Layla crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 4 May 2024 but her sister Nili will carry on her legacy speaking out against Animal Abuse, Domestic Violence, Breeders and how to keep your pet healthy, happy and living a good life.
The holidays have arrived
Happy Holidays Everyone, this is my first holiday without Layla, she is sorely missed but I know she is at peace today. Nili is part of my life today but I think of her daily especially with the Holidays here.
Next week we celebrate Hanukkah and this year it falls on the same day as Christmas. For Nili it will be her first with me and I plan to make it very special. She already got her Christmas presents and her Hanukkah present she will get on Hanukkah. We celebrate Hanukkah for eight days so I am going to do the way I did with Layla, give her something new or extra yum every day. For those of you that do not know Hanukkah is the festival of lights and we light a candle each night till our Hanukiah has all 8 candles lit. The story about Hanukkah in short is that the Maccabees found oil for one day, but it lasted for eight days and that is why we light the eight candles.
The lit Hanukkiot at the party last week
Hanukkah Sameach Everyone with love from Nili
Nili killed her Hanukkiah BOL
Another tradition is to eat oily food, so we eat Sufganiyot (Hebrew for Jelly Donuts) and latkes (potato pancakes) so I am going to share with you the latke recipe I used to make for Layla but I have adapted it this year using oat flour instead of regular flour. See the recipe below, they are very healthy and I bake them as it so much healthier thank frying for the dog.
One of my favorite memories of Layla, eating a latke from a Dreidel (spinning top) plate, we play them at Hanukkah
I have switched to Oat Flour instead of regular flour
I have another Hanukkah party today which I am looking forward to, am going to get fat LOL the rate this is going as I over ate at the one I went to last Sunday and am sure am going to do it again today, oy vey I need to go back on diet.
We must not forget Christmas
Why peanuts ? Pets can choke on shelled peanuts
With all the happiness going on we must not forget the pets in shelters as they deserve the love and warm home our lucky pets. January is one of the worst months in shelters as they will be overflowing with pets that have been dumped for a new puppy or have got lost. I am once again saying those that dump their pets should be blacklisted so they cannot have another pet.
On this note I want to wish everyone Happy Holidays, please be safe and remember not to drink and drive as your fur kids are waiting at home for you.
One of my special memories of Layla
With love, licks and woofs
From Nili xxx
Phew it is the weekend
TGIF!! Hello friends, the weekend has arrived, and Mom and I have been crazy busy but with lots of fun. I am sure my sister over the Rainbow Bridge is giggling as she used to do the same with her and never stopped.
Last weekend the weather was chilly but sunny, so Mom took me to our little dog park, hooked me up on my long leash and I wandered around, sniffed lots and then relaxed in the outdoors. While Mom was drinking her coffee of course this awful man sat on a bench next to us and started harassing Mom about having a dog in the park, threatened her with pepper spray if I got too close to him, and did not shut up. When he told Mom that dog owners smell like dogs Mom replied to him that a fox smells his own tail, he looked at her not understanding, so she said google it BOL. He was not impressed and I got so mad I started barking at him. So Mom packed up our things and moved to another bench, when he said goodbye, Mom replied she has not patience for toxic people and the air was cleaner at the other bench. He said nothing and we sat down again, Mom tied me to that bench for safety, got out her coffee and just relaxed. It turned out to be a perfect day for us till we decided to come home. Can you believe the audacity of that person, he must be one unhappy man and as Mom says she has no sympathy for him as he was rude to her.
Mom that man is scary, I do not like him, Nili
On Monday we decided to try out the park Mom used to go to with my sister. She has been scared going there because of my leash reaction but thought maybe if I am on a long leash I will be a lot more relaxed and guess what it worked. I had so much fun there, smelling new dogs, playing with some and wandering around. It was just what I needed never mind Mom BOL, plus I learned a lot there also. I met one or two of my sister Layla’s Uncles and they spoiled me with treats, yum, so I cannot complain I want to go there again. I actually did not want to go home BOL.
Watching everyone
On Wednesday was crazy day, very busy with lots of fun. I went to the park and then we met Uncle, and he took Mom out for lunch at her favorite place Palmyra. It is Syrian food which Mom loves, and they make a garlic sauce called Toum which Mom cannot get enough of, she smells of garlic afterwards BOL. The owner was so nice and brought me a bowl of water and I of course climbed on the booth seating and tried pinching some of Uncles food, he said NO, and I was not happy but he did spoil me with a Hanukkah present, my first, a Star of David chew toy so I had something to play with while they ate and chatted. It was really fun and we walked home through the park and both of us
Waiting for the food
Trying to get food off the table, do I look innocent ?
When we got home I got another surprise, a goody bag for Christmas with lots of treats and a new squeaky giraffe, I love him and am squeaking and playing with him also all the time. Mom explained to me it is that time of the year for giving gifts and me likes that. My toybox is overflowing and I think Mom is going to need to get me a new one BOL.
I got a goody bag woof
My Star of David new toy
Today it rained, but as soon as there was a break in the rain Mom took me to the park where I sat in a puddle, got my butt wet, and played with some dogs, Mom was very proud of me as I behaved so got some extra treats when we got home.
He even played with me it was fun
The weather is yuck and everyone has gone home
I am not sure what Mom has planned for this weekend, but she told me she is going to a Hanukkah party on Sunday and I am going to have to stay at home, it is not fair but I will be good and guard the house with lots of barking, woof.
So as you can see Mom is a very busy senior BOL and I am keeping her on her toes as much as possible to keep her young, she is also baking me treats once a week for my kong to keep me busy so I am a very lucky happy rescued fur kid. I will share recipes next week for your pups.
Have a safe wonderful weekend and week everyone, stay warm and dry
With woof and hugs from Nili
December 5 is Celebrate Shelter Pets Day
TGIF! The weekend has arrived and today, Thursday we celebrated Shelter Pets Day. As the mom of a rescued dog, and only having rescued all my life, a Mutt lover, today is a very important day for so many reasons. It is a day dedicated to pets that were originally from the shelter and pets that are still in the shelter.
Millions of cats, dogs, and other animals enter shelters annually, through no fault of their own. Because they were abandoned, surrendered, or lost, these pets deserve a second chance at life in a loving home. Celebrating Shelter Pets Day shines a spotlight on the remarkable companionship and unconditional love these animals can bring us.
Adopting a shelter pet transforms the life of an animal but also changes the lives of the adopters, enriching our lives and making us better people, helping some combat loneliness, health issues and so much more.
My first rescued dog was when I was a child, his name was Caesar, a big goofy mutt who we had to rehome when we left South Africa. Then we found Whiskey on the streets in Israel, this was the days before microchips, and she came to live with us and when we went back to South Africa she came with us and lived a good life till the age of 14.
I then went back to Israel and rescued 3 cats, Sasha, Shula and Pichevkes, they all lived long good lives with me each passing a year in between. My late father used to call me the Crazy Cat Lady and that was the days before internet.
Since in the States I rescued Baby, who ran with me from the Domestic Violence Relationship and when we were free and living in our own home, she unfortunately got IMHA and passed away within 48 hours. I waited 3 months in January 2011 I rescued Layla and the rest is history. Layla taught me so much that opened my eyes to the problem of shelters being overcrowded with Shelter Pets, which breaks my heart. When Layla passed away in May without even hesitation I in July rescued Nili who is settling beautifully and my new fur kid.
My beautiful Baby
Layla in the shelter
Nili in her cage in the shelter
Why celebrate today, we must celebrate the lucky pets that have found homes, the shelters and rescues that give the pets a second chance at love, they deserve awards for the amazing and tireless work they do
How can we celebrate daily:
- Adopt a Pet
- Supporting a Shelter
- Share a story
- Foster a Pet
- Advocate for adoption
Now you all know why I am against Breeders and Puppy Mills, there are so many beautiful pets in shelters waiting for homes, and we must speak out for them as they do not have a voice.
Have a wonderful weekend and please be safe
Nili and her mom
December 2024 Pet Holidays and Observances
WOW can you believe December has arrived, end of 2024 and 2025 is just around the corner. Lets see what is happening this month so we do not forget anything.
Month
- National Cat Lover’s Month.
One Day
Dec. 1: National Twin with Your Dog Day. Created in the UK by Leo Charley & Me, this day encourages dog owners to match their outfit to their dog’s! #twinwithyourdogday
Dec. 2: National Mutt Day. Also see July 31.
Dec 4: World Wildlife Conservation Day
Dec. 5: Celebrate Shelter Pets Day. Humane Society of the United States. Always the first Thursday after Thanksgiving.
Dec. 9: International Day of Veterinary Medicine.
Dec. 10: International Animal Rights Day.
Dec. 11: Holiday Food Drive for the Needy Animals Day.
Dec 13 : National Day of the Horse
Dec. 15: National Cat Herders Day.
Dec 25: Christmas Day
Dec. 25 : Hanukkah starts in the evening
Dec: 31: New Year’s Eve
Have a wonderful December everyone, stay warm and safe
Nili and Me
Thank you Everyone
Dear Friends,
As you know Thanksgiving was today, and like my sister Layla did every year, I would like to thank so many for being so kind to me the past five months for following my new journey with Mom, my quirks, mischief and most of all watching me grow, build up confidence and keep Mom on her feet.
I also have a special thank you for the fantastic pet products that are keeping me healthy. I am still a young dog, but eating healthily with the correct supplements and food will only pay off in the long run as they are all keeping me happy and healthy.
Yumwoof
Your airdried food is so good, I positively think all my friends should eat it plus your Perfect Dog Food Mix is the best as Mom adds the eggs and protein in and I do not know I am eating all the veggies and fruits so am getting a balanced diet.
You can read more on this link : https://yumwoof.com/?ref=nbmzrsze
Plus have a 5% coupon YumNili when shopping.
yum yum yum
Real Mushrooms
Mom calls them the magic mushrooms as she has noticed a positive health change in me since I am taking them. I get the immune chews in the morning before breakfast and when needed I get their relax chews also.
You can find more about them on their website: https://www.realmushrooms.com/
You have a 10% coupon with LaylasWoof
Vetericyn
This company has fantastic wellness products for hot spots, wounds, ear wash and so much more which Mom uses on me when necessary. Their one product that Mom is really happy with is their ALL IN Adult Supplement. This supplement keeps all my insides healthy and oy vey am pooping good, BOL. I get one each morning in my food and it is working wonders.
Coco Therapy
Organic Coco Nut Products for dogs and cats which are fantastic, and I have seen a big difference in Nili especially with her skin and fur.
This I add to her food daily and she loves their treats
Mr Peanut Pet Carriers
Nili arrived in their expandable pet carrier which fits well on the back seat of a car and very safe. We used it to transport Nili from Southern California home to SF. I also used their stroller for Layla and highly recommend their products.
The pet carrier Nili arrived home in
Yomp Products
Great sturdy safe products for your pets, Nili loves the ball she has from them that can be filled with treats and keeps her busy for hours.
You have a 15% off with coupon LaylasWoof
Big Defences
All-natural healthy dog treats which Nili approves.
https://digdefence.com/pages/premium-treats
I want to eat them all
So, as I finish this letter I want to thank a very special lady, my Mom for putting up with all my nonsense, bratty moods, waking you up at dawn, hogging the bed and so much more BUT most of all for rescuing me with a special thank you to my Uncles in Southern California for making the rescue happen, you are all my heroes.
Back to squeaking have finished my blog
Happy Thanksgiving friends, please be safe and have a wonderful weekend,
With love from
Nili
We have had a busy week
Woof hello friends,
The week is over, and it is cold and rainy here. We have had a busy week, or should I say Mom has been crazy busy here while I eat, sleep and bark boss her around. My sister Layla told me that I must bark at Mom to get her going so I am following my sister’s advice, and it works. I bark to wake her up in the morning, then jump on her to make sure she gets moving so I can go for my morning walk and have breakfast and then I normally nap while Mom has her coffee and gets her business done.
When I arrived at home Mom had done some organizing in our home, which is a small studio but cozy and comfy. Over the past months Mom realized one of my favorites is to look out of the window and I would jump on her to get to the window BOL and stand on the edge of the bed. So, Mom this week did some rearranging of the little bit of furniture we have so that I could sit comfortably and look out of the other window and not bother her. WOW did she make some changes which really look nice, and I have more space to play plus she put my bed next to the cane box so she is not tripping on it all the time, and yes she did fall more than once but thank goodness did not hurt herself, phew.
My new place to sit or lie and look out of the window and my bed is here right next to Mom’s desk so I can nap comfy next to her
She also did a big clean while moving things around so for two days she was crazy busy and now we are all happy and getting back to normal whatever that is in our house. I also have all my toys in two baskets, not one and that collection seems to be growing and really fun as I love squeaking my toys and playing. I love playing fetch with Mom whenever I can so I cannot complain life is good here.
Last Sunday I went to the park. It was chilly but great to be out and I made a new friend, she is also a rescue and her name is Tess. I was on a long leash this time so had more freedom although I was tied to the bench as always but having that freedom made the park even more fun. I am really trying to be a good girl although I forget sometimes and nip Mom for attention or play tug of war with my leash and I tangle Mom with she nearly falls down, she keeps explaining to me that that has to stop before she really hurts herself and her wrist is already black and blue, but what can I say it is fun. When we get home now, as our building is secure, she lets me run around the corridors to burn off energy and when she says inside, I run to our door which she opens and I run inside, this part of our walk is really fun.
My new friend Tess
Watching the stairs to see who is coming
Mom I am watching you, Nili
So that has been our week, of course Mom has been doing other errands and this week she even took me with her to the supermarket where there were lots of yum smells but I was not allowed to touch anything, that is not fair, but I must admit it is fun just to be with Mom.
This weekend we are going to hibernate as the weather is going to be cold and rainy and I do not like the rain, but the best thing is I have the window to people watch and bark orders when I think necessary plus my bed to nap in.
Life is good when you have a comfy cosy bed to nap in, Nili
Stay warm everyone, be safe and make lots of memories
Love and woof from Nili
Today is Shop with your Dog Day
TGIF, Good Morning Friends, Friday has arrived, and I am not sure about you but I need to put my feet up and relax, I am exhausted although Nili is always ready to go out, her batteries are always ready and do not need to be recharged.
Winter has arrived, it has been cold and raining here and I have learned something new about Nili, she does not like the rain BOL but is very good when I put the raincoat on so am relieved that she will wear it and stay dry.
This raincoat belonged to Layla, it is made from a broken umbrella (a friend made for her) and I just love it and so happy it fits Nili as I love recycling
The holidays are around the corner and did you know today is Shop with your Dog Day. Like we need to be reminded LOL but it is a good excuse to go shopping with your dog and of course spoil him or her at the same time. I am sure we all have a list of what we need plus the extra list of what we want, especially for our dogs so let’s go shopping
It will be Nili’s first holiday with me, and I celebrate Hanukkah so am going to spoil her rotten, although she is not spoilt enough already. I was looking at her pile of toys that she has accumulated in less than 4 months and the toy basket is overflowing already plus her can where I store treats if full to the top also but hmmm, I know me I will buy more cos of my guilty conscience.
Mom I want some more toys, Nili
Are you going shopping today or this week? We cannot wait to hear what you bought for your dog or cat. You can look at this link to get an idea of what you can buy plus there are coupons so you can save some money also. Plus don’t forget the shelters who are always needing something, thank you.
https://laylaswoof.com/?page_id=19
Happy Shopping and have a wonderful weekend
Nili
Let’s play
TGIF!!!!! Phew, is it Friday and I need this long weekend, do you?
Nili is doing all the talking today although Layla of course approves what she says as she is learning well to listen to Mom and what to dictate when it comes to our blog.
Winter is around the corner and that means being indoors more than normal, so I have once again been searching the internet for things to keep the Madam busy with and as she is, so food motivated (she gets veggies most of the time as treats) LOL I found this amazing ball which I had to get for her.
Where are the treats Mom
This is fun, Nili
It is from a company called Yomp, their toys are great, safe and not made from plastic. They are sustainable for both cats and dogs which is double awesome as us as pet parents can give them to play with and have no worries. The one I got for Nili is Snackin Ball. It is Food grade silicone, BPA and Latex free, gentle for the teeth, dishwasher safe, unique chewy texture and of course great for hiding treats. You can stuff it with Greek Yoghurt or Peanut Butter and freeze it, or just put regular treats in it although I have been putting cut up pieces of carrots and apples.
It bounces so well it nearly knocked Nili on the head when she was playing with it, but it keeps her busy all day, and that is so important as she is getting exercise which is what she needs especially now that winter is arriving, she needs a way of burning off energy and calories. I sit and throw it for her, and she fetches it, although big it is easy for her to carry as it has the ridges for the treats which help her hold it.
I am in love with this ball, plus it does not squeak so there is a bit of silence in the house LOL plus she cannot kill it which is great as up till now every toy I have bought her she has killed them within a couple of hours plus best of all it cannot get under the stove like some of her others and then I have to move the stove to get them.
This is one toy I would really recommend you get if you have an active dog, especially as it will keep them busy with or without the treats or halfway through play time add the treats.
They have some fantastic toys on their site, a must look especially with Hanukkah or Christmas around the corner – great stocking stuffers.
Their link for shopping is : https://glnk.io/r5rm4/ruth15 and you have 15% off with the coupon LaylasWoof.
Yomp sponsored Nili by giving her this ball as a gift.
I am now off here as I need a nap from playing all day,
Have a wonderful long weekend and be safe
Nili
November Pet Holidays and Observance
November has arrived WOW, the year has gone so fast I cannot believe it. As usual there is lots going on for our pets and below is the monthly holidays and observances.
To celebrate Adopt a Senior Pet Month Layla is having her say this month
Month
Adopt a Senior Pet Month. By ASPCA.
National Senior Pet Month. Created by National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS).
National Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Sponsored by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) and the Animal Cancer Foundation. (Also see May events.)
Pet Diabetes Month
K9 Epilepsy Awareness Month – #NEAM Sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation and K9 NEAM by the FiveSibes #LiveGibsonStrong #Paws4Purple Initiatives
Week
Nov. 3-9: National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. From The Humane Society of the United States. First full week of November.
Nov. 10-16: Human-Animal Relationship Awareness Week. Created in 2016 by the Animals & Society Institute, this week (always the 2nd week in November) is also known as HARA Week.
Day
Nov. 1: National Cook for Your Pets Day.
Nov. 1: International Pet Groomer Appreciation Day.
Nov. 4: Blog4Peace Event – The theme this year is HOLD THE LIGHT.
Nov. 7: National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day.
Nov. 12: World Animal Enrichment Day.
Nov. 15: National Shop with Your Dog Day.
Nov. 16: National Slobber Appreciation Day.
Nov. 17: National Black Cat Day.
Nov. 17: National Take a Hike Day.
Nov. 18: National Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Awareness, Research and Education Day.
Nov. 19: National Get a Pal For Your Pet Day.
Nov. 23: Wolfenoot. This annual holiday, started in New Zealand, celebrates the Spirit of the Wolf and “is about celebrating our pack – human and animal – helping where we can, and making the world a better, kinder place.”
Nov. 23: Thankful for My Dog Day. Founded in 2020 by M.Y.O.S. Canine Muscle Formula, this pet holiday gives thanks for all that our dogs give us each and every day. (Nili gets MYOS daily in her food. Here is the link https://myospet.com/?aff=852)
Nov. 28: Thanksgiving
Nov. 30: World Pet Day
Have a wonderful November and please be safe and warm
With Woof and love from Nili
Finding the Right Food for your Dog
Good morning, we hope you had a fun Halloween and did not overdose on treats and chocolates and your pets were safe. We stayed home and watched all the people from our window, Nili favorite past time BOL so she was a happy girl. Of course, she had to bark now and then to let everyone know she was there.
Adopting a new dog, after losing your previous baby, Angel Layla, whom you had cooked for over 14 years is learning to change things, adapt to the new fur kid and her needs and each day is a learning experience as you only want the best for her so she will live a long and healthy life. As most of you know I am against kibbles and will not feed them to my pets, each to his own and we can argue about this subject for hours, but I will not relent and give Nili lousy kibble. So, I started searching on the internet for a good raw kibble with all the goodness in preferably air dried and came across this company YumWoof.com.
I have been researching air dried so that I can be prepared for an earthquake with good food in the bag and not have to worry and that is another reason I decided not to home cook so much.
There are many reasons I said wow to them but before I do I want to discuss the difference between air dried and freeze dried.
Freeze Dried Dog Food :
- Low moisture content: Contains very little moisture, typically around 2%, making it lightweight and with a longer shelf life.
- Ingredients are rapidly frozen, then the water is removed through sublimation (turning directly from ice to vapor).
- Can be crunchy and crumbly, often rehydrated before feeding.
- Preserves most nutrients, good for travel due to compact size, can be a good option for picky eaters when rehydrated
Air Dried Dog Food :
- Retains more moisture than freeze-dried, closer to the moisture content of raw food.
- Ingredients are gently dried with low heat airflow, allowing for more natural nutrient preservation.
- Denser and chewier than freeze-dried.
- May be easier to transition to from kibble due to texture, considered a good option for dogs with sensitive digestion.
The products I tried with Nili are:
- YumWoof Perfect Dog Mix: Ingredients : Coconut Flour, Vitamins and Minerals, Organic Inulin, Pumpkin, Hemp Hearts, Blueberries, Cranberries, Carrots.
My favorite as it is versatile as you add the protein to it so it can be changed every couple of weeks but they are still getting a healthy balanced diet, affordable and low in carbs. They have recipes on their website also for ideas.
I am being a piggy as I should be modelling with the food but had to gulp some down, Nili
- YumWoof Perfect Super Food: Grain Free Low Fat Turkey: Ingredients: Turkey Meat, Turkey Organs, Tapioca, Carrots, Apples, Organic Coconut Oil, Cumin, Thyme and Rosehip.
- YumWoof Perfect Kibble Beef Pot Roast Recipe: Ingredients : Fresh Meat, Whole Eggs, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Flaxseed, Carrots, Gluten Free Oats, Blueberries, Cranberries, Chia Seeds, Seaweed, Beef Liver and Pumpkin.
If you touch these bags I will be angry, NIli
So, as you all can see I am learning daily also but making sure Madam gets a healthy diet as I say food might be a big cost but it’s still cheaper than vet bills and if we start early long term we have a healthy happy fur kid and that is all that matters to me.
YumWoof was kind enough to sponsor this post and I am happy to share with all of you.
You can find all further information on their products on their website : . https://yumwoof.com/?ref=nbmzrsze
There is 5% off all purchases with this coupon YUMNILI
Have a wonderful weekend, be safe
with a woof and love from Nili