Category Archives: Adventures with a dog

Christmas has arrived

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It is a week before Christmas and I have been watching cars go by with trees on their roofs, people carrying them, on bicycles and it is such a great feeling to see some happiness in the city the past weeks with all the gloom around.  

The first is a very special memory where in the dog park I would go to with Baby and they every year dressed up a tree and hung photos of all the dogs in the dog park which was so much fun, as the lights would sparkle with all the photos and we would stand around, drink something and celebrate. That is my memory of Baby at Christmas.

 

Another memory is the Santathon which they have every year in San Francisco when everyone dresses up as Santas, the town goes red LOL and you see many drunk Santas pub crawling and having fun. It is also very special as one of the pubs does a toy drive for those that need toys. 

This I did with Layla every year, The other event is the Skivvie run which is a fundraiser for the AIDS Foundation where in the Castro Area everyone runs in skivvies and have fun, it is a great event and wonderful fundraiser. Layla and I always went to support this event.

As Nili is still learning and big crowds would be a nightmare for her and me I decided to skip them this year but I did take her to the Christmas party I was invited to, I put her in my shopping cart which is big and comfy so she would not wander around and cause havoc, she was happy but I think got bored towards the end and when we got home she fell asleep LOL after a good walk to burn off energy.

This is what I did to keep her busy BOL

 

 

I do not do much for Christmas as I celebrate Hanukkah but watching people in the streets with Christmas hats on, the happiness in the air warms my heart as life is so short and we must enjoy every moment and make lots of memories.

As always, I remind everyone to keep their pets safe around the holidays, as I always say rather be safe than sorry.  

 

Merry Christmas Everyone, may you have a wonderful one with your family.   With woof and love from Nili and Me

I have been a busy girl

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TGIF! Phew, it is Friday and I am really looking forward to this weekend, to kick back and relax as I have been very busy and Mom says she needs to put her feet up and relax BOL as I am not going to let it happen as the sun is shining so I want to be outside.

Last Saturday there was music in the park, so Mom packed a picnic for herself, treats for me of course and we went to sit in the park and listen to the music. This was a first for me listening to a band so I was good and did not bark but did run around and of course eat the mud which got Mom angry with me so after an hour or so she packed up to bring me home. She does not understand that I love the mud, it is mixed with fish fertilizer and very yummy but Mom explained to me that it can make me sick so it is a Big NO, so the mud argument started between us and of course Mom won and we came home. I moped and then napped till evening when I decided it was time to go out again, so we went for a long walk, came home and I ate dinner and Mom made hers.

Listening to the music

On Sunday, silly Mommy, she got the days mixed up and thought it was Monday, so we got up early as she had an Eye Doc appointment, but when she sat down after walking and feeding me that it was Sunday and there was no hurry anywhere we went back to bed to nap.

Aunt Alice called at about 10 to ask Mom if she wanted to go see the Dragon Sculpture in Golden Gate Park, so Mom and Aunt got their favorite lunch from Palmyra, a Syrian Restaurant and off we went. It was a long walk to get there so I got lots of exercise but WOW it is a big Dragon and beautifully made. It is 25 feet high and 100 ft long and is called Naga.

WOW it i big and beautiful

You can read more about it on this link :  https://sfrecpark.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2339

There were lots of people so Mom kept me on leash so I could not wander around and sniff a lot but it was so much fun to be in a new place and see and smell new things. Mom says I was a really good girl and gave me an extra treat BOL.

On Monday Mom went early to her Eye Appointment and the rest of the day we played together and went to our park, so I had a good run there and of course rolled in the lawn and got smelly, BOL, it’s the best.

On Tuesday was just regular park day with Mom doing her errands so it keeps her busy but OH I must not forget to tell you there was a chicken wandering around the park which I wanted to eat BOL, Mom put me on leash and called Animal Control, and they came and took him away.

Chicken in the dog park woof woof woof

Wednesday was a slowish day of housework and laundry and then in the afternoon with Aunt Allison I went to get a bath at Pet Food Express, they have a bathing station so as Mom says she does not have to clean up after my bath. I am at this moment smelling of coconut and papaya, hmmm smells yum.

I hate baths, it is torture, Nili

Yesterday I had my first class with Dani who is teaching me to not pull on leash and so much more. She took me to her garden so I would not have any distractions and I was anxious leaving Mom for that hour, but they explained to me I need to know that Mom will never give me away and will always come home. Dani told Mom once I had settled and got treats of course, I was a good girl, so I will be getting more lessons over the next couple of weeks, with Mom too as she needs to be trained.

I went yesterday evening to the park to play with Laser, he is so much fun and maybe he will be my new boyfriend.

 

 

So, friends, as you can see, I am a very busy girl, active, on diet which Mom is now counting calories BOL, but most of all having the best time. This weekend is a long weekend, and we are just going to hang out in the park and relax plus recharge our batteries.

Happy Labor Day Weekend, take lots of photos and please be safe

Angel Layla smiling wish all her friends a Happy Labor Day

With a woof and love from Nili

Let the weekend begin, Happy Labor Day Weekend, Nili

Busy Weekend

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Hi friends,

We hope you having a wonderful weekend. Mom is late with blog today as she was having laptop problems so she was worried she would not be able to share my last weekends fun, and it was so much fun.

We took the bus to the Shi Tzu meet up where I played with lots of fluffies. Mom took me in the back pack which I do not like so in the end took me out of it on the bus and I lay at her feet plus got lots of pets from all the passengers.

On the bus

Meeting some of my fluffy friends

Using the magic word to get my attention, you can see on the video BOL.

https://youtube.com/shorts/H_WlCVc4jLA?si=7c-CYdMmgMgDlRoG

I hate this thing but Mom said it would be safer for our next event, guess who won and got out of it, Nili

Then.. I went to my first DogFest, so much fun and lots too eat.

This is an annual event in our Dog Park, a fundraiser for the Mckinley Elementary school – lots of fun and treats plus so much more

Stopping for a sniff and drink at the Puppy Pub

Jeffreys – the best of the best treats in the city plus their raw food is so good

One of the Rescue Organizations there

I tasted their food and it was so so good and healthy

Mom never knew they existed, what a brilliant idea

Another great rescue in the Bay Area

This is one of Mom’s favorite rescue organizations

I am tired and want to go home, too much chaos for me

There were so many booths, fancy dress competitions, kids games and and and Mom said she could have stayed there longer but I wa tired and wanted to go home so we left. I will add to my link page the links of all the booths, both food/treats plus other information.

I otherwise have been spending time in the dog park and tomorrow am going to the Chihuahua meet up, as it is a sad day for Mom tomorrow as it is one year since Layla crossed over the Rainbow Bridge so we going to the lake where her ashes are to say hello, it is at the same park as the meet up.

Remembering Layla, her last time in the park 3 May 2024 wearing her pink hoodie that said Little Miss Everything, I miss her daily xxxx

So friends this is a weekend of sadness but happiness cos as Mom says she was blessed to have Layla for over 14 years of fun and adventures and now she feels it is time to do the same with me, Nili

 

Have a wonderful week and please be safe

with a woof and love from Nili

 

 

 

 

I went on an adventure

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Good morning friends, the weekend has arrived and it has of course been crazy here but most important I went to a Shi Tzu Meet Up last Saturday, it was so much fun.

Mom surprised me, tried getting me to sit in the backpack to ride on the bus but I refused so she took me on the bus without it. It was a bit scary but everyone petted me and I sat watching it all and of course tried jumping off each time the door opened. When we got there, it was so much fun, lots of dogs like me all fluffy and full of fun. I ran around with one of them, his name is Max, and he is so cute, maybe he will become my boyfriend in time although I will only see him once a month at the meet ups. On the way home we took another bus which drops us around the corner from my normal park which we walked through so can you believe it I did two parks in one day, now I call an adventure.  I hope there will be many more like that.

I am on the bus, have we got there yet Mom ?

Exploring

I am waiting for a treat, Nili

I think I found a treat

Here is the video of me playing with Max and another dog from the park, I do not know his name BOL, but it was fun

https://youtube.com/shorts/dVkhXmBANSk?si=Hcjr-P2IwUP2lSJe

 

I still fight Mom when we leave parks by playing tug of war with my leash BOL and she gets embarrassed from my actions and tells people I have the terrible threes, I think it is funny, but Mom is not impressed. People just laugh but Mom with her old age is afraid she is going to fall.

Otherwise, I am going to the park in the evenings every day, playing and running around like crazy, I come home hungry and of course tired but after a nap each time I am ready to walk again, Mom says it is healthy but she is tired also BOL.

I am not sure what we going to do this weekend as it is raining again but I hope we go to the park for play time and of course I need to roll in the wet smelly lawn

Have a wonderful weekend and make lots of memories

Woof and love from Nili

 

I got my Pup Passport

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Good morning Friends, we have been so busy this week it has been crazy and Mom is going nuts BOL.

 

This week I got my Pup Passport, something which excited Mom so much for so many reasons. I can now go on adventures and have all my information plus a photo in one place and she does not need lots of documents, which will make life so much easier plus less to carry. Another reason is Mom loves it as in case of an emergency we have all in one book and we do not have to worry about documents also, which makes life so much easier.

Mom had read all about it on this blog :  https://penniesplacesandpaws.com/product/remingtons-pup-memory-passport/

Mom mentioned on Tiffany’s blog how interesting it was and Tiffany surprised us with one so I am now the proud owner of one.  Thank you Tiffany for this wonderful gift as I am ready now to travel safely, it will really help making more memories of Nili and all in one book which is so exciting. You can read more about it and where I saw it on this blog post :

https://penniesplacesandpaws.com/travel-scrapbook-for-dogs/

 

The weather has been rainy here in SF but the minute the sun comes out we run to the park for me to play and I am having so much fun, my favorite friend is BoBo, his mom is Israeli and talks to him in Hebrew which mom speaks so I am also becoming bilingual learning the language which is important as my name is a Hebrew name and so was my sisters Layla.

BoBo chasing me

 

 

So that is what is happening in the Nili neighborhood, busy but happy so all good.

 

Have a wonderful week everyone

With a woof and love

Nili

 

 

 

Five months home

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TGIF!!  Good morning all my friends,

 

It has been five months since Nili arrived home,  my life has changed in so many ways, from living with Layla R.I.P. who towards the end slept and went for rides in her stroller which I miss big time, to a new rescued pup who is young and full of energy, keeping me moving all the time.

Nili is a handful, a bundle of energy, full of quirks, loves saying hello to everyone in the street or park but I would not change it for anything. She eats well, not picky at all, takes her supplements with no problems and is one happy girl, more and more relaxed on a daily basis and a bed hog big time LOL.

So today as it is five months since she came home, I decided to share with you some of our fun times in the park, her playing and killing her toys and how she keeps me amused daily. Her new quirk is trying to take a toy with her when she goes for a walk, which is cute but I do not let her especially with the rain and mud in the park. She loves balls and fetch them with all her toys, she barks for attention or when she wants to go out and loves looking through the window and barking at everyone.

Here we go with some of my funny times with her.

https://youtube.com/shorts/hhQjUyWBqqY?si=-W4V6lLROKvHi4Z8

https://youtube.com/shorts/39SG34gi4WE?si=B98l_jay2QRJjsWE

https://youtube.com/shorts/AYOE8RwZqOY?si=9NoaNlN3YeOZsVTa

 

I am ready with my toy to go for a walk Nili

If I lick my lips that means treats in the park, Nili

I love when she sleep like this

Which toy should I play with, Nili

On this note we would love to wish everyone a Happy New Year, may 2025 be full of health, happiness and memories and most of all please keep them safe on New Years Eve.

 

Love and woofs from Nili

 

 

 

Nili has been home two weeks today

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Nili has been home two weeks today and for those that say rescues take time to settle in, this Madam has taken over the house LOL.

She is going to get spayed tomorrow, (Friday) which I am relieved that I got an earlier appointment which means we must be at the SPCA at 7.15 am to do check in and will be there till about 4 pm. Yes, I am worried but also have all the faith in the vets. Once that is done, and she has healed, we can get on with our lives with lots of training and adventures. She must fast from 11 pm tonight but will survive with no food or treats till after the surgery. She is allowed to drink water though. I do not have any regrets spaying her as there are so many unwanted puppies and mature dogs in the shelters that are desperate for homes, and I do not want an accident and then be part of the problem. Spaying or Neutering is a must for all our pets.  People can argue with me about this issue, but I stand firmly on this subject and nothing will make me change my mind.

This month is clear the shelters month, which is so important as they are over flowing and the more shelter dogs or cats that get adopted the less in the shelters and then less pets will be euthanized which breaks my heart, as innocent animals are being killed to make room for more and none have any say in it and that is why we need to speak out for the voiceless so their voices can be heard.

Layla in the shelter – Empty the shelters please

Nili in the shelter – Empty the Shelters please

Now that I have spoken out for the voiceless which is Layla’s legacy, I am going to share what has been happening here. Nili went on first adventure last Saturday to visit a friend of mine in his garden which gave her some outdoor time and freedom off leash. I took her on public transport in the backpack which she did not like but with patience and love she will get used to it. It is much safer than her being in my life especially if the train or bus is full. I strapped her into the backpack, but Madam managed to get out and a passenger caught her as she was dangling from it. She could not go far phew and I put her back in with some firm words and then she sat in in the rest of the way but was very happy to get out of it when we got to our destination. She is very devious and smart, knows what she wants and will do anything to get her own way, but it is not working as I do not give in.

I do not like this contraption

It was hot but we moved into the shade

She wakes up at 6 each morning and does not stop till about 9 at night after last walk. Her appetite is great, and she loves treats. Now talking about treats, she has a secret admirer as she got a parcel this week of Bully Sticks and Biscuits from not sure who as there was no sender address or name on the envelope, I have asked everyone, and no one has an answer for me. So, am stuck with the question who sent it?

https://youtube.com/shorts/p8LT6kCYNpw?si=f3mKu6DxH0ViBhvt

Otherwise, she loves her squeaky toys and plays with them nonstop, keeps herself occupied which is awesome and she is okay with me leaving her at home for a couple of hours when I need to, so I am very blessed to have her share my life.

One of my favorite photos LOL

 

So life in this neighborhood is going great, I have no complaints and cannot wait to start enjoying outdoors again, have a wonderful weekend everyone, please be safe and hug your pets tightly making memories

 

With a woof and love

From Nili

First week with Nili

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Good morning, friends, we hope you have had a wonderful week and like us looking forward to the weekend.

Yesterday was National Mutt Day

As you all know I arrived home last week, wow a week at home already and I have become the official spokesperson for Layla speaking out and keeping Layla’s legacy going. It is very important as we must not be silent.

Today, the first of August was Dogust Day, it is the Universal Birthdays for Shelter Dogs as many do not know when their actual birthday is, so we celebrate ii on the first of August so that they know they are loved plus of course we want to fulfil their dreams of having a home for themselves with love, a comfy bed and so much more. A place they can live with happiness and a family, so I, Nili who is one of the lucky ones, prays that their dreams come true also.

My first week home with Mom has been exciting, fun, lots of food and toys to play with, lots of cuddles from Mom which I love but Mom has also come to the conclusion that I have lot to learn.

  1. Pulling on my leash – Mom is training me at this moment as best as she can before she says she falls and hurts herself, oy vey.
  2. Eating off the sidewalks – yumm although Mom is not impressed and she is taking things out of my mouth all the time, I need to stop that, but it is so yumm I do not want to, BOL.
  3. Trying to jump on the kitchen counter, it is too high but I try although Mom keeps everything on top of the fridge.
  4. Barking, I love barking and if I could stop but am starting to listen to Mom and slowly giving up on that although I told her I am guarding the house she is not impressed.

I am trying to be a good girl, listening to Mom but she says the sooner I learn the happier our walks will be, so I think I need to try more but it is not easy when the temptation is there although I should remember that Mom has food and treats at home for me always.

My favorite past time is looking out the window of our home and barking at all the people going by but even Mom is proud of me as I am not barking at them that much and the best of all is squeaking my toys and playing with them. Mom bought me my first own toy this week as I have not had one accident in the house phew and I got a lamb chop squeaky which I love.

The video shows how busy she is and the constant toy mess on my bed, she was looking for one of her toys in the video below LOL.

https://youtu.be/0X_7oimpRSI?si=xIwbbYv8kDgKfnKO

So, friends, I am a young pup, maybe 3 years old that got lost in a big city as I was not microchipped which I am now, and I need to learn to live in a home with lots of love, cuddles, Moms bed which I hog and so much more I am very blessed. But being young I need to learn also and am going to try harder now as I am safe. Please make sure your pups are microchipped and the information is up to date so it will not happen to your pets the way it happened to me.

Mom took me for a bath today, I do not like them ewwww but she says I smell clean and fruity now so she is happy. She was not impressed with me though cos as we left the pet store after my bath, I grabbed a packet of treats and tried walking out with them, Mom took them from my mouth and gave to the cashier apologizing but everyone in the store thought it was hilarious BOL.

This weekend, if I am good, I am going on my first adventure. Because I do not get spayed till the 9th I cannot go to dog parks yet to play so Mom is going to take me to Layla’s Uncle David so we can sit in his garden and I can wander around. I am really excited as it will mean me going on a train also in the backpack which I will have to be strapped into so I do not try and run.

Have a happy weekend everyone, take care and hug your pets

With love and woof

Nili

Happy Pride and 4th of July

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Good morning, everyone,

For those celebrating Happy Pride, we hope you have a wonderful safe weekend with lots of fun.

I am slowly getting used to not having Layla by my side to celebrate as she always came to all the events with me, it is not easy, and I am shedding tears here and there, but I know she would want me to go out and enjoy myself. San Francisco is all colorful with the Rainbow Flags everywhere, people are already dressed up in rainbows plus so much more and the atmosphere is wonderful. We are putting it all aside and enjoying this weekend with so much happening.

The Pink Triangle is up in its usual place, and for those that do not know, during the Holocaust the Gays had to wear a pink triangle to show they were gay and many were sent to the gas chambers so this triangle symbolizes the hatred and reminds us that WE MUST NOT FORGET, NEVER AGAIN.

 

Last week I went to a Pride Party and cried as Layla was with me last year, I called her my mini dyke LOL, and today I am doing a double decker bus tour of the LGBT history of San Francisco which I am really excited to do. It is organized by the Perpetual Sisters of Indulgence which is an amazing non-profit organization that helps LGBT youth and others who are homeless get on their feet, which I think is fantastic.  They are all drag queens.

The Sign announcing the Bus Tour

Sister Roma

I am taking a rest for the rest of the weekend, it is too much for an old lady like me LOL.

Layla sitting on a bike at the Dyke March a couple of years ago

Waiting for the Dyke March to start, another memory of her

 

With all the events going on we must not forget what is happening next week, as that is so important. The 4th of July is around the corner and that means the nightmare starts for our fur kids. The fireworks grrr. I hate them. Please make sure your fur kids are safe in the house, tags are up to date, microchip is up to date and most of all they are safe inside. Shelters unfortunately will be filling up with strays who have fled from fear and if your pet does not have the correct information on them, they will never be able to get home. I am listing below what I used to do with Layla plus the 4th of July hazards to keep them safe and healthy when you are celebrating.

 

Please keep them safe

Happy Pride to those that celebrate, and we are blessed we can celebrate in this country and are not persecuted like in some other countries PLUS have a happy safe 4th of July to all and enjoy your long weekend.

One of my favorite memories of Layla

 

With love from angel Layla and Me

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is Give Away Time

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Good morning Friends,

We have had a crazy week. Layla has been sick with a Colon infection poor old baby. I took her to the vet, and she is on antibiotics and seems to be slowly getting better, I am just relieved she ate today for the first time in two days which for me is a good sign. So, we have been taking it slow. Of course, Madam embarrassed me by pooping all over the vets office LOL, they put pee pads down but she would walk around and do it on the floor. Thank goodness the vet understands and said to me at least she did not have to do a stool sample as she saw her poop all over the floor. The good news is for her age her heart and lungs are good so am relieved. The antibiotics are making her sleep, which is all she is doing unless she needs to go out to potty. On the way home from the vet Madam started howling in her stroller and I learnt when she does that she needs to potty, I kept apologizing to the driver but she laughed and said it was better than listening to a baby cry nonstop. I suppose I need to see the funny side to it all and just breathe a sigh of relief that she is going to be ok. So, no park this week for her.

This Saturday we are doing DogFest in the park, which is a fund raiser for an elementary school in my area, it is an annual event with lots of booths of dog’s thing, fun children’s activities and so much more. I will have a booth there for Real Mushrooms and will be handing out samples of the mushroom relaxing chews plus. Am immune system chew for your pets. I have managed to get a pen for Layla so she will sleep under the table safely on a blanket and I will be able to work. I am looking forward to this event as it is so much fun, noisy but its also great to see if there is anything new on the market. The weather is going to be cool which will also make it easier to work and overheat, this is San Francisco. So, if you are in the Bay Area come visit and meet us.  We will have all the photos in next week’s blog to share with you.

For those that are interested this is the Real Mushrooms link, letting you into one of my secrets, I love love their Hot Chocolate with mushrooms, it is so good and chocolaty you cannot even taste the mushrooms.

https://shop.realmushrooms.com/?ref=488

Now, let’s have some fun with a new give away as our dogs or cats always need quality treats to keep them happy. I am doing this giveaway for one of my favorite companies, a small family-owned business called Raw Paws Pet Food. (I love supporting small family businesses) Their products are fantastic, they have great raw food, supplements and so much more and what I love is their treats are for both dogs and cats so everyone can enter.  This give away is for Freeze Dried Smelt Minnows which Layla cannot get enough of Freeze-Dried Chicken Breast Which Bossy Barker barks for all the time, now finally Freeze-Dried Chicken Hearts which she gobbles down so fast am scared she will choke. I think they are all moreish and a must have in the Treat Jar for our dogs or cats as they are fantastic plus healthy. They all have only one ingredient, which is something I love about them.

Hmm they smell good which one first

 

Mom makes me work for them grrrr

Yes my nose is working and I can smell them yum

You can read more about them on their website :

https://www.rawpawspetfood.com/Default.asp?sscid=51k3_szat

As Layla barks, she approves of them and wishes everyone who enters good luck.

I was sponsored by Raw Paws Pet Food for this giveaway, and it is for the USA only.

The link for the entry form is below.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/baa88aa66/?

 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, please be safe as always with a woof and love from Layla