Tag Archives: #dogpark

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 


Phew the fireworks will soon be over

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TGIF and thank goodness hopefully the fireworks are over. 

We have been busy as always and I must admit Layla keeps me on my toes.


Last weekend was Pride weekend. Lots of chaos in San Francisco but I cannot complain as there is loads of fun. On Saturday we went to the Dyke March with some friends. It was great fun, lots of music, costumes and much more. Layla was in her backpack very happy and relaxed watching all the people while I filmed and watched everything. The fun thing was I was with friends and we sat at a restaurant watching.

Layla walking home from the March :

https://www.facebook.com/LaylasWoof/videos/434153823834770/

Sunday I relaxed, of course we went to our park but laid low as such as Pride was happening. The park was full and everyone was enjoying the weather.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I was working so Layla relaxed and of course had quality time with me when I was home.


Her new favorite quirk is to go to the grocery store with me so I try do it on a daily basis and she trots the aisles tail wagging and of course sniffing. It is so funny to see her, all she needs is a little shopping basket on her back to carry the groceries LOL.


AND then comes 4th of July, those damn fireworks. I do not care what people say about them, I personally think it is a waste of money that can be used for so many things. 


We went yesterday to the park during the day as I wanted her to go out as much as possible before all the booms start so we relaxed in the park on my blanket. I kept her leash on her just in case something spooked her as it would be easier to catch her.


She was wandering around, and then went and sat with some girls who were celebrating, they had with them beads and so much more and of course Madam just let them dress her up all patriotic. It was really funny and cute to see how she just sat there letting them do it and the girls had so much fun. 



But the minute they popped open a bottle of champagne she got scared so I had to bring her home. 


Then the nightmare started with everyone everywhere starting to set off fireworks so she went into her box to hide. I thank goodness have an amazing neighbor who she adores so I called her in the evening to ask her to come over to my place to help me get her out for her last walk. We walked around the block and she was ready to come home.
When we got home I gave her some Hemp Oil to relax her, made sure her bed was ready in the shower, put a t-shirt on her and let her do her thing. She has been there ever since sleeping and relaxed. I have put a bowl of water there also but I know food she will not eat so put her plate of food in the fridge. 


So that has been Layla’s week, I cannot wait for the fireworks to stop so she can feel safe and get back to being herself.


Our prayers go out to all those pets that did get spooked and ran, we hope they find their homes and will be safe. 


Have a wonderful weekend.

With a woof and love from 
Layla



June is nearly over

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TGIF Furfriends and families,


How has your week been since we last chatted.  I really hope you are keeping your hoomans very busy by pampering you like I am doing with Mom. I think I will have to share my pamper tips one of these days but the problem is if I do Mom will know, oy vey.


Our week has been busy as always, the weather being perfect and not too hot so it is fun to be out and about.

Last weekend Mom said she needed to recharge her batteries so on Saturday we hung out at our local park with my friends, Mom relaxed and I begged for treats BOL and checked out which of my favorite treat Uncles was there and yes I hit the jackpot with some.


On Sunday we had an adventure as Mom felt like going down to see the sea, so we went to this great area where you can walk for miles along the Bay but what she did not tell me and surprised me was she wanted to pop into a pet store to say hi to the owner, Ray as they follow us on Instagram. 

He was not there unfortunately but it was fun seeing a new store, what they have and I wandered around inside off leash sniffing away. I could have if Mom was not watching pinched some of the bags of treats but she is horrible as she would have given them back and punished me.


Who are they ?  They are called Pawtrero and have two stores in the city. They focus on natural and raw foods which is fantastic plus the bonus is they do free home delivery in the city so you see, you do not have to buy from these big online companies and instead support the locals who do so much for our community and give back to the rescues.

Pawtrero also had a community meet up on Wednesday evening, everyone met in a dog park I had not been to in the past, so it was fun going to a  new one, meeting more pet owners and of course Madam getting spoiled by all. They gave out wonderful swag bags for the dogs and we had refreshments and cookies. A great way to end a work day and something that they do once a month and I personally think all dog parks should do it.  

You can read more about them on their website : https://www.pawtrero.com/

Then I got punished. I got a bath – I cannot understand why hoomans have to bathe us, I think it is something unnecessary especially as rolling in the grass gives you such a good smell and if you two legged people pay for perfumes and all that smelly stuff, the grass smell is just as good and free.

Love the stinky eye LOL

Today being Thursday Mom is housecleaning and I am monitoring her work BOL but on Saturday we have a Shi Tzu Meet Up which is going to be fun.

So that has been our week here, Madam Social Butterfly is now sleeping of course, I am finishing off my chores and need to catch up on some work.
BUT before we log off everyone please take care of your pets in the hot weather and keep the safe, cool and happy.


Have a wonderful weekend all,

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 


I am a Social Butterfly

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Morning All,


Friday has arrived and with it my schedule as always is filling up. Yes I am a very busy little dog but it keeps Mom and I young and healthy although BOL she has to carry me a lot. It is also Pride Month so am now wearing my rainbow harness with Pride.


Last weekend, Saturday we took it easy as Mom was really tired. We just went for long walks and otherwise slept and did nothing.  Mom decided she needed it as it had been a long week for her.

On Sunday to make up for it, we went to the Chihuahua Meet Up where I become an honorary Chihuahua plus it is always held in an amazing park Stern Grove.

Below Facebook link is the video of her running into the park all happy, Miss Wiggly butt with her feather tail flying.

https://www.facebook.com/LaylasWoof/videos/428537084594189/


This is one place that Mom calls heaven, as it is so lush, green with lots of place to roam around plus the lake at the end of it makes it really peaceful. There were lots of dogs at the meetup which was fun as I got to smell a lot of them. I like this meet up as it is all small dogs so I feel safe. 


Mom was really proud of me as when we went for our long walk I even went off the path exploring which is something I do not do often but it was so much fun, so many smells to check out and so much space to roam around. Mom of course kept an eye on me as Coyotes have been seen in this park but in the middle of the day they are normally sleeping. 

It was such a pawsome day, we relaxed, ran around, and perfect weather just helped it all. I told Mom I cannot wait for the next one which is in July.
When we got home we were both tired so I was nice to Mom and let her sleep, she does deserve it sometimes.


The rest of the week has been slow as Mom has now finished work for the summer but last night we went to a big fundraising event for the Shanti/PAWS Organization and we will share it with you in our next week’s blog.


This weekend I know we are going to the Tri-Pawed Meet Up which is always held in our dog park so I will get to meet some new dogs which is exciting but other than that we have nothing else planned. 


So as you can see I am a very busy dog with a full schedule and I love it as after being stuck indoors during the winter it is so much fun to be out and about again.


Have a wonderful weekend everyone and please share what your plans are.


With a woof and love From Layla, the social butterfly 



A weekend of Adventures

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Woof Helloo my Fur friends and Family,


We had such a fun weekend last weekend, Mom spoiled me and took me on two adventures, yes two can you believe it.


On Saturday we went for the first time to the Shi Tzu Meet Up at a great park called Alta Plaza Park. It is a beautiful big park with a view of the Bay on one side and a view of the city on the other side.

There were about 20 Shi Tzus and their owners and what a surprise as it was Jacques (a Shi Tzu) birthday and his Mom made a delicious cake. I have told Mom I want the same for my next gotcha day. We all wore party hats and had so much fun. I also made new friends which was pawsome, as I love meeting other fluffies like me. The weather was perfect and it was a perfect fun day. 
I cannot wait for the next one.

Of course Mom had the back pack for the bus as she says it is safer for me when the bus is full so no one will stand on me and I won’t get hurt.

When we got home guess what I did ? Of course sleep as I was really tired but LOL Mom took a nap too. She says she gets tired from carrying me in the back pack so I woofed her that she is getting old BOL.

On Monday we had another adventure. We went with my favorite Aunt Barbara to Fisherman’s Wharf. We went on the tram there and did a long walk along the bay looking out at the sea, Mom and Aunt chatted while I smelled and checked all the pmail. I had to stay on leash most of the time as there were lots of people, skateboarders and Woof I love barking at them BOL. There was a part where there was lawn so I ran over there but Mom left my leash on just in case as we are close to the street. 

Mom and Aunt then sat down for coffee, relax and to look over the bay, she gave me of course water and some treats to snack on so I was really spoiled.  I wandered around and looked out also over the bay as you can see in the photo below.

We then came home in one of the old fashioned trams which was fun but I was really tired so Mom had put me in my back pack to rest.  
When we got home I ate my dinner, dug up the bed, BOL and then settled for an afternoon sleep. 


It was such a fun day and have asked Mom to do this again with me.
Mom is working hard this week and as she told me she has another month of work and then we will be taking a break, but she did promise me if there are any fun events on weekends as summer has arrived she will take me to them.


Many of you must think I am always on the go but actually I do take things slowly also LOL but with summer here, and in San Francisco there is always something doggy going on on weekends, I try to go to them as I feel it is good for me to get out and see what is happening, and good for Layla to be out and about also especially as we live in a tiny studio with no garden, and going to the same park all the time can get boring also.
So as you can see Layla is a spoiled busy girl, but I would not change it for anything and I feel that variety is the spice of life,  and we are going to keep on doing it. 


This weekend I have not checked what is going on yet so will go with the flow plus weather wise see what we will do.


Everyone, TGIF and have a wonderful weekend all, cannot wait to hear what you did this past weekend.
Woof with love Layla 


Old Lady Quirks

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TGIF !!! Let the weekend begin and we hope there will be a bit of sunshine because the two old ladies of the Layla Neighborhood, Mom and Layla need some warming up.

And now we are sure why we called this blog Old Lady Quirks, it is because we are getting older and with age comes the new quirks, and bless Layla the list is growing. My vet laughed when I told her and all she said that is the aging process and I must get used to it. So as I do giggle over some of them I though we all need laughter in our lives so lets share and make a blog of them.

Layla is turning 12 this year and with it I have noticed :


01. She is afraid of the sound from the microwave and we live in a studio so now when I use it she hides in the bathroom, so there is a bed in the shower for her now.


02. She loves to sleep late in the mornings which is fine with me but once we are out she can walk the whole of San Francisco if she can, and will sit and be stubborn if she does not get her way. So we do a lot of zig zagging as she wants her way or it is no way, giving me a miserable look at the same time.


03. The dog park she is suddenly not comfortable going to as she does not like the clapping that some of the dog owners do although we are sitting away from them, this I am really working on as summer is around the corner.


04. In the evenings when I take her for her last walk at about 6 – 7, she loves walking around the supermarket parking lot, lots of smells LOL and we can do this like 6 times and then will walk past the entrance to go home, Madam trotting away all happy, me exhausted and hungry.


05. Thank goodness no food quirks phew as the above is keeping me busy as it it.


As you can see with age comes quirks, and some quirks means adapting your life to the old Lady’s needs which is becoming interesting on a daily basis.


 So on this quirky note, we hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, with a woof and love from Layla.


Park time is starting

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Let the park fun begin

Spring has arrived and the sun is shining although they say there is going to be more rain grrrrrrrrrrrrr.  It has been awesome though being able to walk Layla her long walks in the mornings which she loves. 

So as you always see Layla sitting or sleeping LOL I decided to share with you a video of her walking – or as I call it on a mission as once she gets started she just goes LOL and I feel we walk San Francisco.

https://www.facebook.com/LaylasWoof/videos/396474930939849/

Last weekend we spent most of the time in the park, the weather was wonderfully warm and it was just great to sit on a blanket and relax with coffee of course, Madam and her treats and the best of all no electronics. I love those kind of days when I people / dog watch and do nothing.

I have also found that since she is on her new supplements from Raw Paws Pet Food her energy level has doubled and it is great, she is also not itching when coming in from the park which I think is the best news of all and I hope it just carries on this way.


Don’t forget that you can get a 15% discount if you shop on line for their products with the code : Layla15 

https://www.rawpawspetfood.com/Default.asp?sscid=31k3_bjjd8

On Tuesday she got a bath, or as she calls it punishment but her favorite of course is getting all the free treats at the Pet Store where the bathing is done. So she is smelling of coconut at the moment which is better than the smelly park smells from rolling in the grass. 



I am at the moment looking into what dog events are happening this year in the Bay Area which is my favorite also, Layla gets to taste all the treats and I get to check all out and of course carry her in her back pack. The first one I know is happening in April around the corner from us, one of my favorites.

So that is what is happening in the Layla Neighborhood at the moment.

Have a wonderful weekend

 With a woof and love from Layla


I am aging gracefully

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Good Morning Fur friends and Hooman friends,

One week into the New Year and it has not stopped raining since Saturday. I have been singing rain rain go away Layla needs to walk and play but it is not helping.

Layla has never liked the rain and it stems from her having been an outside dog in her past life as I call it so it is a battle to get her out when it rains and if she sees her raincoat she goes and hides in her box and stays there. So the past week I decided to try a new approach with less stress and it seems to be working.

In the mornings I let her sleep for as long as she wants and when she feels she needs to go out we go out, she tells me by getting up and walking towards the door. I am doing that also during the day or evening by letting her tell me and wow what a difference it has made. She is more relaxed, happier to go out and not fighting me with the raincoat. It might not be long walks like we are used to but at least she is going out to potty. I cannot believe that I never thought about this in the past but as I am saying to myself better late than never.

Layla will be 12 this year, like me she is aging and with it comes all the new quirks or triggers and am having to deal with them on a daily basis. She is also losing her sight in her left eye which does not make things easier. She does not like going out in the evenings when it is dark so her last walk is like 6 or 7.

Her new fear is clapping and when we in the dog park if someone claps for their dog she dives under the bench to hide. I am not giving in to her by leaving but the opposite I pick her up and cuddle her to give her a feeling of security. There are days that it works and days that it does not. Treats always work though LOL.

Our lives are changing because of it, I am working through her fears/triggers/quirks on a daily basis and learning at the same time. Thank goodness her appetite or water consumption has not changed which is keeping me more relaxed. I have also found an amazing chew for her, not as hard as bones but it keeps her really busy during the day in this weather. It is a turkey tendon and she loves them. My pet store has a great deal at the moment of buy 3 get one free so have stocked up on them to keep her happy.

She is still doing zoomies when we enter the building, full of puppy energy and as I call her Ms. Piss and Vinegar, that she is. She even plays more with her squeaky toys lately which is awesome as I love watching her jump on the bed and grab one to squeak like crazy.

I have started a new part time job which is taking me out of the house for about 4 to 5 hours each day and thank goodness I do not have to deal with anxiety as she seems to be handling this really well.

So that is what is happening in the Layla Neighborhood at the moment, we are stuck indoors because of the rain, Jazz playing in the background so life is good here for us two old ladies.

How are all of you coping with the cold weather and rain ?

Stay warm and dry and please remember pets are family and need to be kept indoors safely,

Have a great week with a woof from Layla

November has arrived

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Woof November has arrived !

We cannot believe that the year is nearly over and 2019 is around the corner. It seems to be whizzing by.

I decided to put a hat on Layla for Halloween LOL – she actually did not mind it.

With all the tragedies all over the world this past week Layla and I decided to lie low and just spend as much time in the sunshine in the park and off all electronics. We both decided it was the healthiest way to be.

Last week Layla had a really bad attack of allergies plus she was just drinking more than normal plus wanting to pee every two hours so on Friday I took her to the vet for a check up. The vet was great as always, checked her thoroughly and explained to me that with allergies dogs sometimes drink more than normal but I should monitor her. We discussed what to do with her allergies and as I hate medications especially Apoquel as I feel once the dose is over the scratching begins again so for me that is not a solution. So after a lot of discussions I decided not happily but I also aware something needs to be done he gave her the Cytopoint shot. All I can say is within 24 hours she had stopped scratching totally, slept through the night phew as I needed sleep also and as it lasts for about 4 – 6 weeks by the time it would wears off winter should be here.

I had not heard of it in the past but after reading about it at home I am happy we did it. Layla, when she starts scratching, she starts hopping badly with her back leg in the air and I worry about her back, especially as she is 11 years old and I don’t want her to pull any muscles so that is another reason I went for it.

Another thing that made me really happy was this vet (I go to a clinic where there are 4 and I know them all) believes in CBD oil for pets and we had an amazing chat about it.

NOW the good news HA – Remember when I did the Embark DNA test on her – the results came in and I have not stopped laughing as I am trying to find the breeds in her. I love this company and am so happy I did the DNA test as I also found out she has no genetic diseases which is a big weight off my shoulders.

Drumroll …………Layla whom I used to call my HaShiPoo is really a mix of :

73 % Small Poodle
12.3 % Pekingese
8.4 % Cocker Spaniel
6.3 % Lhaso Apso

What can I say to this : She is a Rescued Concoction full of love, happiness and personality. She is my PooPeCockLha ROFL.

If you want to do yours you can get it at :

EmbarkVet

So that is what is happening in the Layla Neighborhood, never a dull moment but always full of wagging tails and smiles.

We hope you had a fun Halloween and did not OD on treats and candy.

Am off now for my afternoon siesta as it is hard work being a dog.

Be safe all with a woof and love
From Layla