Christmas is here

TGIF!!!  Christmas has arrived WOW, can you believe we nearly at the end of the year, it seems like yesterday the year started.

I do not celebrate Christmas although I love seeing all the lights, trees, and decorations all over the place, it brings happiness.

With all the gifts and fun with family we also must remember something dear to my heart, which many do, and it is so wrong.

Pets are not gifts and when the excitement is over, they will be dumped in shelters, pets are family and for life, and if you cannot commit or a family member cannot commit then please do not get them one, it is not fair to the pet, plus it is one of the reasons shelters are overflowing with unwanted gifts in January.

 

Another reason shelters are overflowing is those wannabe pet lovers are dumping their senior pets in the shelters so that they can get a new puppy, and those people should not be allowed to own pets and put on a registry. Those dumped seniors do not have a chance of getting out alive which is horrific and breaks my heart.

So although Christmas is a happy family holiday, don’t forget to include your fur kids as they are part of the family and have every right to be there with you.

Merry Christmas to all, be safe, stay warm and enjoy

Am ending with Layla’s wish which we hope you will watch :

https://youtube.com/shorts/loYV3LhgsX0?feature=share

Merry Christmas, be safe and enjoy

Love Layla

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adopt a Senior Pet Month

Halloween is over, phew, we had so much fun last weekend I am still recovering LOL so this weekend we are lying low and just going to our regular dog park weather permitting.

November has arrived and it is one of the important months of the year as it is Adopt a Senior Pet Month.

There are so many pets in shelters, they are overflowing and the saddest of all is the amount of seniors that are dumped in a shelter.

Seniors should be able to live their golden years in comfort, in a warm house with love, not in a cold shelter which is so not good for their health. I get so mad when I see the seniors that have been dumped in the shelters, bewildered, not knowing what is going on, being dumped there like garbage because of their age.

A pet is family, should be with us till the end of their life, their love is unconditional, they have so little demands, but love, food and comfort and we should provide that to them till the end not decide that because they are aging they are unworthy of our love, dumped in a shelter and then the human goes and adopts a younger one, and the circle carries on. It makes me sick that people can do that.

So, if you are wanting to adopt a pet, or know someone who is looking to add a pet to their family, speak out for the seniors and help them find loving homes.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Il2zYs9hLrk?feature=share  

Have a safe weekend and lets us pray that all senior shelter pets find homes this month

Love Layla

 

 

 

 

Booo Halloween has arrived

Good morning, friends,

 

Halloween has arrived and that means lots going on and lots of yummy treats.

 

Last Sunday we went with Aunt Laura and Coco and Thomas to a Halloween event which was organized by a vet clinic called Dr. Treats, yes can you believe a name like that BOL. It was a parade on Union Street in San Francisco and all the stores along the way gave us treats so it was a yum parade and Mom found two new doggy treat stores which I hope she will take me back to as I need to try everything.

 

I am riding Dr Treats car vroom in my costume

 

Mom insulted me with my costume although everyone loved it, you can see my thoughts about it on the video below.

 

https://youtube.com/shorts/euzBhZ5KsIk?feature=share

https://youtube.com/shorts/HWP5NajMaHI?feature=share

This Sunday we are doing two events, yes I did say two events, one with Aunt Melinda and the other with Aunt Laura and Coco and Thomas, it is going to be so much fun and the best of all is Mom has to push me in my stroller BOL and work off all the treats so she does not get fat.

So, I am happy to say that events are slowly starting to happen in San Francisco again woof and that is so exciting as it means going different places every weekend.

On a serious note, we must not forget :

Black Cats

Halloween season seems to spark violence against cats in general black cats, and therefore many shelters do not allow the adoption of black cats. Sadly, this does not protect cats that are normally outside from would-be sadists and other miscreants at Halloween-time. So please help keeping all cats especially black ones safe, whether feral or domesticated, they deserve to live a safe life like us all.

Also here is a list of hazards for us pets that we need to keep an eye out so that we can be safe :

 

On this note, have a Happy Halloween everyone, be safe, enjoy and do not eat too many sweet candies HA.

Now I have spoken, warned all my fur friends about the dangers, am off to sleep.

Woof with love from Layla

 

 

 

 

 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

TGIF !!!!

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 lucky 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 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 from IMHA, 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 wears a tag that says: Shelter Survivor which speaks for both of us.

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.

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, as I always say about Layla – from pound to princess.

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

Layla

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 2022 Pet Holidays

 

 

Month

  • Clear the Shelters 
  • Itchy Pet Awareness Month. 
  • National Dog Month
  • Rawgust – celebrating raw feeding

Week 

  • Aug. 7-13:  Assistance Dog Week
  • Aug. 7-13: Give a Dog a Bone Week

Days

  • Aug. 1: DOGust
  • Aug. 4: Assistance Dog Day
  • Aug. 5: Work Like a Dog Day.
  • Aug, 8: International Cat Day.
  • Aug 8: National Cat Day in Canada.
  • Aug. 10: Snoopy’s Birthday 
  • Aug. 10. National Spoil your Dog Day
  • Aug. 10:  National Lazy Day
  • Aug. 15:  National Check the Chip Day
  • Aug. 16:Saint Roch’s Day
  • Aug. 17: National Black Cat Appreciation Day.
  • Aug. 17: National Nonprofit Day.
  • Aug. 20:  International Homeless Animals Day
  • Aug. 22: National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day
  • Aug. 23: International Blind Dog Day.
  • Aug. 26: National Dog Day.
  •  Aug 28: Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
  •  Aug 30:  National Holistic Pet Day 

Be safe everyone, have a wonderful August,

With woof and love, Layla

 

 

 

 

Are Mushrooms Magic?

TGIF !! Another week over and the weekend is starting. I cannot believe how fast this year is going it is scary in a way or maybe I am just aging LOL.

Last Friday we had a picnic in the park with one of my closest friends, it was the first time Layla was in the park in months as she has become afraid of them, but she surprised me and was totally relaxed, wandered around a bit, and then went to sleep. It was relaxing for me to see her that way and not worry so have decided that am going to try it again today for a couple of hours. I think it was because the park was not full.

As you all know Layla is aging, it worries me big time and having lost her sight has made walking hard as I am so scared of her bumping her head, so I got her a halo which is arriving today. I am praying it will make outings less stressful for me as she will be able to walk on a longer leash and I will not have to keep pulling her in before she hurts herself. I think the pulling on the harness is hurting her back poor baby.

I have also been doing research on mushroom supplements for her and now am trying one on her.  She seems to be more energetic with it which is fantastic. What it is a capsule with 5 different mushrooms in.

A breakdown of the mushrooms and benefits below :

Reishi : have antioxidant properties to nourish, detoxify and protect the liver. It can also renew liver cells, strengthen the liver and improve the detox process.

  • Shiitake :
  • High Fiber Content Supports Digestion
  • High in B Vitamins. …
  • Contain Vitamin D. …
  • Protect Oral Health. …
  • Help Immune Function. …
  • Contain Cancer-Fighting Compounds. …
  • Good For Heart Health. …
  • Promote Healthy Coat And Skin.
  • Turkey Tail Mushrooms: Boost The Immune System.
  • Support The Digestive, Urinary And Respiratory Tracts.
  • Provide Phytonutrients.
  • Protect The Liver.
  • Increase Longevity In Dogs With Hemangiosarcoma.
  • Fight Other Forms Of Cancer.
  • Reduce Side Effects of Chemotherapy.

Maitake means “dancing mushroom” in Japanese.

  • Preventing cancer.
  • Supporting the body during chemotherapy and other cancer treatment.
  • Helping manage diabetes.
  • Supporting dogs with liver problems.

Chaga Mushrooms

Some of the earliest uses of chaga mushrooms were for ulcers, stomach pain, and inflammatory bowel disease. It’s believed that the immune-stimulating traits of chaga help balance the gut bacteria and ease ulcers and gastritis. Chaga mushrooms can help regulate blood sugar levels for animals with diabetes

I approached an Organic Mushroom Company – RealMushrooms.com to get a bottle for a review as they have one capsule with all 5 in and I can open the capsule and mix in her food.

I am giving her their 5 Defenders Organic Mushroom Blend Capsules for Pets.

 

 

Their customer service has been fantastic, they have answered all my questions and I would recommend them to any other dog blogger who is interested.

I have not changed Layla’s diet or other supplements but adding the mushrooms have given me peace of mind that I am controlling her body health wise inside and out.

If you are interested in learning more about them this is their website :

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

So, on this note as I pack to go to the park to relax a bit which I need, I want to wish everyone a wonderful safe weekend with lots of fun, stay cool and hydrated,

With a woof and love from Layla

 

Are you prepared ?

June has arrived and it is important month for us pet parents. It is the month where we should make sure we are prepared for any disaster that can happen and our bags are packed and ready to go.

Living in San Francisco which is earthquake city I am prepared and check my bag once every six months to make sure all is good. With Layla aging and now on medications I have got extras in the bag, so I do not have to worry if we must run.

In the bag I have food for Madam, I have put freeze dried food as she eats homemade, boxes of water, water bowl, food bowl, leash, poop bags, first aid kit and so much more. I also have a wonderful carrier which expands on all sides to enlarge it so I can put her inside it, and she will be safe plus I will not have to worry about her wandering off especially as she is going blind.  There is also a file with all her important info which includes a document with emergency contact if something happens to me. Her microchip is up to date, like her tags with an emergency phone number in case my phone is not working. My plan is if we must run to put her in her backpack and carry the bag, so she does not fall and hurt herself.

 

For me LOL, some instant coffee and creamer, crackers, and some cans of food but not much as the bag is so heavy with all her stuff. As I say I can live off bread and water, but she needs proper food. I also have a sleeping bag, flashlight, battery operated radio and I put to protect us from winds which San Francisco does have a beach canopy which will give us some shelter.

Being prepared can be a life saver for our fur family plus being prepared makes my life easier as I do not have to worry If something happens.

Are you prepared? Tell us what you have in your bag as hey maybe I forgot something. Please keep microchip and tags information updated at all times.

 

So, everyone, get the bags ready, please be safe

Happy Pride everyone, get rainbows flying in the wind,

 

With a woof and love from Layla

 

I have become a Snuffle Ball Addict, Layla

Woof it is Friday, and this weekend is a long weekend. Do you have anything planned that is special?

Here in the Layla neighborhood, there have been changes as Layla’s sight is just about gone so am learning with her to navigate life without being able to see. It is not easy and learning daily how to make it easy for her plus keep her busy especially her brain. She does not want to walk like she used to, has become afraid plus she is so busy sniffing she knocks her head on trees ouch, which is concerning me so am looking into getting her a halo which hopefully will help. What I have read about them is most dogs regain their confidence so am praying that will happen for her too. Things she used to like to do she does not want to do anymore, plus she is petrified of going downstairs so am carrying her which is not easy, but we are managing. At least she will walk up the stairs phew.

With all this happening I won a couple of weeks ago a $ 25 Amazon gift card so bought her a snuffle ball. Layla has never been a toy lover but this snuffle ball has hit the jackpot. She loves it, wants it all the time and it is keeping her active and busy in the house. Yes, it is stuffed with treats but am putting homemade chicken jerky in, tiny bits and the ball is rolling. She worked it our quickly and she is a happy girl. I do have the snuffle mat also but this ball is so much better for her.

See the video below of her playing with it :

https://youtu.be/XRdZrmR_kMI

Another thing I have done is put her food on a place mat instead of the bowl which has made her eating a lot easier and not knocking it over.

I knew this would happen because of her cataracts but one thing is knowing and another realizing it has happened. I am not going to let it get us down and try carry on with life as normal.

Our plans this weekend, Saturday is to go to a concert in one of the parks in the city, I will take her carrier instead of backpack so she can lie comfortably in it and feel safe plus this way I can sit back and relax and of course enjoy the concert. It is Indonesian dancers, and I am excited to see them.

On Sunday will be garden time, which she still loves and feels safe roaming around or lying in the sun. I personally need the outdoors as being indoors can be stifling after a long week.

 

Monday which is a holiday I am just lying low at home with her.

So, these are our plans this weekend, filled with fun and quality time together,

Have a safe wonderful weekend everyone,

With a woof and love from Layla

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poison Prevention Awareness Month

Good morning, everyone,

I cannot believe it is March already, the months seem to be flying by.

March is a very important month as it is Poison Prevention Awareness Month and being Pet Parents, we need to keep our babies safe.

I am aware that before every holiday we remind ourselves how to keep our pets safe, but it is always good to be reminded so that we can keep an eye on our fur kids and keep them safe and avoid vet bills.

 

Each food can cause a different symptom, and some can cause death so rather be safe than sorry and if your pet digests any of these please call your vet immediately or the ASPCA Poison Hotline: 888 426 4435.

I have not included garlic in the no list as there is so much discussion about it, I decided to leave it out as there are some vets that say in small doses it will not do any harm and I have been putting small amounts of garlic powder on Layla’s home-made chicken jerky with no problems and my vet approved it. Every pet parent must do what they feel comfortable doing with garlic.

We are also going take a moment to pray for all the animals in Ukraine, how amazing it is to see the pet parents taking their pets with them, something so many can learn from and we hope you will join us saying a prayer for Peace and Freedom.

Be safe and have a wonderful week

Layla

 

 

 

 

 

 

March Pet Holidays

 

 

March

Month

  • Poison Prevention Awareness Month.
  • Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month.
  • Dolphin Awareness Month

Week

  • March 6-12: Professional Dog Sitter Month
  • March 20-26: National Poison Prevention Week.

 

Day

 

  • March 1: National Cat’s Day (Russia)
  • March 3:  If Pets had thumbs Day
  • March 13:K-9 Veterans Day.
  • March 17: Saint Gertrude of Nivelles Day— patron saint of cats.
  • March 17: St Patricks Day
  • March 20: Dogs in Yellow Day.Created by the UK’this awareness day shines the light on anxious and reactive dogs, often identified with bright yellow leashes, harnesses and collars. #DogsinYellow
  • March 23: National Puppy Day
  • March 23. Cuddly Kitten Day.
  • March 25: National Newfoundland Dog Day.
  • March 27: National Terrier Day.This holiday celebrates all terriers.
  • March 28: Respect Your Cat Day
  • March 30: Take a Walk in the Park Day. A perfect example to try a new park and have fun