Tag Archives: #pets

Finding calm in the storm

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Woof hello friends,


How are you all doing both humans and pets ?


Well we are on lock down and have no dogs at the moment staying with us but we are dealing with it the best we can and staying positive.


This lock down has caused me many triggers, but thank goodness having a wonderful network of people in my life it is easing it for me plus of course the one and only Layla. My rock.


There are two triggers I have had to deal with this week but today being Thursday am back to my normal self whatever normal is and plodding along.


The first is being a Domestic Violence Survivor and having been kept on lock down and isolated, having to walk on egg shells and so much more it really freaked me out till I realized that hey there is no one here but Layla, I can use the phone or computer, and as that slowly started sinking in I started relaxing more. 


The second was when they said stay inside, I suddenly went back in my mind to the days before the Gulf War, I was living in Israel, how we had our gas masks, a safe room with Duct tape on the window, etc so that no chemicals of any kind could enter that room, and I had 3 cats with me also. There too once we started going outside the sirens, closing ourselves in our safe room, carrying our masks with us everywhere suddenly became a routine.


So when I sit here and watch everyone panicking, hoarding and driving themselves nuts because of all the social media I came to the conclusion that I am switching off TV, jazz on only, and off the computer by dinner time wherever possible. I am also doing our daily walks,  and weather permitting taking Layla to one of my favorite tiny parks here in the city, where I sit with my coffee, Layla wanders and if there is one other person it is a lot. It is a great place for me to just relax, balance myself and enjoy the beauty of nature. 

My Heaven


With all the information floating around the internet and so many people saying different things I decided to get my resources together when it comes to our pets and am quoting here, putting a link also so that everyone understands. These are qualified resources as I do not trust everything that everyone says.


The first person I turned to was a very good friend of mine, she is an expert on viruses and discussed with her Layla whom she knows and as you can see in the photo below it says there no pets can get the virus.


The second resource I went to was my vets – I am blessed that I can email them and they were quick to reply with the below link, once again saying that pets cannot get the virus.

https://www.sfspca.org/blog/coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know-to-keep-your-pets-safe/


In an nutshell it says that there is no proof at this moment that pets can get the virus but they do remind us to wash our hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds after walking your dog, include your pets in a disaster plan – I have a written document what should happen to Layla if something happens to me and it is with friends who have keys to my place. 


So as I end this weeks woof I want everyone to take a moment please and think of all the Domestic Violence victims who are stuck in homes and are suffering and pray that they will survive and get away from it all.


Take care everyone, stay safe and most of all remember you are not alone.
With a big virtual hug and lick from Layla 


Another week in the Layla Neighborhood

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Woof to all our friends,


March has arrived and that means summer is around the corner which I am sure many of you are happy about.


In my neighborhood it has been warm, no rain which is pawsome although Mom is upset and says we need it. I will let her be right this time.


Gidget and Georgie have been spending time here playing like crazy and I am the referee and growl when they come close to me. I keep telling them I am an old lady and do not have patience for all the playing and jumping around so the growl puts them in their place.

You know the saying you can teach an old dog tricks well LOL I am still laughing over this, Layla in the 9 years plus that I have her has never chewed up or shredded a toy and last Thursday she did it so I think she has learnt from Georgie and Gidget.

Mom is loving having them, but as she says, with the water bowl flying everywhere and water all over the ground our floor is clean all the time BOL. 

They are keeping her busy and healthy as she is walking more than usual also and when they go out I hide in my box for some down time and then make her walk me without them. I have her well trained.


Today, has been a crazy morning for Mom, she cleaned the house (not sure why as the other two are here), a new mattress was delivered so she has loads of laundry to do now and she got me up early to get everything done. I am not really happy about that one as I need my beauty sleep.

I asked Mom what the plans are for this weekend and she told me she is not working and wants to go to the Tulip Festival which I am excited about  as that means riding on the bus woof doing happy dance. We will also be meeting another blogger and  her dog so I will be making a new friend and am excited about that one.  So Saturday is going to be a good day and Sunday no plans. What are yours this weekend ?
NOW something serious :

This month is Poison Prevention Awareness Month for us pets.
This is so important for us to remember and know about to keep us safe.
What is poison for us dogs :
1.    Chocolate
2.    Rodenticides
3.    Anti-inflammatory medications
4.    Xylitol (sugar-free gum & more)
5.    Grapes & Raisins, Onions, Garlic, 
6.    Antidepressant Medications and Stimulant Medications 
7.    Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol)
8.    Vitamin D Overdose
9.    Stimulant Medications 
10.  Fertilizers 

What is poison for our cats  :
1.    Lilies (Lilium species)
2.    Spot-on flea/tick medication for dogs
3.    Household Cleaners
4.    Antidepressant Medications
5.    Essential Oils
6.    Anti-inflammatory Medications
7.    Mouse & Rat Poisons (rodenticides)
8.    Stimulant Medications 
9.    Onions & Garlic
10.  Vitamin D Overdose  

And final list for all pets :
Autumn Crocus
Azalea
Cyclamen
Kalanchoe
Lilies
Oleander
Dieffenbachia
Daffodils
Lily of the Valley
Sago Palm
Tulips and Hyacinths 

So please everyone, keep us safe and if something happens call the Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 This is a 24/7 helpline and there is an incident fee of 59 dollars.


On this note, I have finished dictating to Mom and now need a nap,
Have a wonderful weekend Layla



We went to Tulipmania

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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

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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 

January is flying by

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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.

Today is Change a Pets Life Day


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

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My weekend plans

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. 

Gidget and Layla


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. 

Louis 

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 

A week with Gidget

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TGIF !!1

Good Morning all, WOW we cannot believe it is like 5 more days till the new decade starts and all we can pray is that it will bring peace, love and hopefully stop abuse of all kinds all over the world.

Happy New Year Everypawdy


We have been very busy in the Layla Neighborhood as I have been looking after my neighbors year old puppy, Gidget. It has been quite an eye opener for me as I have never had a puppy so am learning a lot LOL. It is one thing reading all about it and another actually spending time with one.


I am loving it but Layla is not that impressed, as Gidget is a bundle of bouncing energy whereas Layla is the mellow quiet dog who just wants to walk, eat and sleep. 

So to share with you more about Gidget, she wrote an email to her Mom this morning and am sharing it here as it explains exactly what is happening here.

Hi Mom,


This is Gidget woofing here, how are you ? I am being a very good girl although Auntie got angry with me last night cos I decided to get into the recycle and pulled everything out all over the floor and made a mess. It was fun especially watching Auntie clean up afterwards. She is horrible cos she then sprayed the bag with stinky apple cider vinegar so I did not go close to it again. she is mean LOL.


I also make her chase me to get the harness on cos I do not like it but she will not let me go out without it, not fair.


BUT I am having lots of fun with all the toys, have killed two already LOL, Layla hides from me in her box for peace and quiet but this is the best holiday ever.


I am now resting after a long long walk this morning, lots of new smells and it was exciting but Auntie would not let me eat anything off the sidewalk and the leash she has on me keeps me really away from it all plus cos it is rope it is yucky to chew, Gidget has chewed to leashes, one since with me.


Love from your energizer bunny (Auntie calls me that)

Gidget 

So as you can all see she is keeping me on my toes and since the recycle incident she tried climbing into the fridge when I opened it, has pushed Layla off the bed and in a nutshell I am laughing a lot over it all. I think Layla is going to need a holiday after this.


Gidget is going to be with us for another 5 days and then Layla will have her peaceful house back to herself. She is being amazing though and I cannot complain.


Other than that I am once again preparing slowly for the FireWorks night which I hate and wish they would ban, it is not fair to the animals plus a waste of money which could be used on much better causes.


It also concerns me as so many shelters are at this moment over flowing thanks to the lousy humans who dump their pets before a holiday, and then are stuck with an extra load of pets that have fled from fear of the fireworks.


So please please keep your pets safe and make sure their microchip is updated, that they are indoors and most important that they are away from any open door or window so that they cannot escape.

Please keep them safe – Happy New Year

Our next blog will be in 2020, Happy New Year Everyone, May the New Year bring you lots of health, happiness and whatever else you wish for.


With a woof and love From Layla





Thank you everyone

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Dear Friends,


Friday has arrived plus it is a week before Thanksgiving and as Mom explained to me it is a time to thank people for many things, so my blog today is a letter thanking you all for everything.


01. My followers, thank you for sharing and reading my blog, listening to me complain, chat, laugh and hopefully keep you amused also with all my antics and adventures. 


02. Tropiclean – for helping Mom punish me when bathing me with your fruity smelling shampoos, your dental products which keep my teeth white and breath smelling good, the ear wash which keeps my ears clean,  I have to admit that although punishment I am a happy Tropiclean girl.

https://tropiclean.com/

03.  Raw Paws Pet Food – your treats are the best, the supplements give me lots of energy and keep me healthy, Mom says she is so happy giving them to me knowing that they are good for me.
The best of all is that your treats and other products are healthy for cats and dogs.  So cat owners please check them out.
We are reminding everyone that you have a 15% discount when shopping there with the coupon Layla15.

https://www.rawpawspetfood.com/Default.asp?sscid=51k3_szat

04. Restorative Botanicals – Mom says thanks for the delicious coffee laced with Hemp which keeps her calm but a special thanks for the amazing Hemp Oil which keeps me relaxed, the Balm that helps me with my itchiness which without these two products I would be driving Mom more nuts than she is.

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

05. A very special thanks to PAWS who give me a free bathing every month, help me in so many ways, you are one of the greatest organizations and without you I am not sure what Mom would do. http://www.shanti.org/programs-services/pets-are-wonderful-support/

06. A very very special thanks to Shalom Bayit for helping Mom get away from her toxic relationship and save my sister RIP Baby.  https://www.shalom-bayit.org/

07. A very special thank you to all those that rescue or foster the homeless pets, speak up for them and help wherever possible, you are all heroes and without you our lives would be hell. 

Last but not least, I want to woof thank you to Ali, Matthew, Alice, Robyn, Joanna, Amanda, Barbara, plus others who keep Mom sane, relaxed and that helps a lot as because of you she is not going crazy although she is a crazy dog mom.

And to Mom, you are a crazy worrying Jewish Mom who cooks my food, but I am so blessed to have been rescued by you, through thick and thin we have stuck together and you have made me who I am today, a happy healthy girl.


May everyone have a safe, happy Thanksgiving with your families, four or two legged and please do not forget that some foods are bad for us although I am sure they are yummy.


With love and licks Layla 



Halloween has arrived

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Good Morning all my friends,

The week is over and it has been as busy as always.

I do not normally share what I am doing but the last two weeks I have been running around going to interviews as I am planning to stop teaching and do something that I have wanted to do for a long time. I am looking into becoming an advocate for those that need help and in the spring hopefully will be doing a course in Domestic Violence Advocacy so it has been crazy here and Layla has been stuck at home more than normal.

So over the weekend we spent quality time together in the park as the weather was perfect and we are trying to take advantage of it before the winter arrives. I made no plans so that it would be just her and me and it was awesome as I am feeling guilty LOL.

When October arrives Halloween parties at pet stores pop up everywhere but this year I chose to do one only.

There is a great pet store here in the city, Pawtrero that every month has a Yappy hour on the third Wednesday of the month in their dog park and yesterday was Halloween themed so I packed Layla in her back pack, took her on the tram which she loves, and off we went. It was a really great event and Ray, the owner is just amazing always organizing fun events, gives back to the community and helps the rescues. They will be having another great event next month which I love to go to every year and really looking forward to it.  Thanks Ray as always for the fun and wonderful photo you took of Layla, plus Layla woofs thanks Uncle for the goody bag I came home with.

Yesterday was really hot so I kept Layla inside although in the late evening we went to the park and just sat chatting with friends which is a great way to end the week.

This weekend is busy, Layla has her Shih Tzu meet up which will be fun and after we going to meet a good friend of mine who owns and runs this amazing sanctuary  near Yosemite.

DREAMS, a final resting place for Disabled R Senior Animals. A home sanctuary in the hills of the central valley of Cali, for senior animals in need

https://www.facebook.com/pg/dreamsanctuary/about/?ref=page_internal

On Sunday I have not yet made plans LOL.

What are your plan for Halloween? Any dog Halloween parties? We would love to hear from you.

So now Madam is going to bed, dreaming of treats LOL,

Have a wonderful weekend and HAPPY HALLOWEEN Woof

With love and woofs

From Layla

October is a busy month

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TGIF !!!!! 


As you know October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month where we pray for all the victims, both humans and animals that they will be able to get away from the abuse safely.


So before I start with what has been happening in the Layla Neighborhood I want to remind everyone what to do if your pet is threatened. It is so important to remember this as this way you will know you have proof that your abuser abused your pets too which will make it easier for you to get them away.

October is a month where I think and miss Baby a lot as she was part of that dark chapter of my life but another reason I miss her is because October is filled with so many Halloween events which I was never able to do with her so I try to do as many as possible with Layla, and I often question myself am I doing it for her or out of guilt not being able to do it all with Baby.


Last weekend we went to a great Halloween Event held by one of the Paw Barkeries in San Francisco. It was so much fun with so many dogs and costumes I could not keep up with them all. Of course there were loads of treats so Layla had a party munching away all the time LOL.

I am putting up some of the photos here of some of the costumes.

There were also different vendors and an introduction to insects from a non profit that is trying to save all insects.

As I always do I used a backpack for Layla to keep her safe with everyone pushing and walking around. This is a new backpack that I received from the company called Mr. Peanut’s Pet Products. It was so comfy to carry Layla in, she was so happy and one thing I really loved about it was that when I sat down to have coffee I could lie it on its side and she could lie down and have a nap. 

The backpack is PETA certified, made of vegan leatherette and faux fleece bedding pads. It is a great backpack, light weight, weighing only 2.4 lbs, waterproof which is great for when it rains, has really great ventilation with breathable mesh on 3 sides, removable fleece travel bed and compartments for treats, poop bags or medications. It comes with a 2 in 1 feeder travel set, 12 oz duel sided collapsible bowl and an amazing 20 oz Water Bottle. It is also airline approved which for those that fly with their pets it is just perfect.


They also have a program that pays forward so when you shop from them you are supporting a shelter also, and businesses that do that for me are a winner.

For more information about their products which are socially aware, ecologically produced and safe for your pets you can visit their website : https://www.mrpeanutspremiumproducts.com/

And before I forget to all our cat friends their products are for cats too.


While I am typing all this there are jets flying over head practicing for Fleet Weekend, I personally think a waste of money which could be used for so many non profit organizations that are struggling. It also reminds me of the October 1973 war when I was sitting in school with jets flying over head protecting Israel. 


So as you can see October is full of memories for me, but am at this same time trying to make great new fun memories which will not wipe out the bad but helps make the month look good instead.


Have a wonderful weekend everyone,With a love and woof from Layla