Tag Archives: #rescue

November has arrived

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TGIF !!!!!!!!!!!!!! 


November has arrived and with it the fog and cool weather, not sure about others but I am loving it and know Layla is happier also.


As usual we are busy running around like lunatics or should I say I do the running and she sits in the backpack, what a life LOL.


Last weekend was hectic. We were going to go out with friends on Saturday but last minute it was cancelled so off we went, Madam sitting happy in the backpack while I went grocery shopping, I have come to the conclusion it is not easy carrying a 15lb dog on your back while trying to carry another couple of pounds of groceries in a bag LOL, so what I did was when we got off the bus, I took her out of the backpack and put the groceries in and made her walk home.  She was very happy and so was I. By then I was dragging myself from exhaustion.


In the afternoon we just relaxed, napped and then went and spent sometime in the park. It in the end was a great Saturday.


Sunday morning I worked, was supposed to volunteer but it did not happen so I took Madam to one of my favorite events Dog Day Afternoon which the Pawtrero Pet store holds every year. They close down a street and turn it into this fun event with lots of booths with samples, rescue organizations plus so much more.


There were so many Booths there with really interesting products, some I know and some I did not know existed, SF dog bakery, etc so it was great to see what is happening in the Pet Industry. Layla of course ate herself through the entire event LOL while sitting in her backpack and I took photos and chatted with everyone.

If you click on this link you can see Madam tasting a treat and enjoying it big time from a San Francisco Dog Bakery

https://www.facebook.com/layla.epstein.50/videos/145313370161781/


Layla and I want to woof to Ray for once again organizing such an amazing event and the weather was perfect. I hope all the rescues found homes which always makes these events special.


By the time we got home I was tired, Layla was full of energy of course but I decided I needed a nap and that is what we did. I did make sure before going home that she would have a great run through the park.


With day light savings happening our park time has shortened so am now trying to get her there whenever possible. I hate the day light savings and Layla is not happy walking in the dark.


With November here, and the cooler foggy weather our lives are going to slow down quite a bit, time for hibernating as Madam does not like the rain and have not told her that it is arriving soon shhhhhhh. I also think all the dog events are now over for the year which I am sad about as I do enjoy them.


So on this Fall note we are wishing you all a great weekend,

With a Woof and love from Layla 

#RememberMeThursday

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Hello to all my friends,


I know we normally blog on Fridays but because today is a very important day we are talking today to bring attention to #RememberMeThursday.


I have always rescued and that is why this day is so dear to me.

What is this day ?


Remember Me Thursday is on the last Thursday of September every year when we speak out for the orphan pets in shelters wanting homes,  they are innocent and in many ways we are to blame. 


This is a day when we all get together campaigning for them as no innocent orphaned pet should have to die in a Shelter because someone dumped them there.


It is now in its 7th year and as Mike Arms, President and CEO of Helen Woodward Animal Center says : We all come from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, but together, we can raise our voices and share one life-saving message and literally save millions of pets on this one day.”


You can read more about it on this website https://remembermethursday.org/

How can we shine a light on this :
01. Attend a Remember Me Thursday event near you. – You can find the events near you on Google or on the website above.
02. Hold a pet food plus other pet related items fundraiser for your local shelter.
03. Check to see if one of your shelters in your area are having an adoption event.
04. Speak out, encourage friends and family to adopt and open their homes to an orphan pet.
05. There are so many ways we can all help, so lets take one step forward today to do it.

On this note we would also like to wish all our fur friends and family a Shana Tova, Happy New Year as our New Year starts in the evening of Sunday the 29th. May it be filled with sweetness and health. 


But most of all may the New Year bring homes to all the orphaned pets.


With a woof and love from Layla


Mom made me work hard

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Happy Friday Everyone,


We did not blog last week as we were working the Bay Area Pet Fair which is held every year by Pet Food Express, an amazing pet food store that gives so much back to the community, and because they do everything I need for Layla I buy from them.

https://www.petfood.express/


It meant Layla and I getting up at 6 in the morning and getting home after 8 in the evening so it was a long but worthy weekend.

This fair is held at one of the fairgrounds in the East Bay and what is so important about it, is it is focused on rescue so all the rescue organizations of all animals come together there to show off and find homes for all the pets. There is a mix of dogs, cats, birds, bunnies and so much more. 


WOW is all I can say as the last I heard over 1603 animals found new homes, that is amazing and makes me so happy.


I was asked by Tropiclean to help with their booth this year, and as Layla is in many ways a Tropiclean baby I was happy to do so as I love their products. 


This year Tropiclean focused on their dental products handing out to everyone a 2 week trial pack for clean teeth and a healthy mouth which included :
01. Water additive – You add a cupful into your dogs fresh water everyday which gives up to 12 hours fresh breath and daily plaque and tartar defense.02. Clean teeth gel – You put a pea size on your both sides of your dogs molars once a day to remove plaque and tartar.03. I call the dog crack LOL – a Bone Dental Chew


I have been using these products for about 4 years, have never had to brush Layla’s teeth and they are pearly white. It is a product I swear by and recommend to everyone who is having problems brushing their dogs teeth. 
Tropiclean also has amazing natural flea and tick products, and grooming products which I use all the time on Layla. For those looking for natural products this is the place to go.

https://tropiclean.com/

On Sunday evening when closing Tropiclean donated to some of the rescues boxes of their dental products which I think is so great as that helps the rescue organizations with the new dogs they are rescuing. A company that gives back is always in my eyes a company worth supporting.


I am not being sponsored by Tropiclean in this blog.


On Monday Layla and I were exhausted and just took it easy to recharge our batteries and catch up on things in the house plus of course emails.
So that was our weekend, and of course I am working as always while Madam just walks, eats and sleeps.  She has a hard life LOL.


What did you do this past weekend ? 


Today is Friday, the start of a new weekend where I am hopefully planning to go to the Greek Festival – love their foods yummm and am going to be leaving Layla at home so I can have some Me time, what a concept.


Have a great weekend all,

With a woof and love from Layla

August is here

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TGIF !!!!
August has arrived and that means the summer is nearly over and we will soon be complaining about winter again LOL.


August 01 is a very important day did you know that ? DOGUST. It is a birthday for all the shelter animals whose birthdays are unknown.

Layla when she was in the shelter 

Last Saturday was what Mom calls fluffy meet up, the monthly meet up for Shih Tzus which is held in a wonderful park. It is so much fun for Layla as there were about 15 or so dogs of her size and fluffiness and she even runs into the park for this event. It was great chatting with everyone, watching the dogs have fun, get lots of treats of course and just a great day.

I decided to take a different route home so that we could walk through our regular park on the way home so that way she would be exhausted LOL plus it is part of me working on this fear of our regular park that she has.

We got there, she wandered around, found someone who had a blanket and made herself at home with them. They had a really cute dog also and just laughed at her, so everyone was happy.

On Sunday and actually most of this week, weather permitting we have been spending a couple of hours in the park daily and I have found that if we sit far from where the dog that scares her she actually settles down so it is a work in progress but slowly we getting there.

Below is a link to one of my favorite videos of her in the park this week.

https://www.facebook.com/LaylasWoof/videos/2432163060401801/


This weekend our plans are to go to my favorite park, Stern Grove which I adore as they are having the Chihuahua meet up and I stay in contact with them as that is the meet up Baby used to go to. 


So as you can see Miss Busy Bee in on the go all the time, or as I say the Two Old Ladies are busy all the time LOL. 


Have a wonderful weekend all and we cannot wait to hear what your plans are.
With a woof and love fromLayla 


Weekend has arrived

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Friday has arrived, and July is nearly over, time goes fast is all I can say.
Layla has been busy as always, last weekend was fun and included her favorite – a train ride.


I love visiting different pet stores in the city to see what everyone has and if there is anything interesting that I have not seen LOL. So on Saturday we hopped on the train and went off to see a Pet Store that I know but decided to turn it into an adventure for her.


The Animal Connection is a unique store as they strive to find the perfect fit of a pet with your family, none come from breeders as they work with rescue organizations to save as many animals as possible.
They have a wide variety of animals which really makes it special from bunnies, birds, turtles and others.

https://www.animalconnectionsf.net/

She was in her element and when we go there she was very happy to roam around, lots to sniff, and for the first time she came face to face with an aquarium with a turtle in. I was quite fascinated at how she stuck her nose against the cold glass, it was adorable.


She of course got lots of treats and I picked up while there a freeze dried chicken neck to try with her and this is the verdict – Layla does not like them. How do I know this, she has a new thing when she does not like something she buries it, moves it around and then finds another place to bury it. I can pick it up, put it with the rest of her stash, and she starts all over again. So those are off the treat list. 

On the way home we stopped off in the park and here I am having problems with her at the moment. With age she suddenly does not like clapping, whistling and so she does not want to go into the park. I have to take her in through a different entrance and I keep her leash on so she cannot bolt. I am not giving into this fear but working on it slowly and we now sit far from everyone to keep her calm. 


Another reason I think she is afraid of the park is one of our regulars has recently adopted a young dog who is not yet trained and we one day walked into the park and the dog ran up to us jumping on me nearly knocking me over and then jumping on and off Layla which she did not like at all. So this has put the fear in her as she just sees the man in the street without the dog she hides behind me.
With age there are new triggers and it is an ongoing process of working through them with her which is a work in progress.

On Wednesday was torture day, Madam got a bath, one of her biggest pet peeves LOL but she smells so good now LOL.


This weekend our plan is to go to another park for the monthly Shi Tzu meet up so she can have some fun with some fluffies like her, be off leash and relax a bit.


What are your plans this weekend ?

Stay hydrated in the heat, stay cool too and have a wonderful weekend,


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 


TGIF with May Arrival

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TGIF Furfriends,


WOW we cannot believe that May has arrived, summer is nearly here and that means all the fun, events and adventures start.


Last weekend was DogFest – one of our favorite events and is a fundraiser for an Elementary School and was chaotically fun as always. The last I heard they raised about 95,000.00 Dollars which is just amazing.

There was lots to see, dogs in costumes, children playing different games, food of course and then the section of all the Pet Supplies and Rescues. 

I put Layla in her backpack this year as it was a lot easier to wander around and not worry about her being stepped on. Also BOL to keep her away from begging for too many treats although she did get and came home I think with a sore tummy but survived it all.

The Madam
Some of the fun pics

Different pics plus a dog wearing one of the Bandanas from Transform a Street Dog’s Organization


While wandering around I came a across an Organization called “Transform a Street Dog”,  I had never heard about them and me Ms. Curious had to know more so I spoke with Amanda the founder.

Transform a Street Dog’s Mission:

Their website to read more :http://whatgoesarounddogs.org/?from=%40


They work with different volunteers in Ukraine (in Kiev mostly now) and try to find them shelter (volunteer or profit), homes or medical care for dogs they find since there is nowhere like a Humane Society or something like that to bring them. They also donate to a program at a shelter that offers free sterilizations. That is difficult though, because many believe it is unethical to sterilize animals and deny them the right to reproduce.  


What They do: Right now, they manage 3 different foster homes with American ex-pat volunteers, and sponsor 2 others in for-profit foster homes called “perederzhkas.” Generally there are not any volunteer foster homes in Ukraine. So they use different ex-pat sites to recruit them. They also work with 2 different shelters and recruit ex-pats to go there weekly to socialize dogs so they can add them to their adoption list.


They also sponsor local adoption ads, but it is a difficult situation in Ukraine with the financial crisis and war in the east. Finding good homes is difficult. That is why they created an adoption program – just to give the dogs more hope. 


They also did a very clever idea and that was hand out free doggy bandanas to all the dogs to draw people to their booth and share the information. 
On their website they have some really great t-shirts, each sale helps the organization.

I know some of you are going to think why help other countries as we have so many up for adoption here but unfortunately there are so many countries that do not have the organizations like we have here and I believe we must be their voice and speak out so that they are not forgotten.


The other two rescue organizations that were there was Muttville who I spoke about in my last blog and Family Dog Rescue, another really great rescue organization here in San Francisco.

The Rescue Organizations and Animal Control


Sunday we just relaxed as Mom was tired LOL plus Monday means work day, so we just lay low and took it easy.


So as you can all see we have been busy as always although Madam has it good being carried around in her backpack and I become the slave. 
Have not decided what we are doing this weekend and will plan on Saturday morning,


Have a great weekend all, 
With a woof and hug from 
Layla



Helping those that do not have voices

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Woof to all my fur friends,

We are woofing this Wednesday because of many reasons but the main one is because of Easter and Passover this weekend.


Last weekend we had fun as usual BOL and on Sunday Mom took me with her to my favorite restaurant Palmyra which is a Syrian place that makes yummy food especially the chicken. That was my payment for modelling for her with the bunny ears which I did not like on my head, but for Mom I have to do things sometimes whether I like it or not.

We also met with my favorite Aunt Barbara, so it was double fun and of course Mom gave me some of her chicken and I put my head on Aunt Barbara’s lap so it was really a fun afternoon. We came home and I just went to bed to sleep while Mom did housework.

Now as we all know holidays are upon us, Easter for the Christians and Passover for the Jews. It is a special time when families get together and eat themselves sick, that is what Mom told me. She only gives me a little to taste but it is the best as that means I get yummy food and not my food, BOL.

So today as we are talking about the Middle East as both Holidays originate there, we are also going to talk about a wonderful woman who is battling and doing her utmost to save all the stray dogs in Bethlehem. She rescues the strays and then they go to a rescue organization in Israel which helps to find the stray dogs homes.


You can read about her in the link below.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinian-ex-banker-devotes-her-life-to-west-bank-dogs/?fbclid=IwAR1LsQztdXvw2CbRmftDMbOh4uYmGWKpg5SMa0AOIdIuDQa5kG5104vV_B8

http://basau.org/


The reason we talking about her and the wonderful work she does, is at the moment and it being holidays where our food is plentiful, she is struggling to feed all the stray dogs and reaching out to everyone for help. So I, Layla as a rescue, thought if we each helped with like 5 dollars, it would all add up, and the dogs would have food to eat, that is what we call a Mitzvah which means a good deed done from religious duty. So who is going to step in and help.

I am attaching all the links here, from the Facebook pages, paypal links and go fund me links and we hope everyone will help and share the story.

https://www.facebook.com/Rescuing-the-animals-of-Bethlehem-2076920852606252/

https://www.gofundme.com/animal-rescue-amp-no-kill-shelter-fund?fbclid=IwAR36935i5zQZzIYXbU8ERaxou6Py9qp5fvNmigTL0PVB58nIV3-7Slalpgw

PayPal George6706@hotmail.com
I heard about her plight through a friend of mine who volunteers in the shelter that is working with her and reached out to me to share the story.


Now that we have shared with the plea, everyone please have a wonderful Easter or Passover, and make sure your pets are all safe from the hazards of these holidays.


Thank you for reading the story about this amazing woman, Diana, sharing and helping

with love and woof from Layla 


Friday has arrived

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April 11, 2019

Morning Fur Friends,


Friday has arrived and that means the fun time and adventures start as there is no rain this weekend, phew.


Thursday, April 11th is National Pet Day which is a very important day. It was started by Colleen Paige to celebrate the joy and love that pets bring into our lives and most important highlight the awareness of the many different animals sitting in shelters all over the world waiting to find forever homes. 


This is the reason I will only rescue and not pay a breeder as there are so many in cages begging to go home people should rescue. There are also pure breeds in shelters and rescues for those that want one, opening your door to a rescue of any kind of animal is saving a life, actually not one but two, yours and the rescue.


No animal should have to suffer, especially at the hand of humans and that is why Adopt don’t Shop is so important.


To celebrate this day we can do the following :

Layla is a rescue and like many I am sure when we read the list above we say well we do some of those every day so why not instead do the others also.


I for example try to give back wherever possible, helping rescues is on the top of my list and love sharing with them.


One of the most important things in my life as a Mom to a rescue is to make sure that on weekends I do very little work and spend quality time with Layla giving her extra special love and attention as she is so patient during the week when I am at work. 

Last weekend I decided as the weather was so good to take advantage of it and on Sunday we did two dog parks. One in the morning which I call my little paradise as it is a tiny park not far from me, really quiet but has lots of smells, so what can be better than walking there with a cup of coffee, a happy trotting little dog, bag of treats of course, finding a bench and just chilling. Best way to start the day.

At lunchtime we went with a friend to the Chihuahua Meet Up, Layla always is the honorary Chi LOL.  I love where they hold it, Stern Grove is amazing and at the end of the park is a fantastic lake, so it is soothing, relaxing and just great being out in nature. Layla loves the smells, wandering around and of course getting some treats, but for me it is quality time, no electronics, just the two of us. 

So now that summer is arriving, I am researching new places of adventure for the two of us on weekends, plus of course all the dog events that will be happening in the city, so that our weekends will be filled with fun.


Did you do something special for your pet on National Pet Day ?


Layla is now going to have her morning nap after a long walk and I am catching up on my work,


Have a wonderful weekend everyone With a woof and Love from 
Layla 


It is Layla’s Gotcha Day 31 January

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Wednesday has arrived and tomorrow is Layla’s gotcha day. I cannot believe she has been with me for 8 years WOW, it seems like yesterday she arrived a matted mess from the shelter.
I am not sure how many of you know her story, but she was one of the unlucky ones to be dumped by her family at the age of about 6 for the same reason everyone else dumps their pets, no time.

I saw her online sitting in the shelter, the photo said it all, my friend rescued her and another brought her to me and the rest is history.  Layla has come a long way from being a scared shy dog and I am blessed daily to have her in my life.

This is one of the reasons I think I am so paranoid when she does not feel well whether upset tummy, allergies or anything else and I am doing my utmost to keep her as healthy as possible.

She has always hopped with her left back leg up and the vets have never worried about it, but with aging I have become more concerned so have been doing research on different products which will make sure she is not in pain or uncomfortable.

Through my research I came across this company, Restorative Botanicals that make Hemp products specifically for pets plus humans and contacted them as their products sounded exactly what I was looking for for Layla.

They were kind enough to send me their 4 Paws Hemp Oil Extract which  supports Weary Muscles and Joints, Calming Disposition and Overall Health. It is made with Certified Colorado hemp, cod liver oil and cold pressed organic, virgin hemp seed oil, in a well balanced nutritional blend designed to keep your companion feeling calm, healthy and comfortable.

Since I have been using it on Layla I have noticed her to be calmer, especially with me starting a new job and not home in the afternoons, when she walks she is not hopping as much unless she starts running which is not that often. It is something I have been looking for and so happy I found.

Another product I received from them and I am so happy with this is their 4Paws PET Hemp Extract Topical Relief Balm. As you all know Layla suffers from allergies and then of course it causes hot spots. I am so against all the topical sprays so when I saw this I thought to myself WOW, perfect for her.

You all know from my last blog we went to the beach about 10 days ago and Madam has been scratching since. Between that and the warm weather last week and park, Missy started a little hot spot and I immediately rubbed the balm on her. It worked wonders, she stopped chewing on herself, calmed down and I found that within one day the hot spot was nearly healed. It was so great to see that and not have to worry about her getting an upset tummy from licking it, as the Hemp Extract Topical Relief Balm is safe and relaxes her, in a nutshell a must in a persons first aid box.

The company also surprised me with a gift of Muscle & Joint Cream which I have been using on my ankle and feeling so much better plus a bottle of Spice Flavor Restore Calm Hemp Oil Supplement which is really helping me to stay calm.

I want to say thanks to them for making our lives calmer and mine more relaxed for sponsoring us with these products.

If you want to learn more about them, below is their link:

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

The difference I have found with Layla when it comes to CBD oil or Whole Plant Hemp Oil, I am more and more preferring the Whole Plant Hemp oil as I am finding she is calm but not sleepy, eating better and much more herself. I personally think in the future I will be using Whole Plant Hemp oil with her and not CBD oil.

With the research I have also learnt the difference between Whole Plant Hemp Oil and CBD Oil and am happy to share here so we all understand it better.

Within the hemp plant, there are numerous cannabinoids and other phytonutrients.  A good full-spectrum hemp oil will include all of this material in the same proportion that occurs naturally in the plant – and that’s our belief – for maximum effectiveness, you need a full-spectrum, whole plant extract.  Plus, when all of these materials work together in the body to support the endocannabinoid system, it’s known as the “entourage effect”. (Thank you Rick from Restorative Botanicals) for the explanation.

“CBD” (CBD isolate) products contain only the CBD cannabinoid without all of the other beneficial materials – and therefore may not be as effective as the full spectrum whole plant extract.

So the question now is what am I going to do for her gotcha day LOL. Madam is spoiled all year round so decided for her birthday am going to get her her favorite for dinner, chicken livers and gizzards mixed with chicken, she will be in heaven from that.

I am now off to work, Layla is sleeping, everyone please stay warm in these freezing temperatures, take care and be safe

With a woof from us