Category Archives: Dog Blog

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Posted on by — 16 Comments ↓

Good Morning,

October has arrived and with it the Month of Domestic Violence Awareness. This is a topic that is very close to my heart as I am a proud survivor.

 

I am one of the lucky ones that managed to get away with my little dog, hid at a friend and then moved to a new city where we were both helped.  If I had left her I know my ex would have carried on abusing her so the minute I could run, we ran.

Baby since has passed away, but she was my inspiration, my hero, my trooper and my lifeline through those dark days, and when she passed it was when I was finally in my own home so she knew I was safe, and could then open my doors to a new pup, and Layla arrived to live with me.  Layla wears a tag that says: Shelter Survivor which speaks for both of us. Layla as you know has since crossed the Rainbow Bridge so Nili wears the Shelter Survivor Tag as it speaks for me and for her as she was rescued from a shelter.

Today I am not going to talk about me, but “The Power and Control Wheel” of Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence. This gives us a better understanding as to what happens behind closed doors, and why so many victims stay in the relationships.

  1. Threats – The abuser will threaten to kill or abuse the pet during the relationship or if left behind. (I stayed in mine as to protect Baby.)
  2. Isolation – Refusing vet care for the pet. Isolating the victim that the pet also suffers as it is not socialized with other dogs. It is as if you are living in a cage.
  3. Emotional Abuse – Giving away or killing the pet to take away her source of unconditional love.
  4. Economical Abuse – Refusing to permit her to buy pet food or vet care
  5. Legal Abuse – Custody battles over pets. This is heart breaking as they file charges against the victim claiming theft if she leaves with the pet.
  6. Intimidation – Harming or killing the pet and then saying to the victim “Next time it will be you…..” They do this to family and friends who assist with the victim and pets getting away.
  7. Denying and blaming – Blaming the victim or the pet when something happens.

An abuser will want to control everything, and if he or she does not have that, we, the humans, kids or pets become the victims of his or her anger, although he/she will never admit it.

So when people reach out and talk about wanting to leave a Domestic Violence relationship but cannot leave their pets, these are some of the reasons and I from experience would have rather carried on suffering the abuse to make sure Baby was safe, than left her in a house where she would suffer.

Pets do not understand abuse the way we do and they should not have to suffer at the hands of an abuser of any kind as they give us the unconditional love and loyalty that unfortunately humans do not do.

October is also the National Month of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month so reach out to a Shelter and give a dog a new home, as I always say about Layla – from pound to princess.

Be safe, have a wonderful week, with a woof of love from

Nili

 

National Disaster Preparedness Month

Posted on by — 14 Comments ↓

Woof hello Everyone,

This is Nili here telling Mom what to write as I am carrying on my sisters Laylas Legacy.

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month; it is very important as we must be prepared for any type of Disaster especially with climate change happening all over the world and not knowing what can happen.

Because we live in San Francisco where earthquakes happen, we have a bag ready for emergencies with everything Mom can think of so that we do not have that worry if we must run out of the house. Since I have come to live with Mom, and having been a stray in my past life, Mom has added to the list a carrier for me so she can put me in it and not have to worry about me trying to run away or hurt myself walking on the debris in the streets. The plus with this carrier is that expands so that I will have room to stretch out plus Mom can put a water bowl or food in it. She would keep it closed for carrying but once in a safe place she would expand the sides and front. It also has a strap in it so she can strap me in, and I cannot run. It would give her peace of mind.  Thank you Mr. Peanuts for this amazing carrier, you can see their fantastic products on their website :

The bag I have to carry Nili, it expands so when on the ground I can open it up on all sides so it is bigger and more comfortable

https://mrpeanutspetcarriers.com/?rfsn=7819747.8b3521&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=7819747.8b3521

I am practising to stay in the bag for an emergency, Nili, when I carry it the sides are folded in and it looks like a normal pet carrier

This is what is in our bag which Mom has and it on wheels so it is easier for her to pull as it is heavy: Boxes of Water, Food for both of us, Treats, Flashlights with batteries, sleeping bag for Mom, toys for me of course, Leash and harness with ID tags on,  and BOL some coffee for Mom, and most important a first aid kit for both of us. We also have a wallet with cash in just in case ATMs are not working so I feel Mom has covered everything.  If you think she has forgotten something, please tell Mom so she can add it to our bag.  I also keep my phone charged so that it will be charged if I must grab it and go out. Most important and was reminded all vet documents and of course your personal documents also (copies are also great)

Layla and I shopping for items for our disaster bag

 

We are discussing this subject this week as Mom says it is very important to be prepared for all so that we can be safe as we are family, the furkids of the family although I am the only kid here.

Have a wonderful weekend, be safe

With hugs and love from Nili

What a week

Posted on by — 12 Comments ↓

Good morning, friends, we hope you have had a good week as mine has been a busy crazy one and phew thank goodness it is weekend time.

I have been very naughty eating the mud in the park which made me sick, Mom took the hood off my head as the dogs did not want to play with me when I wore it so I went crazy being hoodless and ate some mud, which is not good as it is full of fish fertilizer and it upset my tummy big time, yes I paid the price of being naughty and Mom did not sleep for at least 4 nights. She was giving me probiotics, bland food, no treats but nothing was working so on Thursday she took me to the vet for a check up as she felt she was losing. I was eating and drinking but nothing was staying in my tummy and as she said to the vet I suppose it is a good way for me to lose the weight that I have to lose BOL. The vet laughed with her and told her I had not lost anything.

Sitting on the windowsill at the vet clinic waiting for the vet, Nili

 

So after a thorough check up including tests which came back negative the vet sat down with Mom and suggested a vet kibble, now you all know how anti kibble Mom is but this time can you believe it she agreed and am munching on them plus she is giving them to me as treats but not getting more than the vet told Mom to feed me, she is on a strict regime with me.  The vet and Mom think I am allergic to rice and chicken and that is why my tummy was not settling so we are taking each day as it comes but I must admit today for the first time in a week I am feeling a lot better.

 

Today, Friday was one year since I arrived home from my foster family, but we could not celebrate cos of my tummy issues and Mom explained to me that is the price I am paying for eating the mud, she has promised me a cookie when I am healthy.

My first photo on Nili in the house sitting on a pee pad chewing a treat

 

So this week has been a crazy week with my upset tummy and we have not done much, we are recharging our batteries this weekend as it is miserable outside and drizzling, next week we will take each day as it comes slowly cos Mom says she is getting old BOL.

My first time in the indoor crate and it is cozy, Nili

 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, be safe and stay cool,

 

With hugs and love from Nili

 

15th July was National Pet Fire Safety Day

Posted on by — 6 Comments ↓

TGIF!!!!!!!

Good morning all my friends.

 

15th of July is an important day, to remind us to keep us pets safe is there a fire. It is so important with what is happening in the world today with climate change, extreme heat and droughts, floods  we need to be prepared as our pets are our family and they depend on us.I am prepared for every disaster, so Nili is fortunate and safe.

Enjoying sunshine, Nili

I have an emergency bag which I check and update every six months, her information is up to date, and we are organized for anything and hopefully your parents are also. But unfortunately, we must remind everyone as people forget or do not believe in climate change, so this is our reminder.

 

 

Please be safe everyone, I am now going off to the park to play

 

With a woof and love from Nili

 

I am very busy

Posted on by — 10 Comments ↓

Good Morning Friends,

This is Nili sharing my life with you like my Angel Sister Layla used to do. I have had a busy time, an adventure and so much more.

We went to a Chihuahua meet up on Saturday to visit Layla in her resting place, as it was a year since she crossed the Rainbow Bridge. For me it was the first time there and it is a very beautiful and peaceful place although we did not see the ducks in the lake. It was hot day so I lay down on the rock next to the lake while Mom stood there looking out and thinking about Layla. Mom was depressed so I tried keeping her smiling by getting up to mischief which for me of course was fun. I was wearing my Foxtail Mask as there are a lot there, met other dogs wearing them also, and as Mom calls me a Bee Keeper as that is what I look like, BOL.

Resting on the rock next to the lake

Walking along among nature

 

Otherwise, I have been spending a lot of time playing in the park, playing with my friends, howling at the sirens when an ambulance or fire truck goes by, plus keeping Mom on her toes running after me when skateboarders go by, I hate those things and even chased one with another dog in the busy street escaping from the park. Mom was not impressed and kept me on lock down on my leash as punishment plus warned me next time I do it she will not let me off leash in the park anymore.

 

So that is what I have been up to plus of course looking out of the window watching the world go by especially the dogs going for walks when I bark at them if they bark which does not make Mom happy.

 

I am very busy all the time, in or out of the house, and life is good, I cannot complain.

 

Have a wonderful safe weekend friend, make lots of memories,

With a woof and love from

Nili

 

 

 

 

Spring has Sprung and out comes the Sun

Posted on by — 8 Comments ↓

TGIF !! Good Morning friends, we hope you are enjoying sunshine also the way I am.

Relaxing in the sun

With the sun out, summer on the way, Mom explained to me that the adventures and park time is going to be lots, I am so excited. We this past week have been going to the park at least twice a day, I am running a lot, chasing the dogs and of course have been naughty going on the hill in the park where everyone has picnics which Mom was not happy with me as it is close the trains so that is the reason Mom leaves my leash on me so it is easier to catch me. I am not happy though as all the good food is there and hmm I love food of all kinds, but Mom told me I carry on doing it no more treats of free fun, so I suppose I will have to listen to her as I do not want to lose those.

Oy am I thirsty

What mischief can I get into now

 

Yesterday, I also did not want to eat my food, Mom, was concerned so she boiled me some chicken to tempt me and I ate it all, what a slave she is BOL, but she stopped worrying and realized I am just being naughty. So this morning I got my breakfast and she said you eat it or starve, I ate most of it BOL. While Mom is typing I am chewing on a bone yum, and the smell of salmon treats is in the air as Mom is busy making them for me. Those are my favorite as they fill in a Kong and my Yomp Ball so it keeps me busy and my tummy full.

The recipe is easy: 2 cans of salmon with no oil, 2 eggs, half a cup of Oat flour, spinach, green beans, blueberries, I also mix YummWoof Perfect Dog Food Mix which is full of nutrients and makes the treats really healthy.  I put on parchment paper on a baking sheet and bake at 350 till done. Let cool and then break into pieces.

Yum they are cooling

See link below :

https://yumwoof.com/?ref=nbmzrsze

You have 5% Discount with coupon YumNili

Tomorrow, I am so excited, I am going to my first Shi Tzu Meet Up, that means me going on the bus there so it is going to be a real adventure for me plus lots of fluffs to play with in a new park, I cannot wait and hope the weather will be good also. I will share the photos with you next week.

So as you can see, we are busy here in the Nili Neighborhood and I am understanding more and more daily that Mom is a busy bee, cannot sit still for long although she is aging and I am so blessed my sister Layla let me share her also as my life is so much fun.

Have a wonderful weekend all my friends, be safe and chat next week

Nili

 

 

Today was National Love Your Pet Day

Posted on by — 12 Comments ↓

Woof to all my friends,

Did you know that Valentines might be over but today, Thursday  February 20th is National Love Your Pet Day?

This is a very special day as it makes us humans realize how much we love our pets and how fortunate we are to have them in our lives. Something I would not change ever. I am aware that we spoil our pets daily, but I love the idea of one day a year is dedicated to them.

Did you know that most households in the United States have at least one pet? There are more cats than dogs in the U.S., most households have dogs not cats, but the difference is not that much. Pets are not only canine and feline, there are quite a few who prefer birds, reptiles, fish, or rats.

Whatever pet it is they all deserve to be extra spoiled on this day.

Below are some ideas of what we can do, and we cannot wait to hear from you what you did. I spoiled Nili by taking her to the park for some fun, baked her some yum treats and gave her more attention than she normally gets, she was one happy girl.

Angel Layla sharing her ideas

Nili playing with Monkey in the park, she had so much fun

https://youtube.com/shorts/kZ8BNWaNiZs?si=NHdY9iuYq6f4Xkm8

So, all my fur friends I hope you had a Happy National Love Your Pet Day with lots of treats, fun with your humans and please make lots of memories.

With a woof and love from Nili and my sister in heaven, Angel Layla

 

Are you prepared?

Posted on by — 4 Comments ↓

TGIF!! Good Morning Everyone, we are a little late with our blog this week as the chaos in California has taken over our lives, the worry for our friends and family in Los Angeles who are thank goodness safe, the sharing all the information on social media non stop has kept me really busy although I have taken Nili to the park daily to get off electronics and give her a break.

Are you prepared for a Natural Disaster? That is my question for the week.

Climate change is really happening, I know there are people that do not believe it but it is happening. I am looking around the world as to what is happening and it worries me and we should be doing everything in our power to save the planet for future generations.

I look at California, in the past month we have had tornado warnings, tsunami warnings, the horrific fires in Los Angeles and this morning we were woken to an earth tremor here in San Francisco. I think it is the third or fourth in the past month.

So, we should all be preparing especially as our pets depend on us and make sure we have an emergency bag to go with everything needed. This is what I have in mine and am always worried I do not have enough for Nili. I have started vertigo so my balance is off especially when stressed so have put all in a light weight suitcase so I can push or pull it which will help my balance plus Nilis’ carrier fits on the handles as I do not want her to walk on the debri an hurt herself.

The plus with this carrier is that it expands so that I will have room to stretch out plus Mom can put a water bowl or food in it. She would keep it closed for carrying but once in a safe place she would expand the sides and front. It also has a strap in it so she can strap me in, and I cannot run. It would give her peace of mind.  You can see it on this website plus all their other products :

https://mrpeanutspetcarriers.com/?rfsn=7819747.8b3521&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=7819747.8b3521

I personally think this is the best as they are comfortable and not cramped

In our bag we have Boxes of Water, Poop Bags,  Food for both of us, Treats, Flashlights with batteries, sleeping bag for Mom, toys for me of course, Leash and harness with ID tags on, and BOL some coffee for Mom, and most important a first aid kit for both of us. Passport or some form of ID, Medications, my supplements including my Relax from Real Mushrooms; you can find them on this link and are fantastic, you have a 10% discount with coupon LaylasWoof.

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

Nili gets both and the relax is in the bag also

The food Mom has for me is air dried kibbles with all the nutrients from YumWoof, you have a 5% discount with coupon YUMNILI

https://yumwoof.com/?ref=nbmzrsze   

mine mine mine, you cannot have, Nili

We also have a wallet with cash in just in case ATMs are not working so I feel Mom has covered everything.  If you think she has forgotten something, please tell Mom so she can add it to our bag.  I also keep my phone charged so that it will be charged if I must grab it and go out.

We are praying for all our friends in Los Angeles, praying for the safety of all the wild animals and strays, please join us in these prayers as everyone needs them at this moment,

Take care and be safe

With a woof and love from

Nili

 

Disclaimer : We have not been sponsored for this blog post, all coupons will not increase the prices on the website and we do get a percentage from sales which helps us keep the blog going and Nili healthy.

 

The holidays have arrived

Posted on by — 17 Comments ↓

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

 

 

 

 

Today is Shop with your Dog Day

Posted on by — 16 Comments ↓

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