DogsWithBlogs - what it means to me......

What DWB Means To Me ~ Poppy the Little Blonde Chihuahua

2008-10-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

Poppy the Little Blonde Chihuahua

When I first started dog blogging, I wasn't a part of Dogs With Blogs. My blog was mainly just a place for me to talk about Poppy (in her voice) and post cute pictures of her. No one ever read my blog (as far as I know), and no one ever left comments. When I joined DWB, I was amazed at how quickly I was welcomed. Some people even went back in the archives to read Poppy's earliest posts. We started getting comments and we started leaving comments for other people. It became so much more fun!

Last year Poppy had to have emergency back surgery. When I posted about the terrible time we were having, I felt so much support from the DWB community. Everyone cared and everyone understood how sad we were. It meant so much to me to be able to write about what we were going through, knowing that it would be read by people who really truly understand that Poppy is part of our family. It was amazing. Luckily, Poppy made it through her surgery and recovery, and we are back to posting about happier adventures, for the most part.

Most of all, what DWB means to me is knowing that I am not alone in my deep, unending love for my dog and knowing that I will never have to read the words "it's just a dog."

Sarah
(Poppy the Little Blonde Chihuahua's mom)

What DWB Means To Me ~ Claudette, Rocky & Company.

2008-10-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

The Hudson Furkids

wow, thinking back, I dont remember how i found DWB...but it was one of the best things I have ever done...We (the kids) and I have met humans and their furkids, hairykids or scaley kids from all over the world...For a person the only knows redneck english, I have learned what jie jie is,, what gor gor is, and boi...what liao means..

The only sad part about this great community is when we lose a precious furkid, or when one is sick...I cry with u....When i lost Lacylulu, I thought i would die, but there u all were, giving me love and support...and u all continue to do that...When something like that happens u never know what to say, how to take the pain away, but really just being there is a lot more help than anybody realizes...

We had just lost Rusty a couple weeks before i joined, and i wanted to make a journal of all of our dogs and how much we love them and still do..lol, i had Lacy to where when she saw me coming with a camera, she would practice the A04 picksure taking procedures...but we have sooo many more picksures of her now...and u gave me that...now Rocky is doing that..

We have gotten kinda slack in our meeting the new dogs, I need to get back to doing that..When u 1st join it makes a world of difference when u get comments...Kinda like ur not just talking to the wind...I know we cant comment on every post, lol, we all have a zillion on our friends lists...

In one short year, we have, donated to the sibes, dogs for the blind, the nowzad dogs, a little dog named Chloe, Baby Loves surgeries, and more that my old mind forgot...we click on the animal rescue to feed the animals, the free kibbles site for dogs and cats, we click everyday on one of ur shelters to win the the money...we have parties, band together when one of us is sick, lost or crosses the bridge..

This year is almost up, and we're still hunting for our lost dogs..and I got to thinking the other day, i have Gregs poster of Stormys mission: bring Beau Home in 2008 on my desktop...sure wish that would come true before the end of the year...let him go home to his mom, Susan and family...

lol, ok i talk to much, but we love each and every one of u...and bless the day we found DWB...

Peace,
Claudette aka mama to ~rocky and company~

What DWB Means To Me ~ Poppy, Penny & Patches

2008-10-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

First, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Lana and I am the human mom to Poppy, Penny & Patches, three female Airedales that live in Georgia, USA.

A couple of years ago, our 9 year old (Penny) became very ill and we were afraid we were going to lose her. I began making preparations to get another Airedale by surfing the internet. When I Googled Airedales, I accidentally came across the blog of Bogart Handsome Devil. From then on, I read his blog everyday and started reading all the ones that he had listed as his friends on his sidebar. At some point, one of the blogs mentioned Dogs with Blogs, so I Googled THAT and found out there is a whole community of people out there that are just as crazy about dogs as I am! Eventually, Penny was fine and she is still here, with us. We never did find out what her illness was, but when we put her on Senior dogfood, she returned to normal and has been acting younger than ever.

At the time I found the DWB, I had a job where I only actually did about an hour's worth of work each day and then I had about 5 hours of nothing to do. I filled my time with reading the DWB and felt that I had come to know a LOT of the dogs personally. When Oscar the Airedale (Cassidy and Big Harry's predecessor) died, I cried for hours and just felt awful for days. That was when I first learned of all the caring people behind all these dogs that blog. There were so many touching comments on Oscar's blog that I just knew this was a community that I wanted to be a part of.

I wanted to start my own blog, but had no idea how to even get started, so I just continued to read all the other blogs. I have cried with everyone who has ever lost their beloved pet, prayed for the ones that were sick and laughed myself silly from some of the antics that people have posted.

One of the things the DWB has given to me is a very good friend. I have spent almost 30 years in a different part of the country from my family and the only friends I have made are people that I have worked with. As each job ended, the friends have gone away and I was okay with that. In recent years, my husband has faced many, many health issues and I have pretty much refrained from making any friends because it is very hard to socialize on my own. About a year and a half ago, I came across a blog on the DWB that mentioned the kennel name of the dog. It was Ezzy Rider and I asked, in the comment section, if he was from the same breeder that my first Airedale came from. He was and he only lives about 20 minutes away from us. His mom, Wendy called me and we started talking and found out that we have a whole lot in common. On January 2, 2008, she came to my home and helped me start my own blog. Now, we talk on the phone nearly everyday and we have become very close friends. We see each other whenever we can and our dogs have had the opportunity to play together on several occasions. I would have probably never met Wendy if it hadn't been for the DWB!

It's a comforting feeling to know that people all over the world are praying for our dogs when they need it and it sure is nice to know that I can always find a smile or two from somedog's blog. I am very happy that I found the DWB and I'm glad I have my own blog, now, so I can be a part of this great community!

Aire-hugs,
Lana, Poppy, Penny & Patches

What DWB Means To Me ~ Steve, Kat and Wilbur

2008-10-21T15:10:00.000-07:00

I discovered Dogs with Blogs two years ago, before I even had a dog. I knew my husband and I would be adopting two Siberian huskies soon, so I loved reading all the husky blogs that I found on DWB. I started our blog a week before we adopted Steve and Kat. The first blog posts were actually written by a feline (gasp!), Wilbur, but soon Steve and Kat were blogging too. The blog has been a great place to chronicle Steve and Kat's life, but without DWB, I don't think I would still be blogging two years later. All the comments left by other DWB members definitely keep us going! I'm still amazed at the friendships we've made with other dogs and even their humans. I love that everything stays positive and encouraging on DWB.

The DWB community was also very helpful when we were struggling with how to handle two high-energy puppies. Steve and Kat are our first dogs, so the comments left by DWB members on our blog when I would ask for advice was so much appreciated!

We recently met up with another blogger who was in town for vacation. I was nervous about meeting them since we had never met, however, we were instantly able to connect because it was like we already knew each other through the blog! It's amazing and very fun!

Thanks Dogs With Blogs! I have many great friendships now that we would have never had without you! I just wish there was more time in the day so I could keep up with all 1000+ members. :-)

Valerie, Steve, Kat, and Wilbur

What DWB Means To Me ~ Army of Four.

2008-10-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

What DWB means to us ~ The Army of Four.

Woo. A picture's worth a thousand woos.

What DWB Means To Me ~ Dannan

2008-10-20T15:22:00.000-07:00

Dannan’s Girl here. I’m going to do our post about what DWB means to us.

When I first came across DWB, it was because I wanted to read dog blogs. Specifically, blogs with good writing, a sense of humour, pictures, and details about dogs. I figured DWB was a place where other people would understand why I have conversations with my dog (and he answers back); why my dog is a true member of my family; why I will do anything to give him the best life possible.

Well, I did find that. I’ve found a wealth of blogs that are well-written, funny, have gorgeous pictures, and where I learn about the lives of all kinds of dogs.

But I also found so much more. I found a community where I was immediately made welcome. Where people wrote caring things, and even though they were words in cyberspace, I could tell they meant them. I found people who are as passionately committed to dogs and their welfare as I am.

And hearts of gold! There have been quite a few illnesses and departures for the Rainbow Bridge since Dannan and I joined DWB. There has been an amazing outpouring of support, from all over. Even if the person was a stranger who had never before visited the blog, they would go and leave such heartfelt and compassionate comments. And through their words, it was absolutely clear that they understood the pain being felt.

I have done this myself. There are too many blogs which I discovered too late to get to know certain dogs before they went to the Bridge. But when I read on a friend’s blog about some dog’s illness or passing, I know I have to go and leave words of support, however much these words fall short of my feelings. Because I know what the bloggers are going through, and I know that comfort can come from strangers as well as friends.

And then my dear Roomie’s brother was hospitalized last week. And I learned firsthand the comfort that comes from words of understanding, hope, and support. Even when those words are from bloggers I am meeting for the first time. To know that there are folks all over the world thinking good thoughts and maybe saying a little prayer, brings more comfort than I even knew.

I have met many amazing people and their dogs through DWB. There are many hundreds more that I have yet to meet, as DWB reaches 1000 members. I am honoured to be part of a community that shares so much, that is so very close, due to our love of, and for, dogs. (And cats, and hamsters!)

Thanks, everyone, for being a part of our lives through DWB.

Lindsay, Dannan’s Girl

What DWB Means To Me ~ Jeannie and Marvin

2008-10-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

Hello! Marvin here.

Although sadly, my dog blog, Hollow Hound is long deleted (8 whole months now) I noticed this tribute blog via dear Pippa's blog, a blog I look into regularly - to get my DWB news.

I digress.

However, I wanted to leave a tribute to Dogs With Blogs, Opy, Charlie, Brooke and Greg, because during the 20 or so months when I was dog blogging I had the bestest time ever. Lots of laughs, lots of fun meeting with other like minded and frankly quite crazy peeps and their dogs, also a great deal of sadness, losing dogs, who although I had never actually met them, I considered them friends.

The dreaded, and unknown, until I joined in with DWB, phrase "gone to the bridge" held a lot a resonance for me and my Jeannie. I knew once we opened up our blog in the morning and checked on all our favourite blogs, if this phrase was used, my J, would not be her usual sunny self. And some tears would be shed when we walked in the woods and fields.

As I am a "literary" dog, apparently.............and also well known for my poetry (I have written a wee poem in tribute to DWB at the end of this post), I would like to quote Charles Dickens here. Because our experience with DWB was so good, but sadly due to various reasons we had to leave. Any dog and his parents looking in, who blogged with us around this time, will perhaps appreciate this quote below. For it was the best of times, mostly. The worst of times, were not due to DWB in any way whatsoever. We found so much love and affection from all our internet dog blogging buddies during our "difficult time", it was life enhancing.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only." Charles Dickens. "A Tale of Two Cities".

This quote to anyone looking in from the outside possibly has no relevance, but it strikes a chord with us, and our experiences.

We were not there at the very beginning of DWB but we were not far behind when it all began. My Ma had a dog blog as far back as 2005, we had no doggy friends then, again I barked in the wilderness for quite a long time and I am afraid, in the usual impetuous Jeannie fashion she deleted towards the end of that year. However we began again in August 2006, and never looked back.

Our blogging time was mostly very happy, we met some lovely hooooooomans, and some wonderful dogs. We learned about life all over the world, from Japan to Australia, America to Spain. Along the way my Jeannie made lots of lovely friends, whom she still keeps in touch with now.

On our first Christmas card exchange, my Jeannie wrote on our cards..........."hands across the oceans, paws across the seas" for that is how we think of DWB, a connection between dog lovers everywhere.

There is not a day when we don't dip into one of the dog blogs, even though we are not dog blogging now, we still look in, laugh, smile and sometimes shed a tear. This is a wonderful community all brought about through dear Greg and Brooke, Opy the gruff puppy, who can be very gruff, and threatens the most awful Whoopass punishments, and sweet Charlie, all of them, had an idea, a spark to the flame. A candle which now burns brightly throughout the world for dog lovers everywhere, not forgetting Hamsters!

When we were first discovered - we did not even know DWB existed, we just had a dog blog for me, barking in the wilderness. Suddenly one day, Sunshade found us, how? We don't know but from then on, we were, as they say here in the UK, "cooking with gas". We had so many visitors, so many new pals, from all over the world.

To end up, here is my wee poem, dedicated to DWB.

"One day I was just a mutt, a rescue boy, happy to be given a home,
So pleased I was not cast out, and thankfully not alone.

Then She came and chose me out of all the abandoned dogs,
She loved me and she groomed me, & hugged me, lots and lots.

She made a blog site, just for a record all about me,
Put lots of photos on for all the darn world to see.

But one day she got a comment and the next day there was more
And before she knew it - DWB had opened up a door.

New pals from all around the world came flocking to our blog,
I was not just a rescue mutt, I was an International Dog.

So thank you, Greg, Brooke, Charlie and Opy who can be Gruff
Your vision and creativeness was more than enough.

Now you ask what DWB means to my Jeannie and to me?
It means the world, a beacon which will shine bright for all eternity."

lots of love and sad licks from Marvin xxxxxxxxxx

pee ess

My Editor In Chief want to add a few things here so I suppose I will let her.....................

"There were all sorts of reasons for going from the dog blogs, but there has not been a day when I have not regretted leaving. I tried to start again, as you will see if you click on the link at the end of this email, but my inspiration had sadly gone.

I just wanted to write in appreciation to Greg, Brooke, Opy and Charlie, for the amazing idea they had, and the way it has snowballed throughout the world. I now consider myself so lucky to still have so many internet pals, across the world, with whom I still keep in touch, and they have also found it in their hearts to forgive me for stopping the dog blogging. No more words. just thank you to all of you. You know who you are!

I hope we have given a flavour here of what DWB meant and still means to us!

Most of all - Thank you Greg, Brooke, Opy and Charlie for being there.

Your friend,

Jeannie (and of course Marvin)!!!!!!! Return of Hollow Hound

What DWB Means To Me ~ Hannah, Fig & Tadpole

2008-10-16T00:16:00.000-07:00

What DWB Means to Me:

By Hannah, Fig and Tadpole’s Girl

Dogs With Blogs has been a cathartic experience for me. It was the means through which I worked through some of my own issues and also where I observed acceptance being offered freely, regardless of physical appearance or any number of other “abnormalities.”

A few years ago I found a community on Live Journal called Boston Buddies (where I met the infamous Joseph Stains) and subsequently started a Live Journal for Fig, my Boston Terrier. When I initially got her, I was living in a different state from my family and would send daily emails with descriptions of her silly escapades. I figured that if she had a Live Journal, I would be able to chronicle her life in one location, as well as have the ability to look back on it years down the road. When Joe and Tanner joined DWB, I checked it out and decided I wanted to be a part too.

I got Tadpole, my Chinese Crested, around that time also (which I consider a rescue) and it was at this point that DWB became a support system of sorts for me. Tad was a total wreck physically when I brought him home. He’s allergic to fleas, which was unfortunate since the house he was in was literally covered in them. And he’s naturally hairless, so every infected, raw inch of his skin was exposed. He smelled disgusting due to the poor diet, or lack thereof, as well as peeing and pooping on himself for 6 months. He had never seen grass or even the sun before, so every moment was a frightening adventure for him. And on top of all that, Fig hated him passionately. So passionately, in fact, that she tried to kill him the first night he was in the house. My family thought he was the ugliest animal ever created and had no idea why I brought him home with me. And that was what hurt the most, for some reason. I could accept the fact that people wouldn’t understand why I would get a rescue dog. I could understand their aversion to petting or holding him because of his skin infections. I could even understand those who thought he was weird. But to write him off, to effectively say “he’s too ugly or sick to bother with” because he was different-looking or had physical problems… that crushed me.

I don’t think I mentioned it at the time, but I was pretty hesitant to “introduce” him to the blogging community because I didn’t think I could stand it if one more person was appalled at his appearance or didn’t want anything to do with him. I was, truly, incredibly nervous starting a blog for him, but my desperation for support of any kind over-ran my hesitation and fears. And from the first day, he was unconditionally accepted. It might not seem like a very big deal to anyone else - and I know it sounds cheesy - but to me, reading those first comments was the thing that kept me going.

No one seemed to care that they have never seen a dog like him before – and many thought it was kind of cool! No one seemed to mind that he had skin infections – they had gone through that themselves. No one seemed to judge me for bringing a dog into the house that wasn’t well-liked by my other dog – many had been in that situation too. But what stuck out most in my mind was that everyone treated him the same way they treated all the other dogs: like a special individual who deserved love and happiness.

I have experienced abuse in my life, and along with that comes shame, but at that point I saw hope. I saw that there are people out there who value a dog simply for being a dog, regardless of appearance or past history. And that gave me hope that there are also people who value a person simply for being a person, regardless of past history. So I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dogs With Blogs! Thanks for accepting us as we are and not caring a bit about what we look like or what others may think of us. This is truly a supportive community and I’ve learned a tremendous amount from you.

What DWB Means To Me ~ Pippa

2008-10-15T03:49:00.000-07:00

Pippa's view

Misery Mistress decided to start my blog after she came across a British dog blog with some great action photos that she had found via a camera forum. (The blog wasn't in DWB).

She can't take action photos of course because, a) she's useless and b) I am only active when leaping around for toast.

Anyway she thought a dog blog was such a cool idea that she decided to start one for me. Just as well or otherwise I would have ended up being an also-ran on her boring blog.

So then she looked on the tinties to see if there were other dog blogs. Silly mistress, of course there were. And DWB was right there near the top, so we had a look. It seemed a cool idea so we signed up.

I was a shy dog in those days, so we replied to pups who visited us, but otherwise didn't know where to start saying hello. I guess we didn't realise how friendly everyone was.

But suddenly I seemed to have acquired lots of Pippapals, and lots of beautiful girlfriends. And my pals all understand the importance of chasing cats, eating toast, and sleeping. I can share the good things with them, like going out to restaurants, and I can moan about Misery Mistress to them.

There is sadness too, without a doubt. The more friends I make, the more I am upset when pups are poorly or when they go to the Bridge. DWB has had some hard times over the past year, and some of my very closest and earliest friends have now gone. I just hope the support of the community helps their families at such a sad time.

Last year we got lots and lots of cards during the holiday exchange, even though Misery was totally disorganised and didn't get back to everyone. (She won't be any better this year). And for my gotcha day, two of my very special girlfriends sent me delicious treats - Misery didn't buy me anything, she even forgot the day. All this from pups I have never met.

And because I am not so shy any more, I try and visit other new pups on the block to say hello, and some become friends. Or others visit me because they see the comments on some other pup's blog. It's nice to keep making new friends all the time and it keeps the community alive.

So, in a nutshell, it's good to have pals, and that's what DWB means to me.

But there is something more important than me making new dogpals. If extra money is raised for rescue groups and shelters, and people become more aware that rescue dogs have just as big a heart and as nice a temperament as any other dog, then that's an even better result.

Pippa

What DWB Means To Me ~ Ruby

2008-10-14T23:45:00.000-07:00

Ruby

It really did kind of start as a joke. I mean a dog blog? Seriously I know I'm a little crazy, but a dog blog? Everyone thought I was nuts. Well I blame Ike and Martha and the inimitable Joe Stains.

After I got Ruby I became crazed by all things Boston (the terrier, not the city) and by accident, I stumbled first upon Ike's blog. I had never seen a red/brown BT before and I was in love and read ever single post. Oh and he was funny as all get up too. Than I found Martha and Joe and Tanner after that. And that was it. Ruby needed a blog too! Than I plotted...for about a month to create my, oops I mean Ruby's blog. This was well before I actually found DWB.

After setting up Ruby's blog I became somewhat obsessed to get us/her blog in whatever blog directory I could find, but than I found DWB. I couldn't believe what I found! A whole group of people just like me! Crazy in love with their pets and wanting to share every walk, every bath, every adventure! I think what truly cemented my love for DWB was how we rallied together when Oscar died. I know Greg mentioned this about Fufu, but for me (and Ruby) it was Oscar. He was one of our first pup pals and I don't think I ever cried more that weekend in my whole life. What kept me going was knowing that I wasn't alone in my sorrow...but that each one of us felt the same way. How powerful is that?

What really started out as just another fun thing to do really did become an extension of myself and an important part of my life. I have met people and their pets from all over the world...some of the most interesting and kind people I have ever known. I have gotten to share in their happiness and in their sorrow and I honestly sometimes feel much more connected to some of you, than I do with people who are right next to me. It's strange, but it is true.

So for me DWB is like family. When something fun happens to Ruby I seriously cannot wait to get online and blog all about it. And when I'm down I always know that somepup will make me laugh! Thank you Greg, Brooke, Charlie and that beautiful gruffpuppy Opy for creating such a wonderful family. And thanks to all of you for truly being great friends! I know I can always count on you guys being there for me and Ruby!

Lots of Licks, Ruby XXXOOO :P

What DWB Means To Me ~ Joe Stains

2008-10-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

Joe Stains

This is from my Mom, Rhonda:

I joined DWB after posting Joey's adventures on the Live Journal community "Boston Buddies" for a year or so. I moved to the Blogger format for more flexibility and control over the blog and started getting some comments from DWB members and decided to join the ranks.
Now that we have been part of the community for a couple of years it really has become like our extended family. I know that no matter if it is good or bad news I will always have friends to check in with after a long day at work. Even if the news is bad, knowing I am part of a support group that does help people when they need it really makes me so proud to be a part of all of this.
That being said, the best part of DWB's for me, are all the laughs. I really strive to make Joey's blog funny and entertaining as I know a lot of people have come to rely on us to brighten their day. I love making people laugh and I am humbled that so many people stop by and read about my two crazy terriers.
DWB is inspiring as it is a community of totally diverse people, all coming together to celebrate the one thing they can always count on, the love of their dogs. (or hammies, or cats and even wheeled creatures) DWB is a wonderful thing and we are so proud and humbled to be a part of it all.

Amici's Story

2008-10-12T11:44:00.000-07:00

I used to say that memories are the best kept secret. Now, as I get older I realize that memories are precious but they are even more amazing when you share them with others. What better way to share than with pictures! I wanted to capture Amici from the first day he came into our lives and onwards. The site was originally designed specifically for my family and close friends as a photo blog. Curiosity can be a blessing in disguise as I stumbled across a husky website (http://www.ringsurf.com/ring/raisahusky/). From there I browsed different sites and met our first DWB friend Steve, Kat and Wilbur (http://stevekatwilbur.blogspot.com/). Since then I have had a blast getting to meet other dogs and their people. It has brought laughter into our home and at times sadness when our fellow members are in rough times. My family still teases me about having a dog blog (http://www.oceannstarz.blogspot.com/) but I love it! DWB provides a community where people are genuinely kind to one another and supportive. It has been a different journey with Amici having seizures but the DWB community has helped us by being supportive, providing helpful sites where we can learn more, sharing their own stories, and letting us type it all out. Amici has been a fun loving addition to our family but it has really been great to find others that share the same love of dogs that we do. :) Thank-you DWB for making such a wonderful, safe, community! That is my short story- hopefully it sums up why the DWB community is so special.

What DWB Means To Me ~ Maggie and Mitch

2008-10-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

What DWB Means to Me – Maggie and Mitch’s Mom

I belong to an Airedale group on Yahoo and on this one particular day Sunshade’s mom, Elaine, posted that she had a blog and to please go visit when we had time! I love anything Airedale and couldn’t wait to go and have a look! Sunshades blog was our introduction to the blogging world and we were captivated! It wasn’t long before I noticed that Sunshade had a few other Airedale friends on her sidebar. That’s when we first met our buddy Bogie!
I commented on blogs for quite awhile before Maggie actually got her own blog. One day Elaine wrote to me and suggested that I let Maggie have her own blog and being the complete computer illiterate that I am I panicked and figured no way could I ever figure something so complicated out! But blogger was very user friendly and Elaine helped me where I needed help and I guess you could say the rest is history.
We joined DWB and I can honestly say that it’s one of the best things that has ever happened to us! We’ve met our goodest and bestest friend, Putter and sweet Asta in person and we look forward to anyone else who would love to come and visit us here in Connecticut! This community is the most loving, most caring group of people and dogs that we have ever known and we’re so proud and fortunate to be a part of it! We laugh and we cry and we ache and we feel good – it’s all emotions here and we can’t imagine life without all of our friends! We love peeking into everyone’s life and seeing what they’re up to on a daily basis and we love touring the world and seeing how other people and doggies live! It’s truly a learning experience for us too! There is hardly ever a time when we leave the house without our camera! We can’t wait to get home and blog about what we did or where we’ve been because we know that other doggies are just as anxious to read about our adventures as we are to read about theirs!
We are truly blessed to belong to DWB! Thank you so much Brooke and Greg for creating this very special place that’s home to us!

Sue

DWB ~ What It Means To Me ~ Noah, Willow, Tess & Lucy

2008-10-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

What Dogs With Blogs Means to us

By Noah Willow Tess & Lucy

Well first of all we just want to say how lucky we are to have found DWB and if it wasn’t for our good pals Molly, Taffy and the Thuglets we wouldn’t have. Over a year ago we were chatting with our pals when they first told us about DWB. To be honest our first thoughts were “what are you talking about” and “who would be interested in reading a blog about a dog”. They set us straight and told us how much fun it is. They weren’t wrong. We come here everyday to catch up with our pals who live all over the world.

DWB………It’s a special place. No doubt about it! We’ve made more friends than we thought imaginable. It’s a place to share problems, talk about fun things, share stories & everyday experiences and of course say goodbye to friends who have crossed the bridge.

We’ve learned things too. Many of our pals live overseas. We’ve seen photos of beautiful places. We’ve seen how their lives may differ to ours and learned about their day to day lives. We especially love this about DWB.

We feel like we are part of this huge family of dog loving people. People who appreciate how a dog can enrich their life. And then there are the dogs themselves. They are all wonderful, cute, special, talented and different. And it’s not just about dogs but all the cats and hamsters we’ve met. Who would have thought!!!

And lastly we’ve come to realise what a computer moron D is…..There are some talented people out there and D isn’t one of them hee hee.

Thank you for visiting our blog and making the whole DWB experience unbelievably great and thank you Greg & Brooke for the time and care you put into this wonderful site. It’s truly pawesome!

Noah, Willow, Tess, Lucy & their pinkies

What DWB Means To Me ~ Jake and Just Harry's Mom

2008-10-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

Before sitting down to write this, I read the previous entries and I agree with what everyone has said. The DWB is a unique equal opportunity home to all kinds of dogs and their people -- and those people represent the best there is in this crazy world of ours: love, compassion, generosity, selflessness, creativity, and just plain fun. I think we all know that to be true and each of us can tell countless stories of how we have laughed, cried, worried, pawtied, donated, shared information, and participated in sometimes noble and sometimes nutty adventures, all in the name of our four-legged furry companions.
For me, it all started out innocently. One of my friends on a wire fox terrier list had a blog and said, gee, you should try it. I went to her blog, then to another, and another -- and all of a sudden a cuddly wire fox terrier wearing a red St. Louis Cardinals bandana (my husband's and now my team) caught my eye. Yep, none other than Mr. Substantrial Wire himself, Gus Dagger. Jakey said to me, wow! Mom, I have to meet this dude. And before we knew it, the Barkalot Boyz blog was born and we joined the DWB (that was in June 2007 and, if I remember correctly, we were Number 514).
Since I have a more than full time planning consultant business, which doesn't allow much room for fun and frivolous expression, the Boyz' blog soon became an addictive outlet. And that addiction grew every time someone new came to visit our blog or we went to visit them. Then, on several occasions, when I was with friends or relatives, I tried to explain what the DWB was all about. And when my enthusiasm was greeted with a glazed look -- or a "get a life" comment -- I realized that one either gets it or doesn't. And I felt blessed to be one of those who gets it.
Thanks to blogging on the DWB, I've found that I'm more attentive to what the Boyz are doing and how they react to things. It's fun to write about their antics; it's even more satisfying to discover that I'm better attuned to their needs than before as a result of observing them so closely, sharing those observations with others, and then hearing others' insightful (or hilarious) comments. Recently, when a pal of ours became ill, many of his close DWB friends shared concerns by e-mail. Then we began talking about other things. And then, in response to someone's request for advice, we shared some of our life stories. And that was a real eye opener. I guess we all had suspected that behind what I like to call those doggie masks were some very interesting people. But when we shared those stories, we all realized how true it was.
So yeah, "get a life," I respond to any disbelievers. Wearing those doggie masks and getting to know such amazing people is actually a very special part of my life. A gift from the DWB.
But before I go too far on the people side, let me add that, when we had the weekend anniversary chat, I often found myself thinking that the Boyz and I really were dogs talking to other dogs -- to beautiful Arabella, or mischievous Maggie and Mitch, or the divine Diva Sophie!! Who knew??? Greg, Brooke, you've created something extraordinary and we -- Jake, Just Harry, and I -- sincerely appreciate the DWB for the many dimensions it has added to our lives!!
Joan

What DWB Means To Me ~ Charlie Daniels

2008-10-06T03:34:00.000-07:00

When I was a young pup sitting all alone in my cage at the RSPCA I had no idea what the world held for me. All my brothers and sisters had already been rescued, but it seemed nobody wanted me! Then one day HH & TBU came visiting and they could see how special I was, and importantly, I liked them too.

Charlie Daniels at 14 weeks at the RSPCA

When they came back to rescue me a week later, they couldn’t believe how much I had grown in 7 days. By the look in their eyes, I could tell they were maybe having second thoughts about adopting me, but I am so happy they agreed to take me into their family, ‘cause my future didn’t look very bright if they didn’t.

I think it was at this point, TBU thought about documenting my growth in pictures, just so My Bi-Peds could watch the stages of my life in years to come, so he started setting up a blog for me. As he had never really blogged before he began experimenting and came up with my current blog, having no idea how many other doggy blogs there were out there on the internet! Maybe he wasn’t crazy after all!

In the process of testing my blog for SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), he found lots of other doggy blogs out there and then stumbled upon DWB via a Google search. After making a few posts in my blog, he decided to ask if I could join DWB. I was really happy when Opy said it was OK, and I have not looked back since.

From the moment I joined I was greeted by some wonderful new friends. I had no idea I would meet so many other puppies, and still can’t believe I now have friends from all over the world who visit me regularly and I am allowed to visit them ... I never expected to be able to watch them grow up! It’s like I am a part of their lives too!

To me, DWB is like a fantastic virtual Bark Park. We dogs get to play with each other, and the Bi-Peds get to share information and help each other look after us in ways that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.

It’s sort of like having a huge extended family ... something I never thought I would have when I was sitting in the RSPCA all alone ...

Charlie Daniels at 12 Months

Charlie Daniels.

What DWB Means To Me ~ Sophy

2008-10-04T13:08:00.001-07:00

Laughter.
When I decided to start Sophy's blog it was because I knew it would help me laugh as she and I got to know each other and that's better than getting upset or frustrated. I knew adopting a dog from a shelter would require patience and love but I also knew it would require laughter. And once I decided to start a blog for Sophy I decided to see if there were other dog blogs out there--I knew there had to be--and I found Dogs With Blogs.

It's great to be part of a community who know how much dogs can enrich our lives and with whom we can share both the joys and challenges.

Best,
April Kihlstrom (on behalf of Sophy)

What DWB Means To Me ~ Ben The Rotti

2008-10-03T03:51:00.001-07:00

In Mum's Words...

Ben ~ What DWB Means To Me.

When we adopted Ben back in January 2008 we had built up a fairly special bond with the charity we got him from and didn't want him to be just another dog that left their care and they never heard from again.
We decided we wanted to keep them updated on his progress and show them just how valuable their work was and how they had changed his
life forever.
So we started a blog on a small blogging community. It was never intended to be long term, the blog only allowed one page of posts.
Then we received an email from Lynne who runs the charity we adopted Ben from. She told us how reading Ben's blog inspired them to carry on when they were having a really difficult day (as all rescues have on a regular basis)
and how seeing him happy and settled in a home surrounded by love meant so very much to them.
We realised that it was important to keep going with the blog and to keep reminding them that all their hard work and efforts are remembered and appreciated always.
We googled for an idea where to find a more permanent space to blog and somehow arrived at the FleasBlog.
The first thing we saw was an unbearably cute picture of Simon and for days we were just hooked reading all the posts.We then googled Dogs With Blogs and decided to join the community and move the blog to Blogger.
Almost immediatley comments started to appear on the blog! The blog had never been commented on before, it was never really intended to be, it was after all a means for the charity to see Bens progress, but suddenly other DWB dogs were visiting and we were visiting them and
literally the whole thing just spun on its head. We went from a family who felt that we and the charity were the *only* people who understood why on earth we would bring a rescue rottweiler into a house with children to feeling like *everyone* understood. We went from feeling like we were the only people on the planet that could see
what a wonderful dog he was to feeling like so many people not only understood.. but agreed!
We no longer cared when people crossed the road when we walked him, why would we? There was a whole community of people who had never once judged, critisised or even doubted for a moment that we had made the right decision.
We have never talked about this in my blog, none of the DWB community probably have the faintest idea to what extent you lifted our hearts and made us feel accepted.
Shortly before we adopted Ben an 18mth old boy was killed by a Rottweiler just a few miles away from where we live. To many in our community we were insane at best and terrible parents at worst for having him anywhere near the kids.
We had never faltered, we were experienced with the breed, we were responsible owners, the kids had been around Rotties from birth and were well trained in respecting their own dogs and strange dogs.
We had assessed him, we supervised at all times and his place in the pack was firmly laid down from the day he arrived, but that didn't matter to those in the community who judged him by his breed and some days it got us down
This community has never judged, never questioned, never doubted. For that we will be forever grateful because in those early days we never felt alone. You may be hundreds and thousands of miles away but you helped us more than people who lived 50 yards away from us.

As our time with DWB has grown and we have become aqauinted with more and more members we have realised that we are a part of something really special, something really unique. We have cried real tears and felt real grief for pups and cats we have never met, we have worried and fretted over our furry friends and their two legged sidekicks and cried with laughter with them too.
We have made friends with pups and people we would have never met ordinarily and feel genuine affection for all of our new friends.
We have got so much out of DWB that at times we have felt incredibly guilty that we never actually put anything back!

We miss it when we are unable to be here, like we would miss a physical friend if we were out of touch, it has quite simply become part of our lives and one that has enriched the whole experience of adopting Ben.

Thank you Greg, Brooke, Opy, Charlie, all of our DWB friends and all those we have yet to meet because each one of you is a part of what DWB means to us.. it means Friendship.

Sue, T, The Beans and Ben xxx

What DWB Means to me - Greg Lee - DWB Webmaster

2008-10-02T23:39:00.000-07:00

What DWB Means to me - Greg Lee - DWB Webmaster

When I first heard the words "What does DWB mean to you", my initial
"without thinking" default answer was "lots of hard work" Σ:o)

But that's not really true.

Deep in my heart, what DWB really means to me is that together we have
proved thousands of people from all social backgrounds can get on
together, and live harmoniously. You only have to look at the news
each day to see the worst of humanity, but DWB has become the "Anti-
News" for me. People who traditionally would be mortal enemies in
society because their beliefs are so far apart, are following each
others blogs, commenting regularly, and sending gifts if the other one
falls on hard times.

They forge friendships. True friendships based on caring and love. All
of "those" issue's fade away.

Dogs give us true unconditional love. They don't care how badly we
fail in our material lives. They don't care if we are rich or poor,
what our skin color is, what religion or political group we support,
whether we are gay, young, old, etc etc etc. They will always be happy
to see us when we come home. Their tail will always wag, they will
never say no to a hug, and just LOVE to play and have fun with you. I
see a lot of this unconditional K9 style caring coming through in the
DWB humans.

That, in itself raises an interesting point about our community. When
we first started the site, its purpose was to raise money for dog
rescue, something which it has failed, quiet spectacularly at.

But it has changed peoples lives.

It has brought people together. People have made great new friends,
people have dealt with life threatening illness and treatments,
divorces, deaths, and at least once a month I hear of these incredible
stories of how peoples lives have changed so dramatically and for the
worse, but their pawpals, and dog blogging in general have got them
through.

When people travel abroad they schedule meet-ups with other dog
bloggers. Some people who learn they only live a short drive from
other dog bloggers are getting in touch and making puppy play dates.
These people from all walks of life, from all around the world, are
being united without prejudice, and all for the love they share with
their dogs.

I have heard some unpleasant quotes lately from medical practitioners
questioning the health of dog blogging. My response is "well why is
the DWB global community having so much fun together, and the "Real
World" having wars, fighting and killing etc..?"

The answer is simple, and you don't need a Ph.D. to figure it out. You
won't find it in your text books either, but it's there. It's very
real, and anybody who has ever been blessed with a dog in their lives
knows exactly what I mean. The love we have for our dogs, and more
importantly the love we get back from our dogs goes straight to the
heart. Telling the whole world about how good this makes you feel is
not "unhealthy". Sharing this love in a community of like-minded
others is not "unhealthy". Creating caring loving friendships that
will last forever with people you would not normally associate with is
not "unhealthy". Its my opinion that some of these practitioners need
to take a step back from their books, and go rescue a dog from the
local pound and experience what life is all about.

I have learned a lot from the dogs that own me, and I am a much better
person for it.

So reading back on what I have just written, it seems that DWB has
become more about people than dogs these days. But I don't think thats
a bad thing at all, quiet the opposite in fact. I have made some
really great friends in the real world via DWB. People I would never
have known otherwise.

If the people of this world become more aware of K9 issue's, pass this
on throughout their group of friends, and one person at a time the
world becomes a better place, then the world becomes a better place
for dogs too. If the flow on effect from people thriving in our online
community is to the ultimate end benefit to dogs, in the end, the site
has not been such a spectacular failure after all.

Best Friend

Blue - What DWB Means To Me

2008-10-02T12:54:00.000-07:00

Blue

Way back in January 2007, I started blogging inspired by Canadian friend Wilma.
Then, by chance I hit Bloggers 'Next Blog' button & found Beagle Miss Nugget; a sweet who sadly no longer blogs but through her, I discovered DWB's.
Hey, I'm Dogless now but that's never held me back!
Give me a pup any day, over a human.
My next serious DWB contacts were best friends; the late funny, fuzzy Oscar & my favourite WFT Jackson, and in due course I found Marvin who Introduced to his wealth of friends - my circle DWB grew & grew but my hearts stayed with terriers, Aires & WFT's.
Although still a human outsider, I bought my DWB 2008 calendar & did my own personal 2007 Xmas card exchange with all the friends I'd made.
When depressed & wanting to quit blogging this Feb.; it was my DWB friends who supported me & I started another blog because I missed their friendship. The same goes for when I wobbled recently.
No one could have been more excited or prouder than me, when I was invited by Opy to join the Blogathon Chat room in April this year as a honary DWB member.
Wow, that was recognition big time!
And, shortly afterwards, I was allowed into thaw hallowed halls of the Bone Zone - yes, I can now vote etc.
Although, in recent months I've done many, many none related doggy posts, my heart does remains with DWB's and I view the friendships I've made via this forum, my closest, dearest, oldest & most valued.
All who know me, know I'm a lousy commenter but it's not that I don't care or visit.
I hope to long remain a DWB follower, who looks in enthusiastically & joins in the fun when she can.
Thank-you for making me feel welcome.
Love, pats & pets to all
Blue.

Charlie & Opy

2008-10-02T02:01:00.001-07:00

Well, I think I will start this off.

"What DogsWithBlogs means to me".

Around 2 years ago, Greg had this crazy idea of creating "DogsWithBlogs" - when he mentioned it to me, I was like "yes dear, if it will keep you quiet for a few days, and not bothering me - go for it". Never in my wildest dreams did we ever think we would have the community that we have today - and that we would be celebrating our 1000th member.

I still remember Greg proudly announcing that he was going to memorize EVERY pup on the blog role - which he did for about the first 20 pups - imagine trying to do that now !!!! Apart from the fact that he probably killed those brain cells off years ago :)

My first inkling that we had something really special here was when Opy was diagnosed with cancer back in June 2006 - she had a huge lump that was the size of a softball removed, and it was cancerous. Many tears were shed in our house, and our world felt like it was slowly shattering, and then we started to receive messages of support and love on Opy's blog. It didn't make the experience any easier for us - but it made us so greatful to have people reaching out to us from all corners of the globe.

As our community grew, Greg and I never ceased to be amazed at what an amazing bunch of people we had here on the site. We had people from all countries, races, religion, sexual orientation, political views etc etc - people who may not have normally "gotten along" in real life - yet everyone got along in dog blog land. Why ???? Because we ALL had something in common - a love of dogs.

Next monumental event for DogsWithBlogs was when dear FuFu passed away - we had lost pups previously - and trust me, had Greg and I realised that that would happen (yep - we didn't even think about that side of things !) - DogsWithBlogs would never have come to fruition. Our hearts break with every loss that we experience - and we comfort ourselves in knowing that we are surrounded with like minded people who can support and love those who are grieving.

Anyway, back to FuFu - our honorary DWB's member. FuFu made little hamster pawprints on each and every DWB's member - and the day he passed was a VERY sad day at DogsWithBlogs. We were all in disbelief - tears were shed - and it was so very strange to try and explain that we were crying for.....

a hamster,

who had a blog,

from Singapore,

that we had never met before !!!!

Makes me laugh now !! It sounds so absurd - and I know many members had trouble trying to explain it in exactly these terms to workmates and employers. But, it just highlighted the incredible bond that we all have here at DWB's, as everyone knew what everyone else was going through.

Jump ahead in the action, and here we are this year - our family has experienced the most heartwrenching time over the past 8 months. I won't bore you all with all the details AGAIN, but Charlie's pacemaker journey and subsequent "ups and downs" have really taken a toll on all of us. We are still riding the rollercoaster with him - and it is both physically & emotionally draining - but the genuine outpouring of love and support from the DWB's community at times when we have really needed it, has always been heartwarming, and often has left me lost for words and very emotional.

DogsWithBlogs means the world to me - it frustrates me at times - as Greg spends so much time on it, and sometimes it takes him away from us - but I wouldn't swap it for anything. I have made so many wonderful friends here - friends I will cherish forever, some I have met - others I look forward to meeting in the future.

Thank you all for being part of this adventure - and thank you to my husband Greg (also known as SHD), for one of his crazy ideas actually working - pity he didn't think of something that would make us lots of money :) LOL !

DogsWithBlogs - you either get it or you don't - it just works !

'nuff said !

Brooke (SHM of Opy the Original Gruffpuppy, & Charlie the Big Dog)

A Celebration.....

2008-10-01T01:25:00.000-07:00

To celebrate DogsWithBlogs 1000th member - we have decided to create this seperate blog to ask you all to submit an entry on what DogsWithBlogs means to you. How did you find us ? What do you love about it ? All that sort of stuff :)

Your submissions can be as long or as short as you like - they can have pictures as well.

There is no real time limit on this - probably just over the next month or so.

They will all be published here on this blog - and maybe (just maybe - at this stage), we will look at putting them all into a book format down the track.

So - put paw to paper and let us know all about your DogsWithBlogs experience.

Please email your submission's to Ben's mum and Lady Kaos's mum.

Love

Opy, Charlie & her mum and SHD.