Tag Archives: #dogblog

October is a busy month

Posted on by — 12 Comments ↓

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


Aging Gracefully

Posted on by — 18 Comments ↓

TGIF and Woof it is a long weekend. What are your plans ?


Here in the Layla neighborhood we have been taking it slow as Mom has been running around sorting out personal things plus going for interviews for more Hebrew tutoring so it has been a little chaotic.


In between all that she has been trying to take me to the park wherever possible and then grrr she punished me with a bath. I hate them and those should be banished from us plus put on the animal abuse list. Who agrees with me ? I know she says I need them as I roll and get stinky but I like those smells better than the ones from the shampoo which makes me smell fruity. 

So Mom and I had a discussion this week about us growing old together. She told me that I need to stay healthy and that is why she took me to the vet on Tuesday for my Bi-Annual check up. She explained to me that she does it also.


Well bless my vet. I have been seeing him for 8 years now, he is so funny also but very serious too. It is the same vet that looked after my sister when she was very ill and passed away, R.I.P. Baby. When Layla arrived from the Shelter he was the vet that checked her for me and I just adore him.

He calls Mom a typical Jewish Mom and I agree with him.  She worries about everything and needs to slow down a bit. 
The breakdown from the vet visit is like this :
01.  I am a very healthy 12 year old girl. 

02.  I have allergies but he said a lot of the dogs have at the moment so nothing to worry.

03.   He wanted to give me a flu shot and Mom said no it is not necessary as there is no flu here in San Francisco at the moment. Mom does not get them either.

04.  My cataract on my left eye – I still have some vision so we are not worrying about that and as Mom joked with him she does not have good vision at all in her left eye either – so we are two peas in a pod.

05. Teeth – all good phew.

06. Weight -perfect

These are the changes we discussed as with age adjustments are made :
01.  Food – He said the diet I am getting is awesome and the only change there is Mom must stop with apples as it is too much sugar for my teeth.
This is the recipe :
Boil a whole chicken, gizzards, chicken livers with a tbsp of apple cider vinegar, vegetables : carrots, peas, kale, spinach, apples, green beans, brussels sprouts, broccoli, pumpkin or sweet potato, zucchini, cauliflower. When cooked, I cool it down, then shred the chicken without the skin and bones, I make a smoothie of the veggies using the broth as liquid, I mix all together and put in containers and freeze. When I feed her I put these supplements in her food so she has a balanced diet – Raw Paws Organic Hip and Joint Green Lipped Mussel Powder and Raw Paws Organic Sea Kelp Daily Supplement.
This is the website of Raw Paws Pet Food and I swear by their products :

https://www.rawpawspetfood.com/default.asp

You can also use ground turkey or beef instead of the chicken.   

There is a 15% discount with the coupon Layla15  

02.  He wants me to get more fish oil so Mom is researching at this moment plus we have the Bay Area Pet Fair in two weeks time so Mom said she will see what is going on as there are loads of booths.


03.  Hemp Oil – He agrees with Mom giving it to me daily to keep me calm as lately I have become afraid of all kinds of things, part of growing old.


04.  Me not wanting to go out at night for my last walk – he said that could be because of my sight and if I do not want to go out then just to leave it. I am very smart telling Mom when I want to go out especially BOL when she is sleeping.


On the way home from the vet Mom popped into Trader Joes and got me some chicken jerky for being such a good girl. 


So you all see, age is just a number as I still act  like a puppy and full of energy which keeps my old Mother on her toes and I love it.


And now of course is siesta time as the dictating is very hard, I am going to have a snooze while Mom finishes off here. I have also ordered her to see what events there are this weekend so we can do something especially as it is a long weekend.


OY before I start my siesta I want to send prayers to all those that might be hit by the hurricane in Florida, our thoughts are with you and please be safe PLUS do not forget to take your pets with you as they are family.


Have a wonderful weekend everyone, enjoy the quality time with your families and please keep your pets safe.


Woof with love from Layla



Life is good in the Layla Neighborhood

Posted on by — 9 Comments ↓

Woof the weekend has arrived ! I wonder what Mom has planned for me as last weekend I had lots of fun.

Happy St. Roch’s Day which is today – who was he ? St. Roch, The Patron Saint of Dogs. It was the loving care a dog gave that led to St. Roch being named the Patron Saint of Dogs.


Yesterday, August 15th was Check Your MicroChip Day, to remind us all to make sure all our contact information is updated for emergencies and we hope everyone has checked theirs.


Last Friday Harry came to spend the day with us, he is an adorable Westie who like Layla spent most of the day sleeping BOL. She was really good with him, no arguing either HA till he decided to crawl into her box where she was sleeping, and suddenly a growl happened. He just backed away and she turned over and went to sleep. It was quite amusing and Harry’s Mom laughed with me over the whole thing. I hope he will come visit again as it was good for her.

On Saturday I caught up with housework, her weekly food, etc and then took the Madam and went to chill out in the park. It was a glorious day and great to be outdoors relaxing, Madam of course slept on the blanket and ran each time she saw one of her Uncles with treats.

Sunday was adventure day. In one of the neighborhoods they were having the Noe Valley Animal Fair. So backpack came out and off we went. It was a hot day so I made sure Madam had her cooling vest on also. There were goats, different species of birds, cats, rabbits and of course dogs. All the animals were up for adoption. 

LiLou the Therapy Pig was there also, she volunteers at San Francisco Airport and is a well known figure in our city.


For the children there was face painting, games, music and in a nutshell a fun family time for everyone.


Layla met a bunny close up for the first time and she was fascinated but very gentle, it was really cute.

On the way home we came through our park, sat in the shade under a tree relaxing like I love doing, cooled off while she wandered around for a bit, and then came home, where she ate and went to sleep. What a life !


The past couple of days have been really hot so we have been mainly indoors but last night we did something different and met a friend in the park at about 8 or so as it had cooled down and sat there for about 2 hours just chatting and relaxing. It was great to be outside in the cool weather and what was nice was there were quite a few people doing the same with their dogs.  So Layla also met some new dogs which was fun for her.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone,

With a woof and love From Layla 





I am a busy bee

Posted on by — 20 Comments ↓

Happy Friday Everyone,


We hope you have had a wonderful fun week like we did and Layla cannot wait to share with you her adventures.


Last Saturday we went to the Chihuahua Meet Up in my favorite park at Stern Grove where there is an awesome lake. There is nothing like just sitting next to the water and relaxing while Madam wanders around. I watch her carefully as I am not afraid of her going into the lake but the wild animals that do roam there and I am fortunate she does not venture far, phew.

We then headed to the meet up and I chatted and caught up with some of my friends while she wandered around till she was exhausted and went under a bench and went to sleep. It was hot and then cool but I think the heat caught up with her plus all the yapping chihuahuas LOL.

It was a wonderful day and when we got home she ate some food and went into her box and slept. We were a bit off schedule but I just let her do what she wants to do. A go as you flow day, best way to do it.

On Sunday we just went to our regular park where I met up with a friend who is needing help with her dog, so will be dog sitting in the future which will be great for Layla to have a friend visiting. In our next blog you will meet Harry.

Tuesday was a big surprise for Layla, Boaz one of my boys as I call him, surprised me with a call and asked if he could take me out for lunch. So we met up and went to our favorite place, Syrian Restaurant where I ate too much and Layla did too. It was a great time to catch up and chat, and of course Layla was in her element.

In the evening they had the National Night Out in our park. It was so fantastic to see our neighborhood come out to meet everyone, eat and just relax. Layla of course was very excited as it meant some hot dogs and hamburgers LOL and yes she got a little taste. I love these events, seeing what is new and just chatting in general with the Cops, Firemen and others.

 

What was really special was last year there was a cop that I had taken a photo of him with Layla, and he was there so we did another photo together again. He is such a nice guy and it made the evening extra special.

The top right hand photo of the cop holding Layla is the same cop we met last year


By the time we got home Madam was dragging herself with exhaustion LOL and so was I, a wonderful Tuesday in so many ways.

The rest of the week we have taken it easy and Layla wants to woof to all the Hoomans that Saturday, 10 August is a very special day, drum roll …………Spoil Your Dog Day. 


It is a day when people do some extra special things for their dogs, give them a little extra attention, and spoil them! 

So our question is how are you going to spoil your dog ?


Have a wonderful weekend all

With a woof and love from Layla

August is here

Posted on by — 18 Comments ↓

TGIF !!!!
August has arrived and that means the summer is nearly over and we will soon be complaining about winter again LOL.


August 01 is a very important day did you know that ? DOGUST. It is a birthday for all the shelter animals whose birthdays are unknown.

Layla when she was in the shelter 

Last Saturday was what Mom calls fluffy meet up, the monthly meet up for Shih Tzus which is held in a wonderful park. It is so much fun for Layla as there were about 15 or so dogs of her size and fluffiness and she even runs into the park for this event. It was great chatting with everyone, watching the dogs have fun, get lots of treats of course and just a great day.

I decided to take a different route home so that we could walk through our regular park on the way home so that way she would be exhausted LOL plus it is part of me working on this fear of our regular park that she has.

We got there, she wandered around, found someone who had a blanket and made herself at home with them. They had a really cute dog also and just laughed at her, so everyone was happy.

On Sunday and actually most of this week, weather permitting we have been spending a couple of hours in the park daily and I have found that if we sit far from where the dog that scares her she actually settles down so it is a work in progress but slowly we getting there.

Below is a link to one of my favorite videos of her in the park this week.

https://www.facebook.com/LaylasWoof/videos/2432163060401801/


This weekend our plans are to go to my favorite park, Stern Grove which I adore as they are having the Chihuahua meet up and I stay in contact with them as that is the meet up Baby used to go to. 


So as you can see Miss Busy Bee in on the go all the time, or as I say the Two Old Ladies are busy all the time LOL. 


Have a wonderful weekend all and we cannot wait to hear what your plans are.
With a woof and love fromLayla 


Weekend has arrived

Posted on by — 26 Comments ↓

Friday has arrived, and July is nearly over, time goes fast is all I can say.
Layla has been busy as always, last weekend was fun and included her favorite – a train ride.


I love visiting different pet stores in the city to see what everyone has and if there is anything interesting that I have not seen LOL. So on Saturday we hopped on the train and went off to see a Pet Store that I know but decided to turn it into an adventure for her.


The Animal Connection is a unique store as they strive to find the perfect fit of a pet with your family, none come from breeders as they work with rescue organizations to save as many animals as possible.
They have a wide variety of animals which really makes it special from bunnies, birds, turtles and others.

https://www.animalconnectionsf.net/

She was in her element and when we go there she was very happy to roam around, lots to sniff, and for the first time she came face to face with an aquarium with a turtle in. I was quite fascinated at how she stuck her nose against the cold glass, it was adorable.


She of course got lots of treats and I picked up while there a freeze dried chicken neck to try with her and this is the verdict – Layla does not like them. How do I know this, she has a new thing when she does not like something she buries it, moves it around and then finds another place to bury it. I can pick it up, put it with the rest of her stash, and she starts all over again. So those are off the treat list. 

On the way home we stopped off in the park and here I am having problems with her at the moment. With age she suddenly does not like clapping, whistling and so she does not want to go into the park. I have to take her in through a different entrance and I keep her leash on so she cannot bolt. I am not giving into this fear but working on it slowly and we now sit far from everyone to keep her calm. 


Another reason I think she is afraid of the park is one of our regulars has recently adopted a young dog who is not yet trained and we one day walked into the park and the dog ran up to us jumping on me nearly knocking me over and then jumping on and off Layla which she did not like at all. So this has put the fear in her as she just sees the man in the street without the dog she hides behind me.
With age there are new triggers and it is an ongoing process of working through them with her which is a work in progress.

On Wednesday was torture day, Madam got a bath, one of her biggest pet peeves LOL but she smells so good now LOL.


This weekend our plan is to go to another park for the monthly Shi Tzu meet up so she can have some fun with some fluffies like her, be off leash and relax a bit.


What are your plans this weekend ?

Stay hydrated in the heat, stay cool too and have a wonderful weekend,


With a woof and love from Layla 


Phew the fireworks will soon be over

Posted on by — 28 Comments ↓

TGIF and thank goodness hopefully the fireworks are over. 

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


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

Layla walking home from the March :

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

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

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


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


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


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


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



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


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


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


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


Have a wonderful weekend.

With a woof and love from 
Layla



June is nearly over

Posted on by — 20 Comments ↓

TGIF Furfriends and families,


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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

Love the stinky eye LOL

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

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


Have a wonderful weekend all,

With a woof and love from Layla


Another week in my life

Posted on by — 36 Comments ↓

TGIF and we cannot believe we are half way through June. This year is going too fast or is it the Madam Social Butterfly’s schedule that is doing it.
All I know is I wish on some days the year would slow down a bit.

All Dressed Up


Last Thursday evening, 6 June, was the Annual Fundraising Gala for the Shanti/PAWS Project, an amazing event where money of course is raised to keep their programs going such as :

PAWS – Pets Are Wonderful Support who provide comprehensive support services for animal companions. They serve seniors and people with life threatening illnesses or disabilities – all of whom are low income with services such as pet food bank, financial assistance for vet care, emergency pet foster care, dog washes, dog walking, cat care and other volunteer based services.

And many other programs like the Margot Murphy Women’s Cancer Program, HIV Services Program, Volunteer Services Program, LGBT Aging & Abilities Support Network, Peer Advocate Care Team, Jeffrey’s Place and Community Support Council. 
You can read all about the amazing work they do on their website :  http://www.shanti.org/

There were lots of dogs at this event, plus a bird and of course Lilou the Therapy Pig who helps at SFO Airport and many other places.
Layla got all dressed up in her fancy pink glittery dress and looked very cute. I of course as always took her expandable carry bag with so if it became too much she had a safe haven and was very happy for that.

Some of the animals at the event – You can read all about Lilou the Pig on her
website : https://www.lilouthepig.com/


Musik has her own Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/musikdog/
thanks to her Mom Beverly for this fantastic photo.

By the time we got home I was exhausted and Madam was full of energy LOL.

On Sunday we went to another event, did not stay long as with the heatwave here in San Francisco it was unbearable plus I do not want her to over heat although she was wearing her cooling vest.


It was the 9th Annual Three Legged Picnic in our Park. It was wonderful to see so many come to this with their three legged dogs, lots of fun although it was so ridiculously hot. Layla got blessed by one of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence which made me very happy.

After her blessing with the Sister of Perpetual Indulgance 


Since Sunday and because of the heat which has finally broken we have basically been indoors as I did not want her to burn her paws on the sidewalk or over heat. We though did end the week with a fluffy party at my house on Wednesday night when some friends of mine went out and left their dogs, Savannah and Charlotte with us. Layla LOL just went to sleep while they played.

So as you can see never a dull moment in our lives, Layla keeps me busy which is great although I must admit I am now exhausted and looking forward to slowing down a bit this weekend PHEW.


What has been happening in your neighborhood ?  We cannot wait to hear !
Have a wonderful weekend everyone, stay cool,

With a woof and love from 
Layla 


I am a Social Butterfly

Posted on by — 26 Comments ↓

Morning All,


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


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

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

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

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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


With a woof and love From Layla, the social butterfly