Opy - the Original 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