At the end of Heart of Barkness, the Chet and Bernie novel about an almost forgotten country music singer, there’s a song for Chet (the canine narrator – but not a talking dog!). Thanks to sound wizard Bob Edwards, it became a real song, with music by Mitch Watkins (longtime guitarist for Lyle Lovett and Leonard Cohen). Gene Elders (who you’ve seen if you’ve ever been to a George Strait concert) played the lovely fiddle solo. Video by Bob.
Heart of Barkness/Song for Chet
6 Comments on “Heart of Barkness/Song for Chet”
I can never get enough of this and have watched it innumerable times already. What an incredible song and video. And of course, I always pay close attention at about 42 seconds in, where our precious Teddy Roosevelt Ruff Rider is featured.
I have this subscribed on the Chet the Dog YouTube channel, even though it is the only video there, Just so I can watch it. I do watch for Teddy, and I try to guess at some of the other Plunderers featured on it.
I think that small pack might have been the Thieves.
I am wondering if OFA’s Audrey is in that video.
Now tell us, who did the vocals for Song for Chet?
Great song.
Good day to all.
WTAFP, is that Teddy rolling on his back on a loop of garden hose? What a cutie! I sure do appreciate all the talent and hard work that went into creating that video. It’s on my walking play list. It has a nice beat for walking, too! If we could all be more like Chet, wouldn’t this be a better world?🥰
Reba: Yes, that is Teddy Roosevelt Ruff Rider, which is actually his formal registered AKC name (he is a purebred, unlike Wookie). Having told Wookie’s story, I need to get to work now on Teddy’s story, which is equally compelling.
I guess OFA is off playing Monopoly for National Play Monopoly day.
Or he could be so engrossed in writing the new Chet & Bernie book, available in 2026, that he has lost all track of time.
Maybe the weather is so outstanding he’s having a nice bike ride or playing some tennis before the weather turns.
I choose option two.