Category Archives: Rescued Dog

#rescued dog, #dogpark, #dogtreats #dogs

November has arrived

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TGIF !!!!!!!!!!!!!! 


November has arrived and with it the fog and cool weather, not sure about others but I am loving it and know Layla is happier also.


As usual we are busy running around like lunatics or should I say I do the running and she sits in the backpack, what a life LOL.


Last weekend was hectic. We were going to go out with friends on Saturday but last minute it was cancelled so off we went, Madam sitting happy in the backpack while I went grocery shopping, I have come to the conclusion it is not easy carrying a 15lb dog on your back while trying to carry another couple of pounds of groceries in a bag LOL, so what I did was when we got off the bus, I took her out of the backpack and put the groceries in and made her walk home.  She was very happy and so was I. By then I was dragging myself from exhaustion.


In the afternoon we just relaxed, napped and then went and spent sometime in the park. It in the end was a great Saturday.


Sunday morning I worked, was supposed to volunteer but it did not happen so I took Madam to one of my favorite events Dog Day Afternoon which the Pawtrero Pet store holds every year. They close down a street and turn it into this fun event with lots of booths with samples, rescue organizations plus so much more.


There were so many Booths there with really interesting products, some I know and some I did not know existed, SF dog bakery, etc so it was great to see what is happening in the Pet Industry. Layla of course ate herself through the entire event LOL while sitting in her backpack and I took photos and chatted with everyone.

If you click on this link you can see Madam tasting a treat and enjoying it big time from a San Francisco Dog Bakery

https://www.facebook.com/layla.epstein.50/videos/145313370161781/


Layla and I want to woof to Ray for once again organizing such an amazing event and the weather was perfect. I hope all the rescues found homes which always makes these events special.


By the time we got home I was tired, Layla was full of energy of course but I decided I needed a nap and that is what we did. I did make sure before going home that she would have a great run through the park.


With day light savings happening our park time has shortened so am now trying to get her there whenever possible. I hate the day light savings and Layla is not happy walking in the dark.


With November here, and the cooler foggy weather our lives are going to slow down quite a bit, time for hibernating as Madam does not like the rain and have not told her that it is arriving soon shhhhhhh. I also think all the dog events are now over for the year which I am sad about as I do enjoy them.


So on this Fall note we are wishing you all a great weekend,

With a Woof and love from Layla 

Wow October is over

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TGIF !!!!!!!!!! 

We cannot believe that 2019 is nearly over, this year has gone too fast.  Who feels the same way ?


I am typing this while looking out the window at all the kids and dogs dressed up for Halloween and some of the parents too, I can see everyone is having lots of fun and of course you have the drunks among them LOL. Layla is fast asleep and keeping her indoors this evening, rather be safe than sorry.

I am sharing a memory of Baby RIP at the only Halloween Party she went to as the costume was priceless.

I still think one of the best costumes in the world BOL


While talking about Halloween I entered her into this contest and if anyone wants to help her win which would be awesome you can click on the link below and it can be done daily. I plan to donate the Bark Boxes to one of the non profits for their Pet Pantry.

http://wshe.es/lO8z1fAh

Last weekend Layla of course went to the Shih Tzu meet up to play with all her fluffy friends, it was fun to hang out with lots of little fluffs and of course be at a different park.


On Sunday we just relaxed and took it easy hanging out at our park with Danielle, a good friend of mine that owns and runs a Sanctuary in the mountains near Yosemite, chatting and catching up. She does amazing work rescuing all the poor senior, disabled, sick pets that are dumped in shelters so that they can live the rest of their lives in comfort in a home. Layla adores her and was in her element to spend time with her. 

On Wednesday some friends of mine took me and Layla on an outing to a beautiful place that I did not know existed and WOW it was amazing. The weather was coolish although warmed up around lunch time.
We walked along this stunning trail with the sea at the end of it, it is called Mori Point near Pacifica about 30 minute drive from San Francisco. Layla was amazing and walked most of it but I carried her in the back pack on the way back to the car as she was hot and tired. That is when I say phew thank goodness I have the cooling vest, backpack and so much more as it makes life so easy to take her.I would have loved to have gone down to the beach but will do it next time I go as I will be more prepared with a towel.


A collage of some of the beauty

I wish I could put all the pics up
I love flowers
the Madam in the car going there, walking and the backpacking

My favorite picture

Layla is exhausted from yesterday and basically been sleeping and eating and quick walks to do her business today LOL, poor baby.


So as you can see we are always on the move although Layla has it easier as when running errands etc I leave her at home. 
As you can see life is never boring in the Layla neighborhood and we have a busy weekend ahead of us, another fun outing with friends on Saturday and Sunday we will be going to one of my favorite pet events. 
We hope you all had a great Halloween and did not OD on candies LOL or our pampered pets on treats.

And before we forget today, 01 November is National Cook for Your Pets Day, I never knew there would be such a holiday to honor us who do cook for our pets. Here is photo of Layla’s food and just finished putting 4 containers into the freezer.

My Pampered Princess eats well 


What are your plans this weekend ? We hope you have a wonderful one and of course cannot wait to see the photos,


Woof with love from Layla 


Halloween has arrived

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Good Morning all my friends,

The week is over and it has been as busy as always.

I do not normally share what I am doing but the last two weeks I have been running around going to interviews as I am planning to stop teaching and do something that I have wanted to do for a long time. I am looking into becoming an advocate for those that need help and in the spring hopefully will be doing a course in Domestic Violence Advocacy so it has been crazy here and Layla has been stuck at home more than normal.

So over the weekend we spent quality time together in the park as the weather was perfect and we are trying to take advantage of it before the winter arrives. I made no plans so that it would be just her and me and it was awesome as I am feeling guilty LOL.

When October arrives Halloween parties at pet stores pop up everywhere but this year I chose to do one only.

There is a great pet store here in the city, Pawtrero that every month has a Yappy hour on the third Wednesday of the month in their dog park and yesterday was Halloween themed so I packed Layla in her back pack, took her on the tram which she loves, and off we went. It was a really great event and Ray, the owner is just amazing always organizing fun events, gives back to the community and helps the rescues. They will be having another great event next month which I love to go to every year and really looking forward to it.  Thanks Ray as always for the fun and wonderful photo you took of Layla, plus Layla woofs thanks Uncle for the goody bag I came home with.

Yesterday was really hot so I kept Layla inside although in the late evening we went to the park and just sat chatting with friends which is a great way to end the week.

This weekend is busy, Layla has her Shih Tzu meet up which will be fun and after we going to meet a good friend of mine who owns and runs this amazing sanctuary  near Yosemite.

DREAMS, a final resting place for Disabled R Senior Animals. A home sanctuary in the hills of the central valley of Cali, for senior animals in need

https://www.facebook.com/pg/dreamsanctuary/about/?ref=page_internal

On Sunday I have not yet made plans LOL.

What are your plan for Halloween? Any dog Halloween parties? We would love to hear from you.

So now Madam is going to bed, dreaming of treats LOL,

Have a wonderful weekend and HAPPY HALLOWEEN Woof

With love and woofs

From Layla

The weekend has arrived

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TGIF !!!!!!!


It has been a long week and phew thank goodness the weekend has arrived. I just hope there will be no more tremors and I can relax a bit. Yes I did check my earthquake kit again LOL.


Last Saturday we went to Bark in the park K9 Heroes event in our park which of course Madam sat in her backpack and I did the carrying. She was not happy with all the noise especially the jets flying over head so on Sunday we just lay low and relaxed in the house which she was happy with. I had the Jazz going to keep it as calm as possible plus to block out the jets. So I spoiled her with lots of treats.

Talking about treats we got some new goodies to try out. They come from one of our favorite local stores – Jeffrey’s Natural Pet Food Store. What she got was some frozen raw chicken necks and I must say she is going to town on them. Loves them and sits on the bed moaning to get more although I am only giving her one a day.

Madam will not  sit still for anything when she gets one so sorry
 about this pic


Jeffrey’s is a local raw pet food store, they prepare their food daily in San Francisco sourcing local ingredients, quality ingredients: fresh, raw, quality meats, free from hormones and antibiotics, fresh organic vegetables, and their own vitamin mineral mix. They make food for both dogs and cats.

You can read all about them on their website https://www.jeffreyspets.com/

I also had to compensate Layla big time as she got punished LOL with a bath this week, lying in the park with all the leaves falling had made her dusty and itchy, so it was needed and she was happy to come home and chew on another neck.




As you all know October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month we are sharing important info all the time to remind everyone to be safe, both humans and animals.


So that has been our week, Madam as usual being spoiled and me working hard to keep her happy, what a perfect balance.


Have a wonderful weekend all,With a woof and love from Layla

October is a busy month

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TGIF !!!!! 


As you know October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month where we pray for all the victims, both humans and animals that they will be able to get away from the abuse safely.


So before I start with what has been happening in the Layla Neighborhood I want to remind everyone what to do if your pet is threatened. It is so important to remember this as this way you will know you have proof that your abuser abused your pets too which will make it easier for you to get them away.

October is a month where I think and miss Baby a lot as she was part of that dark chapter of my life but another reason I miss her is because October is filled with so many Halloween events which I was never able to do with her so I try to do as many as possible with Layla, and I often question myself am I doing it for her or out of guilt not being able to do it all with Baby.


Last weekend we went to a great Halloween Event held by one of the Paw Barkeries in San Francisco. It was so much fun with so many dogs and costumes I could not keep up with them all. Of course there were loads of treats so Layla had a party munching away all the time LOL.

I am putting up some of the photos here of some of the costumes.

There were also different vendors and an introduction to insects from a non profit that is trying to save all insects.

As I always do I used a backpack for Layla to keep her safe with everyone pushing and walking around. This is a new backpack that I received from the company called Mr. Peanut’s Pet Products. It was so comfy to carry Layla in, she was so happy and one thing I really loved about it was that when I sat down to have coffee I could lie it on its side and she could lie down and have a nap. 

The backpack is PETA certified, made of vegan leatherette and faux fleece bedding pads. It is a great backpack, light weight, weighing only 2.4 lbs, waterproof which is great for when it rains, has really great ventilation with breathable mesh on 3 sides, removable fleece travel bed and compartments for treats, poop bags or medications. It comes with a 2 in 1 feeder travel set, 12 oz duel sided collapsible bowl and an amazing 20 oz Water Bottle. It is also airline approved which for those that fly with their pets it is just perfect.


They also have a program that pays forward so when you shop from them you are supporting a shelter also, and businesses that do that for me are a winner.

For more information about their products which are socially aware, ecologically produced and safe for your pets you can visit their website : https://www.mrpeanutspremiumproducts.com/

And before I forget to all our cat friends their products are for cats too.


While I am typing all this there are jets flying over head practicing for Fleet Weekend, I personally think a waste of money which could be used for so many non profit organizations that are struggling. It also reminds me of the October 1973 war when I was sitting in school with jets flying over head protecting Israel. 


So as you can see October is full of memories for me, but am at this same time trying to make great new fun memories which will not wipe out the bad but helps make the month look good instead.


Have a wonderful weekend everyone,With a love and woof from Layla


Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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Happy Friday Everyone,


October has begun and this month is a very important month for me as we will be talking about Domestic Violence and how it affects both Humans and Pets. This is also the reason I am such a strong advocate against abuse for both Humans and Animals.

To start off the month I decided to once again share my story, as I am a survivor, a proud survivor that got away and now has a voice to speak up.

I met Baby, a tan Chiweenie, while I was visiting the SPCA in Southern California. She had just been surrendered by her family. It was love at first sight. Her loving eyes and beautiful face just made me want to hold her and keep her. They kept her for 48 hours to spay her and check her out, and then I fetched her.

Baby changed my life from the moment she came to live with my now ex-husband and me.At home, I was a victim of domestic violence on a daily basis. With Baby around, I finally had an excuse to get out of the house, by telling my ex I was taking her for a walk.I went for long walks with her, which helped me get away from the stress I was submerged in day after day.My life was hard. My ex controlled the money, the computer, the phone, everything. He didn’t give me access to bank accounts, I was not allowed to answer the telephone, I could not check e-mails, not even the mail box.I was isolated from the outside world, including my friends and family. When I was allowed to talk to them, he sat right next to me, so I could not say much. He timed me when I went to the supermarket or went shopping. If I was a bit longer than expected, I got yelled at. His constant emotional abuse was to me harder than any physical abuse, since body wounds heal quicker than emotions. I was walking on eggshells all the time.

No matter what I did, to him it always looked wrong. Baby kept me going with her loving personality, her wanting cuddles, her unconditional love. And the moment we had a chance, I packed up with her and ran. We found shelter with a friend, who hid us until we could get our lives organized.We were penniless, but I knew in my heart that all would fall slowly into place once we were safe and by ourselves.

Upon arrival in San Francisco, Baby was fostered by some wonderful women from the Domestic Violence Organization Shalom Bayit (Their link is on my links page) and when possible she became the first dog accepted into a domestic violence shelter. (In another post I will discuss the pros and cons of having a pet in a Shelter)
I finally found our own little place we called home and were living a peaceful happy life with lots of laughter, fun and so much more.

10/5/10 Baby, my little trooper, my angel, my everything, grew her wings and crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She had contracted IMHA and within 48 hours passed. It was one of the hardest days of my life, one I will never forget as she had kept me going during my darkest hours.

My friend said something to me which sticks in my mind “Baby came into your life at a time you both needed each other, and left when she knew you were safe so that you could rescue another”


In January 2011 Layla arrived, and the rest is history.


If you are in a Domestic Violence Situation you can go to the National Domestic Violence Hotline :
Tel : 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or their website :

https://www.thehotline.org/

If you are in the situation we were in, know that where there is a will there is a way. Against all odds, Baby and I did it. You can do it, too and today compared to when I did it there is so much more assistance out there for you.


So we are asking everyone this month to share our story as it is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and by sharing maybe we can help others.


Please be safe, Baby and Layla’s Mom




#RememberMeThursday

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Hello to all my friends,


I know we normally blog on Fridays but because today is a very important day we are talking today to bring attention to #RememberMeThursday.


I have always rescued and that is why this day is so dear to me.

What is this day ?


Remember Me Thursday is on the last Thursday of September every year when we speak out for the orphan pets in shelters wanting homes,  they are innocent and in many ways we are to blame. 


This is a day when we all get together campaigning for them as no innocent orphaned pet should have to die in a Shelter because someone dumped them there.


It is now in its 7th year and as Mike Arms, President and CEO of Helen Woodward Animal Center says : We all come from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, but together, we can raise our voices and share one life-saving message and literally save millions of pets on this one day.”


You can read more about it on this website https://remembermethursday.org/

How can we shine a light on this :
01. Attend a Remember Me Thursday event near you. – You can find the events near you on Google or on the website above.
02. Hold a pet food plus other pet related items fundraiser for your local shelter.
03. Check to see if one of your shelters in your area are having an adoption event.
04. Speak out, encourage friends and family to adopt and open their homes to an orphan pet.
05. There are so many ways we can all help, so lets take one step forward today to do it.

On this note we would also like to wish all our fur friends and family a Shana Tova, Happy New Year as our New Year starts in the evening of Sunday the 29th. May it be filled with sweetness and health. 


But most of all may the New Year bring homes to all the orphaned pets.


With a woof and love from Layla


Mom made me work hard

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Happy Friday Everyone,


We did not blog last week as we were working the Bay Area Pet Fair which is held every year by Pet Food Express, an amazing pet food store that gives so much back to the community, and because they do everything I need for Layla I buy from them.

https://www.petfood.express/


It meant Layla and I getting up at 6 in the morning and getting home after 8 in the evening so it was a long but worthy weekend.

This fair is held at one of the fairgrounds in the East Bay and what is so important about it, is it is focused on rescue so all the rescue organizations of all animals come together there to show off and find homes for all the pets. There is a mix of dogs, cats, birds, bunnies and so much more. 


WOW is all I can say as the last I heard over 1603 animals found new homes, that is amazing and makes me so happy.


I was asked by Tropiclean to help with their booth this year, and as Layla is in many ways a Tropiclean baby I was happy to do so as I love their products. 


This year Tropiclean focused on their dental products handing out to everyone a 2 week trial pack for clean teeth and a healthy mouth which included :
01. Water additive – You add a cupful into your dogs fresh water everyday which gives up to 12 hours fresh breath and daily plaque and tartar defense.02. Clean teeth gel – You put a pea size on your both sides of your dogs molars once a day to remove plaque and tartar.03. I call the dog crack LOL – a Bone Dental Chew


I have been using these products for about 4 years, have never had to brush Layla’s teeth and they are pearly white. It is a product I swear by and recommend to everyone who is having problems brushing their dogs teeth. 
Tropiclean also has amazing natural flea and tick products, and grooming products which I use all the time on Layla. For those looking for natural products this is the place to go.

https://tropiclean.com/

On Sunday evening when closing Tropiclean donated to some of the rescues boxes of their dental products which I think is so great as that helps the rescue organizations with the new dogs they are rescuing. A company that gives back is always in my eyes a company worth supporting.


I am not being sponsored by Tropiclean in this blog.


On Monday Layla and I were exhausted and just took it easy to recharge our batteries and catch up on things in the house plus of course emails.
So that was our weekend, and of course I am working as always while Madam just walks, eats and sleeps.  She has a hard life LOL.


What did you do this past weekend ? 


Today is Friday, the start of a new weekend where I am hopefully planning to go to the Greek Festival – love their foods yummm and am going to be leaving Layla at home so I can have some Me time, what a concept.


Have a great weekend all,

With a woof and love from Layla

National Disaster Preparedness Month

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TGIF !!!!!!!!! Week is over, bring on the weekend.


Good morning friends and how was your long weekend ?  Ours was fun, relaxing and just what we needed BUT too short BOL.


On Sunday Mom surprised me and took me to the beach, I am not a fan of the sand so just lay on the blanket and watched the world go by. We went with friends and Travis was swimming and happy, I wonder how he does it and brrrrrr the water is too cold for my paws. Mom tried putting my paws in the water and I was not happy at all but she said it was important to cool me off. Well Mom if you want me to stay cool leave me at home next time. 
When we got home, I punished Mom and rolled all over the bed and carpet so everything was covered in sand BOL.  She bathed me grrrr and then cleaned up the house so no more sand, phew.


September has arrived also, and it is National Disaster Preparedness Month, this year’s theme is “Prepared, Not Scared” and I personally think that is a great theme.

With the Hurricane raging at the moment it is an eye opener as to what can happen and how important it is for us to be prepared especially as we live in San Francisco.


So how can we be prepared :


01. Have a safety plan always in case of an evacuation

02. Have an emergency bag ready at all times so that if have to evacuate you have everything and do not have to worry. Plus in emergencies the stores run out of items so if you have everything in the house one less panic and worry.

03. Make sure nothing has expired in your emergency bag.

04. Make sure your first aid kit and your pets are up to date.


05. Check the microchip information of your pets

06. Make sure you have copies of all important documents.

07. Of course make sure you have enough food and water for you and your pets for at least 72 hours if not longer. When it comes to food, treats and snacks everyone has their preferences and diet so am not going to make a list.

08. Medications

09. Phone charger

have put all in one bag as it for me be easier to carry if I have to grab her and bag and leave.


So are you ready ? Do you have a bag packed ? Let us not forget the theme of 2019 : “Prepared, Not Scared”


Layla woofs be safe everyone, take and please remember not to leave us behind.


Have a wonderful weekend all,Woof with love from Layla


Aging Gracefully

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TGIF and Woof it is a long weekend. What are your plans ?


Here in the Layla neighborhood we have been taking it slow as Mom has been running around sorting out personal things plus going for interviews for more Hebrew tutoring so it has been a little chaotic.


In between all that she has been trying to take me to the park wherever possible and then grrr she punished me with a bath. I hate them and those should be banished from us plus put on the animal abuse list. Who agrees with me ? I know she says I need them as I roll and get stinky but I like those smells better than the ones from the shampoo which makes me smell fruity. 

So Mom and I had a discussion this week about us growing old together. She told me that I need to stay healthy and that is why she took me to the vet on Tuesday for my Bi-Annual check up. She explained to me that she does it also.


Well bless my vet. I have been seeing him for 8 years now, he is so funny also but very serious too. It is the same vet that looked after my sister when she was very ill and passed away, R.I.P. Baby. When Layla arrived from the Shelter he was the vet that checked her for me and I just adore him.

He calls Mom a typical Jewish Mom and I agree with him.  She worries about everything and needs to slow down a bit. 
The breakdown from the vet visit is like this :
01.  I am a very healthy 12 year old girl. 

02.  I have allergies but he said a lot of the dogs have at the moment so nothing to worry.

03.   He wanted to give me a flu shot and Mom said no it is not necessary as there is no flu here in San Francisco at the moment. Mom does not get them either.

04.  My cataract on my left eye – I still have some vision so we are not worrying about that and as Mom joked with him she does not have good vision at all in her left eye either – so we are two peas in a pod.

05. Teeth – all good phew.

06. Weight -perfect

These are the changes we discussed as with age adjustments are made :
01.  Food – He said the diet I am getting is awesome and the only change there is Mom must stop with apples as it is too much sugar for my teeth.
This is the recipe :
Boil a whole chicken, gizzards, chicken livers with a tbsp of apple cider vinegar, vegetables : carrots, peas, kale, spinach, apples, green beans, brussels sprouts, broccoli, pumpkin or sweet potato, zucchini, cauliflower. When cooked, I cool it down, then shred the chicken without the skin and bones, I make a smoothie of the veggies using the broth as liquid, I mix all together and put in containers and freeze. When I feed her I put these supplements in her food so she has a balanced diet – Raw Paws Organic Hip and Joint Green Lipped Mussel Powder and Raw Paws Organic Sea Kelp Daily Supplement.
This is the website of Raw Paws Pet Food and I swear by their products :

https://www.rawpawspetfood.com/default.asp

You can also use ground turkey or beef instead of the chicken.   

There is a 15% discount with the coupon Layla15  

02.  He wants me to get more fish oil so Mom is researching at this moment plus we have the Bay Area Pet Fair in two weeks time so Mom said she will see what is going on as there are loads of booths.


03.  Hemp Oil – He agrees with Mom giving it to me daily to keep me calm as lately I have become afraid of all kinds of things, part of growing old.


04.  Me not wanting to go out at night for my last walk – he said that could be because of my sight and if I do not want to go out then just to leave it. I am very smart telling Mom when I want to go out especially BOL when she is sleeping.


On the way home from the vet Mom popped into Trader Joes and got me some chicken jerky for being such a good girl. 


So you all see, age is just a number as I still act  like a puppy and full of energy which keeps my old Mother on her toes and I love it.


And now of course is siesta time as the dictating is very hard, I am going to have a snooze while Mom finishes off here. I have also ordered her to see what events there are this weekend so we can do something especially as it is a long weekend.


OY before I start my siesta I want to send prayers to all those that might be hit by the hurricane in Florida, our thoughts are with you and please be safe PLUS do not forget to take your pets with you as they are family.


Have a wonderful weekend everyone, enjoy the quality time with your families and please keep your pets safe.


Woof with love from Layla