Earth Day 2020

Woof to all my friends,


How are you all doing ? Are you keeping your hoomans busy at home and making sure they working and giving you extra hugs and treats ?


Today, April 22 is Earth Day, a very important day and because of the virus and all of us on lock downs the world has changed so much. We can actually learn about this as we see the difference and maybe it is a wake up call to make the earth a healthier better place to live in.


So what has been happening in the world to show it :


01. The air is cleaner and not so polluted so we are finally breathing in clean air which is so much healthier especially for those that suffer from different illnesses.
02. There is less industrial pollution
03. Less litter on the streets and beaches
04. There is less car pollution 
05. There is less noise pollution 

I have been reading articles from different countries to see how the lock down has caused wild animals to start roaming the streets, here are a few examples :

01. The Marine Life in Hawaii is flourishing https://www.kron4.com/news/national/marine-life-in-hawaii-improving-due-to-lack-of-humans-during-pandemic/?fbclid=IwAR3be4GlQqHhhATdGIzZqzJDff3Gf0Xs1KZdZw_uYP5NPSLsv1b5XmL_St8

02. Penguins have been seen wandering the streets in Cape Town South Africa https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=645862186195238

03. Ostriches have been seen wandering the streets in Cape Town South Africa https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/ostrich-patrols-cape-point-during-lockdown/?fbclid=IwAR28takqrBhwotDv9Bk4Hyh6rFkY5sNMGymKWJcFjwScFuMQp08bZaKmy8Y

04. Coyotes have been seen in downtown San Francisco and on the beaches https://www.sfgate.com/living-in-sf/article/Incredible-video-of-coyotes-howling-in-SF-15199551.php?utm_campaign=CMS+Sharing+Tools+%28Desktop%29&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&fbclid=IwAR1h_1E0b0G5E6NVagm-LMgkSQnZCEcHaeLswMG1ndcP1HOaAvZySJUgVGc

05. Jackals have been seen in the enormous park in the center of Tel Aviv, Israel https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/Hkw8k7Xd8?utm_source=ynetnews.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=facebook&utm_term=Hkw8k7Xd8&fbclid=IwAR3D2XtFwvSVlLb2-roa93qM2M0C0c4LNyI-OiHHSccmGvxuY5EKeMvizHY

06. A Kudu wandering the streets in South Africa  https://www.sapeople.com/2020/04/18/watch-a-kudu-strolls-through-pretoria-during-lockdown/?fbclid=IwAR3pIaHrHRL5nOLSJqyQR4cZX1qtSoMgpK9Z-RSeevmxG7KioqGnPMLGDDg \

07. The new traffic in Italy  https://www.facebook.com/carlotta.brandi.9/videos/1458490964354497/UzpfSTM0NjUyNzAzODgzMTcxODoxNTgxNzU4Njg1MzA4NTQx/

08. Wild Boars wandering the streets in Haifa Israel  https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/B1IWSoEuU?fbclid=IwAR01aWKkaR0W0gQzIvUcfFXoO0pRer_Bdm8gGLkTIG3f4c1XAwfdGN64moE&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=facebook&utm_term=B1IWSoEuU

09. In Eilat. Israel the Ibex have claimed the beachfront  (This is my hometown) https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/HkrN7IkvU?fbclid=IwAR1ybmtjLXVXZYR24pet8fQcxNsJOFBioH0zla–AWS7vPwaSglvGODxCcg#autoplay

And that is all I have seen but am so sure there is so much more but what an eye opener is all I can say.  It makes me realize how much damage we have done, how much we have messed this earth up and it is time for us to step back and get it right. Who agrees with me ?


I today, to celebrate Earth Day, and the sun shining took Layla for some time in the park, it was beautiful, empty which was even better LOL. I sat there with my coffee relaxing while the Madam did what she does best sleep. A friend then joined us which was great to chat while her lil one joined us also. A great way to spend a couple of hours outdoors.  Layla is now sleeping and relaxed.


So on this note, please stay safe, lets all work towards a better healthier earth as we have the chance now.


Woof and Love fromLayla

Lock Down means Give Away

Woof hello friends,


How are you all doing ? Are you going crazy with the lock down the way I am ? I would love to know.


While we all complain about it at the back of my mind I always think of the poor animals in zoos that are on lock down 24/7 and therefore feel I should shut up and focus on how lucky we are.


This week has gone fast and funnily enough with the lock down we actually have been quite busy.


On Sunday I finally managed to get Layla in for her annual check up, I cannot believe she is nearly 13 years old.  All is good with her but unfortunately she is starting a cataract on her right eye now, so her sight is slowly going.  The vet told me to watch it and if it starts bulging we will discuss what to do.  So I am taking each day as it comes. When we went, a technician came out to fetch her, bring the forms to fill in and then he took her in. The vet called me afterwards to tell me everything plus she left a phone message so I could listen again at home. It was traumatic for Layla not being with me for those 30 minutes but I knew she was in good hands so relaxed. I think vets all over the country are doing amazing work under the circumstances today and a big thanks to them.


The weather warmed up for a couple of days so I took advantage of being able to sit in the park under a tree on an island as I call it, my blanket and relax out doors which has made a difference in Layla also. We are all really good in the park keeping safe distances. Layla was also excited as she got to see her friend Lucy, one of the only dogs she kind of plays with LOL, so it was good for her and me. I feel recharged as such which is a great feeling.

Now for the important, with everyone inside and looking for different treats, toys and other goodies for our pampered pooches we, Raw Paws Pet Food and Layla decided to do a give away this month for 5 lbs of raw frozen chicken neck bones. Layla loves them, they keep her busy, she walks around the house with them, has buried one under my pillow, LOL ewwww.  They are healthy and keeps her happy. I am a big fan of Raw Paws Pet Food and I give Layla their supplements also and swear by them.  If you want to keep your pets happy I suggest you check their products, being a Jewish Mom if I suggest something you know it is good.


Its a big big bag which means lots of chewing fun worth $ 33.99 and now on sale 
for $ 23.99

And don’t forget when you shop there if you use the coupon Layla15 you get 15% off your shopping, and with todays’ economy every penny counts.

Link :  hhttps://www.rawpawspetfood.com/


Raw Paws Pet Food also decided to donate some of their food to a rescue organization of my choice also, so I chose Dreams. I love companies that keep rescue organizations in mind, they are the better companies.

Who is Dreams :


DREAMS has been dedicated to saving seniors out of central valley shelters since 1998. SO far DREAMS has been keeping things small due to limited income. With so many seniors in need after 15 years of being a private sanctuary we have started working on non profit status in California. Where when money permits we can rescue many senior or disabled animals in need. We are striving to be a hospice sanctuary for critical seniors in their last months. We have around 40 acres in the foothills of central California where our home sanctuary is located. We are a no cage, roam free home for senior animals in need.  

I personally know Danielle, and knowing her if she had the financial means she would be rescuing more on a daily basis. Danielle has a heart of gold, between her Sanctuary and homeless people in the town where she lives, she helps wherever possible, amazes me on a daily basis and never stops. 


Below is the Give Away App to enter :

Link :http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/7d1ec19c50/?

We have been sponsored by Raw Paws Pet Food for this give away and it is for the USA only. Please note you have to be over 18 to enter.


Layla and I are at this moment listening to the daily afternoon Melissa Etheridge concert which is awesome as what can be better than rocking out while blogging, and on that rocking note, good luck to all those that enter, and please be safe 


With a Woof and Love Layla 

Another week gone by

Woof hello everyone,


How are you all doing and we hope you are all staying safe and healthy.


San Francisco as you know is on lock down although thank goodness we are able to go for walks and get some fresh air so last Sunday I decided I need to see the ocean. I dressed safely, put Layla in her backpack and off we went on a tram down to the beach for a couple of hours. It was the best medicine for both of us, fresh sea air just recharged my batteries. Layla of course was in seventh heaven, fresh new smells, able to walk off leash and it was great for her. 

I am going to try do something different this weekend also as I feel lately she does not want to go out too much and is bored with our area, not wanting to walk like she did in the past.  I know she is not sick as she is eating like a pig LOL.


Yesterday a friend of mine called to tell me he has some lamb bones for her, best thing to happen as she chewed away yesterday and wagged her tail. I have enough for her for a couple of days which is great.


So we are dealing with the lock down, I have pulled away quite a bit from social media as I am trying to stay as calm as possible.


My only concern and I do worry about is the Domestic Violence Victims who are on lock down with their abusers, as someone said, this is when abuse is going to get really bad and unfortunately due to lock downs the resources are not out there as it normally would be as most non profits are closed. So let us all pray for them and keep them in your thoughts. I am one of the lucky ones but so many are not.


And now Layla is moaning LOL as she wants some cuddles so am off here to spoil her which makes me feel great.


Please be safe all, take care and share with us what you are doing with your pets.
Woof with love Layla

My adventure last weekend

Woof hello friends,


How are you all ?  Over here in San Francisco the weather is weird, one minute hot and then cold and then rain, I wish it would make its mind up cos I want to go to the dog park a bit.


Last weekend I must say I was happy as I had Mom all to myself, it was pawsome and we even went on an adventure.


On Saturday, we were going to go to the Tulip Festival but it was raining and stayed at home, cuddled a lot and Mom spoiled me with lots of treats.


But on Sunday she surprised me and we took the tram which I love riding and went to meet up with Jenna Emmons and Louis, the Frenchie. That was so exciting as I have never been in a hotel where there is a dog park on the 5th floor. 


Louis is such a cute and handsome dog, and he was so nice with me, I love dogs like him although BOL I can be a bit of a snob.  Mom and Jenna spoke about blogging while we sniffed around the park and wandered around. It was really weird in a way to be up in the sky but in a dog park, a new experience for me so thank you Jenna for inviting us to do so. 

I told Mom I want to do that again and what Jenna is doing with Louis I also want to do one day, her reply was maybe, grrrrr am not happy with that reply.


Otherwise nothing exciting is happening in the Layla Neighborhood, Georgie has gone away for 10 days so he is not visiting, Gidget of course is here and I am really getting to like her more and more, she is very playful but respectful and we have learned proper how to share Mom with no arguments and cuddle together.


Unfortunately because of this lousy virus going around, we are lying low although BOL am making sure Mom takes me for extra long walks when we do go out. Mom explained that we should rather be safe than sorry so am going to trust her judgement on that.


Everybody please be safe, eat healthy and as Mom says don’t forget to wash your hands. Can you believe she now wipes my paws when we come inside BOL. (I do that because of her allergies).

Friday March the 13th is National K9 Veterans Day, to honor commemorate the service and sacrifices of American military and working dogs throughout history. Thank you to all the four legged heroes.


Am off now for my morning shnooze, I need need my beauty sleep,
With a woof and love Layla 


Another week in the Layla Neighborhood

Woof to all our friends,


March has arrived and that means summer is around the corner which I am sure many of you are happy about.


In my neighborhood it has been warm, no rain which is pawsome although Mom is upset and says we need it. I will let her be right this time.


Gidget and Georgie have been spending time here playing like crazy and I am the referee and growl when they come close to me. I keep telling them I am an old lady and do not have patience for all the playing and jumping around so the growl puts them in their place.

You know the saying you can teach an old dog tricks well LOL I am still laughing over this, Layla in the 9 years plus that I have her has never chewed up or shredded a toy and last Thursday she did it so I think she has learnt from Georgie and Gidget.

Mom is loving having them, but as she says, with the water bowl flying everywhere and water all over the ground our floor is clean all the time BOL. 

They are keeping her busy and healthy as she is walking more than usual also and when they go out I hide in my box for some down time and then make her walk me without them. I have her well trained.


Today, has been a crazy morning for Mom, she cleaned the house (not sure why as the other two are here), a new mattress was delivered so she has loads of laundry to do now and she got me up early to get everything done. I am not really happy about that one as I need my beauty sleep.

I asked Mom what the plans are for this weekend and she told me she is not working and wants to go to the Tulip Festival which I am excited about  as that means riding on the bus woof doing happy dance. We will also be meeting another blogger and  her dog so I will be making a new friend and am excited about that one.  So Saturday is going to be a good day and Sunday no plans. What are yours this weekend ?
NOW something serious :

This month is Poison Prevention Awareness Month for us pets.
This is so important for us to remember and know about to keep us safe.
What is poison for us dogs :
1.    Chocolate
2.    Rodenticides
3.    Anti-inflammatory medications
4.    Xylitol (sugar-free gum & more)
5.    Grapes & Raisins, Onions, Garlic, 
6.    Antidepressant Medications and Stimulant Medications 
7.    Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol)
8.    Vitamin D Overdose
9.    Stimulant Medications 
10.  Fertilizers 

What is poison for our cats  :
1.    Lilies (Lilium species)
2.    Spot-on flea/tick medication for dogs
3.    Household Cleaners
4.    Antidepressant Medications
5.    Essential Oils
6.    Anti-inflammatory Medications
7.    Mouse & Rat Poisons (rodenticides)
8.    Stimulant Medications 
9.    Onions & Garlic
10.  Vitamin D Overdose  

And final list for all pets :
Autumn Crocus
Azalea
Cyclamen
Kalanchoe
Lilies
Oleander
Dieffenbachia
Daffodils
Lily of the Valley
Sago Palm
Tulips and Hyacinths 

So please everyone, keep us safe and if something happens call the Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 This is a 24/7 helpline and there is an incident fee of 59 dollars.


On this note, I have finished dictating to Mom and now need a nap,
Have a wonderful weekend Layla



WOW February is nearly over

Wednesday woof hello to all my friends,


We cannot believe that February is nearly over and March is around the corner.


It has been a really dry winter for San Francisco, we have not had rain in nearly a month which is worrying as that means the drought is going to get worse, Layla is happy though as she is enjoying the warm weather and not getting wet.


Last weekend was the fluffy meet up, that is what I call it LOL, it is actually the monthly Shi Tzhu Meet Up which I love going to as it is in one of my favorite parks and for Layla it is an adventure. She loves riding on the buses, sitting in her back pack of course and everyone on the bus always wants to pet her. So Madam is in seventh heaven and happy.



We had a great time there, meeting some new dogs, wandering around the park and in a nutshell it was good to be out in the fresh air and relax.
Sunday we just relaxed together as with dog sitting and having dogs in the house at the moment, it is a new concept for Layla but she is dealing with it fantastically and just ignores the dogs LOL. 


Below watch the happy chaos the house when Gidget and Georgie get together, they can play like this for hours.

I am really enjoying it as it means I am home a lot more and not running around like a lunatic every day.  The plus also is I prefer working with dogs than humans which makes life less stressful. I am also walking each dog alone so am getting lots of exercise which helps with my diet.


So the Layla neighborhood has changed in some ways, but in good ways I can tell you that Layla, for her age, and used to being alone with me in the house, is doing amazingly well, and I am really proud of her.


So that is what is what is happening here, we have no plans for this weekend but to chill out and have Mom/Layla time which is so important plus recharge our batteries.


We must not forget that till the end of the month is Justice for Animals Week, an annual event dedicated to raising public awareness about animal abuse, what to do if you see abuse, where to report it, and work with our communities to enforce stronger and tougher laws. We must be their voice as they do not have one.


Stay safe all, have a wonderful weekend,

With a woof and love from Layla 


A letter to Layla on her Gotcha Day

TGIF !!!!!!!!!!!!!! But most important Happy Gotcha Day to my best friend, my partner in life and most of all to Layla. 


Today we are going to dedicate this blog to Layla, who is my Boss, the owner of this blog as I am her secretary.


Dear Layla,


I am so proud to be your Mom, to be able to keep you healthy and happy but most important of all am so blessed to have you in my life. 


I am once again going to share your Gotcha Story here so that others will realize rescuing is so worth it and that is why I speak out for rescues, as like you, they all need a home with a warm bed to sleep on.


I remember when your sister passed away, I waited about 6 weeks and then decided my home was too empty without the pitter patter of paws so the search was on. I ran around to all the shelters in the city but could not find a little fluffy at the time, which is what I wanted. 


So Uncle Michael introduced me to Aunt Cindy by email, told me that he would be in LA for a week so I had a week to search online for a new fur kid and he would bring her home to me.


I sat 24/7 on Petharbor and Petfinder and was nearly giving up when I saw you sitting in a cage in the Carson Shelter. Your look on your face said to me take me home. I immediately emailed Aunt Cindy with your information and photo and she went to the Shelter on the Saturday to fetch you for me. I remember her calling me from there telling me she had a smelly matted mess kissing her, that sealed the deal.


You arrived on the Sunday evening, the 31st of January 2011, I had got the house all ready for you, bought you a new pink bed and was so excited. Yes, you were smelly and dirty but I did not care as there are washing machines, and for me what was important was you were finally home, safe and sound with a nice warm bed.


Your dumping papers said you had been an outdoor dog, you bit when groomed and in a nutshell everything negative a person can say and OH What A Lie. You are the opposite. I am ashamed to even say what your name had been.


I waited a couple of days and then met a friend of mine, a vet, Dr. Phil in the dog park, he looked at you, checked you and said I had won, and he was so right.


Your first couple of days you slept and ate, I had to teach you to climb the stairs, potty outside and am proud to say you had one accident inside. You did no damage and I did not crate you as I do not believe in crates but as far as I remember you chewed a tissue LOL.

You overcame your fear of men, your fear of so many things but with love and patience we did it together and you succeeded.


You have come a long way Layla, 9 wonderful years with me, we have moved, you have become one of the most happiest waggy tail dogs I know, friendly, full of love and I could not ask for anything more.


So as you grow older with me, nearly 13, and Mom is growing older too, I could not ask for a better way to grow old but with you, you make me laugh, shower me with unconditional love, and even when you are naughty I giggle as it is so seldom.


Thank you for rescuing me Layla, Mommy is so proud of you, so blessed to share my bed with you and most of all, Mommy loves you very much.


Happy Gotcha Day Sweetheart, my Lullybelle (her nickname) and I promise today, we are going to do something special.


Hugs and lots of love Mom


PS. I can honestly say On Line Love Affairs do exist.

January is flying by



TGIF !!!!!!!!!!!! We cannot believe that we are in the third week of January, this month is flying too fast.

In the Layla Neighborhood we have been busy dog sitting, Gidget spent the weekend with us last week which was exhausting and she was here yesterday and today Louis is here.

Mom is really working hard looking after all of us and I am sure by the end of the day is exhausted. One good thing I think Mom is losing a lot of weight from all the walking so she will be a skinny old lady now like me.


Last Saturday we went to the Women’s March which was amazing, it was smaller than last year but still awesome to see the women, men, children and of course dogs there all standing up for our rights.  We wandered around, listened to the speakers and chatted with different people. We did not do the March as I had left Gidget at home and did not want to be away for too long.

The organizations there were Animal Liberation, Climate Change, Women’s organizations, Domestic Violence and so much more. 
Below are some of the photographs from the March.

When we got home, Madam was exhausted LOL, I walked Gidget and spent some quality time with her on the walk and then we all relaxed.


Sunday was a slow day just having fun all of us together, Monday more or less the same and then Gidget went home in the evening.


LOL Tuesday Layla slept all day and I think she needed it.


Yesterday Madam went for a bath and I forgot the camera oy vey but she has a new thing of moaning while being bathed and giving miserable looks as if she is being punished, it is quite funny. I compensated her of course with lots of treats so she cannot complain, I am a softy and actually feel guilty also as I know she hates it.


Tomorrow she is going to get a surprise, we are going to her favorite restaurant for lunch, it is a Syrian place with delicious food and Layla always gets a piece of chicken. They are so great there and when they bring us glasses of water they automatically bring Layla a bowl of water also. 
Saturday if not raining we are doing the Shitzhu Meet up which will be good for her and Sunday I am helping at a volunteer program which she will come with me of course.  So as you can see we are always busy and Monday my plans are nothing but housework and laundry.

Before we forget : January 24th is “Change a Pet’s Life Day” which was created for nationwide recognition of homeless pets in need of forever, loving homes. Whether you choose to adopt a new friend or even volunteer at a local animal shelter, it will be really appreciated by a homeless pet.

Today is Change a Pets Life Day


Did anyone else go to the Women’s March ?  What did you do over the long weekend, lets hear from everyone ?


On this note, with both dogs now sleeping, I am going to get a cup of coffee and relax a bit, 


Have a wonderful weekend all and please stay safe and warm.


With a woof and love from Layla


What a week, I am exhausted

My weekend plans

TGIF and guess what ? It is a long weekend ! 


Lots of new happenings in the Layla Neighborhood and I have told Mom I am not really impressed as to what is happening here although I do understand as Mom wants to work more from home than run around and teach.

So this is the news :


Mom has decided to do some dog sitting for different dogs so we now have Gidget on Wednesday afternoons and Louis on Thursdays. 

Gidget and Layla


I love having house guests but am having to learn in my old age about puppies and although they are cute and funny they tire me out BOL. I told Mom I am an old dog and do not have the energy for them, so guess what, when the puppy wants to play I go to sleep in my box and it is the best. 
As I am sleeping in my box now Louis is squeaking away with a toy and the jazz is playing in the background. 

Louis 

On Saturday Mom took me to the vet as she was worried that I had lost weight but the vet told Mom to stop worrying as I am really healthy. The only thing she did point out to Mom is that my eyes are really dry and that we should put drops in my eyes which Mom is doing. She is concerned that because I have a cataract the dry eyes might start causing some pain and then I will have to go on medications so we are praying the drops will help.


The plus with going to the vet is I came home yummm with a small bag of treats so I was a very happy girl.


The rains have arrived again and it has been freezing cold so we not out and about as we normally are but if there is a drop of sunshine Mom runs to the park LOL or takes me for a long walk.


So that is what is happening in the Layla neighborhood and this Saturday we are doing the Women’s March which will be interesting, we need to stand up and speak out. In next weeks blog you will see the photos.


As we said in our last blog we are going to be speaking out this year to save our climate, the animals and everything else.

Please look after the climate for us


Have a wonderful weekend everyone, be safe and warm,

With a woof from 
Layla 

The Holidays are nearly here

Woof !!!!!!!!!!!


Mom and I have been busy as always and with the holidays creeping up on us it seems as everyone is having Christmas events for us pampered dogs.
So Mom sat with her schedule and all the dates BOL to see what she could do and fit in although there are some on the same day, plus of course Mom wants to do something for herself too, which I am not sure I agree with.


On Friday I was spoiled as Uncle Matthew came to see Mom and brought my Christmas Bag from the Shanti/PAWS project which had yumm treats, and two new toys, one I really love which is a unicorn.

Happy with her Unicorn

On Saturday there were quite a few events including the Santacon but because the weather was so bad, sheets of rain, we decided to cuddle inside instead. When the rain stopped for a little bit Mom took me to our favorite pet store and stocked me up on my favorite chews, Turkey tendons so I have a stash in the house.

Shhhh don’t tell Mom I hide them so she will get me more


On Sunday the sun appeared, so we went for a long walk to the Castro District where they were having the annual Skivvies Santa Run. This is a fun event, a fundraiser for the AIDS foundation in San Francisco. What happens is everyone congregates in skivvies at one point, and then they do a run finishing at the same place where they started. There was band playing Christmas songs and jazzy music, Santa Claus and lots and lots of skivvies with Santa Hats. I even met some dogs there joining in the fun. We took a slow walk home from there through the dog park which was great as I had a good run without my leash.

Some of the many photos 


The rest of the week has been normal BOL as Mom has been doing things and I have been hibernating from the rain, but Mom is really proud of me as I have actually been walking in the rain if I need to go out. It has taken Mom nearly 8 years I think to get me to do it, better late than never. The best part is when I get home Mom doubles my treats so it is worth it.


OH!!! Before I forget one lousy thing happened this week, I got a bath. Can you believe it is raining but Mom still insists I get a bath. How dare she ! I made sure she would suffer when we got home and what I did was rolled all wet all over her bed so she had to change all the bedding. Ha I love that kind of payback.

Thank you Ally for the photo 


This coming Sunday, I am going on an adventure, as must not forget that Hanukkah is around the corner so am going to a Hanukkah party with Mom. There are going to be lots of people and children so it is going to be lots of fun. Mom says she will pack my dinner in her bag plus treats so I will not starve BOL.

I will be posting next week our Hanukkah doggy latke recipe for everyone so you can all get your humans to make you something new.


Now am going to relax, just ate lunch as I was not in the mood for breakfast, have walked Mom good today so she is tired, 


Have a wonderful warm weekend everypawdy

With love and licks From Layla