2022 is over

TGIF !! I cannot believe this is the last Friday of 2022, what a year and it has gone so fast its frightening. Where do we begin.

Layla and I are now officially senior citizens, I hit the 65 mark and lately am feeling my age LOL although I am still very active and busy there are days when I look at her and want to nap like her LOL.

Gidget is spending the week with us so she is keeping me on my toes LOL, doing double walks but I adore her and although she has become bratty with age I would not stop it for anything, her new favorite is to play the squeaky toys at midnight just as I am planning to sleep and her other favorite is sleeping in Layla’s bed which Layla in not amused with LOL but sharing is important and sharing with Gidget is a blessing.

I got the bed while Layla sleeps on the floor BOL

We have lost some amazing people this past year, Paula the fantastic cat blogger who I think about each time I use my sleepypod products I won on a giveaway she did, a close friend of mine and neighbor that every Christmas baked the most amazing goodies and they were sorely missed this year and the world lost them also plus many more.

So reflecting on the last year, it has been tough but like everything else we need to look also at the positive in our life and the one most important positive in my life is Layla, who is 16 years old, blind but still walking, eating and everything else a healthy dog should do and I am so blessed. I have tried going to as many events with her this year also, to make the memories but also keeps us going and getting out of the house and doing things means seeing others, I am using the stroller more for her especially when we go out but she loves it and sits in it like a Diva, which she is LOL. She is very smart cos if she wants to  potty she stands up trying to get out of the stroller and the minute I put her down she potties so I am really proud of her,

 

As we always do we remind everyone to keep their pets safe on New Years Eve, especially with the fireworks which I personally hate and the money people burn on them should be donated to charities that are battling to stay open, plus I think of the pets and animals that are petrified from the noise, the people that suffer PTSD, and the list can go on as I think those setting off the fireworks are selfish, inconsiderate and only think of themselves.

 

How do I keep Layla safe from the fireworks, which is my routine and works wonders with her, I give her a calming supplement early in the evening, I walk her early so there is nothing to scare her, I make a bed in the shower with water, food and some of her toys plus lots of blankets and she sleeps there through the night, I also keep the TV on the Jazz Station which keeps her relaxed. It works wonders for her plus having a tshirt on even makes it better for her plus I am relaxed. I do not go out anywhere but stay at home with her as I feel it is only fair to her. What do you do for your pets on New Years Eve.

 

So to all our friends, Happy New Year but please keep your fur kids safe and you safe of course also,

 

With love and hugs from Layla

 

 

Happy Hanukkah Everyone

What a busy weekend last week.

TGIF!!!! Friday has arrived and our plans are to kick back and relax as we had such a busy weekend last week, especially Sunday.

On Saturday it was raining all day so Mom would take me out for quick walks or as she called them swims as the rain did not stop, we need the rain but it can also become a headache and I do not like getting my paws wet so I was riding around in my stroller BOL.

On Sunday was the annual Skivvy run which is a fund raiser for the AIDS Foundation of San Francisco, the guys run through a part of the city in underwear, they close off a street and people party, have fun and of course eat lots of food. The sun was shining, it was chilly but worth going to. Layla met the Grinch, and he was kind enough to hold her so I could get a photograph of them together. I took many photos and am sharing some of them here.

Me and the Grinch, he has weird furry green hands which kept me warm

 

In the afternoon we went to our annual Hanukkah party, light the Hanukkiah and eat latkes yummy. It was wonderful being with friends and celebrating the Miracle of Lights. For those that do not know the story of Hanukkah in a short version the Maccabees found oil for their lamps for one day but it lasted 8 days and that Is why for 8 days we light a candle each night, and eat fried foods, traditionally latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts). The children play a game with a spinning top called a Dreidel, and each time they win they get chocolate coins or as they say in Yiddish Hanukkah Geld.

Happy Hanukkah Everyone

 

By the time we got home Mom was exhausted and so was I but it was a diverse day of fun and well worth it.

 

The rest of this week we have just gone with the flow which is what Mom likes BOL, so to all my friends celebrating Hanukkah, Chag Sameach and don’t eat too much BOL

 

Be safe and have a wonderful weekend

Love from Layla

 

Winter has arrived and so has the fun

Brrrr the past few days have been cold here in San Francisco, so we have been indoors a lot, Madam is not that happy, but it has been too cold and damp to sit in the park.

Layla on Monday got groomed, full spa day and what was great was she and one another dog were the only ones there which surprised me although my groomer does not normally work on a Monday, but I was happy as it was not crowded and less stressful for her. We unfortunately had to cut her hair short this time as from the rain it had got matted especially on her paws so I am worrying now she will be cold and keeping clothing on her in the house so that she is comfortable and layering her up when we go out.

Phew at home from the groomer

Mom has blankets at the side of the bed as I love sleeping there plus one over lapping the bed so I wont bang my head

Events are starting up again and this weekend we are going to two different events on the same day oy vey. On Sunday they having the annual Skivvy Run in the Castro which is an amazing and fun fundraiser for AIDS and then we going to a Hannukah party which I am really looking forward to. Photos will be on the blog next week for all of you to see.

We are taking precautions, wearing masks and of course will test myself before going to be safe. I am not taking any chances as it is not worth it.

So socially life is picking up but am not over doing it either as LOL I do not want to put on weight after losing so much and feeling good with myself.

I was also surprised last week; I belong to a women’s international forum, and they asked us what talents we have so I told them I write a blog and gave them the link. I was chosen as one of the five winners and got a $50.00 on line debit card for shopping so guess who is getting two new fleece lined t-shirts which she can sleep in and be warm, Layla of course, it is her blog so she does deserve it and It will be the start of her Hanukkah gifts this year.

So that is what is happening in the Layla neighborhood, we are aging slowly, cold but enjoying life wherever possible.

Please stay warm and dry, have a wonderful weekend,

With love from Layla

 

 

 

Thanksgiving fun

TGIF!!!!!

We had so much fun over Thanksgiving weekend and Mom really messed up with her dinner BOL although I lucked out because of it.

On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving we went on adventure with Moms friend and her two rescued dogs Thomas and Coco to Golden Gate Park. We got there with a picnic and of course treats for us and in the middle of the place we were going to sit in the sun there were two yellow chairs, we are not sure who they belonged to but of course the hoomans had to sit on them and we had the blanket to ourselves. Laura brought a delicious picnic for her and Mom and they used my stroller as the table BOL,

Watching, sniffing and enjoying the outdoors

There were lots of gophers popping up and down from their holes and lots of new smells so it was loads of fun to be there plus the weather was perfect, So the hoomans were talking about Thanksgiving dinner and Mom was saying what she wanted and had done no shopping BOL so Laura said I will take you to fetch a dinner, When we left the park we went to Costco and Mom got what she wanted and came home, both of us happy, relaxed and looking forward to Thursday, me for turkey of course, yummm

Peek a boo guess who

On Thursday we went to the dog park to enjoy the sun and all Mom could think about was her dinner, so when we came home for dinner and guess what !!!! BOL !!!!!! The turkey was not cooked, everything else was, plus Mom could not find the gravy so we ran to the supermarket across the road to get some. Mom then sliced some raw turkey and cooked it in the air fryer BOL and when cooked ate it with the rest of the food plus of course she gave me some.

BOL Mom really messed up with her dinner but the best part of all was when she was putting the food in plastic containers she found the gravy also so for once I can laugh at Mom for her silliness.

Since then we have been spending time outdoors till yesterday when the rain has arrived so no more park at the moment but I am making Mom take me for strolls in my stroller, cannot complain cos my paws are not getting wet but Mom is BOL.

I am now off to sleep, I need my beauty sleep,

Have a wonderful weekend everyone

With 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

 

 

 

 

November 2022 Pet Holidays

November has arrived !!!!!!!

 

Month

  • Adopt A Senior Pet Month
  • National Senior Pet Month
  • National Pet Cancer Awareness Month
  • Pet Diabetes Month

Week 

  • Nov 6 – 12  National Animal Appreciation week
  • Nov 13 – 19  Human-Animal Relationship Awareness Week

Days

  • Nov 1:  National Cook for your Pet Day
  • Nov 1:  International Pet Groomers Appreciation Day
  • Nov 7:  National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
  • Nov 12: World Animal Enrichment Day
  • Nov 16: National Slobber Appreciation Day
  • Nov 17: National Black Cat Day. Also celebrated on October 27.
  • Nov 17: National Take a Hike Day
  • Nov. 18: National Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) Awareness, Research and Education Day.
  • Nov. 19: National get a Pal for your Pet Day
  • Nov. 23: Wolfenoot.  This annual holiday, started in New Zealand, celebrates the Spirit of the Wolf and “is about celebrating our pack – human and animal – helping where we can, and making the world a better, kinder place.”
  • Nov. 23: Thankful for my Dog Day
  • Nov 24. Thanksgiving Day

 

Quality of Life

TGIF!!! The weekend has arrived and with the weather still being warm I plan to go to the park as much as possible plus we are going to a dog event on Sunday.

Layla had her 6-month checkup last week where with the vet I discussed her quality of life as she is over 15 years old, in so many ways healthy but since her fall her anxiety has gone through the roof and she barks all the time. Her paw thank goodness has healed.

The vet replied to my answer like this which relaxed me a lot as I do not want her to suffer with age.

  1. She is eating and drinking – phew
  2. No accidents in the house – phew
  3. Her tail is wagging – phew
  4. Her heart and internal organs are all good – phew
  5. Barking (I had sent a video to the vet to see) – can be from anxiety and the start of Dementia. She prescribed Gabapentin which I have started giving her and she is now sleeping through the nights.
  6. During the day she gets a calming supplement which is working so she is a lot more relaxed now also which makes my life a lot easier. Vet approved.

So in a nutshell this is what my vet said: She is doing good, her quality of life is good and I should not think about it but focus on making memories, enjoying each day with her and keep her brain working all the time.

So, I have put that question on the shelf and enjoying each day as it comes as I am blessed to have her in my life.

My question this week is what are your thoughts of quality of life? I would love to hear from you,

Be safe everyone, our prayers and thoughts are with all those in Florida, both humans and animals.

Have a wonderful weekend,

With woof and love from Layla and Me

 

Are you prepared ?

TGIF!!! Phew weekend has arrived and thank goodness the weather here is cooling down, San Francisco has had such a heatwave I thought we would melt, global warming is slowly starting to happen here and all over the world. Are we all prepared for these changes?

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month and what else will happen this month? Are we really prepared in our house for one? What do we really need? It worries me as I wonder what if I am not home when an earthquake happens. Will Layla be, ok? Do any of you think of this?

I recheck once a month our emergency bag but I then say will I have time to pick it up and run when an earthquake hits, is too heavy, have I overpacked, it might sound crazy but would rather be safe than sorry.

So this is emergency bag :

Water / flashlight / batteries / radio / change of clothing / food for Layla and me / her supplements and medications / poop bags / dog treats / blanket / toy for her / first aid kit / copies of documents / cash / usb drives of all my computer files / my beach canopy that I could use as a tent and other sentimental items of mine.  It sounds a lot, but I still wonder if it is enough. I also have a collapsible pet carrier to put her in so she will feel safe plus her backpack to carry her out of the house (although with her age she is not comfortable in it) but it is safe, and she does not walk on the sidewalks in case there is debris and could get hurt.

I also say that I can live off bread and water, but her food is extremely important.

So, when all these disasters hit us, and however much we are prepared we all lose material items which for me is as I say, something that can be replaced, but the lives of the animals and birds cannot so it is so important to do as much as possible to protect them.

On this note I am asking everyone to be safe and check your bags.

Most important our pets are family and should not be left behind to fend for themselves as you are serving them a death sentence.

Have a great safe week,

With a woof and love from Layla

 

 

 

 

September is National Responsible Dog Ownership Month

TGIF !!!!!

Friday has arrived, it is a long weekend for relaxing and spending quality time with Layla and I am sure you will all be spending time with your families, Enjoy !!!!! Stay cool and make sure you all stay hydrated.

September is National Responsible Dog Owners Month,  which is a really important reminder for all of us who are dog parents.

The reason for this is to help us raise healthy happy dogs and it is a good reminder for all of us.

Some of the basics of responsible dog ownership include:

  1. Regular Vet Exams : Keeping them up to date on all their vaccinations
  2. Keeping them fit and not over weight. Feed them a healthy diet only and if possible no kibbles.
  3. Putting dog care in our monthly budget
  4. Making sure their microchip and tags are all up to date
  5. Keep your pets inside so that they do not suffer in summer or winter
  6. Spay or neuter your dogs as there are so many in shelters looking for homes.
  7. Be prepared for Natural Disasters
  8. Lots of love and playtime
  9. Spoil them rotten.

It is so easy to do the above as they are our fur kids and depend on us to live a healthy happy life.

Shnoozing in the park

What do you do to keep your dog happy?

Have a safe weekend

With a woof and love from Layla

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today is a Special Day

TGIF!! Friday is here and that means weekend, time to put our feet up and relax.

Layla is still hobbling around so have kept her on bed rest as much as possible this week and her energy level is going through the roof LOL but am doing my utmost to prevent her from walking. I have taken her to the park once or twice to get fresh air but she starts walking so I bring her home although she loves sleeping there LOL.

Wearing my granny jacket cos it was cold but zzzzzzzzz

I phoned my vet today to discuss with her what is happening, and she was so great and told me to relax as Layla is a senior and it could take time for her paw to heal and that I am doing well with what I am doing. We have put her on Galliprant for a week which is an anti-inflammatory and pain killer which hopefully will help her paw, but it is making her sleep LOL, phew.

Now why is today a special day?

Today is National Dog Day is recognized worldwide on August 26th annually. We celebrate all dogs and encourage adoption.

 

It is so important to encourage adoption as there are so many dogs in shelters waiting for homes. It hurts me so much to see all the rescues and shelters posting photos of dogs needing homes and breeders still breeding to make money, we need to put a stop to all breeders till shelters and rescues are empty. I understand there are people that want pure bred dogs BUT you can adopt one from a breed rescue organization or from a shelter as there are so many there.

 

So why we celebrate dogs lets turn today into a day of adoption and celebrate the freedom of those caged dogs who need homes.

 

On this note we are asking to spread the word, help emptying shelters and giving all beautiful dogs a home and freedom.

 

Stay safe everyone, have a wonderful weekend

With love and woofs

Layla