Happy Birthday to my best friend Rocco

Dear Rocco:

I just wanted to take a minute to say Happy Birthday and what your friendship means to me. When I joined the #StudClub, I knew as a member there were some big expectations. I mean we have to look good, smell good, attract the ladies, be kind, and be studly. What I didn't know is the friendships that were formed.

We were so impressed with the fact that your pawrents had a Rocco Camera to keep a close eye on your over active chair sitting. You guys seemed like our kind of people. Then we saw the wedding pictures. OMD who is so genuine that they have their Bulldog at their wedding? How truly impressive. You wore that Tux so studly!  After that, we knew, we needed to be friends.

A great memory that comes to mind weekly was the heckler that came on twitter saying we spoke bulldog ebonics. We gathered the #Studclub and responded to all his posts. We ran that Bully out of our territory!!!!
 
Another great one was the arrival of baby sister!!! I remembering sitting waiting for baby Harpsicle to come. I was secretly hoping they made a mistake and it was a boy. Just to get the look on your pawrents face. S U R P R I S E we're going to need a new decor. We know that didn't happen, but I was wishing it so.


Your parents didn't even hesitate to agree to visit with us on our planned road trip, I was going to meet my best buddy and pal. How cool was that. We are like twins, we could share clothes. I am a 38x5.

It's been a blast posting to you on twitter, sharing our fears, our hopes, our dreams and even a treat or two. When the world was upside down, you made it all seem so right. Each night Mom puts the Vine videos on and I watch you. I love watching you with Harper. You lead us to happiness and we have loved every single moment of it.

Your Mom is hawt (my dad says) Your Dad is cooler than cool (my Mom says) Harper is ADORABULL (We all say) and you my friend are the top dog.

When we got this idea to throw you a little party it was because a day without Rocco was a sad day, and we wanted to celebrate your life and birthday. My Mom mentioned it to a few people and they were all YEAH !!! LET'S DO IT!!! That doesn't happen for just anyone dude, you are  SPECIAL ROCCO. You have touched our lives with your unnerwear stories, your bacon and egg demands, turtle dunking, Hummer riding, scooter patroling, and the fact that you rock any single thing you do!

We hope you enjoy your day with your awesome family, and a few laughs from your Twitter family too!

Tonight is all about you and our love for you!

Man hugs to you!!! Gunner 

Accident issues are winding down... we are happy!

Mommy and I have been sticking close together lately because we have been worried and not feeling so great. Part of it is when you have some major test and they say we will have a follow-up in two weeks! We were like H E L L O why can't you tell me NOW NOW NOW.

We are a family of NOW NOW NOW!!! Plus add in a little unexpected health stuff and we are all the worried. The accident produced a concussion, whiplash, neck injury, legs, headaches, double vision, dizzy and so on. I am dizzy just thinking about it.

So we were summoned to the doctors office today for a little results meeting. We had a bumpy start to the appointment because a car decided to crash and block a major intersection, then Fire trucks came from all over. We were one minute tardy in our book, so we were nutsy cookoo.

Doctor said... No brain cancer, no MS, no Aneurism, no bleed and by all accounts my Mommy uses quite a bit of her grey matter. She has a little on the shoulder situation still. But she is good and does not have to have MASSAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Only physical therapy!!! woohoo.... We are loving life and celebrating.

It's been a journey and we appreciate all the love and support!

Hopefully this is a closed chapter.

New Toy Tuesday and all that it's cracked up to be.

The pawrents decided that today was donate to under-spoiled dogs and cats. They donated my New Toy Tuesday to them. I was totally cool with that, because let's face it, I get a lot of swag.

Today we took it to a place that does private rescues if you will. No hype and no bull. The look on their face when Mommy and Daddy took the toys and stuff was amazing.

Every once in a while it's not just about me. So with that, let me say this. I want to start Gunner's Hero's or something. I want others to give back to other animals. We are so lucky to have kisses and hugs,  food/shelter, fresh water, toys, blankets and beds. 

We are just brainstorming, the real work will be when my Mom puts it to paper and starts to think out loud with it. Rescue groups are wonderful entities, but sometimes they get lost in the paperwork of it all. In my specific breed, Bulldogs are high maintenance. Our bills are quite HUGE at times. Also, we are not a breed that does well being boarded. Often people think its cute to watch the dogs run and play for a long time. Our little bodies are not made for that. We should go out and do our business, some light to light-moderate exercise and back in.

At Gunner's Hero's we would love to develop a network of "hero's" that might have some time to groom, babysit, rescue, help fund-raise for a cause, or just be a New Toy Tuesday buddy to some group that doesn't have enough dog food for the week, or cleaning supplies.

We are in our infant stages, and unlike what we have been involved with in the past, we want to do something different. Something totally about the animals and not about the organization.

Stay tuned, Mommy's motivated. 

National Dog Day August 26th!

National Dog Day is celebrated August 26th annually and serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day - for their law enforcement partner, for their blind companion, for a child who is disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage.

Founded in 2004 by Celebrity Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Behaviorist, Colleen Paige, National Dog Day was created to honor dogs more than we currently do, to give them "a day", to show deep appreciation for our long connection to each other - for their endearing patience, unquestioning loyalty, for their work, their capacity for love and their ability to impact our lives everyday in the most miraculous ways. National Dog Day wishes to encourage dog ownership of all breeds, mixed and pure - and embraces the opportunity for all dogs to live a happy, safe and ”abuse-free life”.

National Dog Day is against any kind of "breed ban". Dogs should not have to lose their lives because of the atrocities they have been forced to endure at the hands of man. And while we feel that American's have the constitutional right to purchase a pure breed dog, we strongly discourage buying from pet stores, backyard breeders, the internet, newspaper ads and puppy mills, and rather encourage those seeking new canine companions, to verify that they are buying from a reputable breeder, educate themselves about their dog's breed and better yet - visit their local shelter or pure breed rescue group for a new furry family member that will be forever grateful.

Millions of dogs are killed each year because they are unwanted. They are wonderful and viable sentient beings that deserve compassion and respect. Please consider adopting on National Day!

National Dog Day can be marked as many a dog’s birthday for those rescued on the day and for all of them it will be akin to a “K9- 4th of July!” Even citizens who are not dog owners will be encouraged to donate $5 to their local shelter on National Dog Day.

What's a pal to do? Come to the online party!!! We are having a gathering to celebrate Rocco's 7th birthday.

Dog's and their best friends (the furry kind)

It doesn't seem odd if you are still friends with your college roommate, but for a dog to have a few besties, it's sort of not normal right? W R O N G.  Please understand, I do know the dangers of online friendships. We went into this as a fun thing, and frankly that's the best policy. 

I have a few besties that I truly call my real besties... Why dogs have best friends? For one, we can relate to each other. If we pewp on the floor, we don't have to be ashamed. We all did it. Can you forgive your human friend for that? I don't think so. Not likely they get a premium seat at dinner.


Another thing is we are like minded, and we sometimes need support. Often our pawrents (parents, humans) do not understand why we do certain things, and it's great to have someone to bounce oddities off of.

We also need to know how to work the treat/extra food/extra kisses/sleep in the big bed issues. So we gather and chat about it. Sometimes we meet up in person and play together.

Our bestie is there for us when we are sad, have an illness, need a prayer, need to reassure our pawrents/family that we will be ok. Finally for another rounded reason, we love each other, really we do...

We celebrate the births of babies/puppies/marriages, and sometimes the divorces. My Mommy was so deeply touched by the out-pouring of love for us when we had a little snafu this past summer that we know our best furry friends are the real deal.

Life is very short and for one small second if we can lift each other up, celebrate a birthday, pass a smile on to someone else, it's what we live for.

I have a few besties, they are my Bulldog Posse'
My favorite hangout is Twitter. That is where you will find my best-friends. To start with, when I first came on the scene, my first and favorite furry bulldog was Falco. When he crossed over Rainbow bridge, I felt like a part of my family passed away. I cried for days. Falco was who I aspired to be. His little brother came along shortly, @HenryFordBD and he is quite the character.

So, this is why we do what we do, if we can give 1 minute of happiness back for all that we have received, we are more than happy to do it. It's not strange, it's the Twitter Family way.

Our friends on twitter are not just bulldogs, we have a turtle, a parrott, and several other breeds of dogs and cats that are just as special to us. We love the Vine videos, the pictures, the stories, all of it.

When the world is grey and somber, there is a wrinkle or two online that will perk up your day. Catch a video of a bulldog playing, or Rocco opening a package, maybe even HenryFord sitting with his baby sister teaching her the ropes of misbehaving. We share a common thread but I would like to think this is what is GOOD with the world.

So from us to you, thanks for being a bestie of the very best kind! I couldn't name everyone because of length; but know you are special to us. We look forward to your posts each and everyday.

Rocco's having a birthday August 31st...

Save the Date !!! August 31, 2013
Happy Birthday Rocco!!
9:30 p.m. est

Please be on Twitter ready to party!!!

Vine video’s would be appreciated!
 

Let’s celebrate Rocco’s birthday
with a personal birthday message.
 

Party favors will be given
please email your mail
postal address where it can
be sent so you can enjoy the
party treats. !!!

A Special birthday portrait
has been commissioned by our resident Artist Sam

This is a gift from
all of us!

Accident round 2

Mommy went for an MRI today, however, she is QUITE claustrophobic. Did I mention she sort of freaks out in tubes? So, she tells them this, and guess what, they don't listen.

She goes to the MRI place, gets in the tube, freaks out, get's physically sick, gets more dizzy, hyperventilates and cries like someone stole her best bone.

My Mom is very embarrassed and they say she has to go to another place for an open one. After thrashing around in there, she hurts her shoulder but won't say anything. She want's this thing over, and frankly so do I.

We have a birthday party to plan, a vacation in a few days, a new car we are buying thanks to my BFF Rocco, (@BulliedDog on Twitter) We are getting the Gunner Mobile.

No one better try and hit me in this thing, they will be in traction, I assure you...

We decided on this model cause she can see over the dash, the other one was so big, OMD it was bad. She felt like she was riding on a ferris wheel. 

Let's hope today's open MRI goes better. I told her to drink a little cocktail first, but she is scared.

The Accident has screwed up our lives for a while...

While Mommy is still recuperating (that doesn't look right) she is having so many things she has to do because of this accident. In directly that effects me, and has an affect on me too. For instance, we don't do the car rides as much because she is scared to drive with me. Second, after she goes to therapy she hurts worse and it lays her up for a couple of days.

While I love lub lub my Mommy, she is really cranky and cannot still see straight. When she stands up she has to hold on to things or she spins like a top. On top of all that, she has people that call her, and adjusters letters and hello, what about me? Our family trip, you remember I was going to sink my silky toes into the New Jersey sand, and eat Cheesesteaks for a month.

On top of all this, Daddy's truck was smooshed and she is really worrying about that too. That was my stud ride, what if he has to get a new ride, and it's not as manly. I mean really, what is a bulldog to do.

Now Mommy won't let me ride in the hot rod cars because she is scared. Hello bad driver who hit my Mommy, we don't like you. Nothing personal but we are not living the dream over here. We might put Mommy to sleep and talk to her so she forgets, we are not sure. But in any case, we are pretty sure this summer is SCREWED!

Please send peanut butter. Thank you!

Jealousy and bulldogs do not mix well

Today Mom went to some special store to get a new door knob for my room. Mine seems to have stopped working and she was worried about it. I was ok with that, but what I wasn't ok with was ... she "ran" into a bulldog puppy. Oh I knew when she came home, I could smell another dog. I am pretty sure I knew it was a bulldog prior to her gushing about how cute he was and how we could be friends some day. OH lady NOT THIS DAY.

You see, I am a jealous bulldog. I want my Mommy to myself. I want my Daddy to myself, no matter how many I might accumulate, they are MINE MINE MINE.

I heard her say my behavior is off, well NOT so. I didn't go snuggle up to a lady as if she was my Mommy snuggling and kissing. Oh no, you did not see me do that. I have loyalty lady.

Here is her version, and for the record I strongly disagree.

At the store, there was a puppy that comes to work with this lady. His name is Stogie and so cute. Bouncy, happy, sweet and lovable.  He is 5 1/2 months old and is a real sweetheart. He came over while I admired him and said how nice he was. I invited him to a play date with the rest of the bulldogs and Gunner. He gave high fives and was sweet. But he had work to do and soon left. He did brush up against my pant legs and sniffed me.

When I arrived home, Mr. Gunner was having NONE of that. First he sniffed his dad and then gave him the cold shoulder. I was busy with some things in the kitchen and he came to my legs and sniffed. Did I mention he sniffed, oh did he. Then he came to my chair at the bar and stood up on me, barked a few times, sniffed and then puffed his lips and flopped on floor with attitude. Shortly after that, the burst of energy hit and he bounced repeatedly off the couch.

Something tells me Gunner will not like a sibling...

Bulldogs and heat exposure.

Most everyone who buys or adopts a bulldog knows they are very heat sensitive. Their push faces do not allow for much air flow. Which leads to their body heat and keeping them cool. My Mom loves me with all her heart and wants me with her at all times, but there is a time and a place for me.

Taking a bulldog out to play and watching him/her run up and down, panting and whatnot is not really good for their health. We as dogs don't know when to stop. We also do not know when it's too hot to play.

Going to the store; while we plan (pre-accident) trips in the car, we are extremely careful to make sure we are not ever leaving me in the car, or are we riding without the air conditioner. During the summer months in hot as heck Florida it's scolding hot. When you wake up and it's 80 degrees, it's definitely a stop, squat and get back in the house kind of day.

Walking on the pavement, go ahead take off your shoes and you do it. Oh what is it hot? Our pads contrary to what some think are NOT conditioned for hot asphalt or concrete.

Keeping my house at a reasonable temperature could be up for discussion, however, my Mommy knows that I cannot be in over 79 degree weather and sun. So I am at a cool 75-76 all times.

We have lost so many friends to heat stroke, it breaks all our hearts. I want my Furry friends around for a very long time, we have children to raise, and grandpuppy's to brag about.

Please take a second look at where you take me, this heat is a killer... 

We made it to the groomers and back

Mommy loaded up the car with Daddy's help about an hour and a half early. We headed out to our destination with only one deviation to kill time. She drove pretty steady and was really ok with traveling with me, moreso today than the other day. However, at almost every major intersection she would see a Humvee and thinks it's a sign. She wants one badly to drive me around in.

She kept muttering no one could hurt us in that big Humvee. As she drove several miles, she was tense and nervous but didn't scream at all, barely cussed, which is probably why I didn't get a whole lot of toys today.

When I got home, I unloaded myself like a big boy and was a perfect gentleman my Mommy said. She was so pleased with me, I believe she thinks I am growing up.

I guess I have finally realized she is at a point where the cute oh so unforgettable puppy is almost a man dog and now I will have to tow the line. She is a strict owner/show-er and I have gotten away with murder I tell you.

In the car I over-heard her say after this injury nonsense she is going to work me on a schedule. Holy Bacon of all Joys, please not a schedule, I am bulldog for Pete's sake, I can't do a schedule... But she's the boss applesauce and I guess we are getting ready to be serious about something.

Thanks for the follows and reading our journey. Stay tuned we have some exciting stuff coming up.

Car ride 101

After a lot of skiddishness if that is a word, Mommy Daddy loaded up her car (SUV) with my crate and baby bumper things. She genuflected about 7 dozen times and said some prayers to some Patron Saint of safe travels.

So we start off in the driveway, she looks both ways 4 million times, eases out a rapid speed of 2 mph. Keeping in mind Mommy is normally a speed demon, she was a racer. So the grandma mobile heads out to the first street and she looks like one of those dolls that's head spins...

Keeping in mind her neck is still stiff and sore, she is like a nut checking all directions.  As she makes her way out on a main street, she is swearing to beat the band. I am pretty sure I can fund any toy I want with just this ride in the cuss jar. After about what feels like 4 hours in the car, we get to the dog place and she goes to get out and someone parks next to us really close. OMD (which is Oh My Dog) she is going to go all Jersey on them I fear, but she calmly gets back in the car and moves.

We go in, shopping is uneventful and I don't find a harness. I don't even like any toys they have, and after that joy ride, I really could use a toy. So we head out to get in the car, Daddy lifts me up in the car we click in, all systems go for our ride home.

As she goes to pull out a car crosses in front of her against the light, here we go again... But no accident, only a lot of yelling and horn blowing. I get ready to be ON DUTY if needed and we slowly pull down the street and get back to our normal route.

I can spot the house I am so excited, I get to get out of the car and I get to watch Mommy put 75.00 in the swear/cuss jar. Oh yeah, she was naughty...

Not sure how Saturday is going to go, but if she keeps driving, I assure you she will need a SUPER HIGH PAYING JOB....just to fill the swear jar...

Wild Wednesday Gunner goes for first car ride since accident

Saturday I have my barbershop appointment with Gone to the Dogs Gone to the Dogs so this was suppose to be my first road trip since the accident. Mom has been extremely scared to take me anywhere. 

Today, we are getting ready to go to get fitted for a harness and I have to go. Which I totally want to, but the crazy lady who will be driving, (my hooman Mom) got crib bumpers to put around the crate.  She is really serious about buying  a tank car (Hummer) for transporting me in.  I know we will be ok, she is just scared and out of sorts.

I suggested we call a limo, because I like to ride in style... She actually called a local limo company that said NO DOGS allowed. Freaking nutballs. If you let a bunch of drunk women's in there (no offense Mom and friends) or horny men with teenage looking women's why not a DOG. I am not just ANY dog I have you know. 

Even after all that panting and protesting, my bulldog buttocks is riding in the Mom car with baby bumpers around my crate. Dude, it's just not right.

Let's hope no one gets in our way, my Mom is having a moment I think.

Gunner had New Toy Tuesday and we got a special prezzie.

Today is New Toy Tuesday. Gunner scored in the new toy department.

And I scored in the hooman department... Look what I got...

I tried to get him to pose with the Pillow but he kept trying to eat it... So he is in time out, the pillow is in the "good room" and we shall live happily ever after...

Love love love our boy Gunner, but he is a full time job...

Gunner gets his rope cleaned and loves it

We have been fighting with some sort of yeasty thing under Gunner's rope area. (Top wrinkle above the nose). He and I take great pains in cleaning, drying and what nots with it. Today we went all out with the Sterile Eye Wash on the rope area, cleaned and dried it really well, then applied Monostat 3 on his area. It says in 3 days it should be gone.

Gunner absolutely loves to be groomed. Until you get to his feet. Then he has a bit of an issue. But put some lady cream on him, and he is good as new..LOL..

Thankfully he is a dog, and does not know the shame he should feel...

Physical therapy bites !

Mommy is all sore and grumpy from physical therapy. I tried to give her kisses and it hurt her for me to stand on her and hold her hand. I tried to kiss her ears like I normal and she let out a small scream. I got really scared and then I frowned. I don't like that my Mom is sick. She can't act the same as always, she usually plays with me and loves on me, she just now cry's when she can't kiss me.

I'm going to go with her to Physical Therapy next week and bit the crap out of them. They are hurting Mommy and I don't like it. Dad said we have to take special care of her while she is in pain, I just want her to kiss and hug me again like always.

I might slip her a little sumting for the pain, I know I have a toy around here somewhere she can chew on.

When my friends get here today we are going to try and behave and be good for Mommy. We might even take her out to lunch. Woohoo.

Having a Canine sleep over then on to partay with the Bulldogs

It's going to be a great weekend. I'm having my two best girls over for the weekend. They are going to play and sleep and get me in trouble. We are having a popcorn party with bacon appetizers. Oh yes, I have already told that nice lady that makes the food in the big room.

Then on Sunday I get to go to a bulldog meetup with a bunch of push face dogs. I am really excited for this weekend to get here.

We have a lot on the horizon in the next couple of months... Dad and I have been planning a party for Mommy, she doesn't know but is playing along so we can try and make it nice. Her birfday is upon us soon and it's called the National Holiday here in our house.

Happy Friday everyone!