Sun was out and we went for an adventure

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Hello Friends, we hope you are all staying safe and warm in this cold weather.

It is Friday, a long weekend ahead of us and it is really cold here at the moment that I do not want to get out of bed in the mornings but Mom says I need to go out to potty so we go and then come back to bed.

Last Sunday, although it had been raining on and off all week the sun came out so Mom surprised me and took me on an adventure. We went to Stern Grove where they have a Chihuahua meet up once a month, so she texted one of her friends who goes and he picked us up from the train station as it is too complicated to get there without a car. The weather was perfect, warm, sunny and just what we needed plus the park is magical and has a lake at the one end which for Mom is paradise, she likes to sit and watch the ducks, enjoy the peace and just recharge her batteries as she says, which she needs to do so that she has lots of energy to walk or push me all the time when I demand it BOL.

Waiting for Uncle to pick us up

Walking along the path

Pine Lake with a duck, my heaven

Giving Mom a break to breathe next to the lake while I nap

It was a beautiful day out, there was lunch for the humans and of course Mom had goodies for me, So in a nutshell it was a wonderful adventure. When we got home, I made Mom walk me more to enjoy the sun so by the time we really got back home Mom was ready for a nap and me, snuffle time and then a nap.

Otherwise this week we have been staying warm and dry inside but of course I am getting Mom out so I can potty and smell all the trees along the way but the weekend has arrived again, and this week it is a long weekend so I hope Mom will surprise me with some kind of adventure. She has already told me we meeting my favorite Aunt for lunch tomorrow and that will be fun and then who knows !

So all my friends, have a wonderful long weekend, stay warm and safe, please keep us inside with you,

Woof and love from Layla

 

 

 

 

 

Being a Dog Mom to a senior fur kid

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Good morning Friends,

We hope you enjoying our blog and will carry on reading it this year also, hopefully there will be lots of adventures and fun.

Last weekend Nigel, my new neighbor spent the weekend with us as his Dad went away. He is a cute dog, very mellow and slept most of the time like me so it was pawsome. Mom made sure we were safe and relaxed when the fireworks went off, grr as I hate them as much as Mom did but guess what I did not hear them and slept through it all, so did Nigel, he cuddled on the bed with Mom.

The sun finally came out on Tuesday, so Mom and I hopped on the train and went to the Promenade to my favorite lawns, it was great to be out but when we got there it started getting grey and gloomy and once we had settled, I had barked of course, sniffed everywhere the rain started so Mom had to pack us up, me under my plastic cover in the stroller, Mom got soaked, but we hopped on a train and came home. It was fun to be out on the lawn and in the fresh air and we hoping this week we will be able to do it again.

Grey and gloomy

Checking the pmail

Can you see me under my cover, Layla

One of the reasons I share our adventures is living with a senior dog can be trying and trying to keep her exercised and brain working can be challenging when it is raining as you cannot go out for long without getting drenched and unfortunately, I must look after myself and not get sick. It is a daily challenge, but I would not change it.

 

Layla is 18 years old, blind but very aware of what is going on plus has the energy that I need to burn off as such as sleeping all day is great but she needs mental stimulation and exercise also. She has become very needy, and I am learning more and more about her body language on a daily basis which is keeping me on my toes but can be exhausting also.

 

She has also become very picky when it comes to food, what she loved yesterday she does not want the following day so am cooking for her every couple of days different meals and alternating, it is not cheap, but I am relieved she does eat when she is hungry, I free feed her and I have slowed down on her treats so tough love is paying off. Her favorite still is Costco Chicken LOL but I only get it once a week, so she gobbles it happily when it arrives. So, her diet consists of ground lamb, chicken or chicken gizzards plus all her supplements (you can see the below link) and the food game goes on, what is on the menu will she eat that day. It can be very frustrating for me, but she is happy with a full tummy by the end of the day each day as I will not give into her also. Her treats are homemade dehydrated Tilapia which she loves and I look at it in a way as food also plus it is easy to put in her snuffle toy to dig for it and find it.

https://laylaswoof.com/?page_id=19

She has had the odd accident in the house, but it happened when I was out running errands and did not get home in time, but when home she moans to go out and I take her out and she potties outside. I try to take her out 4 times a day like clockwork plus at about 10 pm every night or later if I am awake so she is sleeping till about 5 in the morning, and then she wakes me up with a moan and I take her out to potty, bring her in and then try go back to sleep, not always working LOL. My clothes are ready each time to just slip on and run out with her, her stroller is ready next to the door. Thank goodness I live on a busy street so there are always people out so am not alone.  Another new thing is her standing on street corners barking into the air which worries me as I do not want to wake up the neighborhood but my vet explained to me that she does it because of her blindness.

Sleeping after going out to potty at 5 in the morning

 

In a nutshell, there is never a dull moment in the Layla Neighborhood but I count my blessings daily that she is healthy, happy and living the life of luxury which she deserves. Her 13th Gotcha Day is at the end of month which I do plan to make very special for her.

 

Be safe everyone, stay warm and dry

With a woof and love from Layla

 

January 2024 Pet Holidays and Observances

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Welcome 2024, let the pet holidays and observances begin as we all need to remember them so our pets do not feel left out.

Month

  • National Train your Dog Month
  • Unchain a Dog Month.
  • Walk Your Dog Month.
  • Adopt a Rescue Bird Month

 

Day

  • 2: National Pet Travel Safety Day.
  • 2: Happy Mew Year for Cats Day.
  • 5: National Bird Day
  • 10: Save the Eagles Day
  • 14: National Dress Up Your Pet Day.
  •  18: Winnie the Pooh Day
  • 19: National Conservation Dog Day.
  • 20: Penguin Awareness Day
  • 21: Squirrel Appreciation Day
  • 22: National Answer Your Cat’s Question Day.
  • 24: Change a Pet’s Life Day.
  • 24: Peanut Butter Day. 
  • 29: Seeing Eye Guide Dog Anniversary.
  • 29: Tuxedo Cat Appreciation Day.

May 2024 be a healthy happy safe peaceful New Year for Everyone

Woof with love from Layla

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023 is over WOW

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Good morning,

The weekend has arrived but guess what, it is the end of the year also. 2023 has gone so fast it is scary and 2024 is a few days away. WOW.

This past week it has been cold and rainy so we have stayed indoors dry and playing with snuffle ball and napping, it can be boring for me but Mom does not want me to get sick, so she is very firm with her plans when it rains. I do not like the rain so in a way I enjoy being home although I do have the stroller with a cover to keep me dry but Mom gets wet and she is not happy BOL.

I lucked out Mom spilled my treats so am vacuuming with my tongue

New Years eve is a nightmare for so many of my fur friends because of those horrible noisy fireworks, in my younger days Mom would make me a bed in the shower with my water and favorite toys so I would not hear them plus she played the Jaz station all night long but now I am old I do not hear them that much which has made Moms life a lot less stressful and easy. She never leaves me alone, so I feel very safe and secure.

 

Please keep all of us safe and it can be very scary to be outdoors with all bangs going off plus as I woofed to Mom I feel very sorry for the wild animals and birds that suffer from it all. Do you agree with me?

Did you know that January is overflowing with pets because people have dumped their pets for selfish reasons, they do not think that pets are part of family and should live all their lives with them. Layla was dumped in January and I rescued her on the 31st of January, a total matted mess but I lucked out with the most beautiful little girl in the world and her ex family lost out.

 

I must now go to sleep as an old girl needs her beauty sleep, Happy New Year Everyone, may 2024 bring peace, love, health and happiness to everyone,

With a woof and love from

Layla

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays Everyone

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Good morning Friends,

Can you believe it is nearly the end of 2023 WOW, this year has gone too fast or is Mom getting old too quickly BOL.

I was not well last week and Mom was very worried about me. I kept pooping, not diarrhea though but could not hold my poops so Mom was cleaning all weekend after me and she was exhausted. Because of it Mom could not go to her Hanukkah party on Sunday and I feel bad. She phoned our vet and spoke to a tech about it and he suggested that Mom speak to a vet and gave us a phone number of an emergency clinic which answers questions over the phone. So Mom called them and spoke to a really sweet vet who calmed Mom down and since then Mom has relaxed and my problem has been solved. Mom emailed my vet on Monday telling her what had been happening and my vet told Mom to give me some medications. But because my tummy had settled we decided not to give me the medications but as my vet is going on holiday this week for two weeks she has left the medication on my name for an emergency but thank goodness we have no need at this moment.

My vet did tell Mom that pumpkin could have been part of the problem as I am a senior and sometimes pumpkin does not work on us, so no more pumpkin for me.

We have done something new, changed my diet which my vet thinks is a good idea. I now eat ground lamb with brown rice for fiber and my tummy is working perfectly and the lamb is so so good, although as Mom says it is not cheap either. But I am a princess and deserve the best.

Another thing we have done is because my back legs are not that stable anymore and I fall into my food or knock it over, I cannot eat out of bowls anymore as I do not see and knock them over, so Mom now feeds me on my own little table with a flat porcelain dish which is heavy and hard to push over. See the photo below and my video where you can hear me slurping away.

Yum the lamb is so good

Video :  https://youtube.com/shorts/jU5zZTVBM9g?si=j5cuqtISkBsmLCO5

Because of the rain all week we have not really gone out that much as Mom does not like swimming in the rain and neither do I so Christmas events we did now do this week but I have been spoiled and we are sharing some old photos from Christmas events in San Francisco. Memories cannot be erased.

From one of the Christmas events in San Francisco a couple of years ago

Video :  https://youtube.com/shorts/J8BUP0UMGyQ?si=04dl6CPv7-wwN35n

 

Please keep your fur family safe this Christmas, do not drink and drive and most of all adopt don’t shop if you are getting a new fur baby.

Merry Christmas Everyone,

 

Enjoy your time with your family and make lots of memories

With love from Layla

 

 

We did a walkabout in our Neighborhood

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TGIF, Good Morning all my furfriends, phew it is Friday and I am tired.

 

Mom has been very busy this week so we did not go to the park although Mom explained to me the grass is really wet and she does not want me to get a cold although I think she is thinking of herself BOL.

On Tuesday Mom’s best friend and my favorite Auntie surprised us with a visit and we went to our favorite place for lunch, I call it the chicken place but it is actually Syrian food, a Mom and Pop place and everything is delicious. Mom’s favorite is their garlic sauce which is called Toum (Lebanese) and Mom says it is so yum she could eat it all day BOL. Of course I got some chicken from Mom so I had a full tummy when we left there, if you ever in San Francisco you must go eat there, it is called Palmyra and it is in the lower Haight, down the road from where the Hippy Movement started on Haight Ashbury. And most of all they are pet friendly so you can take your dog inside with you, Woof.

Checking the store window

So after lunch Mom and I decided to walk home and look at some of the street murals and those are the photos we going to share today on my blog. Is our walkabout window shopping and enjoying the cold sunny day. I was exhausted when I got home but it was lots of fun.

Outside a Barber Shop

Smelling the air with the beautiful mural behind me, Layla

Exhausted after my day out which was fun

I am going to sleep now as I am tired but cannot wait to see what Mom has planned for us this weekend,

Have a wonderful weekend everyone

With a woof and love from

Layla

 

 

 

How to protect your dog with Supplements from Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRDC)

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TGIF! Good morning, everyone,

Winter has arrived and with it all the colds, flu and so much more. We are all aware of the new CANINE INFECTIOUS RESPIRATORY Virus that is going around and we have all become alert and aware of everywhere our dogs go. I have been following it everywhere and as a Mom to a senior it got me more concerned as Layla loves being outdoors and when in parks roam around so decided to do some real research.

One of the wake up calls for me was the email I received from my vet clinic, The San Francisco Animal Medical Centre where we went last week as they invited all their clients to the opening of a new section, An Oncology Department and MRI, and they will be adding more in the near future. I am really excited to have everything under one roof and knowing the staff and vets makes it a lot easier. Layla’s vet was there, and she thanked me for the mention in my Thanksgiving post and loved that I shared my list of supplements that I give Layla and complemented me that I am a wonderful Dog Mom, which made me feel good.

I got permission from Dr. Judy Morgan to share here  from her blog:

What foods strengthen the immune system?

  • Blueberries nourish Blood and Yin, clear heat, have antioxidant properties, and play an essential role in the respiratory tract’s immune defense system.
  • Turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is a Chi (energy) tonic and resolves stagnation.
  • Oily fish like sardines are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, have anti-inflammatory properties, and are a Blood and Chi tonic.
  • Broccoli is rich in vitamins, has antioxidant properties, tonifies Blood, and clears heat. Serve steamed or grind into small pieces and serve raw.
  • Sweet potato reinforces the spleen and stomach, has antioxidant properties, and is rich in beta carotene and vitamin A.
  • Spinach is rich in vitamins C and E, flavonoids, carotenoids, and is a Blood tonic.
  • Ginger contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, warms the lungs and arrests cough. Ginger is a warm herb; if a high fever is present, use peppermint or spearmint.
  • Garlic breaks down phlegm, reinforces the stomach, and aids digestion. Like ginger, garlic has warming properties and is not recommended if fever is present.
  • Red bell pepper is a rich source of vitamin C and promotes circulation.
  • Ground almonds transform phlegm and moisten the lungs.

What supplements strengthen the immune system?

Turkey Tail Mushrooms boost immune cell production, combat infections, and alleviate inflammation.

Vitamin C, an antioxidant, helps maintain healthy immune system function and is also good for arthritis.

Colostrum supplies immunoglobulins (antibodies) and cytokines which are important components of the immune system.

Probiotics support the immune function and gut health.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is important to test current levels of Vitamin D in the body as too much is toxic. Be sure to test levels before administering. On the other hand, low Vitamin D leaves the immune system compromised. Foods such as egg yolks and oily fish (sardines) can be given in place of Vitamin D without the risk of toxicity.

Fresh or Freeze-Dried Lung like treats like and lung can be a great food or treat to support respiratory function.

You can read more about her on: https://www.drjudyu.com/

Mushroom Supplements – If you shop at Real Mushrooms, you have a 10% coupon with LaylasWoof

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

Another very interesting resource is the Q&A today by Dr Rob Silver from Real Mushrooms ad Joni Kamlet.  They answered a lot of questions and I found it very interesting plus I got from them all the answers I needed to keep Layla healthy and safe. One of the products that stood out for me is 5 Defenders which has all the mushrooms needed to keep her immune system healthy plus they mentioned a new product that would be on the market soon which is a daily mushroom supplement called Daily Dawg.

This document says it all: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Blwh02xzkmWtdFeODmOPLL4krdT9WvIJ/edit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLw25LVGXaU

So, I hope all this information will help everyone keep their pups healthy and happy.

Before we end off this week, we want to wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah, the Miracle of Lights and please keep your pets safe. Layla has a message for you as always, see the link below :

https://youtu.be/jayBkmIjQ3s?si=-geaFhVaE0N264-X

I cannot not share my healthy latkes recipes which are great treats for dogs

Happy Hanukkah Everyone, be safe and have a wonderful weekend

With a woof and love from Layla

 

 

 

 

 

December Pet Holidays and Observances

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December has arrived that means hoodie time

December has arrived and with it all the holidays we celebrate so please stay warm and cozy as the cold weather has arrived also, brrrrr

Month

  • National Cat Lover’s Month.

One Day

  • Dec. 1: National Twin With Your Dog Day.
  • Dec. 2: National Mutt Day.
  • Dec. 7: Hanukkah Starts
  • Dec. 9: International Day of Veterinary Medicine.
  • Dec. 10: International Animal Rights Day.
  • Dec. 11: Holiday Food Drive for the Needy Animals Day.
  • Dec. 15: National Cat Herders Day.
  • Dec. 15: Hanukkah Ends
  • Dec. 25: Christmas Day
  • Dec. 26:  Boxing Day

Wishing all our friends Happy Hanukkah חַג חֲנוּכָּה שַׂמֵחַ and a Merry Christmas

 

Love Layla

 

Thank you Everybody

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Dear friends, followers, and fans,

Thanksgiving has arrived and as I have been doing the past years, I am doing this year my thank you letter although I am blind, I can still bark my orders to Mom as to what to write and share.

 

I want to start by thanking all my friends who I meet up with in the park, my uncles who give me treats when Mom does not want to and so many more people. My followers on social media you are the best and keep Mom amused but most of all sharing our life with you makes life so much more fun and interesting.

 

A special thanks to Hindy for being there for Mom when she is freaking out like a Jewish Mom over something, Dr Gervais my vet who is amazing and keeps an eye on me and my health and all the techs at the clinic, you are the best of the best.

 

A very big thank you to PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support) and the Shanti project for helping Mom when needed and keeping her busy and happy but most of all I am included in it all.

 

I also want to thank some of the suppliers that produce the supplements that have helped me with my health and I am blessed that Mom found you as really it makes a difference to a senior when you getting the right nutrients.

 

  1. Vetericyn : Your All In Senior is amazing, got my liver levelled out and so much more plus your ear rinse keeps my ears clean all the time which means I get no Infections. Also, when I have an itch your skin products fix it immediately.

https://vetericyn.com/

Thank you Vetericyn for keeping this old lady healthy, Layla

 

  1. Real Mushrooms: and yes, they are real. Your Lions Mane has worked wonders for me in so many ways that Mom is now taking it also. Your 5 Defenders which is a mix of 5 mushrooms is keeping me healthy and to keep me calm your calming supplement is the best. I am actually sleeping through the night because of it. You have a 10% discount with the coupon LaylasWoof. Oy Mom just remembered to tell you that your Hot Chocolate with Mushrooms is super yum and with the cold weather arriving a must have in your kitchen.

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

Yes mushrooms are magic, Layla

 

  1. Myos: As you know with age our joints and muscles start giving in but with the Myos supplement mixed with Green Lipped Mussels I am still a wanderer and keep Mom on her feet in the park. It has made a big difference in my joints and walking.

https://myospet.com/?aff=852

They keep me on my paws and make Mom run after me

  1. Earthbath:  The wipes that keep my butt smelling clean all the time is their Tushy Wipes. Did you know my butt smells all the time of Rosemary and Chamomile. Since my UTI Mom has been using them on me and they are the best. You have a 15% discount with coupon LaylasWoof15

https://www.earthbath.com/collections/all/

Listen I might be your bum chum but leave my tush alone it is clean, Layla

 

  1. And of course it is all very well staying healthy but I need my treats also for my snuffle toys and the best this year are the treats from Farm Hounds. You have a discount off entire order with coupon YumTreats0311

https://farmhounds.com/

A snuffle ball is very good for the brain but so so good for your belly when it has yum treats in

 

Phew I am exhausted with all this barking but please keep us safe on Thanksgiving with the list below which are no no for us and of course do not drink and drive as we are waiting at home for you.

Before I go to sleep I want to say a special thank you to the best Mom in the world, I am so blessed you chose me at the shelter and is doing everything to keep me happy and healthy, I love you.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, be safe,

https://youtube.com/shorts/PbCWl3nAvzQ?feature=share

With love from Layla

 

 

 

I have had a barking busy week.

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Woof hello all my friends,

I have had a barking busy week with lots of barking. Mom is not impressed but I feel I have the right to give my input.

On Saturday Mom took me to the vet for a senior checkup. The vet was very impressed with Mom for keeping me so healthy and Mom asked her a favor which she was happy to help with. My back leg muscles are slowing giving in, no arthritis phew, but because of it I am falling into my food, so I had some matts. So, the vet tech was kind enough to shave me (Mom says rather I am bare in parts than have matts) which was going well until I got fed up and oy vey snapped at the vet. Mom was in shock as she has never seen me do that but thank goodness the vet was not upset. Can you believe they put a muzzle on me and that is when Mom started to giggle as she told the vet I looked like a duck gone wrong. I was not impressed but at least I am matt free now phew and happy. I got lots of treats from the vet, so it was worth it.

Do I really look like a duck ?

 

On Sunday Mom took me to my favorite park to get some fresh air, or should I say Mom wanted fresh air but it was great to be outdoors as the weather is changing and getting cold and rainy. Of course, I did my barking in the park as that has become my ritual and if I do not do it I will not be happy. Poor Mom gets a headache but too bad I need to tell the world I have arrived. It was a wonderful couple of hours outdoors, Mom watching the boats on the bay and me wandering around sniffing all the new smells so in a nutshell we were both relaxed and happy.

https://youtube.com/shorts/a7YpAROlyMI?si=cDGPvug_VxW1XfpX

Then the highlight of my week was Wednesday, we went to a Thanksgiving event where there was lots of food, yes Mom shared some with me, I was the only dog there so I got lots of love from everyone, but the best BOL was when they started the Karaoke singing, I did not like the music and voices so I sat in the stroller barking away. I would not keep quiet even when Mom offered me treats to keep quiet, but it did not work. The minute it all stopped I lay back down in my stroller and went back to sleep. Mom won some smelly shower products on the raffle so she was a happy Mom who will now smell fruity BOL.

Do I have a turkey on my back ?

 

So, as you read, I have been busy barking and Mom is not talking about my barking orders in the house when I want or should I say demand something from her and one of my newest quirks is to stand on the corner and bark for no reason, Mom is not happy with that BOL but I am the Boss.

I am laughing at this post as I think barking is fun BOL

 

Have a wonderful safe weekend everyone,

With a woof and love from Layla, the Bossy Barker