Opy - the Original GruffPuppy

2011-01-07T16:53:00.000-08:00

Opy came home on Thursday January 6. It feels right to have her home with us where she belongs.

I have started a new blog for Ping - please pop over and say hi -

PING'S JOURNEY

Thank you all for loving Opy, our Gruffpuppy, almost as much as we did. We miss her immensely.

Brooke
xo

2010-12-23T18:42:00.000-08:00

Opy - The Original Gruffpuppy

Dear Friends,

We can't begin to express how we are feeling at the moment - shock, extreme sadness, confusion, anger - all of that and more. We also can't help but feel overwhelmed by the out pouring of love and support that we have received from our friends - true friends - around the globe. It has helped us more than we could ever have imagined at this horrible time in our lives, whilst we are trying (unsuccessfully at this stage !) to come to terms with our sweet gruffpuppy Opy's sudden passing. Saying "thank you" seems so awfully inadequate - maybe one day the right words will surface - but for now, "Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts" is all we can manage. We love and cherish each and every one of you.

So, what happened ?

Opy had been alittle "off" for a couple of days. She wasn't really that enthausiastic about eating - but was still eating - but didn't want to eat her crunchy biscuit bones that her and Benson get as a treat after their breakfast and dinner. Greg and I thought that maybe she has a bad tooth (what was left of them :) - and that the biscuits were too hard for her. This started on the Monday - as her and Benson were due to go to our Vet's on Thursday 23rd for pre Christmas baths and nails - we were going to get Dr Nick just to have a look in her mouth and make sure nothing was wrong. It was nothing that concerned us enough to take her sooner.

I finished work for the year on Wednesday 22nd - and I fed both her and Benson before leaving for my work break up lunch. She was fine - didn't eat her breakfast with "gusto", but did eat it and came back in and her and Benson had a play before settling down for more snoozing. Greg sat in the sun outside at lunchtime - and Opy came out and sat with him, did a wee etc - nothing unusual. All was fine.

Greg txted me on the way home from my work party - it was about 5pm - and he said that Opy was refusing her dinner, and wouldn't get up. I told him to make an appointment to see Dr Nick at 6pm and we would take her to see him. We couldn't get an appointment until 7pm. I arrived home and she was visibly confused and disinterested. We managed to feed her some bread - which she seemed to enjoy. She then vomited it all up. She was very wobbly on her feet - and didn't seem to know where she was.

We packed her up in the car immediately and raced her to the Vets - this was about 6.30pm. When Greg carried her to the car, he could feel a lump in her stomach and her stomach area was swollen and sore. Our Vet took us straight in and ran some tests - blood etc, couldn't really pinpoint what was going on - apart from her kidney and liver functions being extremely high. She needed Xrays and Ultrasounds - unfortunately, due to the time - and our clinic not having ultrasound facilities - we had to take her to the 24hr Emergency Hospital about 20minutes away. Greg and I promised ourselves we would never set foot in that place again - as we had a bad experience with Charlie there - but time was critical and we didn't have alot of choice.

I set off with Opy - one of the nurses drove Greg home to get Benson. We were worried about him as he has NEVER been left alone before, plus when we left we didn't lock up the house etc. The plan was for Greg to meet me at the Emergency hospital and we would go from there.

I got to the hospital and they took her in - she had not moved from the stretcher in the back of the car the whole way in. Things were looking really bad - she had lost all spark in her eyes and it just looked like all the fight had gone out of her.

By about 9.30pm, the Vet told us Xrays were needed etc. Greg had arrived by this time. We were told to go home and ring back at 11pm. Looking back now - I don't know why we went home, but we did. I rang at 11.00pm and the Vet had to ring us back as she was consulting. 11.30pm she rang back - the news wasn't good. Opy had a tennis ball sized tumour behind her liver (Maryann - if you are reading this - I'm sorry, this will be all too familiar to you), it was starting to "break up" and her kidneys were shutting down, and everything else would follow. We could have had her ultrasounded, but there really was no point - she was going to die. Greg and I made the decision to let her go - unbeknownst to me, Greg had already said goodbye to her when we left our regular vet clinic - I hadn't. I told them to keep her comfortable and I would be there in 20minutes.

When I arrived, she was still very unresponsive - she was also on pain medication, so was comfortable. She did recognise me and I am glad I was there holding her paw whilst she made her final journey.

By 1.30am I was home - and we were all in complete disbelief that this had happened. In the space of 12 hours she went from "yelling" at Benson and playing - to being gone. It is so hard to comprehend.

Opy was 14 - she had a wonderful life. Her passing has been very different to Charlie's - we fought for/with Charlie for almost 2 years, he never gave up and neither did we. It all happened so quickly with Opy - which is a blessing for her, but really tough for Greg and I. The hardest thing we are dealing with is, apart from her bed and pillow, (which she loved !), there is no "physical" signs of her. Charlie had toys everywhere, Benson is the same - Opy is different, there are no visual reminders, just memories in our hearts - and it hurts, so so much.

We are trying to keep things somewhat "normal" for Benson. He misses her - he looks for her. She is all he has ever known from the day he came home. Sometimes he seems sad - sometimes he seems to be oblivious. Nights are hard - mornings are harder - waking up and looking at her bed, she's not there - she's gone and not coming home. Heartbreaking.

We are fortunate that we have a few weeks off from work now, and can spend time with Benson. I don't know what we will do when we go back to work - I guess we will try and spend the next few weeks helping him adjust to being an "only dog" for awhile.

We will get another pup - Benson needs another, so do Greg and I. It will just be a matter or when.

The DWB circle is now complete - Charlie and Opy are now gone, but the friendships made will live on - just like both of our wonderful Angel pups will - in our hearts, watching over us always.

Brooke

2010-12-22T11:39:00.001-08:00

Run free our beautiful girl, Opy. You were the sweetest Gruffpuppy there ever was and we love you so much.

Our hearts are breaking and we can't believe you are gone.

17/11/1996 - 23/12/2010

2010-11-29T23:28:00.000-08:00

I had best sleep with my bone so that Benson doesn't steal it !

2010-11-16T22:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to ME !!

Hey pups,

I am 14 years young today.

Mum says I am still her princess, and dad says I am still a pretty pup-a-saurous.

What do you think ?

I had a cheeseburger and one chicken nugget to celebrate. Pawsonally, I think I should have gotten 14 chicken nuggets !

Love

Opy
the 14year old gruffpuppy

2010-11-03T23:06:00.001-07:00

DWB Christmas Card Exchange

As you all know - DWB is "on hold". Greg and I just do not have it in us to keep the site going after Charlie passed away.

The DWB Card Exchange was always something that we all looked forward to - and we thought the tradition would end this year. Fortunately some pups have "stepped up" and are organising to get the card exchange up and running - if you would like to pawticipate, please go here -

http://frankiefurterprice.blogspot.com/2010/10/christmas-card-exchange-list.html

Thanks again.

Brooke

CORRECTION -

Please note I incorrectly called the Card Exchange this year "The DWB Card Exchange" - it should have read "Pet Pals 2010 Holiday Card Exchange". It would seem I messed up again !
Either way - as there is no "official" DWB Card Exchange this year, I encourage you all to participate in the Pet Pals one.
Sorry if I offended anyone.
Thanks

2010-10-22T23:13:00.000-07:00

Just hanging about.................

Hey pups,

Haven't been doing too much lately - what's new, huh :)

I have enjoyed sitting in the sun - although I think I need some sunglasses as my eyes go all squinty.

I have enjoyed rolling around on my back with Benson - although he has NO shame !

I have enjoyed eating a big tasty rawhide chewy - even though I have hardly any teefies left !

I have NOT enjoyed the amount of time that mum and dad spend away from home with their works :(

Love

Opy
the unimpressed gruffpuppy

Still here...

2010-09-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

Still here everypup - the pinkies have just been busy. Will post again soon.

Love

Opy
The busy gruffpuppy

2010-08-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

What...is...this... !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay pups - whilst I was doing my investigating to see what mum and SHD got up to whilst I was stuck at the kennels with BJP - I came across this -

Yes, pups - that's right - it's a painted pawtrait of BJP !

I got my magnifying glass out to see if I could solve the mystery of who painted it ? It was very very good - but I was still trying to come to grips with the fact that mum and SHD had a painting of BJP, who hasn't even been with our family for a year yet - and I - Opy, the original Gruffpuppy, have been mum and SHD's loyal companion for nearly 14 freaking years - where's my freaking pawtrait ????

Anyway, I am getting sidetracked her. I saw the initial's on the painting were "AK" and I immediately used my super sleuth (not super sloth !) skills to ascertain that this wonderful painting was done by none other than Asta's mummy.

So, I get on the phone to sweet Asta and say "hey buddy, what's the haps ?", and Asta explained to me that my mum asked her mum to do the painting for my SHD - on account of SHD being so sad when Charlie crossed the Rainbow Bridge, and that SHD says that BJP was his Saviour. Pffffft - whatever, I say !

So, mum sent Asta's mummy a picture that SHD had taken of BJP and that he did that photoshoppy thing to and put Angel wings on it and called it "Saviour Benson".

Here is the original picture.

Okay, so if we take away the fact that it is a painting of BJP and not of me - I think we can all agree that Asta's mummy did a fabulous job ! Just check out those eyes - they capture his expression pawfectly !

SHD is helping Asta's mummy with a new website - but she also has another website too that you can look at her artwork. Mum has promised me that "when things settle down" (as there is lots of "stuff" going on in everyone's lives at the moment), she will get Asta's mummy to do me my very own pawtrait that I can hang in the kennel and that BJP can NOT look at.

Saviour, indeed ! What IS the world coming too ??

Just wait til I tell you some of the other things I have found in my investigating - it will make your furs curl !!!

Love

Opy
the gruffpuppy who warrants being gruff today !

2010-07-30T21:59:00.000-07:00

I AM BACK !

Hey pups,

Phew ! We made it back home after two whole weeks at "The Country Club" - that's what mum calls it, I just call it "The Stupid Kennel that I had to share a run with for two whole weeks with Benson !". Hmphhhhh!

So, I haven't been very well the past week - I have been vomiting and have had the "runs", plus I was very lethargic. Well, even more than usual ! Mum and dad have been worried about me - so they will take me to see Dr Nick on Monday. BUT, I am feeling much better today - mum made me some chicken and rice and I managed to eat that and keep it down. I must have some sort of "tummy bug" mum thinks. Whatever - it is getting me lots of attention :)

Here are some photo's of me, just incase you forgot what I looked like !

Here is a photo of Benson, being a "dufus" ! Yes, he was asleep like that under the trampoline bed ! What an idiot !

I will update further during the week - I am still going through mum and dad's photo's from when they were away to see what they got up to - and I can tell you now, I am not happy ! I need to gather further evidence before I make my findings public !

Love

Opy
the gruffpuppy who is glad to be home !

Bye for now !

2010-07-09T20:21:00.000-07:00

We are off to the Country Club for a few weeks whilst mum and dad go galavanting to meet all MY pals - how does that work ? Shouldn't I get to go too ?

See you in a few weeks.

Love

Opy
The gruffest of all gruffpuppys !

What's this all about ?

2010-07-07T00:30:00.001-07:00

I don't think I am too happy with where this is going ???? :(

2010-06-20T01:46:00.000-07:00

BJP's 1st Barkday....

Hi pups,

As promised, here are some pics of Benson's 1st Barkday pawty - mummy tried to make a soccer ball cake, she thought it was pretty lame - but Benson and I loved it ! It was pawsome !

Benson wasn't too fussed to have to wear his scarf and beanie - and I laughed at him !

Love

Opy

the cake loving gruffpuppy

2010-06-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

It's all about BJP !

Hey pups,

Yep, it's all about BJP today - you see, it's his 1st barkday today - and me being the good big sissy that I am, have decided to dedicate this blog post to him.

Who would have thought that a year ago, when this little fella was born - that he would have such a very important role to play with his life ? Such a big burden for such a little dude !

Here we are, the first day you came home - I may look like I was smiling, but I really wasn't too sure about you at this stage !

BJP was bought to all of us to help heal our hearts after Charlie passed away - he has done an excellent job !

Daddy calls him his "Saviour", mummy calls him lots of silly mushy names - and me, well I just call him "my best friend".

Pretty "ungruff" from the Gruffpuppy, huh !

Thank you for coming to live with us BJP - you have helped heal all our hearts alittle, and you really are a special little fella. We all love you very much - even me, but shhhhh don't tell anyone, okay ?

Happy Birthday buddy - I hope mummy makes that soccer ball cake she has been sprouting on about for us over the weekend !

Love

Opy
the ungruff Gruffpuppy - just for today.

2010-06-05T22:22:00.000-07:00

Stuff...............

Hey pups,

Mum says I am a pretty girl when I am not being gruff - what do you all think ?

This is also a very rare pic of me and mum together - she ambushed me when we were out playing soccer ball with Benson. I do love my mum - but I don't love having my picture taken !

Since we are still getting back on our feeties with DogsWithBlogs and we haven't reactivated the "submit your blog" button yet - I want you all to go and say "haroo" to some new pups that are waiting to join us -

Famous Amos

Miss Kodee

Pompei, Bubbles and Texas

Frankie Furter

Big Carl, Mesa & Baily

Jade

Thanks pups :)

Love

Opy
the pretty girl gruffpuppy

2010-05-30T23:36:00.000-07:00

Don't believe everything you see !

Hey pups,

I love Benson......
Move along, nothing to see here :)

Love

Opy
the still gruff gruffpuppy

2010-05-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

The Polls are open !!!!

Hey buddies,

The DWB Polls over at the Bone Zone are finally open !

Head on over and cast your vote for -

Awesome Blog Award

and

Photo of the Month

As there was only one nomination for "Post of the Month" - we congratulate Peppy Sheppy's on their win :)

Voting closes Saturday 29th May.

If you are not a member of the Bone Zone, and would like to be - email me at -

opyatgruffpuppydotcomdotau (without the bits)

Love

Opy
the sleepy gruffpuppy

2010-05-14T00:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am still here !

Hey pups,

Remember me ? I hope you all do !

Mum has been very norti lately and has not updated my blog for like a gagillion years ! I finally managed to get her to help me today.

I do not like going outside - especially now that it is getting cooler. I like to just poke my head out the doggie door and survey things - then go back inside to my bed. That counts as "going outside", right ??? Apparantly not !

Mum tries to take BJP out to the yard to play with his soccer ball at least once a day to try and tire him out so that he doesn't annoy the crap out of me all night. She thinks it is a fair deal that I should go out to and have "a wander" - and she reckons it's good for my arthritis to keep me moving ! Whatever - I say !

I am much happier when I return to the comfort of my loungeroom - it is a scary world out there !

Mum also said that she has been very slack with the DWB Bone Zone and the monthly awards - she completely missed last month ! So, head on over to the Bone Zone and put forth some more nominations - and she will combine last months nominations with this months - and announce the voting around the 22nd May.

Awesome Blog Award

Photo of the Month

Post of the Month

Sorry about that pups - she really is useless !

Love

Opy
the inside gruffpuppy

2010-04-23T23:45:00.000-07:00

My beeeeeoooootiful pawtrait !

Dr Nick did a painting of me as well - it makes me look very ungruff and beautiful.

Mummy says that I am a princess - I think she is right :)

Love

Opy

the gruffpuppy who is really a princess

2010-04-10T15:40:00.001-07:00

Thank You Dr Nick !

Hey pups,

Our Vet gave us a really nice gift the other day.

A drawing of our special boy, Angel Charlie that he did for us.

Isn't is great ???? We will all treasure it always.

Apparently, he has only just discovered that he has a natural talent for art - sheesh, mum and dad think that is really funny as they don't understand how you could not know something like that as you made your way through life :)

Anyway, dad is going to make him a website for his new venture - and in return, he is now drawing me, and BJP as well. I can't wait to see how we turn out - I really hope he captures the essence of my gruffness as well as he captured the beauty of Charlie's spirit :)

Mum and dad are going to get all three professionally framed when they are done - we all can't wait to see them hanging on our wall.......

Love

Opy
the sleepy gruffpuppy

2010-03-29T22:31:00.000-07:00

DWB IS BACK !!!!!

and yes, it deserves capitals for THAT announcement !

I have let mum take over my blog just for today, as we need to make a very impawtant announcement about DogsWithBlogs.

WE ARE BACK !!!!

After losing some enthausiam for the site after Charlie passed away, and being alittle overwhelmed at the job ahead of us - we have managed to secure some wonderful support and help - so we are ready to relaunch and go full steam ahead !

We have also had an "issue" with Mars Confectionary, who requested us to change some elements of our site as they thought it resembled too closely their Schmacko's brand. Long story short, we now have the opportunity to create a new DWB front page banner, and Bone Zone banner.

So............

Here's the deal......

We are hoping all our members may be able to help us do this. What we want is any of the following -

* Send us a pic of your dog with what you think represents DWB (could be your dog sitting at a computer, or playing with other dogs, or reading a blog etc etc - use your imagination)

* Design a new DWB banner for us - incorporate your dog, or whatever you thing symbolises DWB.

There are two categories that we need to fill - we need to create a new DWB Banner for the front page, and also a new banner for The Bone Zone. Banner shapes should be organic, not rectangular.

Please note - all entries should be original and not based on any existing 3rd party marketing which may cause us to receive infringement of intellectual property action, again :)

Please send your submissions to -

opyatgruffpuppydotcomdotau (without "the bits")

Submissions open immediately and run through to April 15th - and then Greg and I will make our decision as to who has come up with the best banners.

Comeon everyone - please help us get DWB back on track !

Remember - doesn't matter if you aren't a 'graphic genius', send us a photo with an idea - just contribute !

Also, we have "unlocked" the DWB Bone Zone award nominations - so, off we go again - please nominate over at the Bone Zone for Awesome Blog Award, Post of the Month, and Photo of the Month. Let's get this moving !

Thanks everypup.

Brooke

2010-03-19T01:13:00.000-07:00

Framed again !

Hello friends,

This is what happens when mum goes away -

I get framed !

You can see by my face that the "sock chewing incident" was not completed by me !

Once again, I find pics of MY friends on mums phone when she does finally get home....

So......not.....fair !!

Love

Opy
the persecuted gruffpuppy

2010-03-06T20:09:00.000-08:00

Blamed again......

Hey pups,

Why did I get the blame for the muddy paws in the house ???

So unfair !!!!!!

It was clearly "the yellow one" NOT me !!!!!!!

Love

Opy
the gruffpuppy who gets the blame for everything !

2010-03-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

Out and About.......

Hey pups,

SHD took these pics the other day when BJP and I were going on adventures in the yard - as you can see, I really DON'T have "thunderbuns" - and any reference that I do have is slanderous and misrepresentation in a public forum !!!!

Then SHD was in "the doghouse" again :) We took these pics to show how spacious the crates were that Molly & Gertrude came out from England in - silly daddy !!

Love

Opy
the un-thunderbuns gruffpuppy

2010-02-22T01:10:00.000-08:00

Telling BJP how it's gonna be.......

Hi pups,

As some of you might know, prior to Charlie crossing the Rainbow Bridge, mum and dad had only heard me bark once - once in 12 years and that was at a hot air balloon that dared fly over our house. I have always been a quiet princess, and my days were filled with snoozing, eating, snoozing and snoozing some more.

All that changed when BJP came to live with us. Mum and dad say that he has given me a "new lease on life" - and they still marvel at the fact that BJP and I play together, and I love nothing more to give him a good telling off.

He doesn't even have to do anything, and I will yell at him ! Well, I gotta just keep him in his place - don't I ???

Also, mum has been "hi-faluting" again with my friends - found this pic on her phone - she obviously went to visit the Leuradales again when she was meant to be working ! Hmphh !

Lastly, I know it has been terribly sad in DWB land recently - we have lost many pups, kitties and humans. Sometimes it gets us down and mum and dad think that if we had never created DWB, we wouldn't have to deal with all the sadness - but, then we wouldn't have known all of our friends either - and our lives are definately richer for having known each and every one of you !

"Grief is the price we pay for love" - it is so true, but with the grief comes the joy as well - never forget that. Or else I may have to start yelling at all of you as well - or at least threatening to open the can of Opy Whoopass, and Marvin can tell you - you definately don't want that to happen !

Love

Opy
the loud gruffpuppy

2010-02-11T22:50:00.000-08:00

Once again........

It wasn't me !!!!!!

We now have a decapus !

There seems to have been an unfortunate amputation - and look who the culprit is !

Once again - NOT ME ! But BJP !!!

He is a very norti boy !

Love

Opy
the angelic gruffpuppy

2010-02-08T17:55:00.000-08:00

Misrepresented again !

Just because I am standing in front of the big hole - doesn't mean I was responsible for digging it !

Who has the dirty nose ??

**Sigh** - it's tough being me :(

Love

Opy
the hard-done by gruffpuppy

2010-02-04T23:14:00.000-08:00

GRUFF, and GRUFFER !

Hey pups,

This is what happens when mum is away -

Yes that is MY bed, and although a little blurry, that is BJP's big fat head staring at the mess that HE made on MY bed !!!!

How am I gonna get on having to share a kennel with him for two whole weeks when mum and SHD go to America in July ????

Help me pups - I am getting very gruff just at the thought of it :(

Love

Opy
the concerned gruffpuppy

2010-01-25T13:08:00.001-08:00

Lazy ??? Or smart ???

Hi pups,

Mum says that I am lazy - I say that I am smart.

Here is the scenario -

"Hey Benson - come over here"

"Put that big tongue to some use, and go and have a drink, and then come back to see me"

"Mmmmmm, yummy water - just what I needed, I was very thirsty" !

So, mum says I am lazy - but I think I am smart because -

a. I didn't have to get up from my comfy position, but still managed to quench my thirst by licking all the excess water from Benson's furs.

b. I am a Princess, and should be able to have my servants do whatever I want them to do !

Who's the smart one, hmmmmm mummy ????

Also, Happy Australia Day to all my Aussie pals. We are going to have 3 BBQ's today - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - I can't wait, because we should score some good eatables too !

Love

Opy
the smart gruffpuppy !

2010-01-16T19:47:00.000-08:00

Mum's been off "galavanting" again !

Hey pups,

Mum went back to work last week - and she went away for the whole week. That means I was stuck at home with BJP and SHD - and you know how gruff that makes me !

When mum came home, I snuck a look at her email, and saw that she had some pics on there that was of great interest to me !
Mum went to visit my boyfriend TinTin ! Can you believe it ?

She makes out that she is doing all this work stuff, but she is really just galavanting around the countryside visiting MY friends !

TinTin and I go way back - and he was one of my first boyfriends (yes, I have a few - but I stick with the "one boyfriend per breed rule" :), and mum was so excited to meet him. She had a wonderful time, and was very tired the next day - apparantly that was because TinTin's peeps kept her up very late eating and drinking and chatting the night away :)

She even bought back some of his furs for me to put on my pillow.

I am alittle less gruff now :)

Love

Opy
the little less gruff gruffpuppy.

2010-01-05T22:59:00.000-08:00

Two things that I am gruff about, and one that I am not......

1. SHD helped me change my header - he and mum thought it was hilarious to make my header font "Pleasantly Plump" - gruff !!!!!!

2. BJP is a supreme camera hog ! gruff !!!!!!

3. My ungruff moment - dad was asked to write an article for "Wired4life" about Charlie and his pacemaker, please have a read - we are really proud of the job that he did, it wasn't easy for him. We all miss Charlie - but daddy misses him the most.

Love

Opy
the 2010 gruffpuppy

2010-01-02T20:16:00.001-08:00

Help ! I've been attacked by a giant Octopus ! Eeeeeeeek..........

2009-12-26T01:16:00.000-08:00

What fun we are having.....

Hi pups,

Let me tell you all, having mum and dad home together is just THE best fun - we are having such a great time :)

Benson has been practising his "Air Jordan" moves - trying to prove that he is not such a "big chunk" (26.5kg - thanks Dr Nick :)

Mum and dad shared some popcorn with us - look how well behaved we are !

It went downhill from here ! Stupid mum and dad decided that we needed Santa hats on to celebrate Christmas - Benson clearly didn't enjoy the experience, I tolerated it.

I must have been really good throughout the year, because Santa Paws left me some presents - which Benson decided he wasn't going to share. There was this pawsome Octopus that squeaks - it looked like it ate Benson's head - so I thought I had best investigate, all was okay - thankfully !

We also got the BIGGEST chewy in THE WORLD ! Naturally, Benson wouldn't share it - so dad cut in half and fenced me off so that "the big chunk" wouldn't steal it.

And finally - me being gruff, and me being ungruff :) But shhhh, don't tell anyone !

Hope everyone is having a great holiday - we all miss Charlie this holiday season, but we know he is watching over us and making sure we all smile :)

Check out Benson's bloggy for more howliday fun and frivolity !

Happy Howlidays my friends :)

love

Opy
the thankful gruffpuppy

2009-12-24T13:17:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everydoggy :)

2009-12-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

In honour of Charlie the Big Dog.....

Hey pups,

We are all alittle sad around here today.

Today, December 16, would have been Charlie's 14th barkday.

Charlie loved so many things - but he loved cheeseburgers and nuggets the best.

I spent the morning explaining to Benson what a special day it was - and we made a special request of mum to bring home cheeseburgers and nuggets in honour of Charlie - our special boy.

We waited ever so patiently to eat them - of course mum had to take the obligatory photo. We were too quick for her though - and she didn't get any pics of us eating (or inhaling !) our goodies :)Charlie - we hope that there is a McDonalds up at the Bridge, and we hope that you eat your fill of cheeseburgers and nuggets today. We miss you.

Love

Opy
the gruffpuppy who is alittle bit sad today

**Note from Brooke - who is alot sad today**

Last year I woke up today and cried because Charlie was still with us for his birthday - this year I woke up today and cried because he wasn't. I miss him so much.

2009-12-12T21:56:00.000-08:00

Hey pups,

Long time no bark ! My apologies, but mum has been away lots and I can't use the lappy without her assistance, so I just had to wait for her to come home. The good news is that she has finished travelling for the year and won't go away again until mid January - that makes me very ungruff :) I miss her when she is away - I like it when it is just us girls against the stupid boys !

Well, as you can see from these pictures - "someone" made a big mess, and it wasn't me !!! So, if it wasn't me - it must have been some other pup who lives here ! BENSON !!!!!

There was an incident at our house the other night when mum was away (and that is a whole other story !) and dad went upstairs and left the bathroom door open, and "someone" couldn't help themselves and had to sample the toilet paper ! I told him that he was going to get in sooooooo much trouble - but he didn't listen to me. This is my laughing face when he got in sooooooo much trouble, as I predicted !

Our Holiday cards are also running late - but there is a reason for that as well. You had better go an visit Benson's blog to find out about that one ! And no, as usual, I was NOT involved !

Dad is away this week - but once he is home - we will all be together until after Christmas, and I can't wait !!!

Love

Opy
the good gruffpuppy

2009-11-27T13:29:00.000-08:00

The DWB Holiday Card Exchange.....

Hey pups,

This is my "get out of bed mum and help me post on my blog that the DWB Holiday Card Exchange lists have been emailed to all pawticipants" face. Do you like it ?

As my face suggests, everyone who submitted to pawticipate in the card exchange should now have their master list, and a few ammendments. If you haven't received your list and did register, please email me immediately !

opyatgruffpuppydotcomdotau (without the bits)

We are going to help mum write out all our envelopes over the weekend, and dad is going to do the cards this week - so make sure you go and wait by your letterbox soon :)

We really love this DWB event - we know that we don't participate in things as much as we used to - but we always look forward to the Card Exchange.

Hope you are all having a great weekend - mum was away all last week, and dad is away this weekend, then mum is away for the next two weeks - so things are pretty hectic at our place. I hate it when mum goes away as I get stuck with "the boys" - and I really have to show BJP who is the boss - that would be ME, and don't forget it !!

Oh, I nearly forgot - I am starting to wonder why is it that most times when mum goes away, and I look through her phone pics when she gets home - she always has some pics of the Leuradales on it ! She tells us that she is going away "for work", but I think she is trying to trick us ! Do you think it is fair that she goes and stays with MY friends whilst I am stuck at home having to put up with SHD & BJP ???? Hmphhhh - I think not !

Love

Opy
the boss gruffpuppy

2009-11-18T23:03:00.000-08:00

Don't forget - last days to participate in the DWB 2009 Card Exchange, AND THE DWB POLLS ARE OPEN

Hey pups,

Just barking at you all to remember that the closing date for the DWB Holiday Card Exchange is November 22nd !

So.......

If you haven't already submitted - please click HERE, or you can click the link in my sidebar.

If you have any questions - email me

opyatgruffpuppydotcomdotau (without all the 'bits')

We have just over 100 pawticipants so far :)

Also, the DWB Polls are open - head on over to THE BONE ZONE to cast your vote by November 28th. If you are not a member and would like to be - please email me.

Love

Opy
the festive gruffpuppy

2009-11-16T15:22:00.001-08:00

It's my birthday today !

I am officially a teenager, and can anyone guess what my birthday wish
is ? If you look at the picture below it may give you a clue.

One way or the other, I will have a peaceful day :)

Love

Opy
The teenage gruffpuppy

2009-11-13T19:21:00.000-08:00

From Fergie & Jake's blog:

Before you read

We ask you to please help spread this message as quickly and as far as you can

So as many dogs and cats and families as possible

Can read it prior to 5:00 PM, Saturday, 14 Nov 09, Iowa Time

(11:00 PM, 14 Nov 09 GMT)

Copy it.

Paste it.

Link to it.

Whatever.

Just please help us get the message out.

As you may know

Miss Snickers is struggling

Mightily

Along with her family.

(The best place to keep up with updates is her Gussie’s blog.)

Last night looked as if it might have been her last.

This morning she rebounded with improved symptoms.

She is far from out of the woods

But she and her family

Including her gentle and loving brother Butchy

Have been granted another day.

We can’t help but believe

that part of the improvement is because of

The support and love that have surrounded her

From all around the world

Thanks to the linked paws

Of her blogging friends.

The Power of the Paw

We are asking everyone to set your alarms

And at exactly 11:00 PM GMT on Saturday 14 Nov 09

(Go to this link to find what time that is for you)

5:00 PM Saturday evening in Iowa

as Snickers' family sits down to eat

Turn toward them (in the central USA)

And join together in a silent minute

Of prayer, meditation, contemplation, reflection

Whatever feels right to you.

Followed by whatever means of communication

You choose.

Arrooing

Barking

Howling

Yipping

Yapping

Wooing

Meowing

Mewing

Purring

To wish and send Miss Snickers and her family

whatever is in your hearts

That will help them feel the Love and Support

They need right now.

Personally, we’ll be praying for a Miracle.

Then

Blow a Kiss

and send your Love and Prayers and Best Wishes

to Miss Snickers and her Family

and they will feel their arrival

in the breeze.

The GRUFFPUPPY says to do this !

2009-11-07T22:29:00.001-08:00

Still here pups....

Sorry to have been so quiet, mum has been away, and is leaving us
again tomorrow for another week ! That means I get stuck with benson
and dad for the week :( i miss mum when she goes away.

I got my stitches out last week, and I am MUCH happier, I can roll
around on the floor again :)

Love

Opy
The gruffpuppy who misses her mum

2009-10-23T17:05:00.001-07:00

Sheeeesh !

Even in my fragile state - mum has got me working !

Voting is now open for -

Awesome Blog Award
Photo of the Month

As there were no nominations for Post of the Month - we made a unanimous decision and declared Agatha & Archie the winners with their - Boston Teaparty post :)

Voting closes on Saturday October 31st - so head on over to The Bone Zone and cast your vote.

If you are not a member of the Bone Zone, and would like to be - please email me at

opyatgruffpuppydotcomdotau (without the bits !)

Also, don't forget the DWB Holiday Card Exchange - submit HERE, details on how it works are here. (Scroll down to the post from Oct 13th)

Love

Opy
the gruffpuppy who is feeling much better, but shhhh don't tell anyone !

2009-10-21T22:10:00.000-07:00

Ouchie !!!!

Hey pups,

Well, I went and saw Dr Nick yesterday, and I am not very impressed with what happened next ! I thought I was going to have a nice day of pampering without BJP - but as it were, I think I have been subjected to some sort of alien experiment ! I have all these hurty cuts over me, and this tubey stuff sticking out of me - plus they shaved my furs !!!! What's going on ???

CAUTION - only click on the below links if you have a strong stomach, they are pretty icky photoes !!!

picture

picture 1

picture 2

picture 3

I was very sleepy when mum and dad came to pick me up from Dr Nick - and they had some trouble getting me out of the car and into my "quarantine" area. They have very wisely sectioned off the lounge area so BJP can't harrass me.

I slept alot last night - and was feeling pretty sore and sorry for myself - but today I am much brighter and have had some foodies and been outside alittle. The lumps were much bigger inside than they appeared on the outside, that is why my cuts are so big.

Whilst I was recovering today, I snuck a look at mum's iphone and couldn't believe what I saw ! Whilst I was being abducted by aliens and subjected to doG knows what - she was out galavanting with MY friends the Leuradales ! The hide of her - she should have been by MY side, not out having fun !

Oh, and THE biggest lump ? Well, it seems they couldn't remove that one, and I am still stuck with it !!!
Love
Opy
the sore gruffpuppy

DON'T FORGET THE DWB CARD EXCHANGE - CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT

2009-10-20T00:34:00.000-07:00

Hey pups,

I am off to see Dr Nick tomorrow for the day - and probably into the night. I am having some of my lumps and bumps removed - I have LOTS, but there are a few that are starting to annoy me and I can't sleep on my side because of them. They are only lipoma's - but I will be going "under" - so wish me well ! I will have a nice sleepies - then I will get lots of TLC at home, because I will have some stitches. Mum and dad will have to keep BJP away from me, I think. We don't want him doing this -

See the picture below - you can see one of my lumps just above my ribs.

There is only one lump I want removed, and no one will agree to that -

Hehehehe

Love

Opy
the alittle lumpyless gruffpuppy.

PS - Don't forget the DWB Card Exchange - click HERE to submit.

2009-10-13T00:58:00.000-07:00

It's here.....the 2009 DWB Holiday Card Exchange......

Hey pups,

I guess the title says it all :)

Go here to get the code to put the button on your page - if you click the button it will take you to a form to fill in and you can submit it to be added to the exchange.

Or you can just click here if you don't want to put the button on your blog.

The Exchange will work the same as last year - you will get one master list and you can choose to send as many or as little cards as you like, via snail mail or email - or a combo of both.

Closing date for registering is Sunday November 22nd and you will receive your list shortly after that. I guess we all should aim to have our cards in the post by early December - email doesn't really matter. And yes, we know that some overseas mailing cutoffs are prior to December, but it is the thought that counts :)

Please note - as there are no requirements this year to post to all etc, it would be nice to include some cards to pups that register that you may not visit regularly - make some new friends and think outside your regular blog list.

Also, you will need to be comfortable with others having your physical snail mail and email address. Goes without saying that this list will not be publicly distributed for anyone to see - it will only be sent to those who register to participate. DogsWithBlogs has always prided itself on protecting our members privacy - and it is something that we take VERY seriously.

Cheers everypup,

Love

Opy
the festive gruffpuppy

2009-10-09T00:21:00.000-07:00

We miss you Charlie - so very much xoxo

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

2009-10-01T23:18:00.000-07:00

Catching up....

Hey pups,

Mum is home for a few days - dad is away and comes back late Sunday night - then mum is away again until next Thursday - and dad leaves to go away on Thursday until Sunday. I think that after that they will be both home at the same time for a whole week ! I am not happy about all this "coming and going" let me tell you !

Mum shared her popcorn with me and BJP today - isn't he getting big !

We will also be getting ready to announce the DWB Holiday Card Exchange soon - so stay tuned, it will probably be the week after next when mum and dad are both home. I got gruff at them as they are running late this year - but I couldn't be too hard on them, they are both still finding it hard sometimes to cope with Charlie's passing.

Something else made me VERY gruff, I was snooping on mum's laptop and I found this email -

Greg and I have decided to venture across to the U.S in July next year - we always said that we would go back once Charlie had passed, so - bittersweet I guess - but we are in the planning stages at the moment.

The reason for this message is that we would like to organise an informal DWB lunch, or maybe two - depending on interest. We are looking at New York (city) as a definate, probably on Wed July 14th. Ami (Asta's mommy) has very kindly offered to give me a few suggestions on somewhere that we can meet for a lunch - and party on into the evening if we feel like it At this stage, due to the logistics of interstate dog transport etc - it would probably be just a human meet up.

Yes, I know it is a long, long way away - and yes I know that flights/accomodation/meals/lunch/gas etc etc all cost money - but we would dearly love to meet as many of our pals as we can and seeing we only have a very limited amount of time, we thought this the best way to do it. It is not a DWB Convention, or anything fancy, just a group of friends getting together sharing a casual meal and a laugh at the marvel of this crazy website that we have created !!!

So, please have a think about it - and let me know if you are seriously interested.

We are trying to find a place in NY that doesn't matter if we have 5 people or 50 - but the sooner we can get a rough idea, the better.

If there is enough interest - we will also be visiting some special DWB pals in Portland Oregon around 20/21st July - so perhaps we could also have a wee get together there as well for the West Coast peeps ??

If you can think of anyone, or have any friends, that might be interested - please forward this message on.

Thanks everyone - and hope to meet you ALL next July !!!

WHAT IS THIS ALL ABOUT ! Now, I don't begrudge them going away - they have had it pretty tough lately, but do you realize that I am going to get stuck at the kennels with BJP for a whole 2 weeks !!!!! That is just wrong on so many levels !!! I had better go and sit outside and ponder this very dire situation !

Please email me if you think you may be interested - she knows that alot of people have already received the email - but for those who haven't and want to meetup, my email address is opyatgruffpuppydotcomdotau (without the bits) I need to monitor who is coming for many reasons, but mainly because I am a "sticky beak" :)

Love

Opy
the distressed gruffpuppy at the thought of spending a whole two weeks with BJP !

2009-09-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

The DWB Polls are back !

Hi pups,

It's been a while - but the DWB Polls are now open again - head on over to the Bone Zone and cast your vote for -

Awesome Blog Award
Photo of the Month

As there was only one nomination for Post of the Month - Miss Kylie is the winner :)

Voting closes Saturday 26th September - and if you aren't a member of the Bone Zone and would like to be - just email me opyatgruffpuppydotcomdotau (without the bits)

Love

Opy
the organised gruffpuppy

2009-09-12T15:34:00.000-07:00

It's very tiring being a big sister !

Bitey face is fun - I can almost fit BJP's whole head in my mouth ! We play for ages. Bitey tail, bitey ears, and bitey feet is no fun - it makes me gruff !

Why can't he stay this far away from me all the time ?

Just trying to have a rest for a few minutes - it's hard for a "mature lady" such as myself to keep up with such an exuberant pup !

Mum took me to the Vet yesterday as now that I am SO much more active, my arthritis is starting to play up in my back legs and hips - so now I am on the "good stuff" (Previcox), and already it is making me feel better. Charlie was on Previcox too and mum said it was a "wonder drug" for him - so I am sure it will be for me too.

In other news - Mum is heading off to Far North Queensland for work this week - that's all the way up the top of Australia where the Great Barrier Reef is. I will miss her - she is my protector from "the Brat" - oh, sorry, I meant Benson ! She will be able to check in on us though through "Benson Cam" just to make sure that daddy, and Benson aren't misbehaving. Yeah, right !!!!

Mum also says - sorry for the poor quality of the photo's, she took them with her iphone - which she loves - but still can't fathom how something that is so good - and how someone like Steve Jobs - who is so smart - doesn't have a flash with it ! It is crazy - even dad's Blackberry has a flash !

Don't get her started ! Next she will be using my blog to tell you all about the drama's she is having trying to renew her passprt ! Trust me - you don't want to know !

Love

Opy
who is gaining back some of her gruffness when her tail gets bitten !

2009-09-04T22:14:00.000-07:00

I seem to have a shadow !

Hi pups,

Wherever I go - he goes ! It is very tiring ! I try so hard to be a good girl, but sometimes he just won't leave me alone and I have to put him in his place !

Mum and dad says that I am the best girl ever and they are so proud of me - there has also been talk of them announcing to the world that I am no longer the "gruffpuppy". WHAT !!! We can't have that ! I best do something to recify these misprepresentations asap ! I am still THE gruffpuppy - okay !

I think BJP is looking for a girlfriend already. He knows that Charlie had his one and only, Miss Freda - and that I have got, well lets just say " a few" boyfriends - so I think he wants to start off young so he can play the field alittle before he settles down with his "one true love". If you think you may be interested - let me know. He made me take this picture to entice all the ladies :)
He thinks he is "dead sexy" !

I had 5 minutes peace this morning - so I took the chance to have a nap.

Then BJP came and annoyed me and then sat there all sweet and innocent as if to say "who me" ???We then went on a walk - and the wind blew our ears around :)

Til next time pups,

Love

Opy
the gruffpuppy who is still definately a GRUFFPUPPY !

2009-08-30T03:37:00.000-07:00

Pupdate.....

Well, BJP has been here for 2 weeks now, and we are getting along pretty good MOST of the time.

The last two nights, after dinner, mum has had to put up what she calls "The Benson Barrier". I don't know what happens to him after he eats - but he goes absolutely feral and just won't leave me alone. I am such a good girl with him all day (mum told me that I am !), but after I have my dinner - I am ready to relax and settle down into sleepy mode for the evening. Mum takes him on a big walk after dinner to try and get rid of some of his energy - but it doesn't work - he just won't leave me alone, even when I growl and bark at him to "rack off" ! So, the barrier goes up for alittle while until he settles down - and then it comes down again and he is all "sweetness and nice".

Sheesh - I sure hope that he gets out of that little habit soon !

In other news, mum came home - but now dad is away. It would be nice to have them both home at the same time for a few days !

Okay, here are some pictures -

Two heads are better than one when you are searching for rabbit poo !

Who me ? I am an angel !

Can he leave me alone for 5 minutes ??

He is nice when he is asleep !

Gotta get some sleep whilst I can - you never know when "Benson the Brat" is gonna wake up !

Love

Opy
the gruffpuppy that tries really hard to be nice to BJP.

2009-08-23T01:43:00.000-07:00

So....

I hear that mum is going away for the week AGAIN tomorrow - so very gruff !

But, I also hear that she is going to see our buddies the Leuradales - I will give her a kiss to take to them.

Here are some pics from the weekend of me and BJP - he is "kinda" growing on me, but SHHHH - don't tell anyone, I don't want to ruin my gruff reputation !

Love

Opy

the original gruffpuppy

2009-08-20T23:26:00.000-07:00

Making progress......

Well, it has been an interesting week.

Firstly, mum came home today - and I was SO happy to see her, being with the "boys" all week has been making me very gruff !

She goes away next week for the whole week again - so I will be making the most of her being home over the weekend.

Secondly, check these pics out - me and Benson (or BJP) are "almost" friends :) SHD did lots of work with us during the week, and we even had a play in the front yard one day. I really like the little fella when he is sleepy and snuggly - but when he wants to nip at me with those sharp teefies, I still growl at him and let him know who is the boss - that would be me, Opy the Gruffpuppy !!!!

He has to learn to respect his elders, right ?????

Love

Opy
the gruffpuppy who is glad to have her mummy home

2009-08-14T16:18:00.000-07:00

Why ?

Why...is...he...freaking...touching...me !!!!!!

Love

Opy
the very very gruffpuppy

2009-08-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

What's this all about ????

I might look happy in this picture, but I am not - not at all !

In fact, I am VERY gruff !

I hope things settle down again soon.

Did Charlie shrink ???

I don't get it !!

Love

Opy
the confused gruffpuppy

2009-08-10T02:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you all.....

We can't possibly express our gratitude for all the lovely tributes and emails/comments that we have received over the past week for our big dog Charlie. It is hard to express how much of a hole that Charlie has left in our hearts - I know we aren't the only ones to experience loss, so we take great comfort in knowing that we haven't been alone during this very difficult time.

Charlie came home today - it upset me to pick up his ashes, but it was also a feeling of "rightness" (is that a word ???), and very fitting that on the day he came home - was the day we found out that another pup would be coming to live with us - this week ! Alittle sooner than we were planning - but you just can't fight what "is meant to be". Meant to be for sweet Opy - who is missing Charlie terribly, and meant to be for us - to help us start to heal.

DWB will continue - might take awhile - but please be patient with us, we will get back to it soon, and Pets With Pacemaker's will also continue. These are Charlie's legacy's - and we owe it to him to continue.

In the meantime - let me introduce you to Benson J Puppypaws -

http://bensonjpuppypaws.blogspot.com/

I hope he will enjoy living with us.

Love,

Brooke, Greg, Angel Charlie, Opy & Benson

PS - I am sure that Opy's blog will take on a whole new life now that Benson is coming to live with us - can you imagine how Gruff she will be :)

2009-07-31T22:45:00.000-07:00

Sleep well Charlie, our beautiful boy.
We love you with all our hearts, and we will never forget you.
Run free sweet boy - you have earned your angel wings.

16/12/1995 - 01/08/2009

Brooke, Greg & Opy

2009-07-24T16:29:00.000-07:00

The DWB Awards for July -

Hey everypup,

I guess we all must have had a very busy month this month as there is only one poll to vote on in the DWB polls !

Head on over to the Bone Zone, and vote for

Post of the Month

Voting closes July 31st - so get a wriggle on :)

Awesome Blog Winner for the month was - The OP Pack
Featured Blog Winner for the month was - Eduardo the Snuggle Puggle (webmistress' choice)
Photo of the Month Winner was - Charlie & Molly Daniels. (webmistress' choice) Outstanding destruction !

OP Pack & Eduardo - can you please email me so we can send your graphic's out ?

opyatgruffpuppydotcomdotau (without the bits)

Have a great weekend everypup :)

Love

Opy
the sleepy gruffpuppy

In the doghouse

2009-07-23T00:02:00.001-07:00

Hi pups,

As you can see from the picture below, I am looking alittle gruff ! I
stole Charlie 's chicken nugget out of dad's hand, so now I am in the
doghouse :(

sheesh, I have lost count of the times that butthead has stole my
food, but he never gets in trouble because he is "fragile".

So.... Not....fair !

Love

Opy
The hard done by gruffpuppy

What !!!!!

2009-07-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

Mum resigned from her job yesterday ! I am very concerned, will this
effect my cookie allowance ??????

Love

Opy
The gruffpuppy who doesn't want to have to go out and get a job !

2009-06-27T15:29:00.000-07:00

Sheesh.......

Now it would seem that I have an even bigger bed hog than Charlie !!!!

Sheesh - what's a girl to do ???

Love

Opy

the gruffpuppy who just might go and sleep in mum and dad's new big bed !

2009-06-23T01:58:00.000-07:00

Mum falled over !

Hey pups,

So, this morning mum and SHD took Charlie to the Vet for a re-test of his kidney function - there was an incident before they even left - here is the re enactment.

Note - mum asked SHD to make a video of how he saw the event, and this is what we came up with, mum is okay - but her back is very badly bruised. Charlie thought is was particularly funny !

Also, the reference to "I'm a sausage" by my mum was due to the fact she did something else extremely silly BEFORE she actually fell down the stairs ! Not a good morning for mummy !

You can also read all about "Keyboard Cat" to get the full impact of the video :)

On a brighter note - Charlie's kidney test, whilst still elevated, is better than it was last time - so good news there - but he still deserves a "slappin'" for laughin' at my mummy !!!!

Love

Opy
the gruffpuppy who would never laugh at her mum !

2009-06-20T05:27:00.000-07:00

The Polls are Open !

The DWB Polls are now open - head on over to the Bone Zone, and cast your vote for -

Awesome Blog Award
Photo of the Month
Post of the Month - no nominations this month, so we declared Stanley the winner :)

Voting closes Saturday June 27th - so, what are you waiting for ?

If you are not a member of the Bone Zone and would like to be - please email me
opyatgruffpuppydotcomdotau (without the "bits")

Love

Opy
the bone crunching gruffpuppy

2009-06-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

Bed hog !!!!

Hey pups,

Nothing much going on at the moment - it's getting pretty cold in our neck of the woods, well - cold by our standards anyway !

So, we have been doing lots of snoozing and Charlie has been hogging my bed !!! So rude of him ! He has his own bed, but he insists on taking up all the room on mine !

Mum has been away all week, but is home today - and that makes me very ungruff :)

Have a good weekend everypup :)

Love

Opy
the lazy gruffpuppy

2009-05-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

What's this all about ????

Hello pups,

A vexing conundrum has occurred at our house - mum and SHD are Wii-ing all over the place, for hours on end ! I don't quite understand - if I was to wee all over the place, I would be in big trouble !!!

Is there a difference between Wii and Wee ???

Anyway, we are none to happy about it - and this is the destruction we left them to voice our disapproval. Their "sitting on the lounge time" has been reduced to next to nothing, which means if we want to see them, we have to walk up the "special" (because Charlie is "special") ramp that SHD built and join them in the big room.

Hey SHD, look what we did down here ! And bring me a donut too, when you come down !

Hmph I say ! Am pretty gruff about all this !

Any idea pups on how we can get our lives back to "normal" ???

Love

Opy
the non Wii-ing, or wee-ing gruffpuppy

2009-05-22T15:19:00.000-07:00

The Polls are Open !

The DWB Polls are now open - head on over to the Bone Zone, and cast your vote for -

Awesome Blog Award
Photo of the Month
Post of the Month

Voting closes Saturday May 30th - so, what are you waiting for ?

If you are not a member of the Bone Zone and would like to be - please email me
opyatgruffpuppydotcomdotau (without the "bits")

Love

Opy
the sleepy gruffpuppy

2009-05-11T23:51:00.000-07:00

It's been a year............

Hi pups,

It's been one year today since Charlie got his bionic pacemaker implant.

Ouchies :(

There have been "up's and down's" - but we are all so thankful to Dr Peter for keeping our "family of four" together for longer than we thought possible.

We all thought he had some kidney problems starting as well, and mum had to chase him around the yard this morning to collect some of his wee - it was pretty funny. It seems that all his meds may have made his reading all funky - and whilst it is higher than it should be, it is not as bad as Dr Nick first thought - so we will just monitor for the next few months and restest again. He may have a urinary tract infection though, so will need some anti biotics for that. I tell ya, it never ends !!!!!

Our toy stash -

Even though you steal my biscuits and try and eat my foodables, and make me very gruff - I love you Charlie.

Mum's famous pink slippers ! -

Rollin' on a cool bed -

Yeah, mushy I know - but I guess it is okay to admit that I love the "Big Lug" -

Love

Opy
the thankful gruffpuppy

2009-04-29T02:16:00.000-07:00

Hope you don't get dizzy !

When mum is away, SHD, Charlie and I always get up to mischief. Here is me staring in my own "Opy360" production -

I have no idea why my music is "The Baby Elephant Walk" !!!!!!

Love

Opy
the movie star gruffpuppy

2009-04-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

Setting the record straight, and a vexing conundrum....

Hey pups,

I feel I MUST set the record straight, I have been misrepresented in a public forum - and my character has been assassinated !!!!!

My good buddy Marvin has been proclaiming that his ma says that I am NOT so gruff !!!! Not so gruff, indeed !!!!!! I don't know where she ever got that opinion from ! Tell me - look at this face - is this not the gruffest of all gruff faces ?????

Hmphhhh I say !!!!

But, hang on a minute - when Marvin's ma was here, I was caught doing this -

But when I am home with SHD & SHM - I look like this -

What does that mean ???? A vexing conundrum ??? Or a simple answer of mum and dad make me gruff, but Marvin's ma makes me happy ??????

Hmmmmm - I had best eat my toilet rolls, and have a snooze on it to ponder the answer.

Love

Opy
the gruffest of all gruffpuppys

PS - if any pup calls me a "wide load" because of the above photo, "terminal velocity gruffness" will ensue !!!! We all know the camera adds 20pounds, right ??? RIGHT ?????

2009-04-24T15:42:00.000-07:00

Anzac Day 2009.............Lest We Forget

Anzac Day

We will always remember..............

2009-04-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

The Polls are open....

That's right pups - it is that time of the month again :)

Head on over to The Bone Zone to cast your votes for -

Awesome Blog Award
Photo of the Month
Post of the Month

Voting closes Saturday April 25th - so get a wriggle on.

If you are not a member of The Bone Zone and would like to be - email me at
opyatgruffpuppydotcomdotau (without the bits !)

love

opy
the sleepy gruffpuppy

2009-04-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

Naughty Gruffpuppy !!

Hey pups,

Sorry for the break in updating - things have been very hectic around our house for the past few weeks.

Marvin's mum left yesterday - and much gruffness has ensued :( We really enjoyed all the extra attention, and she gave the best pats ever ! I hope she comes back again soon - I was very smiley when she was here,

- now I am gruff again !

Speaking of gruff, mum got VERY gruff with me when they were away in NSW - she gave me a stern talking to when they got home. You see, I decided that I really didn't want to stay at the Vet's for the week - even though Charlie was there too - so I tried to bust out of my cage and go home. Mum and SHD were anxious enough about leaving us - well, mainly Charlie, because he is "fragile" and all that - but they had not been gone 24hrs and the Vet was calling them saying that I had tried to escape. The thing was, I busted my head through my STAINLESS STEEL cage and got my head stuck - the Vet said that in her 10 years she has NEVER had any pup bend the wire on the cage. Hehehehe - she hadn't met me - the gruffest of all gruffpuppies !!!!

So, mum and SHD were very upset with me - and told the Vet that I was to be sedated each night - ahhhhhh, drugs - now that was the way to go :) I behaved myself after that, and by the time mum came and picked me up, I was behaving myself. Mum said I was a very naughty gruffpuppy !!!

I am still catching up on my sleep - so will catch you all later :)

love

opy
the naughty gruffpuppy

2009-04-03T00:47:00.001-07:00

Not...impressed...at...all !!!!!!!!

Well, we are off to the Vet's today for almost a whole week whilst mum and SHD and J go galavanting around the countryside. Poor me :(

Love

Opy
the hard done by gruffpuppy

2009-03-30T02:59:00.000-07:00

Avert your eyes - look at me, I am SMILING....

See, I am not gruff all the time !

This is how happy I am that we have Marvin's mum visiting :)

Love

Opy
the smiling gruffpuppy

2009-03-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

Yippee - Marvin's mum is here :)

And look at our swisho bandana's - how cool do we look ?

Head on over to the "Aussie Adventure" blog and see some pics :)

More later....

Love

Opy
the happy gruffpuppy

2009-03-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

Very excited....and NOT gruff at all !!

Well pups, today is the day that Marvin's mum arrives - well, it will probably be very early tomorrow morning by the time mum and SHD get back from the airport - but I will be ready and waiting ! We are so excited.

I was most gruff yesterday though, as I had to have ANOTHER car ride, ANOTHER bath, and ANOTHER nail clipping ! Sheeeshhhh - that is twice in a month !! Not impressed....

Don't forget you can follow all the adventures of mum and SHD with Marvin's mum over at the "Aussie Adventures" blog - just be careful of the sound, it can be LOUD :)

Here is me smiling in anticipation of the fun we will have over the next two weeks (okay, it is an old photo - but you get the message :)

Love

Opy
the very excited gruffpuppy

2009-03-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

The polls are open.....

Hey pups,

***UPDATE - Photo of the Month poll is now up - go vote :) ***

The DWB Polls are open - head on over to the Bone Zone and cast your vote.

Awesome Blog Award
Post of the Month

Polls close on Saturday March 28th.

If you are a member of DWB and not a member of the Bone Zone - and would like to be - send me an email opyatgruffpuppydotcomdotau (without the bits of course !)

love

opy
the gruffpuppy who is looking foward to spending the whole weekend with her dad

2009-03-15T00:59:00.000-07:00

Traumatised !

Hey pups,

If you have visited Charlie's bloggy lately, you will have learned of a very traumatic event that I had to endure -

a car ride !!!
a bath !!!
a nail clipping !!!

Poor me !!!

As you can imagine - gruffness ensued ! Not happy at all - is this considered abuse ??

Also, we are constantly being subjected to "Opy/Charlie - don't do that - you need to behave, we are having a very impawtant visitor coming shortly" - and all manner of variation of the above phrase. Geez, what do they think we are ? Just because I like to eat poo and sniff Charlie's butt doesn't mean I don't know how to behave and be all sophisticated !

Anyway, the pinkies are getting very excited about this impending visit. I thought I would show them how cute I can be, so our visitor will think I am not so gruff afterall. (Sorry for the terrible picture quality - mum can be challenged at the best of times !).

Oh - the Top Secret Mission has been VERY successful !!! All will be revealed in good time. Thank you so much to everyone who pawticipated, and thanks to Stanley's girl for being the mission co-ordinator :)

Catch you all later pups,

Love

Opy
the cute gruffpuppy

2009-03-06T19:18:00.000-08:00

A TOP SECRET DWB MISSION -

Intrigued ????

Click HERE and put "DWB TOP SECRET MISSION" in the subject line - and you will find out all about it.

It is very IMPAWTANT, and very TOP SECRET....Do not disclose the mission under any circumstances !

love

opy
the secretive gruffpuppy

2009-03-02T00:06:00.000-08:00

Very few words..............the world is a darker place today......

Lulu - we love you, and our hearts are breaking for you and Bogart.

Klaus - watch over us all.....

Opy

the heartbroken gruffpuppy

2009-03-01T02:23:00.000-08:00

GRUFF !!!

Well, I have just found out that mum will be away for the WHOLE week ! I hope dad remembers to feed us - Marvin, I will give you some tips so that you can make sure that your dad remembers to feed you when your ma comes to visit us !

I am not impressed - I will miss her very much. Imagine being stuck with just SHD & Charlie for the whole week !!! Whoa is me !!!!

Our DWB gift to Bogart's family left today - it turned out totally awesome ! We ended up with over 150 cards. Mum took some pics - but doesn't want to put them on here yet as she doesn't want to ruin the surprise. You can still send pics in if you wish - mum sent Bogie's mum some extra pages and will just forward the pictures as they come in. We don't want any pup to miss out.

Well pups - please think of me over the next week - poor me :(

Love

Opy
the gruffpuppy who loves her mum

2009-02-20T20:50:00.000-08:00

KARDS FOR KLAUS......

As you all know, our very first DWB member - Bogart (the very handsome devil)'s dad, Klaus - is very, very ill at the moment.

Me and Charlie have come up with, what we think is a great idea, to show Lulu (Bogie's mum), Bogie, and Klaus, just how much they mean to us - and how we are praying that they receive their miracle.

"Kards for Klaus" -

* email us a picture to this address

* if you have the software, you can put a message on your picture - if not, write on the email what message you would like to send, and we will put it on your picture (keep it short and sweet).

* don't forget to put your blog address in the email.

* we will print all the cards out

* put them in a nice album

* fly them off asap to Bogie's family.

Now listen up !!!! Time is of the essence here - get the pictures to us by Wednesday 25th February. We want this in the post by the end of the week.

Get cracking - go find a picture, and email it to us.

Please help spread the word !!!!

Love

Opy
the busy gruffpuppy

2009-02-20T16:02:00.000-08:00

The Polls are open - and other very impawtant news....

Hey pups,

The DWB Polls are now open - head on over to The Bone Zone, and vote for -

Awesome Blog Award
Photo of the Month

There was only 1 nomination for Post of the Month - so, that has already been decided :) Congratulations, Gio !

Polls close Saturday February 28th - if you are not a member of The Bone Zone, and would like to be - please email me at opyatgruffpuppydotcomdotau (without the bits!)

Also,

Bogart's dad Klaus, and his mum, Lulu - still need their miracle - please head on over to Bogart's blog and leave them some messages of support and love. If you would like the code to put the button that sweet Asta designed on your blog - please go HERE.

Dannan's girl also needs some love - she is going through a tough time at the moment. Please stop by their blog and leave a message of hope.

Thanks pups - it is times like these that I truly am proud of our DWB community !

Love

Opy
the proud gruffpuppy

2009-02-18T11:50:00.000-08:00

Help needed.....

Hey pups,

Our furry, fuzzy pal Bogart needs "the power of the paw" really badly. Bogart's daddy is very, very sick in hospital. He and his dad and mum do everything together - they are best friends, and really need our support at this time.

Please stop by Bogie's blog and let them know that we are all thinking and praying for his dad.

Thanks,

love

opy
the distressed gruffpuppy

PS - our fire situation seems to have eased, the big fire that was causing us problems is still not contained, but it doesn't seem to be a threat at the moment. If the weather stays mild - we should be okay. Thanks for all your good wishes......more on this later, Bogie's dad needs us now - this can wait.

2009-02-12T20:23:00.000-08:00

Still here.....

Hi all,

Just giving you all an update. (Apologies to those who have received a similar email - my brain is that tired that I can't think of anything original to write - so a "copy & paste - with a few modifications" has been made).....

It seems that we could have some real issues here in the coming week. There was a community meeting at the our local Fire Station on Wednesday night - 500 people turned up, I didn't know we had that many people in our little community ! Anyway, the Fire Brigade called the meeting to give us an update on the fire situation, and what we may be facing, possibly, next week.

The Bunyip Ridge fire (which is the one that was near us on Saturday) is burning slowly towards a town called Gembrook, about 15km's North/West (I think!) from us - it is inaccessable at the moment and they are trying to put in containment lines. The fire that is around Healesville (which is huge - and is alittle further North from Gembrook) is also burning towards Gembrook. The huge worry is that these two fires will join and create a massive firefront - the wind is expected to change to come from the North around Tues/Wed next week - if these fires join, when the wind changes - there is a very strong possibility that the fire will head straight down from Gembrook through Maryknoll (where we had our Fire Meeting - 5 minutes up the road), and through here. Pretty scary stuff....

They are working very hard to try and keep the two fires apart - but these fires are huge and the winds at the moment (whilst being favourable for us here) - are not favourable for the firefighters trying to keep these fires apart.

We have been advised to pack valuables etc and be ready to go. So, that is what we have been doing. We are in no way equipped to fight these fires - they are not normal bushfires, they are inferno's - you don't have a chance. I have never experienced anything like this before - and I have been through bushfire situations.

Greg is coming home tonight, and I will be very pleased to see him. We will spend the weekend just getting some stuff together, and working out our plan. We have a few wonderful DWB/CWBers that have offered us a place to stay should we need it - so, as long as we leave before it is too late, if the worst happens - we will be safe, with the pups and eachother.

We had planned on organising some fundraising for through DWB's for all the displaced/injured animals - but with what is going on with us - we just haven't really had a chance to get it happening.

The RSPCA is who we would have been collecting donations for - so I urge you all, from the bottom of my heart - please donate - even if it is $1 or $2 - all donations are needed and greatly appreciated. If you don't have a credit card or whatever - put whatever you want to donate in a card and send it to me - I will get it converted to Australian Dollars, and make sure a receipt is issued from the RSPCA, and send it to you. I will pay any fees associated with converting the cash. Forego your morning coffee, and please, please help us - there are over 1million domestic & native animals who have been affected by this - we need to help them.

Here is the link - please spread the word on your blogs - and thank you in advance for any $$ you can spare - it WILL make a difference.

RSPCA BUSHFIRE DONATIONS

If you want anymore information, please email me opyatgruffpuppydotcomdotau (without the bits)

Pray the weather is kind to us - we are at it's mercy at the moment.

Thank you all for your concern, and support, it certainly reinforces what a great community we have here at DWB's.

Brooke, Greg, Charlie & Opy

2009-02-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

Devestated.............

Brooke here, Opy has very kindly turned her blog over to me again today – this time it didn’t cost me anything, no chicken nuggets, no cheeseburgers – not a thing. At any other time, I would think this very strange, but given the circumstances as to why I have requested to post on her blog – I know she understands.

DEVESTATION, HELL ON EARTH, HORROR, ABSOLUTELY TERRIFYING, all phrases that, unfortunately, have become all to common to us Aussies at the moment – especially us Victorians.

THEY ARE ALL GONE, WE HAVE LOST EVERYTHING, I CAN’T FIND MY FAMILY, I HAD TO LEAVE MY PETS, THERE WAS NOTHING WE COULD DO, I SAW PEOPLE ON FIRE, all phrases that send the tears streaming down my face, over and over again.

I am sure most of you are aware of the horrific bushfires that we experienced on Saturday February 7^th 2009 – and that we are still living with on a day to day basis now. I know it has made the worldwide news – but to actually be here, experiencing it, is truly the most terrifying thing that I have ever been through – and something that I never want to live through again.

On a personal level – Greg and I, Opy & Charlie are safe. Saturday afternoon was pretty scary – and we had packed a few things (dog stuff mainly !) to evacuate if needed. We back on to the Bunyip National Park, which is where the main cause of concern was on Saturday. We went from not being able to smell a whiff of smoke in the morning – to having the wind change on Saturday afternoon, and for it to become a very real threat to us. The temperature was over 50degrees celcius, and I can’t even begin to guess what the windspeed was – Greg and I had to yell to eachother to be heard over the wind outside, so that should tell you how bad it was. Fortunately for us, but unfortunate for others, the wind changed again – and we became “safe” again. We remained on high alert – and today, three days later – I still have the dogs stuff packed up “just in case”.

We touched bases with a few other DWB/CWB pals that are down here and ascertained that we were all okay – and it was very comforting to know that if we needed a place to evacuate to, that our pals were offering their homes to us. That’s what friends are all about – being there when you need eachother.

We never realized the magnitude of what was happening until we watched the News on late Saturday night – then the horror of what was going on fully hit. Whole communities were being wiped out, people were being burnt alive in their cars, trying to escape. No one stood a chance – one minute people were thinking the fire was far enough away that they were to just “keep an eye on things”, within 3 minutes – the fire was on them – destroying everything in it’s path.

The death toll is at 173 at the moment – it will get higher, much higher. There are area’s that can’t even be accessed yet – so many are missing still – these people are gone, they didn’t stand a chance. Over 800 homes have been destroyed – people have nothing.

We are so thankful to all the Firefighters – many of them are volunteers, what they have had to cope with just can’t be imagined. They are all heroes.

These communities will rebuild – they will pull together and get through this. Already over 12 million dollars has been raised through public donations. I am proud to be an Aussie at the moment – times are tough financially, yet our country is working together to help those who have lost everything. Kid’s are donating their pocket money - $5 here, $10 there – it makes me hopeful that the future generation of this country may not be as self centred and money hungry as the current generation. (Myself included, at times).

To the “people” who deliberately lit many of these fires – you deserve to go through the horror of what many who lost their lives went through – jail is too good for you. “An eye for an eye” – you will get yours, karma is a bitch !!!!

When Greg gets back from Sydney – we will be trying to come up with an idea of how we can help all the displaced pets and animals. It is fantastic that the humans are getting so much support – but we need to help the animals, they can’t help themselves, we need to be their voice.

I have never asked for help from the DWB community – and I know that you are all so supportive of issues in your own countries, which is wonderful – but I will be getting down on my hands and knees and begging for your support when we announce the best way that we can help. I will be liasing with the RSPCA this afternoon to see what they need, and what is the best way to proceed – and Greg and I will talk about it over the weekend. We are a long way away from you all – but we consider the DWB community family – and we need to make a difference with this, it really is THAT important.

Thank you all for checking in with us and making sure we are okay – it means a lot. Physically, we are okay – emotionally, we are drained and just so saddened.

Thank you for reading – I know I haven’t articulated myself as well as I would have liked, but I am sure you can all grasp the sadness we all feel down here through this post.

“There, but for the grace of god, go I”.

Brooke

If you are interested in reading more about the bushfires - please see The Age newspaper.

2009-02-06T23:13:00.001-08:00

It's SOOOOOOO hot, and very scary....

Hi pups,

Just thought I would give you all a quick update - we are in the midst of the hottest day ever today, and we have had some pretty scary bushfires real close to us. Rather than repeat myself, go see Charlie's bloggy for the words, and I will provide some pictures.....

Look how dry it is :(Mum's candles melted :(

We are okay - and managing to stay cool inside.

I sure hope tomorrow is a better day.....

Love

opy
the gruffpuppy who hopes all the animals from the fires are okay :(

2009-01-27T00:15:00.000-08:00

Dad's home....and I don't like "yum-yum's".....

I am so happy that dad is home for 5 minutes - we made this video - hope you like it ! (Make sure you have the sound up)

I really don't like it when dad does the "yum-yums" - it makes me gruff :)

Do you think I look better than Tyra Banks ????

Love

Opy
the supermodel gruffpuppy

2009-01-23T15:32:00.000-08:00

The Polls are open.....

Hey buddies,

Head on over to The Bone Zone and cast your vote for -

Awesome Blog Award
Photo of the Month
Post of the Month

Voting closes Saturday January 30th - so what are you waiting for ???

If you are not a member of the Bone Zone, and wish to vote - please email me at opyatgruffpuppydotcomdotau (without the "bits")

Happy voting :)

Love

Opy
the sleepy gruffpuppy

2009-01-16T22:28:00.000-08:00

Exploring the yard.....just alittle bit.....

This is the evening routine -

Eat my dinner -

Go through the gate to the "big yard"

Do a wee

Do a poo (no photoes of that ! Thank doG)

Explore through the bushes

Look Gruff

Look not so gruff

Get a cookie

Go back to sleepies :)

Love

Opy
the gruffpuppy who likes her routine

2009-01-09T15:05:00.000-08:00

Gruff, gruff and more gruff !

Okay....so, SHD's in Perth - and mum is working all weekend and has to drive for 7 hours and that means we are left by ourselves ALL day and even some of the night ! She leaves at 5am and doesn't get home until 7.30pm. Can you imagine how hungry we are by this stage ?????

We will be glad when SHD get's back on Monday and things can get back to normal !!

In the meantime - I decided to hog both of the cool beds - ahhhh, nice and cool.

We destroyed the foam from the kennel that helps Charlie step up on to the bed.

I am hungry !!!!

This is my "gruffest of all gruff faces" at the state of things in our household - imagine being left alone for all that time - and outside as well !!!!!!!!

But, we would like to thank our buddies Noah & his sissies for this wonderful award they gave us -

The award states: "This blog invests and believes in PROXIMITY -- nearness in space, time and relationships!" In other words, blogs that receive this award "are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

I would like to pass this award on to my buddy Marvin - he deserves it for being a great friend :)

love

opy
the gruff gruffpuppy

2009-01-01T21:26:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year pups :)

Well, 2008 left us - and 2009 arrived with a bang - thanks SHD ;)

We have all been super lazy over the past few days - New Years Day was spent napping and listening to SHM & SHD whinge about how rotten they felt on account of all the silly water they consumed on New Years Eve.

Anyhoo - I have gotten dizzy watching SHM go from the bed - to the couch - have a nap - back to bed - have another nap - back to the couch - have another nap and so it goes, on and on !!!! Sheesh, and she calls me lazy !!!!

We wish you all lots of good health and happiness throughout 2009 - SHM has promised to devote more time to ME & my blog this year - so I will leave you all with some pics of ME, doing what I do best - relaxing :)

Thanks for being my DWB mates in 2008 :) May we have many more adventures and fun in 2009 :)

love Opy

the relaxing gruffpuppy :)

P.S - Don't forget to help us spread the word, "CatsWithBlogs" is here to stay - so we may as well get used to it, and Bussie had a good point - it will serve as a good index for "feasting around the world". Hehehehe

2008-12-28T23:38:00.000-08:00

Happy upcoming New Years everydoggie !

To celebrate the new year we are having an "Around the World International Chat Pawty"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dogs with Blogs is having a New Years Eve & Day chat!!! The chat will begin Dec 31 at 10 p.m. EST or Jan. 1 at 3 a.m. UK time or Jan.1 at 11 a.m. Singapore time or Jan. 1 at 1 p.m. Australia time. If you are interested in joining in on the chat, please email Buster and put "NYE Chat Pawty" in the subject line for the top secret chat pawty address!

Ring in the New Year with all your best Doggie Bloggie Buddies!

The Chat Pawty start times:

10 P.M. New Year's Eve - Eastern Standard U.S Time
3 A.M. New Year's Day - UK time
11 A.M. New Year's Day - Singapore Time
1 P.M. New Year's Day - Melbourne Australia Time

It finishes - whenever :)

Be there or be square :-)

Love
Opy
the gruffpuppy who is quite partial to a chat

2008-12-25T22:52:00.000-08:00

What the freak is this ????????

and why is it in my sidebar ????

and why is my friend Huffle the mascot ????

CatsWithBlogs ?????

OMDog - I am seriously gruff now !

SHM & SHD say that it is still a "work in progress", and that I must "spread the word".

No freaking way !

I need to seriously think about this.....after a nap !

love

Opy
the seriously peeved gruffpuppy !

2008-12-24T11:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Howl-idays all our DWB friends :)

Hope you all get lots of pressies and bones !

See you in 2009 - thank you all for making DogsWithBlogs the wonderful place it is, and thank you all for being our friends :)

Love

Opy (the not so gruffpuppy just for today)
and Charlie, Greg and Brooke too :)

2008-12-19T13:26:00.000-08:00

The final DWB Polls for 2008 are now open....

Head on over to The Bone Zone, and cast your votes :)

Awesome Blog Award

Photo of the Month

Post of the Month

Voting closes Saturday December 27th - so best get a wriggle on :)

If you are not a member of The Bone Zone, and would like to be - please email me

Thanks buddies.

Love

Opy
the tired gruffpuppy

2008-12-15T19:37:00.000-08:00

A very special day......Happy Birthday Charlie

Yes, this is supposed to be MY blog, and all about ME - but today is a very special day, and I don't mind sharing, just this once :)

Today, December 16th - is Charlie's 13th birthday.

Without getting all soppy & sentimental - it is a huge milestone for all of us. With all that Charlie has been through this year - we really didn't think he would make it to this birthday, and without the pacemaker implant - he wouldn't have. It has been a rollercoaster ride - with many ups and downs - but he has made it this far - and still manages to annoy and bother me! (Note - MY bed again being ripped up below !).

We got McNuggets and Cheeseburgers to celebrate this special occassion - and mum tried to take some photoes to send to dad, who is away at the moment (and it is his birthday tomorrow) - we will be doing lots of celebrating when he gets back on Friday night :)

Charlie went back to Dr Peter last Thursday and had his 6 month pacemaker check up - all is well, and he also had a chest xray - all clear with that as well. Dr Peter doesn't want to see him for another 6 months - mum said "you can count on that !!!!". So, all is well with the Big Dog - do you think mum and dad can start paying ME some attention now ???

Love

Opy
the gruffpuppy who loves Charlie even if he is stupid !

**Note from Brooke**

I felt alittle teary when I awoke this morning - I couldn't believe that Charlie had made it to his birthday. I had never thought he would get here, after all the "up's and down's" of the past 6 months - he never gave up, and he wouldn't let us give up either. I love you Charlie - more than you will ever know.

2008-12-10T03:47:00.000-08:00

For all the new DWB members -

Pappy's fella made this for us for Christmas 2006 - it is awesome and deserves to take it's place on my bloggy again this festive season :)

Love

Opy
the gruffpuppy who is far more festive than her mum !

2008-12-08T22:40:00.000-08:00

I take no responsibility.......I tried to stop him !

That is MY bed....

That is MY doona....

That is MY quilt....

Look at MY sad face :( Note - Charlie is laughing !

This is what happens when mum and dad go out - and worse still, it rained and it all got wet !

Thanks Charlie - you big knucklehead !!!!

Love

Opy
the very gruffpuppy

2008-11-29T20:03:00.000-08:00

Lazy Sunday.....and a worthwhile cause.....

Hey pups,

I haven't done much today, apart from snooze and lie around the place -

I did some of this -

I poked my tongue out at mum -

I hid infront of the lounge -

Charlie & I made mum give us cookies with our scary laser eyes -

Charlie said that mum was stupid - and I laughed -

BUT....Queen Meeshka did alert me to a very worthwhile cause, that you all need to go put the button on your blogs for - which you can do here -

Please help Iams to rescue over 1 million pets from shelters and find loving homes this holiday season - not all pups are as lucky as all of us, and by spreading the word we may be able to help with the mission.

Thanks pups,

Love

Opy
the snoozy gruffpuppy