Month: June 2018

4th of July is next week

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Good Morning Furfriends,

June is nearly over and July is nearly here. This year is going too fast for us and we cannot keep up anymore BOL.

Last weekend was a busy weekend for us, it was the annual Pride and Dyke March in San Francisco. The weather was great and a wonderful way to be out and about.

On Friday evening Mom and I went for a long walk to visit a Rocket Dog Rescue event not far from our house, I got spoiled with a yummy treat from the pet store there and Mom got a t-shirt saying “Be Kind to Animals or I will kill you” Rocket Dog Rescue. This is one of my favorite organizations in the city and they do amazing work. Pali the founder is just incredible.

You can read all about her here on her website :

Rocket Dog Rescue

On Saturday I became Mini Dyke and Mom took me to the Dyke March. The weather was hot so we went early to find a spot on the street where they march and there was shade for me. Of course we went early as Mom always says the earlier the better. It was fun to be out in my backpack of course, where we sat in the shade and just watched the world go by.

I do not like the noise of the Bikes but have decided as Mom likes it, I will suffer for that and give her something she likes, so you see I can be nice sometimes.
The Bikes roared up the road, Mom filmed while I sat in the backpack and the bikers all loved me, petted me and I was spoiled although I do not think I would want to ride on one. Then came all the people walking, lots of them plus dogs all dressed up in rainbows like I was. We walked with them, although me the Mini Dyke sat in the backpack and Mom did the carrying, so I became mini Dyke in backpack. What could be better thank that.

You can see the film of the Dykes on Bikes on our Instagram account :

Dykes on Bikes movie

We must have got home at about 7 in the evening and Mom was tired, and I was hungry and exhausted also, so we ate dinner and just went to bed.

On Sunday was the big parade, we had been invited to join in on a trolley and ride with SHANTI/PAWS but Mom decided it would be too much for me so we stayed at home. Now she is regretting it ha ha ha.

Our weekend was awesome, this week is going to be busy but with 4th of July looming we must discuss that.

4th of July – Mine and many of my fur friends nightmare – those damn fireworks.

This is a day to celebrate with families but we must not forget :

Although this is a day for partying, having fun, picnics and BBQ’s it is also one of the days when we should be also extra cautious with our pets, making sure they are safe at all times, they are wearing their collars, and especially when the fireworks go off they are inside the house, in a calm place with their blankets and whatever else makes them feel safe and secure. We must also remember not to raise our voice to them but treat them extra gentle to help with the stress.

4th of july

When the fireworks go off : “They will do anything to escape. Dig, climb and sometimes injure themselves to get away as they do not know what is happening.

I, for example, from the morning give Layla CBD oil to start off the calming effect, walk her not later than 6 in the evening as their are always those early birds with fireworks and most of all I make up a bed in the shower for her, which has no windows, keep the lights off there but the door is open so she can hear me, and I keep the Jazz station on the TV. There is also of course her water bowl and food.
I have found this works wonders with her, and she sleeps through all the chaos. I will not take her out later than 6 in the evening unless she comes and tells me she needs to go out, which she is smart enough to do.

July 5th is the nightmare for all shelters. That is the day when all those irresponsible owners find their pet is missing and the shelters are over flowing with pets. It is the busiest day in the US for Shelters and unfortunately we must not forget those also that have got injured when fleeing the noise.

So a reminder, when you go off to enjoy yourselves, make sure your pet is safe in the house, TV on with music, and all windows are closed so that they cannot escape. That way you can sit back and enjoy yourself and not have to worry. I personally, do not go out and am more relaxed being home in the evening with Layla.

So on this note, we are wishing everyone a Happy 4th of July, be safe, have fun and protect your fur kids,

Layla is now doing what she does best, sleeping

Mom and Layla

It is Woofing Wednesday

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Woof everyone,

It is woofing Wednesday and we have been busy which is making me exhausted.

So what is happening in the Layla Neighborhood ? Lots !!!!

On Saturday I went with Mom to volunteer as usual which was lots of fun as I got lots of hugs and pets from everyone, it is the best way to start a day with love. In the afternoon we relaxed and then went for a long walk.

Did you know ! I walk Mom now and she needs a new leash BOL. It goes like this, Mom wants a shortish walk in the afternoons and I decide I want a long one so off we go and when she wants to turn around I just sit down and refuse to move or pull her along in the direction I want. Guess who wins ?? Me of course while Mom is muttering under her breath HA – slaves should not mutter.

On Sunday we had an adventure which was fun although I did not like the drums. Mom and I went on the MUNI (tram) to the Native Contemporary Arts Festival at the Yerba Buena Gardens – it was a beautiful day, cool but sunny. We found a shady spot to sit under a tree and listen to the poetry. music and then dance.

Well when the drums started, I became antsy, did not like it and Mom laid the backpack on the ground open so I could lie in it, but when she saw that I was not relaxing and shhhhh spoiling her relaxing time as she wanted to listen, Mom being the good Mom that she is decided to bring me home.

Phew was I happy to sit in the backpack and get out of there. It was a learning lesson for both of us as Mom says she knows now that when it comes to different events she will have to plan things in a different way.

So this week, excluding walks and park time we are lying low and spending quality time at home. Mom is still teaching but otherwise it is just us.

This coming Saturday is Pride Weekend in San Francisco, loads of chaos so we are not planning any adventure on Sunday but to relax in the dog park. Though on Saturday I become mini Dyke and we are going to the Dyke March. I will allow Mom to do that one plus I have the backpack to sit comfortably and watch it all. Photos of course will be in next weeks blog.

On this note now that I have finished sharing what is happening in our neighborhood, I am off for my afternoon siesta which is needed.

Happy Pride to those celebrating

With a Woof and Love
Layla

The weekend is getting closer

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Woof it is Wednesday,

Middle of the week which means the weekend is around the corner. That means a new adventure with Mom which is so much fun.

On Saturdays I volunteer at a food bank which I love doing, Layla sometimes comes with me and she is in seventh heaven being loved by everyone so when I get home I am exhausted, but it is worth it as it makes me feel great giving back and helping. We always laugh as I am a Jew volunteering on the Sabbath in a Lutheran Church.

I decided this year that every Sunday we would be out of the house doing something fun with Layla. Living in San Francisco I am spoiled as there are every week different fairs or events and I am planning to do as many as possible plus of course the Dyke March again this year.

The plus is having the back pack has eased it for me as Layla is safe and happy, my hands are free to take pictures or whatever else I want to do.

layla in backpack

Last Sunday we went to the Haight/Ashbury street fair where there were lots of booths selling all kinds of things, fantastic food trucks with yummy foods so it was great to just wander around, look at the booths or stores and the weather was perfect. It was a fun late morning start and I took the tram up the hill to the fair and then we walked home through the dog park. Layla was exhausted and so was I but we both got lots of exercise. AND the best of all was Layla became a little hippy for that day – all part of the history of San Francisco.

haight ashbury fair

This coming Sunday there is another event which really interests me and I am planning to go to is the Native Contemporary Arts Festival Free Performances at the Yerba Buena Gardens. It is an event celebrating the creativity of North America’s indigenous peoples, the 21st annual Native Contemporary Arts Festival showcases a diverse program of native music, dance, spoken word, artist vendors and native crafts. Will share pictures in next weeks blog.

I am also researching what dog events there will be so Madam can have her share of events also BOL plus of course the different dog parks to visit.

What are your plans for the summer ? If anyone is in San Francisco and wants to join us let us know – we could have a dog play date !

Now Madam is off to have her afternoon sleep, I am as always working as someone has to pay the bills and buy the treats.

Have a wonderful week, with a woof and love from Layla

Pet Appreciation Week June 4 – 10

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Pet Appreciation week

Woof Happy Wednesday Everyone,

I thought every day was Pet Appreciation Day but Mom told me when we were in the park on Sunday that actually there is a special week set aside for this. Wow I never knew that and I am working it hard with her for lots of things BOL.

Pet Appreciation week was started in 1981 by the American Veterinary Association.

This year started it on June 4 and ends June 10 although in our house it carries on 24/7 which I am sure happens in most homes but what we love about it is that it highlights so many points as to why we appreciate out pets so much and reminds us also of the unconditional love they give us.

When I look back at my life and remember all my pets I remember how much they taught to me to appreciate them, to treasure them and to make sure they were loved all the time. I also think that is the reason that I stayed in the abusive relationship was because of Baby and how much I appreciated what she did for me and that list is a long one, but most important her giving me the strength and courage to run with her the moment I had that chance. It is something money cannot buy, that feeling of freedom with her and not having to walk on eggshells in the house anymore.

Layla is Layla, I appreciate everything she does for me, her antics which keep me laughing, her unconditional love for me, her getting me out of the house and walking, and the list is endless. I cannot see my life without this little funny clown that is sleeping at the moment. For those that know her in person I am sure you are all chuckling about it. Our neighbor visits, Layla sits on her lap and howls as if she is part of the conversation, she then will get down and start digging up the bed and hiding her chews under the covers, her sitting moaning next to the desk demanding cuddles and attention, and so much more. But I would not change anything.

What does Appreciation mean : In my eyes it means unconditional love, understanding, patience, laughter and much much more. And I think that the one thing that Layla really appreciates is that I rescued her and have given her a home, love and I can say she gone from pound to princess.

So let us think about why you appreciate your pet ? What is so special about him or her ? What are you going to do special this week ?

And why we are on the subject of appreciation we appreciate all of you reading our blog, commenting and sharing your stories with us here.

Let us appreciate what we have, enjoy it, keep the negative away and keep the positive with us, have a wonderful week,

With woof and love from Layla