Let’s get this clear right away: I’m a dog. I’m 1’10” and weigh 63 lbs, and although I’m a mutt on the outside, I’m a purebred on the inside. My good nature comes from the Golden Retriever side of the family, while my stubbornness is clearly from my Chowchow bloodlines. I’ve got Rastafarian ears, a black tongue for licking, and paws that should be on a dog twice my size.

I type 60 words a minute.

My name is Bo, and this is my story.

I’m a senior dog. In fact, I’m what god calls “bonus time.” As any experienced dog will tell you, the desire to leave our urine stain on the proverbial fire hydrant of life grows strong the longer the bond between you and owner exists. For me, the yearning is strong (sometimes as much as eleven times a day).

Some dogs memorialize themselves by using their teeth to carve their stories into the family furniture. Others prefer to bark out an oral history but I’ve always been a writer.  I’ve put paw to paper and now have my very own nationally (not self, not that there’s anything wrong with that) book, Bad To The Bone: Memoir Of A Rebel Doggie Blogger.

I want to assure you, this book provides you with the unique opportunity to share episodes in my life as they unfolded, through the eyes of man’s best friend.

So take pleasure in the world as I have seen it, experienced it, and lived it.

I welcome you to my mind and story.  Okay, not yet, I want to bark about something that’s very important to me, dog rescue.

My book is dedicated to the shelter and rescue workers who make this world a better place, one animal at a time.  I donate a portion of my proceeds to help rescue dogs…and cats.  My goal is to become the pet ambassador for shelter dogs.  After all, is there anyone better to bark about dog adoption than a former rescue?  In November keep an eye out on your local ballot and remember to leave the paw print next to Bo Hoefinger.

We donate to numerous rescues but feel it’s especially important to help out the small ones, those that only get funding through private donations.  The workers and volunteers give selflessly of their time and money and expect nothing in return.  They work tirelessly just so that one of their dogs or cats may get a second chance at life.

I have a few siblings from The Bernese Rescue Auction Coalition (BARC), a wonderful organization, so they are high on our list. They save Bernese Mountain dogs from puppy mills, dog auctions, and other undesirable situations.  Other rescues we have donated to include:  Ginger’s Pet Rescue , Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends (AARF),  Muttville– senior dog rescue, Etowah Valley Humane Society, In Our Hands Rescue in Brooklyn, NY, and Mostly Mutts in Atlanta, GA.  We also donate  ‘pawtographed’ copies of my book to humane societies and rescues all over the country to be used in their fundraising events.  There are so many great organizations around the country dedicated to helping animals just look online and I’ll know you’ll find one that could desperately use your help.   Even if you can’t afford a monetary donation (no amount is too small) just look over their wish list and maybe you have some old towels or a bag of dog/cat food you could bring in.

It’s getting pretty close to nap time and I want to end this on a happy note.  In my book the author will not, I repeat, NOT be killed.  Guaranteed the only tears you cry will be tears of laughter.

Publisher’s Weekly – “A funny, funny book giving the reader a hilarious insight into what might be in a dog’s mind as he is given orders by his owners. Hilarious from beginning to end. This book will leave you chuckling to yourself and marveling at the cleverness of the author and Bo.”

Modern Dog Magazine – “Written in a voice strong enough to make it easy to forget that this book wasn’t actually written by a dog, this story brings humor and perspective to everyday life. Very easy to read and hilarious!”

American Dog Magazine – “This is a hilariously funny, sometimes sarcastic, 15-year account of one dog’s home life with Mom and Dad. This is one book dog lovers won’t be able to put down.”

Dog Living Magazine – “A well-written and fun read…Bo takes you inside his family and you feel as if you’re right there experiencing all the joys and pains with them. You’ll want to hug your own dog after reading this book!”

Your Dog Magazine – UK’s #1 Dog Magazine – “If you can imagine “Marley and Me” written from a dog’s point of view, but much funnier and with a happy ending, then you’ll find this isn’t far off the mark. Feel good reading which will brighten your day.”

Go fetch me at Amazon  or your favorite bookstore.  I’m also available for download for those who want to Kindle (or Nook) me.  You can visit my author page at www.badtothebonememoir.com to read more about me.  Or, you can join me on my blog, www.boknowsonline.com, where I do funny commentary on animal news from around the world.  Nothing to do with the book, it just keeps my mind busy which is important when you’re 102 in people years.

Woof!