounds Teeth
Filed Under Bassett Hounds, Diet, Health, Oral Care | 1 Comment
If only you had taken the time to take care of your Bassett Hounds teeth you wouldn’t be dealing with these problems… of course hindsight is always “20/20” as they say. You probably didn’t know that oral disease is the number one health problem in dogs of all breeds and that makes adequate dental care all the more important.
February was officially designated National Pet Dental Health Month by the
Suggestion number one: First we have to admit that we have to deal with this problem. I know a lot of pet owners that don’t even consider dental care for the animals as important. Similar to the human animal, our dog’s teeth need attention to avoid plaque, tartar, cavities and worse.
Suggestion number two: It is hard to avoid the human analogy so I won’t. Just like human nutrition affects all aspects of oral health so we need to be very attentive to what our Bassett Hounds eat. This is not only true of the quality of the food as you would expect in helping to build strong healthy teeth but because the abrasive nature of kibble (dry food) their food can in essence scrub the teeth while it is eaten. In terms of quality you would probably be surprised at the sources, contents and processes that many commercial dog food manufacturers use to make Fido’s food. (subject for another post)
Suggestion number three: Know the two telling signs that your pet needs to visit their canine dentist. One is having especially strong breath and the other is excessive tartar build up. Brushing is the place to start but it is often not enough. Monitor your dog’s teeth and mouth for signs of health problems that need care.
Suggestion number four: Go to the vet for oral care at minimum once a year starting when your dog turns 5. Usually by this age there will be signs that care is needed and it will offer you and your dentist a chance to fix the problems before they become serious.
Suggestion number five: Do a monthly check of your dogs mouth paying special attention to their teeth, breath and abnormalities in their mouth. If you see or smell anything unusual, it is time for a visit to your canine health provider.
Talk to your vet as Veterinary Dentistry is becoming more common and sophisticated. He may have even better suggestions for keeping that floppy eared friend of yours healthy with better dental care. At the very least follow these basic tips for your Bassett Hounds and you will be well on your way to a happier canine companion.
Bassett Hounds Diet: Secrets Revealed
Filed Under Bassett Hounds, Diet, Health | 1 Comment
It is always in a owners best interest to feed their Bassett Hounds the very best dog food that is available as it will help off set health problems in the breed. It is not unheard of for Bassetts to have certain health related problems, in fact, it happens more often that we like to think. The three most rampant problems they have follow in this list and these things are only aggravated with a poor diet.
1.) Inter-vertebral Disk Disease
2.) Gastric Torsion (bloat)
3.) Hip Dysplasia
Those above are the most prevalent and those that are commonly thought of with this breed but the list below contains problems that are less common.
- Glaucoma
- Wobbler’s Syndrome
- Interdigital Dermatitis (Pododermatitis)
- Primary Seborrhea
- Temporomandibular Luxation
- Entropion
- Ectropion
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Lymphoma, Ventricular Septal Defect
- Malassezia Dermatitis
- Congenital Hypotrichosis
- Ununited Anconeal Process
- Discospondylitis, Cataracts
There are even some less severe health problems that Bassett Hounds have like ear infections, bladder stones and obesity that are affected by diet. Speaking of obesity, it is probably the most controllable with diet of all those mentioned in this post. I found a very informative video that goes into great detail about what the commercial dog food industry is passing off for healthy dog food.
This video explains the health problems that arise from improper diet. Improper diet can be harmful to any breed but especially to Bassett Hounds as they have a propensity for the afore mentioned problems anyway. It explains the lack of legally enforceable standards, the fact that no one is really overseeing this industry and then most shockingly it graphically displays the contents of some commercial food. The video even goes so far as to expose the source of these so called nutrients.
I know you will be shocked and saddened by what your companion may be eating and you didn’t even know. If you haven’t already, listen carefully as this travesty is spelled out. The link in the paragraph above will take you there. You and your Bassett Hounds will be glad you made a conscious decision to make their diet more healthy today.