Tag Archives: #animals

We Must Not Forget

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Friday has arrived, and this Friday is a solemn day which we must not forget and make sure it never happens again.


Today is 9/11, when innocent people died just for being American, let us remember the countless lives lost and selfless acts by the brave responders on September 11, 2001 — both human and four-legged.
There were 300 specialized canine search and rescue teams in the days following the attack who worked tirelessly searching to save lives. These four-legged heroes shone in the face of  this incredible tragedy. 


 I often feel that without dogs it would be harder to find survivors. They are amazing creatures and we are blessed to have them in our lives.


We must not forget and not let it happen again.


Fast forward to 2020 and what is happening all over the world is frightening and the fires on the West coast are horrific and an eye opener as to how we should work on climate change and start protecting our earth. 


On Wednesday 9 of September I woke up to darkness, orange sky and nothing else. I looked outside thinking it was 4 in the morning but my  clock said 8 and I could not believe it. San Francisco was in darkness all day – the air was bad, and it was really eerie. The smoke from the fires had settled in our city, we had no daylight that day and everyone just stayed indoors. You can see the photo of our park at 11 in the morning taken by a friend of mine and the one from out of my window to get an idea what we went through. 

thank you Deanna Jones for your photo


I also had to take Layla for her annual check up, all good but my major question from the vet was her not sleeping at nights, wanting to go out at 3 every morning. We came to the conclusion that she has turned night into day and day into night because we are so stuck inside because of the virus and the bad air lately. We joked that she should get chicken soup every night to make her sleep.  He also feels she might be starting arthritis so we are trying Gaberpentin at night to see if that will settle her pain wise. I hope it will as we both slept last night and it was amazing.


So that is what is happening in the Layla neighborhood, just going day by day and seeing how much we can be outdoors when possible.

Please keep safe everyone, our prayers go out to those that are being evacuated from the fires and that all the animals will be safe.


With love from Layla 

Earth Day 2020

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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

April has arrived

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TGIF !!!!!!!!!!!!! 


April has arrived and with it has come lock downs, Spring, and of course Easter and Passover. So where do we start.


Our lock down is going good, we are indoors more than normal, trying to find things to keep Layla occupied as unfortunately all my dog sitting jobs have been cancelled. So she has a new quirk to sit on the bed and moan for attention all the time which is not making my life easy as I ignore it part of the time and then feel guilty also. 

Our dog parks closed this week, they are focusing more on the enclosed ones than the one like ours that has no fencing although ours has a kids playground etc which they have closed but are not making a big deal about us sitting on the lawns as long as there is 6 ft between us. Many families are there enjoying the warm weather which we have at the moment and I the past two days have been going also with a blanket and coffee, getting that fresh air is so great plus good for Layla also. She does not wander far so I have no worries with her.


Outdoor recreation is still allowed like walking, hiking, biking and running without limitations as long as people follow social requirements.

With the lock downs I am reading more and more how unfortunately Domestic Violence cases are rising, something that upsets me very much because we all complain about the lock downs but are blessed that we are free of violence not like those that are stuck at home with an abuser. My prayers and thoughts go out to all of them. If you hear of anyone in trouble and you can please reach out or give them the National Hotline Number so that they call. Remember they sometimes do not have access to a computer so having the number on hand will help them.

https://www.thehotline.org/help/


Advocates are available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) in more than 200 languages. All calls are free and confidential.  

Another cause we must not forget is April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.


We must not forget that like Domestic Violence with the lock down many animals may be being abused by an abusive human and as they are more in the house the abuse could be worse. Please if you see any animal abuse or hear of any please call your local Animal Control or the Police. 


I feel in these times we must be more aware of our surroundings, neighbors and reach out where possible as you could be saving a life.


Passover is next week, I cannot believe it and that holiday as many of you know symbolizes the freedom from slavery of the Jews from Egypt, and for me it also symbolizes especially with what is happening in the world today, freedom for Domestic Violence Victims and Animals from Cruelty situations.


So on this note we are asking everyone to be aware, keep your eyes open for any abuse if you are out on an essential errand, stay safe and healthy,


With a woof and love from Layla 

PS: For our all our Jewish Followers


What a week, I am exhausted

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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 

Life is good in the Layla Neighborhood

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Woof the weekend has arrived ! I wonder what Mom has planned for me as last weekend I had lots of fun.

Happy St. Roch’s Day which is today – who was he ? St. Roch, The Patron Saint of Dogs. It was the loving care a dog gave that led to St. Roch being named the Patron Saint of Dogs.


Yesterday, August 15th was Check Your MicroChip Day, to remind us all to make sure all our contact information is updated for emergencies and we hope everyone has checked theirs.


Last Friday Harry came to spend the day with us, he is an adorable Westie who like Layla spent most of the day sleeping BOL. She was really good with him, no arguing either HA till he decided to crawl into her box where she was sleeping, and suddenly a growl happened. He just backed away and she turned over and went to sleep. It was quite amusing and Harry’s Mom laughed with me over the whole thing. I hope he will come visit again as it was good for her.

On Saturday I caught up with housework, her weekly food, etc and then took the Madam and went to chill out in the park. It was a glorious day and great to be outdoors relaxing, Madam of course slept on the blanket and ran each time she saw one of her Uncles with treats.

Sunday was adventure day. In one of the neighborhoods they were having the Noe Valley Animal Fair. So backpack came out and off we went. It was a hot day so I made sure Madam had her cooling vest on also. There were goats, different species of birds, cats, rabbits and of course dogs. All the animals were up for adoption. 

LiLou the Therapy Pig was there also, she volunteers at San Francisco Airport and is a well known figure in our city.


For the children there was face painting, games, music and in a nutshell a fun family time for everyone.


Layla met a bunny close up for the first time and she was fascinated but very gentle, it was really cute.

On the way home we came through our park, sat in the shade under a tree relaxing like I love doing, cooled off while she wandered around for a bit, and then came home, where she ate and went to sleep. What a life !


The past couple of days have been really hot so we have been mainly indoors but last night we did something different and met a friend in the park at about 8 or so as it had cooled down and sat there for about 2 hours just chatting and relaxing. It was great to be outside in the cool weather and what was nice was there were quite a few people doing the same with their dogs.  So Layla also met some new dogs which was fun for her.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone,

With a woof and love From Layla 





Hide the Fireworks are Coming plus Give Away

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Good Morning All,
Me the social butterfly has been really busy as always but it is keeping Mom and I young which is what i keep telling her.


I went to the vet last week as my eyes were really red and Mom was concerned, I hate that place. Anyway my favorite vet was there and she checked them and told Mom I have really bad allergies and dry eyes, so she gave Mom some ointment to put in my eyes and I think it is working cos I am less itchy. 


On Saturday we went to the Shih Tzu Meetup which is one of my favorite events as there are lots of dogs my size and they are all fluffy. It was loads of fun, the weather was fantastic and also being in a different park always makes things more interesting.


In the evening we met up with one of my favorite Aunts who was here in the city for 2 days. She is a very special lady as she runs a Fospice for pets by rescuing the seniors that have been dumped in shelters so that they can live the rest of their lives with love. You can read about her Sanctuary on her Facebook page.

This is the link to her Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/dreamsanctuary/

Sunday we just relaxed, Mom says she had no energy for anything so I took control and made sure we did lots of long walks. I am not interested in her being tired as I do not have a computer and need to check my pmail.

NOW as you all know 4th of July is around the corner, the nightmare for many pets because of the fireworks. It is so important that we, the parents keep our pets safe in the house and this is what I have found works for Layla.


I put a bed in the shower, water and some toys, making it comfortable for her if she needs it. I also keep music on, give her last walk at about 7 before the chaos starts and most important of all is I give her Hemp Oil. I am a firm believer of the Hemp Oil as it keeps her calm, relaxed and less worrying for me. 


The Hemp oil I use is from a company called Restorative Botanicals and swear by it. What I love also is that they have products for us also which makes a difference and when I am stressed out I drink their delicious coffee which keeps me calm. A must for us coffee drinkers.


This weekend we are going to Pride in San Francisco which is exciting although I hate the noise of the motor bikes so Mom will be giving me the Hemp Oil to stay calm, actually with age I am getting scared of many noises so this product is really easing my life in a big way.  

You can read all about them on their website :

https://www.restorativebotanicals.com/?rfsn=2263342.782237

GIVEAWAY TIME

So we decided to leave the BEST NEWS for last and that is Mom surprised me this week with some wonderful new treats, chicken jerky yummm and raw turkey necks to chew on especially on 4th of July which will keep me busy as I am inside more than normal plus what could be better than chewing away on something good.


What is the give away ??????? 


Freeze Dried Wild Caught Minnows. They are a single ingredient treat for both cats and dogs. This single source treat is perfect for pets on a limited ingredient diet, who have food allergies or stomach sensitivities. Minnows are easily digestible containing no grain, gluten, artificial flavors, additives, or preservatives. Sourced and packaged in the USA. 
I, Layla personally puts my paw of approval on them, they are delicious and I strongly suggest you enter to win as they are a must for the treat jar. I am also excited as once again I am sharing for both cats and dogs so everyone can enjoy.

You can find them on the link below and remember if you do shop there you have a discount of 15% with the coupon Layla15.

https://www.rawpawspetfood.com/Default.asp?sscid=51k3_szat

We have been sponsored for this give away by the company. It is not open to Canadian residents only the USA.

All you have to do is enter on the link below :

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/7d1ec19c49/?

Before I log off here for the week we must NOT forget that 5th of July is the busiest day in shelters as they are saving and keeping all animals that have run away from the fireworks safe, so to all my fur friends everywhere, both domestic and wild, please be safe, try to stay calm and remember the stupid humans are to blame for us being scared on 4th of July.


Happy Pride to those that are celebrating this week and Happy Safe 4th of July Everyone.


With a woof and love from Layla 



Another week in my life

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TGIF and we cannot believe we are half way through June. This year is going too fast or is it the Madam Social Butterfly’s schedule that is doing it.
All I know is I wish on some days the year would slow down a bit.

All Dressed Up


Last Thursday evening, 6 June, was the Annual Fundraising Gala for the Shanti/PAWS Project, an amazing event where money of course is raised to keep their programs going such as :

PAWS – Pets Are Wonderful Support who provide comprehensive support services for animal companions. They serve seniors and people with life threatening illnesses or disabilities – all of whom are low income with services such as pet food bank, financial assistance for vet care, emergency pet foster care, dog washes, dog walking, cat care and other volunteer based services.

And many other programs like the Margot Murphy Women’s Cancer Program, HIV Services Program, Volunteer Services Program, LGBT Aging & Abilities Support Network, Peer Advocate Care Team, Jeffrey’s Place and Community Support Council. 
You can read all about the amazing work they do on their website :  http://www.shanti.org/

There were lots of dogs at this event, plus a bird and of course Lilou the Therapy Pig who helps at SFO Airport and many other places.
Layla got all dressed up in her fancy pink glittery dress and looked very cute. I of course as always took her expandable carry bag with so if it became too much she had a safe haven and was very happy for that.

Some of the animals at the event – You can read all about Lilou the Pig on her
website : https://www.lilouthepig.com/


Musik has her own Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/musikdog/
thanks to her Mom Beverly for this fantastic photo.

By the time we got home I was exhausted and Madam was full of energy LOL.

On Sunday we went to another event, did not stay long as with the heatwave here in San Francisco it was unbearable plus I do not want her to over heat although she was wearing her cooling vest.


It was the 9th Annual Three Legged Picnic in our Park. It was wonderful to see so many come to this with their three legged dogs, lots of fun although it was so ridiculously hot. Layla got blessed by one of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence which made me very happy.

After her blessing with the Sister of Perpetual Indulgance 


Since Sunday and because of the heat which has finally broken we have basically been indoors as I did not want her to burn her paws on the sidewalk or over heat. We though did end the week with a fluffy party at my house on Wednesday night when some friends of mine went out and left their dogs, Savannah and Charlotte with us. Layla LOL just went to sleep while they played.

So as you can see never a dull moment in our lives, Layla keeps me busy which is great although I must admit I am now exhausted and looking forward to slowing down a bit this weekend PHEW.


What has been happening in your neighborhood ?  We cannot wait to hear !
Have a wonderful weekend everyone, stay cool,

With a woof and love from 
Layla 


A letter to everyone

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Good Morning friends,

We hope you are all safe and getting ready for Thanksgiving.

Our past weekend we stayed indoors as the air quality in San Francisco has been really poor due to the fires in Northern California. Our prayers and thoughts go out to all the victims, both two and four legged.

Before we start our thanks we would both like to thank all the first responders, non profit organizations and rescue organizations for the amazing work they have done this past year all over the world and now especially in California. Without all of your kindness, compassion and love the world would be a sad place as many of you show us all the time that there are good people in the world.

Layla has decided to thank those that have helped keep her happy and healthy this past year with this letter.

Dear Mom and friends,

As I get older, and you can call me a senior if you want but Mom remember you are one too I would love to thank all those that have helped Mom keep me healthy and happy, in so many ways.

01. PAWS – The mission of PAWS is to preserve, support and nurture the human-animal bond for those most vulnerable in our community. You have been amazing to us in so many ways and no words can express our gratitude for all you have done, not only for me but for so many other pets.

02. Pet Food Express – An amazing Pet Food Store with branches all over California. Your giving back to the community is amazing, and what many do not know is that with fires raging at the moment they are giving out free food and supplies to all fire victims including dog washes if they need them. Thank you and that is the reason I love shopping at your stores.

03. Shalom Bayit – who have helped Mom through thick and thin since she ran with my sister, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

And now I must woof a special thanks also to :

01. Mom – you are the greatest. You put up with all my quirks. your patience and love is amazing even when I am naughty but most of all thank you for being a good Jewish Mom and cooking my dinners and baking my treats. I am very lucky to have been rescued by you and would not give you up for anything.

02. Tropiclean – Mom calls me a Tropiclean baby as she uses all their grooming products on me only.

Shampoos – the shampoos are fantastic and Mom uses on me the Papaya and Coconut all in one (shampoo and conditioner) so I always smell good after my bath.

Papaya Spray Mist – which keeps me refreshed and smelling good in between baths especially when I have rolled in something icky and smelly in the park.

Oxymed Products – When I have the itches then Mom turns to them to help sooth my skin and relieve me of the itches.

Dental Products – my teeth are pearly white as Mom puts in my water the water additive minty flavor so I have a minty breath plus she puts in my mouth in the morning and evening their gel to keep my teeth sparkling. We love these products as they are easy to administer and the results are awesome.

Ear Cleaning – I hate having my ears cleaned but let Mom do it and that way I get no infections as my ears are clean all the time.

Tearless Facial cleaner – Mom does wash my face at the end of each day so I am a pretty clean pampered pooch.

And the best part of Tropiclean is their dental chews which keep me busy when Mom is working and I know they help keep my teeth clean also.

If you want to see what amazing products they have this is their link.

Tropiclean

Tropiclean gave me some of their products for this thank you review.

03. I want to thank everyone else that have shared their products with us for reviews this year and made our lives easier in so many ways.

04. I want to thank all my aunts and uncles in the dog park for being ATM’s when it comes to treats, that is the highlight of my day.

And most important and before I go back to my morning sleep I would love to thank all my fur friends everywhere for following me on my blog with comments and discussions, you all are the greatest and make me smile every time.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, do not gobble up too much turkey and have a wonderful family day,

With a woof and love
Layla