#dogblog – Page 7 – Layla's Woof

WOW February is nearly over

Posted on February 26, 2020 by admin — 28 Comments ↓

Wednesday woof hello to all my friends,

We cannot believe that February is nearly over and March is around the corner.

It has been a really dry winter for San Francisco, we have not had rain in nearly a month which is worrying as that means the drought is going to get worse, Layla is happy though as she is enjoying the warm weather and not getting wet.

Last weekend was the fluffy meet up, that is what I call it LOL, it is actually the monthly Shi Tzhu Meet Up which I love going to as it is in one of my favorite parks and for Layla it is an adventure. She loves riding on the buses, sitting in her back pack of course and everyone on the bus always wants to pet her. So Madam is in seventh heaven and happy.

We had a great time there, meeting some new dogs, wandering around the park and in a nutshell it was good to be out in the fresh air and relax.
Sunday we just relaxed together as with dog sitting and having dogs in the house at the moment, it is a new concept for Layla but she is dealing with it fantastically and just ignores the dogs LOL.

Below watch the happy chaos the house when Gidget and Georgie get together, they can play like this for hours.

I am really enjoying it as it means I am home a lot more and not running around like a lunatic every day. The plus also is I prefer working with dogs than humans which makes life less stressful. I am also walking each dog alone so am getting lots of exercise which helps with my diet.

So the Layla neighborhood has changed in some ways, but in good ways I can tell you that Layla, for her age, and used to being alone with me in the house, is doing amazingly well, and I am really proud of her.

So that is what is what is happening here, we have no plans for this weekend but to chill out and have Mom/Layla time which is so important plus recharge our batteries.

We must not forget that till the end of the month is Justice for Animals Week, an annual event dedicated to raising public awareness about animal abuse, what to do if you see abuse, where to report it, and work with our communities to enforce stronger and tougher laws. We must be their voice as they do not have one.

Stay safe all, have a wonderful weekend,

With a woof and love from Layla

We went to Tulipmania

Posted on February 19, 2020 by admin — 24 Comments ↓

Woof woof woof,

We went on an adventure on Saturday and it was pawsome.
The weather was warm and sunny so Mom took me on the tram which is my favorite, and we went to Tulipmania on Pier 39 on the Bay.

What is Tulipmania ?

Pier 39 bursts out in bloom with more than 39,000 blooming tulips and seasonal garden favorites come to life. This festival is open starts Feb 8 and ends the 17th although the flowers stay there till end of March.

It was great being out and about breathing the sea air, Layla wandering around although there were times she was in her back pack as there were so many people. The seals were out sunning and in a nutshell just a perfect couple of Mom and Layla hours, something I miss with the cold weather.

I am sharing a collage of photos as there were so many so chose my favorites and we hope you all enjoy them, plus the video of Layla talking to me before we left. She sees the back pack and starts moaning and chatting till she gets into it, pure happiness and excitement.

February 20th is Love Your Pet Day and it’s special day to show your love for your little furry friends. Whether you’re a cat lover, a dog lover or any other pet sharing your home, today’s the day to double spoil them and show them how much they mean to your family.

What is the best way to celebrate this day :
01. Give your pet some new treats, or make them a special meal. 02. Buy them some new toys or a new bed. 03. Give your pet a spa day. 04. If it is your dog take them on a special adventure. 05. See if there is any special event in your area celebrating this day. 06. Invite your friends over with their pets and have a party. 07. Best of all, if you are not a pet owner, why not go to a shelter/rescue organization and adopt a new family member.
So what are you going to do ?

Now I am going back to bed to rest as tomorrow I have a busy day as my friend Gidget is going to be visiting.
Have a wonderful weekend,With a woof and love from Layla

Loving us is keeping us safe

Posted on February 12, 2020 by admin — 22 Comments ↓

Good morning friends,
Love is in the air, can you smell it. Yes that smell of flowers, chocolates for Mom and treats for me, it is Valentines Day.

Valentines Day is a special day as we shower our Mom or Dad with extra love as they are the best and love us all the time.

February the 14th is also Pet Theft Awareness Day.
Statistics tell us that up to 2 million pets are stolen each year and that 1 in 3 pets will go missing at some point in their lives. What we may not realize is that less than 20% of dogs and 2% of cats are ever returned home. Where do these dogs end up? In unimaginable places, from research laboratories to puppy mills, todog fighting rings as bait dogs.
Pure dog breeds are the most likely to be stolen. Toy breeds are the most vulnerable like a Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua and designer breeds are also common targets. The more expensive the breed the more likely it can be stolen but mutts are also at risk so we must keep the below tips in mind at all times.

How to keep us safe :
01. Keep your dog indoors when you are not home especially, and if you have an outdoor dog make sure the gates are locked so that no one can access them.

02. Do NOT tie your dog outside a store or restaurant as you are looking for trouble. An unattended dog is easy target for thieves.

03. Walk your dog with a leash only, a dog without a leash walking with you is also an easy target for theft.

04. Make sure all information on tags and microchip are up to date and that your pets are wearing collars at all times. Remember a thief can remove the collar and tags but not the microchip.

05. Keep your cats indoors as they are safer.

06. If you think your dog is stolen, report the theft to police right away. Next, let your neighborhood know also.

07. Never leave your pet unattended in a car.

Important Tips to help get your pet home :
01. File a police report so there is a record of theft.

02. Contact your Animal Control, Shelter, Groomers, Pet Stores and file a report with each shelter.

03. Put up flyers around your neighborhood with contact information and a recent photograph.04. Post on Social Media

Most Important beware of scams – people will call you to say they have your pet to get the reward BUT do not give them anything till you have your pet in your possession.

So I am woofing please keep us safe and happy as we do not want to go to anyone else as you are our parents.

Have a wonderful weekend

With woof and love from Layla

February reminders

Posted on February 5, 2020 by admin — 32 Comments ↓

Hello Fur friends,

February arrived, we are already into the 5th day and Mom has decided to change our blog day to Wednesdays instead of Thursdays. You might want to know why but she explained that when we started the blog it was our Wednesday Woof and with a new year, new decade we are going to start it again.

My gotcha day was awesome, I was spoiled the whole weekend and now life is back to normal, or as I should ask, what is normal ? Phew the sun was shining so we managed to even spend some time in the park which means lots of treats from all my Uncles and on the way home met a cat going for a walk – oy vey they scare me.

With February comes a lot of Pet Observances which we should remember to keep our pets healthy and happy and am going to list some below :

01. February is Pet Dental Month, ewww I hate the taste of the dental products but as Mom says it is very important to keep my teeth pearly white and healthy, so another thing to suffer about BOL.

02. February is known as Spay/Neuter Awareness Month or Beat the Heat Month. This is very very important to prevent an explosion in kittens and puppies we should all spay or neuter our pets. There are so many pets being dumped / euthanized or strays because of those that do not do this and we need to draw more attention to this problem to prevent it.

03. February is also Unchain Your Dog Month – No dog should have to live on a chain outdoors, if you have a dog they should be indoors with you off a chain as all dogs are part of your family. If you cannot do that then do not have one as you are abusing your poor dog.

04. February is also Responsible Pet Owner Month. This one is so important as like all the above if you welcome a pet into your family you should take the responsibility of caring for your pet as family like you would do with your children.

Below are some tips on how to take responsibility for your pets so that they are healthy and happy :

So with all the above mentioned please keep your pets safe, happy and most of all healthy and if you cannot then please do not get a pet, it is as simple as that.

Have a great week, With woof and love from Layla

A letter to Layla on her Gotcha Day

Posted on January 31, 2020 by admin — 32 Comments ↓

TGIF !!!!!!!!!!!!!! But most important Happy Gotcha Day to my best friend, my partner in life and most of all to Layla.

Today we are going to dedicate this blog to Layla, who is my Boss, the owner of this blog as I am her secretary.

Dear Layla,

I am so proud to be your Mom, to be able to keep you healthy and happy but most important of all am so blessed to have you in my life.

I am once again going to share your Gotcha Story here so that others will realize rescuing is so worth it and that is why I speak out for rescues, as like you, they all need a home with a warm bed to sleep on.

I remember when your sister passed away, I waited about 6 weeks and then decided my home was too empty without the pitter patter of paws so the search was on. I ran around to all the shelters in the city but could not find a little fluffy at the time, which is what I wanted.

So Uncle Michael introduced me to Aunt Cindy by email, told me that he would be in LA for a week so I had a week to search online for a new fur kid and he would bring her home to me.

I sat 24/7 on Petharbor and Petfinder and was nearly giving up when I saw you sitting in a cage in the Carson Shelter. Your look on your face said to me take me home. I immediately emailed Aunt Cindy with your information and photo and she went to the Shelter on the Saturday to fetch you for me. I remember her calling me from there telling me she had a smelly matted mess kissing her, that sealed the deal.

You arrived on the Sunday evening, the 31st of January 2011, I had got the house all ready for you, bought you a new pink bed and was so excited. Yes, you were smelly and dirty but I did not care as there are washing machines, and for me what was important was you were finally home, safe and sound with a nice warm bed.

Your dumping papers said you had been an outdoor dog, you bit when groomed and in a nutshell everything negative a person can say and OH What A Lie. You are the opposite. I am ashamed to even say what your name had been.

I waited a couple of days and then met a friend of mine, a vet, Dr. Phil in the dog park, he looked at you, checked you and said I had won, and he was so right.

Your first couple of days you slept and ate, I had to teach you to climb the stairs, potty outside and am proud to say you had one accident inside. You did no damage and I did not crate you as I do not believe in crates but as far as I remember you chewed a tissue LOL.

You overcame your fear of men, your fear of so many things but with love and patience we did it together and you succeeded.

You have come a long way Layla, 9 wonderful years with me, we have moved, you have become one of the most happiest waggy tail dogs I know, friendly, full of love and I could not ask for anything more.

So as you grow older with me, nearly 13, and Mom is growing older too, I could not ask for a better way to grow old but with you, you make me laugh, shower me with unconditional love, and even when you are naughty I giggle as it is so seldom.

Thank you for rescuing me Layla, Mommy is so proud of you, so blessed to share my bed with you and most of all, Mommy loves you very much.

Happy Gotcha Day Sweetheart, my Lullybelle (her nickname) and I promise today, we are going to do something special.

Hugs and lots of love Mom

PS. I can honestly say On Line Love Affairs do exist.

January is flying by

Posted on January 24, 2020 by admin — 30 Comments ↓

TGIF !!!!!!!!!!!! We cannot believe that we are in the third week of January, this month is flying too fast.

In the Layla Neighborhood we have been busy dog sitting, Gidget spent the weekend with us last week which was exhausting and she was here yesterday and today Louis is here.

Mom is really working hard looking after all of us and I am sure by the end of the day is exhausted. One good thing I think Mom is losing a lot of weight from all the walking so she will be a skinny old lady now like me.

Last Saturday we went to the Women’s March which was amazing, it was smaller than last year but still awesome to see the women, men, children and of course dogs there all standing up for our rights. We wandered around, listened to the speakers and chatted with different people. We did not do the March as I had left Gidget at home and did not want to be away for too long.

The organizations there were Animal Liberation, Climate Change, Women’s organizations, Domestic Violence and so much more.
Below are some of the photographs from the March.

When we got home, Madam was exhausted LOL, I walked Gidget and spent some quality time with her on the walk and then we all relaxed.

Sunday was a slow day just having fun all of us together, Monday more or less the same and then Gidget went home in the evening.

LOL Tuesday Layla slept all day and I think she needed it.

Yesterday Madam went for a bath and I forgot the camera oy vey but she has a new thing of moaning while being bathed and giving miserable looks as if she is being punished, it is quite funny. I compensated her of course with lots of treats so she cannot complain, I am a softy and actually feel guilty also as I know she hates it.

Tomorrow she is going to get a surprise, we are going to her favorite restaurant for lunch, it is a Syrian place with delicious food and Layla always gets a piece of chicken. They are so great there and when they bring us glasses of water they automatically bring Layla a bowl of water also.
Saturday if not raining we are doing the Shitzhu Meet up which will be good for her and Sunday I am helping at a volunteer program which she will come with me of course. So as you can see we are always busy and Monday my plans are nothing but housework and laundry.

Before we forget : January 24th is “Change a Pet’s Life Day” which was created for nationwide recognition of homeless pets in need of forever, loving homes. Whether you choose to adopt a new friend or even volunteer at a local animal shelter, it will be really appreciated by a homeless pet.

Did anyone else go to the Women’s March ? What did you do over the long weekend, lets hear from everyone ?

On this note, with both dogs now sleeping, I am going to get a cup of coffee and relax a bit,

Have a wonderful weekend all and please stay safe and warm.

With a woof and love from Layla

What a week, I am exhausted

Posted on January 17, 2020 by admin — 14 Comments ↓

TGIF and guess what ? It is a long weekend !

Lots of new happenings in the Layla Neighborhood and I have told Mom I am not really impressed as to what is happening here although I do understand as Mom wants to work more from home than run around and teach.

So this is the news :

Mom has decided to do some dog sitting for different dogs so we now have Gidget on Wednesday afternoons and Louis on Thursdays.

I love having house guests but am having to learn in my old age about puppies and although they are cute and funny they tire me out BOL. I told Mom I am an old dog and do not have the energy for them, so guess what, when the puppy wants to play I go to sleep in my box and it is the best.
As I am sleeping in my box now Louis is squeaking away with a toy and the jazz is playing in the background.

On Saturday Mom took me to the vet as she was worried that I had lost weight but the vet told Mom to stop worrying as I am really healthy. The only thing she did point out to Mom is that my eyes are really dry and that we should put drops in my eyes which Mom is doing. She is concerned that because I have a cataract the dry eyes might start causing some pain and then I will have to go on medications so we are praying the drops will help.

The plus with going to the vet is I came home yummm with a small bag of treats so I was a very happy girl.

The rains have arrived again and it has been freezing cold so we not out and about as we normally are but if there is a drop of sunshine Mom runs to the park LOL or takes me for a long walk.

So that is what is happening in the Layla neighborhood and this Saturday we are doing the Women’s March which will be interesting, we need to stand up and speak out. In next weeks blog you will see the photos.

As we said in our last blog we are going to be speaking out this year to save our climate, the animals and everything else.

**Please look after the climate for us**

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, be safe and warm,

With a woof from
Layla

The Holidays are nearly here

Posted on December 13, 2019 by admin — 16 Comments ↓

Woof !!!!!!!!!!!

Mom and I have been busy as always and with the holidays creeping up on us it seems as everyone is having Christmas events for us pampered dogs.
So Mom sat with her schedule and all the dates BOL to see what she could do and fit in although there are some on the same day, plus of course Mom wants to do something for herself too, which I am not sure I agree with.

On Friday I was spoiled as Uncle Matthew came to see Mom and brought my Christmas Bag from the Shanti/PAWS project which had yumm treats, and two new toys, one I really love which is a unicorn.

On Saturday there were quite a few events including the Santacon but because the weather was so bad, sheets of rain, we decided to cuddle inside instead. When the rain stopped for a little bit Mom took me to our favorite pet store and stocked me up on my favorite chews, Turkey tendons so I have a stash in the house.

**Shhhh don’t tell Mom I hide them so she will get me more**

On Sunday the sun appeared, so we went for a long walk to the Castro District where they were having the annual Skivvies Santa Run. This is a fun event, a fundraiser for the AIDS foundation in San Francisco. What happens is everyone congregates in skivvies at one point, and then they do a run finishing at the same place where they started. There was band playing Christmas songs and jazzy music, Santa Claus and lots and lots of skivvies with Santa Hats. I even met some dogs there joining in the fun. We took a slow walk home from there through the dog park which was great as I had a good run without my leash.

The rest of the week has been normal BOL as Mom has been doing things and I have been hibernating from the rain, but Mom is really proud of me as I have actually been walking in the rain if I need to go out. It has taken Mom nearly 8 years I think to get me to do it, better late than never. The best part is when I get home Mom doubles my treats so it is worth it.

OH!!! Before I forget one lousy thing happened this week, I got a bath. Can you believe it is raining but Mom still insists I get a bath. How dare she ! I made sure she would suffer when we got home and what I did was rolled all wet all over her bed so she had to change all the bedding. Ha I love that kind of payback.

This coming Sunday, I am going on an adventure, as must not forget that Hanukkah is around the corner so am going to a Hanukkah party with Mom. There are going to be lots of people and children so it is going to be lots of fun. Mom says she will pack my dinner in her bag plus treats so I will not starve BOL.

I will be posting next week our Hanukkah doggy latke recipe for everyone so you can all get your humans to make you something new.

Now am going to relax, just ate lunch as I was not in the mood for breakfast, have walked Mom good today so she is tired,

Have a wonderful warm weekend everypawdy

With love and licks From Layla

November has arrived

Posted on November 8, 2019 by admin — 16 Comments ↓

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

Wow October is over

Posted on November 1, 2019 by admin — 18 Comments ↓

TGIF !!!!!!!!!!

We cannot believe that 2019 is nearly over, this year has gone too fast. Who feels the same way ?

I am typing this while looking out the window at all the kids and dogs dressed up for Halloween and some of the parents too, I can see everyone is having lots of fun and of course you have the drunks among them LOL. Layla is fast asleep and keeping her indoors this evening, rather be safe than sorry.

I am sharing a memory of Baby RIP at the only Halloween Party she went to as the costume was priceless.

**I still think one of the best costumes in the world BOL**

While talking about Halloween I entered her into this contest and if anyone wants to help her win which would be awesome you can click on the link below and it can be done daily. I plan to donate the Bark Boxes to one of the non profits for their Pet Pantry.

http://wshe.es/lO8z1fAh

Last weekend Layla of course went to the Shih Tzu meet up to play with all her fluffy friends, it was fun to hang out with lots of little fluffs and of course be at a different park.

On Sunday we just relaxed and took it easy hanging out at our park with Danielle, a good friend of mine that owns and runs a Sanctuary in the mountains near Yosemite, chatting and catching up. She does amazing work rescuing all the poor senior, disabled, sick pets that are dumped in shelters so that they can live the rest of their lives in comfort in a home. Layla adores her and was in her element to spend time with her.

On Wednesday some friends of mine took me and Layla on an outing to a beautiful place that I did not know existed and WOW it was amazing. The weather was coolish although warmed up around lunch time.
We walked along this stunning trail with the sea at the end of it, it is called Mori Point near Pacifica about 30 minute drive from San Francisco. Layla was amazing and walked most of it but I carried her in the back pack on the way back to the car as she was hot and tired. That is when I say phew thank goodness I have the cooling vest, backpack and so much more as it makes life so easy to take her.I would have loved to have gone down to the beach but will do it next time I go as I will be more prepared with a towel.

**the Madam in the car going there, walking and the backpacking**

Layla is exhausted from yesterday and basically been sleeping and eating and quick walks to do her business today LOL, poor baby.

So as you can see we are always on the move although Layla has it easier as when running errands etc I leave her at home.
As you can see life is never boring in the Layla neighborhood and we have a busy weekend ahead of us, another fun outing with friends on Saturday and Sunday we will be going to one of my favorite pet events.
We hope you all had a great Halloween and did not OD on candies LOL or our pampered pets on treats.

And before we forget today, 01 November is National Cook for Your Pets Day, I never knew there would be such a holiday to honor us who do cook for our pets. Here is photo of Layla’s food and just finished putting 4 containers into the freezer.

What are your plans this weekend ? We hope you have a wonderful one and of course cannot wait to see the photos,

Woof with love from Layla