Month: October 2024

Finding the Right Food for your Dog

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Good morning,  we hope you had a fun Halloween and did not overdose on treats and chocolates and your pets were safe. We stayed home and watched all the people from our window, Nili favorite past time BOL so she was a happy girl. Of course, she had to bark now and then to let everyone know she was there.

Adopting a new dog, after losing your previous baby, Angel Layla,  whom you had cooked for over 14 years is learning to change things, adapt to the new fur kid and her needs and each day is a learning experience as you only want the best for her so she will live a long and healthy life. As most of you know I am against kibbles and will not feed them to my pets, each to his own and we can argue about this subject for hours, but I will not relent and give Nili lousy kibble. So, I started searching on the internet for a good raw kibble with all the goodness in preferably air dried and came across this company YumWoof.com.

I have been researching air dried so that I can be prepared for an earthquake with good food in the bag and not have to worry and that is another reason I decided not to home cook so much.

There are many reasons I said wow to them but before I do I want to discuss the difference between air dried and freeze dried.

Freeze Dried Dog Food :

  • Low moisture content: Contains very little moisture, typically around 2%, making it lightweight and with a longer shelf life.
  • Ingredients are rapidly frozen, then the water is removed through sublimation (turning directly from ice to vapor).
  • Can be crunchy and crumbly, often rehydrated before feeding.
  • Preserves most nutrients, good for travel due to compact size, can be a good option for picky eaters when rehydrated

 

Air Dried Dog Food :

  • Retains more moisture than freeze-dried, closer to the moisture content of raw food.
  • Ingredients are gently dried with low heat airflow, allowing for more natural nutrient preservation.
  • Denser and chewier than freeze-dried.
  • May be easier to transition to from kibble due to texture, considered a good option for dogs with sensitive digestion.

The products I tried with Nili are:

  1. YumWoof Perfect Dog Mix: Ingredients : Coconut Flour, Vitamins and Minerals, Organic Inulin, Pumpkin, Hemp Hearts, Blueberries, Cranberries, Carrots.

My favorite as it is versatile as you add the protein to it so it can be changed every couple of weeks but they are still getting a healthy balanced diet, affordable and low in carbs. They have recipes on their website also for ideas.

I am being a piggy as I should be modelling with the food but had to gulp some down, Nili

  1. YumWoof Perfect Super Food: Grain Free Low Fat Turkey: Ingredients: Turkey Meat, Turkey Organs, Tapioca, Carrots, Apples, Organic Coconut Oil, Cumin, Thyme and Rosehip.
  2. YumWoof Perfect Kibble Beef Pot Roast Recipe: Ingredients : Fresh Meat, Whole Eggs, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Flaxseed, Carrots, Gluten Free Oats, Blueberries, Cranberries, Chia Seeds, Seaweed, Beef Liver and Pumpkin.

    If you touch these bags I will be angry, NIli

So, as you all can see I am learning daily also but making sure Madam gets a healthy diet as I say food might be a big cost but it’s still cheaper than vet bills and if we start early long term we have a healthy happy fur kid and that is all that matters to me.

YumWoof was kind enough to sponsor this post and I am happy to share with all of you.

You can find all further information on their products on their website : . https://yumwoof.com/?ref=nbmzrsze

There is  5% off all purchases with this coupon YUMNILI

Have a wonderful weekend, be safe

with a woof and love from Nili

 

Three months with Mom

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Good morning Friends,

It is me Nili here as I am celebrating three months with Mom, learning a lot and I hope my Angel sister Layla is proud of me as I am trying to be as good as she was and it is not easy cos I have a mischievous side to me which Mom laughs at BOL.

I am sure you have been waiting to see if I have been on adventures but I have been so busy trying all the goodies for reviews I have not shared with you my adventures so today as a three month celebration I am going to.

My first adventure was on Mom’s birthday when Aunty Alysha took Mom to one of her favorite places in Golden Gate Park with a picnic. It was a beautiful day and they found a bench to sit on next to Heron Lake and the ducks. Mom cannot let me off leash yet so she tied leashes together so I would have a long enough one to wander around and then tied it to the bench so she could relax and watch me. It was so much fun, I barked at the ducks who did not care about me, can you believe that? I then climbed the rocks to see what else I could see, sniffed a lot and of course barked at the dogs that were walking on the path as I was protecting the humans. Mom had her favorite lunch; Syrian food and she gave me a little piece of chicken. It was a fun time, and I cannot wait to do it again.

Look am on a rock Nili

Can you believe the ducks ignored me, Nili

If I look cute I get treats, Nili

 

Another new routine we have is every day we walk about 6 blocks up the road to a tiny park that Mom loves, lots of flowers and very peaceful, very few dogs also so Mom can relax, she makes my leash long so I can wander but am tied to the bench so I cannot go too far. I cannot wait for one day to be able to get off leash but as Mom says it is my fault as I do not want to listen to her. The walk there and back tires me out so by the time we get home I am sleepy and need a nap. It is good exercise for both of us plus the fresh air is very healthy.

Watching what is going on

Where the treats Mom

Nili Barking like a lunatic in the park :  https://youtube.com/shorts/GuMTaYoM8H8?si=2ny7l22SSKku_YWy

 

So my three months with Mom have been great, I do not try to run out of the apartment anymore which has made Moms life a lot easier, I still have quirks we working on like me nipping Mom when she puts the harness on, her hands are covered in band aids BOL, playing tug of war with the harness when we leave the apartment which Mom has fallen once cos I got her tangled, and the worst of all lunging at big dogs mainly when I am in the street walking although that I am slowly stopping to do plus when it is little dogs if ok Mom lets me say hello to them which is fun.

I love my life here, am very happy, hog the bed, kill the squeakers and bark at everyone through the window so cannot complain, life is good.

This is my best video of her this week ROFL : https://youtube.com/shorts/AYOE8RwZqOY?si=7Hwibl-DNlyN7Pjo

Have a wonderful week and thank you for reading about my life

With love and woof from Nili

 

 

 

Coconut Oil Part Two – Approved by Bossy Barker, Nili

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Hello friends,

This is Nili here, the new official reviewer for the blog which was started by my sister who went over the Rainbow Bridge, and I am really working hard to be as good as she was although I have a long way to go.

Last week we discussed all the benefits of Coconut Oil which is yum, you can read all about it on our blog link : https://laylaswoof.com/?p=3143

As Mom was checking out the Coco-Therapy Website she came across these products which looked good and decided to get for me also as I want her to eat well treat wise also.

Raw food and these looked great for treats as they are healthy and I am sure you could feed them as food also.

Coco-Carnivore Meatballs – 100% Raw Freeze-Dried Beef, Oranges and Coconut

Open the bag I am the official taster

Coco-Carnivore Meatballs – 100% Raw Freeze-Dried Turkey, Spinach and Coconut

These smell so so good hmmmm

Organ Bites – 100% Freeze-Dried Turkey Organ Meats plus Pumpkin and Coconut

Stop teasing me with the goodies Mom

Organ Bites – 100% Freeze-Dried Chicken Organ Meats with Beets and Coconut

And we cannot forget the chicken hmmmmm

What I love about the above is that they have very few ingredients, all organic and filling so I can fill the Kong with them which keeps her busy but when she gets them she gets less food at meals.  Nili of course approves of them.

Since Nili has been on the coconut diet she has lost weight, her fur is shining, and her skin seems to have improved itchiness wise plus she just in general seems healthier so I am hoping we can carry on this way. I would rather start at a younger age, so her immune system is ready for aging.

Website : https://www.cocotherapy.com/

A very special thank you to Coco-Therapy for sponsoring this post.

Nili also got her first groom last week, yes she had her hair cut and this really concerned me as she has become a nipper and you should see my hands, covered in band aids I am so ready for Halloween LOL. The groomers said she was really good, sat and let them do what was needed plus for safety sake they put her in a crate when finished so she could run away which is one of her traits which I am working on. She got as a gift from the groomers a new squeaky toy so she was one happy little girl and I think she looks adorable.

I do not like baths, Nili

 

walking home from the groomers all pretty

On this note we are going for a walk to burn off energy, and then it will be play time for Madam.

Have a safe weekend and don’t forget to make memories,

With a woof and love from

Nili

 

 

 

Coconut Oil for Dogs with Nili approval

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Good Morning Friends, this is Nili here as I am learning to review for Mom like my sister Layla the expert did, I hope she approves.

I recently took Nili for a checkup at the vet as she has been scratching badly and the vet suggested I give her coconut oil. This intrigued me as my one vet had told me negative things about coconut oil and this vet is saying the opposite. So, I decided to do some research and as to why one vet said one thing and another the opposite and came up with some interesting facts which made me realize how important coconut oil can be for pets. Before trying  please ask your vet as rather be safe than sorry as some supplements might have the opposite affect on your dog.

I want to thank Charisa from CocoTherapy for helping me with all the information that I am sharing plus the products that I am trying with Nili.

The benefits:

  1. In small quantities it is good for the pet as it is good fat which is important to remember when we worry about cholesterol in our pets. Coconut oil is considered a low cholesterol fat and does not increase cholesterol levels.
  2. You can read more about it on this link : A Beginner’s Guide to Cholesterol
    https://www.cocotherapy.com/blogs/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-cholesterol?_pos=1&_psq=cholesterol&_ss=e&_v=1.0
  3. Coconut oil has lauric acid which has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.  which is good for the fur and skin. When applied to the skin it can help soothe the inflamed area.
  4. Coconut oil is lower in calories than many other cooking oils, and it’s actually an effective weight loss aid. The MCTs in coconut oil are metabolized quickly and used for energy, rather than being stored as fat. This helps boost metabolism and aids in weight management. What’s more, coconut oil can help suppress appetite. All fats slow down the emptying of the stomach, helping you feel full for longer, but studies have shown that MCTs have a greater satiating effect than LCTs. This means that coconut oil can help your pet feel fuller for longer and prevent them from overeating.
  5. It helps fight bad breath, mouth and gum health.
  6. It also helps digestions but like any supplement ask your vet first.
  7. Here is some more information: Coconut Oil Myths and Facts
    https://www.cocotherapy.com/blogs/blog/coconut-oil-myths-and-facts?_pos=4&_psq=cholesterol&_ss=e&_v=1.0

I am doing this coconut oil blog in two episodes as I am reviewing different products from them but what I have tried with Nili at this moment I have seen a big difference in her, she is scratching less so her skin issues seem to be clearing up, she is eating less which is great as she needs to lose 2 lbs plus I love their treat gems which are kibble size so she is getting one each time she is good and gobbles them up plus they fit in here kong which she is addicted to. She also got a coconut squeaky toy which she loves squeaking nonstop BOL.

It is always fun to get a coconut squeaky toy squeak squeak squeak

The products Nili has tried and approved are :

Coconut Chips – Dehydrated Organic Coconut – No added preservatives, dyes, bleaches sugar or salt. Rich in Fibre, Supports Digestive System (I am sprinkling it on her food, and she loves it)

These are yummy sprinkled on my food

Coco-Gems – Peppermint, Parsley and Coconut – Supports Fresh Breath and Oral Health – Nili approves

My breath smells good when I eat these

Coco-Gems – Cranberry and Coconut – Supports Urinary Tract Health – Nili approves

I will keep pawing the package till I get more

Coco Charms – Blueberry Cobbler – Nili approves

These are so so yummm

Gems and Charms are all Gluten Free and Grain Free, made with 100% USDA certified organic, human-grade ingredients too.

You can read more about their products on this link : https://www.cocotherapy.com/

So now that Nili is getting coconut, she wants to go to Hawaii BOL. Thank you Coco Therapy for sponsoring this review and sharing your products as I am so happy with them I am smiling.

To all our friends in Florida, we hope you are safe as we are thinking of you

Have a safe weekend, with love and woof from Nili

 

 

Break the Silence of Domestic Violence and Animal Abuse

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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 and now Nili wears a tag that says : Shelter Survivor

Baby R.I.P. She died of IMHA at the age of 6 and missed daily as she was my hero

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.

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.

The Domestic Violence Hotline number is : 1 800 799 SAFE (7233)

Website : https://www.thehotline.org/

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, I am blessed to have been the Mom to Baby, Layla and now Nili.

Nili’s daily routine – never a dull moment LOL

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

Nili

 

 

 

October 2024 Pet Holidays and Observances

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October has arrived and winter is around the corner. Below is the list of Holidays and Observances for our Pets.

Month-Long Observances

  • Adopt A Dog Month
  • Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
  • Black Cat Awareness Month.
  • National Animal Safety and Protection Month.
  • National Pet CBD Month.
  • National Pet Obesity Awareness Month.
  • National Pet Wellness Month.
  • National Pit Bull Awareness Month.
  • Small Dog Awareness Month.
  • World Animal Month.
  • National Domestic Violence Month – pets are victims too

Week-Long Observances

  • 6-12: National Walk Your Dog Week.First full week of October.
  • 6-12: Animal Welfare Week. (AVMA). First full week of October.
  • 13-19: National Veterinary Technician Week.

One-Day Pet Holidays 

  • 1: National Fire Pup Day.
  • 1: National Black Dog Day.
  • 2: Canine Companion Day.
  • 4: World Animal Day.
  • 4: Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
  • 4: Kindness to Animals Day.
  • 9: CATober9th®. Universal birthday of shelter cats whose birthdays remain a mystery.
  • 10: World Animal Road Accident Awareness Day.This day to draw awareness to drivers if they hit a dog or other animal on the road.
  • 11: National Pet Obesity Awareness Day.
  • 11: Vet Nurse Day. Known as Veterinary Nurse Day
  • 16: Global Cat Day. To draw our attention to all the homeless cats and find them homes
  • 19: National Fetch Day.
  • 21: National Pets for Veterans Day.
  • 22: National Make a Dog’s Day.
  • 26: National Livestock Guardian Dog Appreciation and Awareness Day.
  • 28: Plush Animal Lovers Day.  A day for all dogs to unstuff their plush squeaky toys
  • 26: Muddy Dog Day.(UK) Last Saturday in October.
  • 26: National Pit Bull Awareness Day.
  • 29: National Cat Day.
  • 30: National Treat Your Pet Day. A day to treat our pets with snacks, extra love and attention.

Have a safe October and a Happy New Year to our Jewish followers who celebrate the New Year on the eve of October 2nd

With a woof and love from Nili