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

Boo Halloween is around the corner

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Woof it is me !!!!

October is coming to an end and although it means that Domestic Violence Awareness Month might be ending but it does not mean we must forget about Domestic Violence that happens daily all over the world and we must not forget the abuse the poor animals go through because of it. We must keep standing up for them and be their voices.

With our reminder of this awful daily occurrence below is a list those in this situation should try to remember to do, keeping a journal and having it all written down will make life easier when one runs as they will have proof. It is not easy to do but the more information you have the better.

Below is the National Domestic Violence website.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

We pray you will be safe and get away safely from the abuse.

Halloween is a fun holiday for kids but can be really frightening for pets and therefore we should take all the precautions to keep them safe.

Layla does not get dressed up as she is uncomfortable in a costume and her comfort comes first in my eyes although in the past LOL I did try so am sharing with you some of her pictures – but those days are long gone and now her costume is her dress harness which she seems fine in.

Below is a list of how to keep your pets safe during Halloween as they are part of our family and need to be.

So as this is the last blog for October and another month is beginning next week we would like to wish everyone a Happy Halloween, do not OD on candies LOL and of course please keep your pets safe.

Woof with love from
Layla

Halloween Memories

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Woof woof everyone,

With Halloween around the corner and we have been discussing this month Domestic Violence Awareness I am going to share with you one of my special memories of Halloween which was in the shelter.

When Mothers and kids run from the abuse many arrive with very little and have to start all over again. It is really sad to see these kids with a small bag with literally nothing inside and a Mother trying to soothe the child. The staff at the shelters are amazing and immediately step in with toys, clothing, hygiene items and whatever else is needed. I remember when I got to the shelter at night and was shown my room on the bed was a care package waiting for me with all the necessities to get me started. It is a comforting feeling to know you are being looked after and can finally breathe.

So when a holiday comes up like Halloween all the kids are treated to costumes of their choice donated by wonderful giving people and that way they do not have to feel left out when going to school or just walking down the road. The laughter and happiness in those moments is something money cannot buy. They also do get bags for their candy and of course lots of candy LOL.

I had Baby with me in the shelter at the time and there were Halloween dog parties in different pet stores so I decided to go get her a costume. I did not have much money and went to Goodwill and was lucky to find one that fits. I thought it was a space outfit until someone told me it was a fire hydrant ROFL, I fell off the bed laughing so much but she looked adorable in it.

So because we are on this subject we decided to skip the diary this week as we had a slow week and instead talk about trick or treating, or as Layla woofs treating only as she will not do tricks. You all know we love to support small businesses and when Jen approached us to give Layla Halloween treats I said yes for definite plus we decided to do a give away so one other dog can be spoiled too.

Layla was in seventh heaven when I opened the package, so many boxes beautifully wrapped and so many different smells, it was mind boggling for her as to where to start. I just sat back trying to take pics but she was moving too fast from excitement. She devoured a pumpkin looking one and wanted more but as she had not eaten her breakfast I said no and she will get another after dinner.

What I love about her treats is that they are all wheat, grain and soy free which really makes a difference when you have a dog with food allergies. The frosting is made of yoghurt with different flavors so in a way they are kind of healthy LOL. I will highly recommend these treats to everyone.

About Muddy Puppys :

They have the most Fun and Healthy Dog treats. All Natural, some Organic and some Grain Free. Decorated and Plain, Crunchy and Soft, Homemade / Handmade Gourmet Dog Treats. All made to order, and you can order custom or in bulk. Perfect gifts for your fur family.

You can read more about them on her Etsy Website :

MuddyPuppys

The box of yummy treats give away prize :

Layla received hers as a wonderful gift from Jen whom we thank,

Good luck entering the Give Away which is open for the USA only.

Rafflecopter

Have a great week,
Woof with love from Layla

Woof it is Me

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Woof to all my friends,

October being Domestic Violence Month and a month that brings back so many sad memories for Mom we decided last weekend to enjoy life and freedom instead.

It is not that we are ignoring the sad fact of the abuse of women, kids and pets but it has been a long journey for Mom and having that freedom and sunny weather Mom decided to take advantage of it.

We are though going to include the Power and Control Wheel of Animal Abuse in Domestic Violence as this is an issue close to us and they do not have a voice but we do so we need to speak up. You are welcome to share this on your pages or websites and be there voices too, it would be much appreciated.

Last weekend was a long weekend, so much to do all around San Francisco as there are always free events. Mom sat and worked out what we would do and the adventures started. BOL the only time I ever let her be boss is when making those decisions. It was also Fleet Week weekend and I do not like the jets flying over us plus Mom thinks that money should be used for better causes.

On Saturday they had in our Dog Park an event called Bark at the Park. This event honors our K-9 Heroes and their human friends during San Francisco Fleet Week. Lots of dogs, fun, and loads to learn on how to keep our pets safe during disasters. A really great noisy event, plus I love supporting these organizations that do so much for us.

On Sunday was the annual Castro Street Fair – this is just a fun fair with lots of booths, food and dancing. We, of course went although I carried Madam in her backpack as it is chaotic the best was popping into one of the booths called Pet Wants, Layla woofs best treats in town and she got utterly spoiled.


On the way home from the fair we stopped in the park, hung out with friends and just relaxed. The weather was perfect.

On Monday I decided that was it, no events, no nothing and instead relaxed in the park with all our friends. It was just a relaxing day.

So as you can see our life is always busy and I love it especially as I can take Layla with me although I must admit I do base a lot on Pet Events as they are fun and I really enjoy them.

On this note we going to end our weekly adventure blog as Layla is waiting for dinner and I must make mine too. I have a big pot of veggie soup simmering also – yummmm.

Have a wonderful weekend and everyone please be safe.

Woof with love from Layla

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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This past weekend Mom and I decided to have a picnic in the park as the weather is slowly changing and today, Tuesday is raining grrrr.

Mom wanted to go also as to sit and reflect her past with October arriving and it being Domestic Violence Awareness Month she felt she needed to clear her head, think of my sister Baby and enjoy the outdoors and freedom.

Mom is a survivor, and this month brings lots of memories, the sad ones and then the happy ones of being free and as Mom says she knows she did the right thing staying in the relationship to protect my sister whom I never met.

So we sat there talking, me lying by her side like I always do, and thinking about all the women that are in abusive relationships but will not leave because of their furkids. Something Mom understands.

It is very easy for people to say pack up and run, but when you know that most shelters do not take pets where does one run to ?

Mom in the past has blogged about how hard it is for shelters to take the pets, some say they should but when you look at the reality it is not easy as there are kids dealing with trauma, allergies, staff overworked, and so much more that we have to instead find a solution to help those pets while the victims try to get on their feet, figure out their lives, and find themselves.

This is something that has been going through Mom’s mind a lot as to how to help them, and some ideas have come to mind but now it is how to get that kind of project going.

So while we were chatting about this, Mom set up my own picnic – yummm. We had received this Dine Away Set from Overland Dog Gear Company and just love it as it makes life so easy when wanting to have a picnic. The set includes a travel bag, 2 food carriers, a placemat, 2 collapsible bowls and a food scoop. Even with the food and water it was not heavy to carry and made life so much easier than what Mom has been doing in the past.

Mom also received from them a Day Away tote which includes a food carrier for food or treats. Now there is nothing in plastic bags or containers spilling everywhere. This tote is fantastic as it is spacious, place for a bottle, can slide on luggage and the best is that it zippers up so I cannot get my nose into it to get to the treats BOL. The best of all is if you are planning a weekend away with your dog he / she will have his own bag for his things so you do not have to pack them with yours, I just love this idea.

To read more about their products you can go to their website

Overland Dog Gear

Personally I think these are a must in a house for those that do travel with their dogs and I was thinking to myself if only I had had them when I ran as it would have made my life so much easier, thank you Overland Dog Gear for giving me these products to review.

So while we sat there talking, me munching, Mom drinking coffee life seemed to look brighter cos she said : Layla we are free to enjoy life so lets put aside the past and enjoy the rest of the day.

And that is what we did.

Be safe everyone, have a wonderful week with woof and love from Layla

Remember Me Thursday

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Wednesday and we are woofing. Mom has the day off from work so I decided to discuss Remember Me Thursday as it is tomorrow and a very important day.

Remember Me Thursday is a day to honor all pets who never found a loving home, I am one of the blessed and lucky ones to have found one (rescued from the Carlson Shelter).

One of the important ways of spreading the word around about Remember Me Thursday is to draw the attention to those wanting a pet and stop them from buying but instead adopting from a local shelter or rescue organization.

I do not believe in buying a pet, will not do and will fight against the Puppy Mills and other Breeders till all the shelters are empty and all the pets have homes. I have watched over the years how pet owners speak about rescuing but go out and buy for themselves a pure bred dog when they could be going to a pure bred rescue organization to adopt from instead. I thank goodness live in a city where pet stores are not allowed to sell pets but if I know of one, that one would not get my money.

How to get involved with this special day :

01. Find an event near you – there are events being held in California – unfortunately not near me but it is awesome to see that it is happening at :

a. Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego
b. The Animal Protectorates in Burbank
c. The Little Lion Foundation, Live Love Animal Rescue, Long Beach Animal Advocates, Helen Sanders CatPAWS in Seal Beach
d. Victor Valley Animal Protective League in Victorville

02. Hold a pet food donation event

03. Educate children about rescue and not buying from a breeder. (I as a teacher have taught all my pupils about rescue and taken some to rescue events)

04. And for me the most important one is to share all over social media to bring awareness to everyone.

05. Be the voice for the orphaned pets

So Layla is calling on everyone to adopt a pet, give them a home, so that they will be one of the lucky ones sleeping in a bed tonight and not in cold shelter with all the noise and stress around them.

So let us shine the light on all the orphan pets in all the shelters and rescues all over the world and help them find a home.

Thank you with a woof and love from
Layla

WOW 1,526 and still counting

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TGIF ! Friday has arrived and with it of course the weekend. That is the best as it means adventures.

Our last weekend was a busy one as always as I love to keep Mom busy, it is very important she does not become a couch potato BOL.

Last Saturday we went to the Bay Area Pet Fair. This is an amazing two day event that is held once a year in the Bay Area. This event is held by a Californian Pet Store called Pet Food Express. What they do is hold an adoption event for all animals from Dogs, Cats, Birds, Rats, and others and if you adopt on one of those days you go home with an adoption Swag Bag. All the vendors that have their products in the stores have booths at the event with samples of their products so it is a wonderful way to see what is happening in the Pet Market. There were over 100 vendors so it is heaven for all of us.

I went with a friend and of course Layla on Saturday. He has a rescued Dalmation and was curious to see what foods, treats, grooming products and the list can go on, was on the market and of course fill a bag with lots of samples.

Layla was in heaven, she pigged out trying new samples and was one happy girl. I by the end was tired from having her on back in the backpack but on the other hand was just amazed as to what amazing products there are.

BUT I think the highlight of this event was the amount of animals adopted, and they still do not have the final count which will be ready on Friday but the last I heard 1,526 animals went to their new homes. INCREDIBLE !!!!!!!

While wandering around I met up with the company EMBARK which has a DNA test kit. This is something I have always wanted to do with Layla but have feared LOL as I love calling her my HaShiPoo. They gave me a kit to do on her and now the waiting begins. What I love about this kit is that the test does the following :

1. Breed ID and Ancestry
2. Health – Understand risk for diseases
3. Personalized Care – If a dog tests “At Risk” for a condition they contact you personally to discuss this finding.
4. Traits – Find the genes behind your dog’s unique look

This really interests me so cannot wait to get the results back plus it is so easy to do – all you need is a saliva sample and then LOL you give your dog a treat.

You can visit them on their website

Embark

On Sunday we had a slowish day, relaxed and then went to our dog park to enjoy the weather and friends. What I had forgotten was the neighborhood was having a block party so we wandered over there for lunch which was great plus they had an amazing band playing. A wonderful way to mingle with friends, eat good food and listen to wonderful music. Madam of course was in her element as she got once again lots of snacks.

So as you can see I am not a couch potato and Layla she not call me that LOL as we have wonderful weekends out and about and relaxing with friends too.

So now the weekend is arriving again, oy vey I have not decided what we going to do but for definite while the weather is still awesome in San Francisco we are going to be enjoying the outdoors.

Have a wonderful weekend all, with a woof and love from
Bossy Layla

TGIF

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Good Morning Friends,

TGIF ! It is Friday, week is over and the weekend is starting. Lots happening in the Layla Neighborhood as always.

Last weekend was a fun weekend. Mom did not volunteer but took some time for herself, what a concept and what we did was spend time in the park just relaxing. It was pawsome as I had lots of fun blanket hopping which is my favorite game and of course that way I get some extra pets for all the people.

On Sunday Mom had a meeting to go to at the Shanti Project and she took me with her. What can I say but WOW petting heaven as there were like 20 people all sitting on the floor on pillows and I just wandered around from person to person to be loved up, now that is the life and wish it would happen more often.

The best part was there was luncheon and I got some chicken, yummm. Sunday evening was the eve of our New Year so they were so sweet at the meeting and gave me a big doggy bag of all the food and veggies to bring home so I did not have to cook that evening which was awesome.

Monday was New Years day, so we just relaxed in the park and Mom gave me some honey so that my New Year will be a sweet and happy one.

NOW we must not forget that September is Disaster Preparedness Month and with Hurricane Florence arriving we must make sure that we are all prepared, and that no pet must be left at home. I have read that shelters have opened for pets too so in a way there is no excuse anymore. These hurricanes are getting worse all the time, the world is changing and because of it it is getting scary so please be safe everyone.

This coming weekend our plans are hmmmmm we are going to the Bay Area Pet Fair where there will be lots to do :

Meet-and-greet with 2,000+ adoptable dogs, cats, bunnies and small animals. Ready for a break? Enter your pooch in the Splash Dogs Dock Diving competition, check out a live band, or browse our 100+ vendor booths. Admission and parking are free.

This is an event I love to go to every year and this year will be the first for Layla as in the past I have left her at home. Having the backpack makes it easier for me to take her. The fun part is all the vendors give freebies so you can go home with bags of goodies and I am on the look out for certain products so it will be great to get samples of what I want to try on Madam. She is going to be in treat heaven LOL.

So that is what is happening in the Layla Neighborhood, always busy but lots of fun, and she is one special lucky rescue girl who has the life of a princess.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, and cannot wait to hear what you are all doing.

Please all be safe, woof with love from Layla

September is National Preparedness for Disaster Month

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Woof it is Wednesday and like every Wednesday our blog should go up but we have just changed the time frame as Mom has picked up more work and had to change our schedule so we will be posting on Thursdays instead.

The long weekend is over, we had a great time of just relaxing at the park, eating and in a nutshell doing not much. Mom decided we needed to just relax but the adventures will start again soon as I the Boss Layla thinks Mom is getting a bit lazy BOL.

September is a very important month and we decided to remind everyone that it is National Preparedness Month for all disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods plus many more.

This is a time for us to double check everything in the house to make sure we are totally prepared for any kind of disaster, for us and for our fur kids.

Are you prepared ?

I have next to my front door a backpack and bag with the following but am reviewing it at the moment and fixing what needs to be fixed.

Between the bag and the backpack I have a flashlight, batteries, food for 72 hours, water for 72 hours and of course a sleeping bag to keep Layla warm. Another thing that I have in the backpack is a first aid kit with CBD oil in to keep Layla calm. In a sealed zip lock bag I do have all our documents, and other important items that we might need as back ups. I am very fortunate that Layla’s medical records are on online so I do not have to worry about them, she has on her collars and harnesses a PetHub disk which can be scanned with a phone, so she is covered everywhere.

But however much I am prepared I always feel I am not prepared enough so this is a good time to re-evaluate it all and then I can sit back, relax and not worry till a bee in my bonnet says double check again.

So while Mom is packing, cursing as some things are not fitting in BOL, and repacking I am going back to my bed to sleep and stay out of the way as I do not want her to try pack me in there also.

On this note we would love to wish all our Jewish followers and friends a Shana Tova – Happy New Year and may it be a sweet, healthy one

Be safe everyone, have a great week with a woof and love from
Layla

We doing Thursday with a Give Away

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Woof it is Thursday !!!

Another week has passed since our last blog and we are one day late with our blog, bad Mom but it has been as usual a busy week.

So last Thursday was movie night, a movie I really wanted to see. We went to the park, sat with a friend and his dog and got all comfy. I made a mistake and did not think of one thing !!! Popping wine bottles, and when they started popping Layla crawled onto my lap shaking like a leaf. Why my mistake as I should have given her some CBD oil before we left the house. That was the end of our Movie night in the park as I brought her home immediately. The movie I will have to see another time LOL.

On Saturday we went to a BBQ which was fun, it was held at the Church where I volunteer and they once a year do a thank you BBQ for us volunteers, lots of food, laughter and some dogs. Layla was of course in seventh heaven as she got some goodies off my plate. Something I do not normally do.

Sunday was another adventure where we went to visit friends who were doing a pop-up outside a grocery store in one of the great areas of San Francisco. They have an amazing online store where you can shop till you drop for fantastic healthy products for your pampered pet, both dog and cat.

Layla is in love with their beef jerky and cannot get enough of it. I have found her new doggy crack and she just hears the bag and all hell breaks loose, dancing all over the place. So she has decided to share with her friends and we are doing a give away one 1/2 lb bag to one lucky winner. PetWantsSF homemade beef jerky is made with human grade top round steak. They marinade it overnight, dehydrate each batch and if Ms. Picky Eater loves them you know they are good.

They also have amazing health care products, CBD Oils, and so much more to keep our pets healthy and happy. and guess what, that includes cats too.

You can see all their products on their website :

PetWantsSF

We are being sponsored for this give away and it is only for the USA, to enter to win please fill in the Rafflecopter app below so that one lucky pup can win a bag of delicious beef jerky. This give away is open to the USA only.

Rafflecopter

Now it is time for me to have my afternoon snooze as life is hard in the Layla Neighborhood.

Have a wonderful long weekend all,
Cannot wait to hear what you did and please be safe

With Woof and Love from
Layla