Hide the Fireworks are Coming plus Give Away

Good Morning All,
Me the social butterfly has been really busy as always but it is keeping Mom and I young which is what i keep telling her.


I went to the vet last week as my eyes were really red and Mom was concerned, I hate that place. Anyway my favorite vet was there and she checked them and told Mom I have really bad allergies and dry eyes, so she gave Mom some ointment to put in my eyes and I think it is working cos I am less itchy. 


On Saturday we went to the Shih Tzu Meetup which is one of my favorite events as there are lots of dogs my size and they are all fluffy. It was loads of fun, the weather was fantastic and also being in a different park always makes things more interesting.


In the evening we met up with one of my favorite Aunts who was here in the city for 2 days. She is a very special lady as she runs a Fospice for pets by rescuing the seniors that have been dumped in shelters so that they can live the rest of their lives with love. You can read about her Sanctuary on her Facebook page.

This is the link to her Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/dreamsanctuary/

Sunday we just relaxed, Mom says she had no energy for anything so I took control and made sure we did lots of long walks. I am not interested in her being tired as I do not have a computer and need to check my pmail.

NOW as you all know 4th of July is around the corner, the nightmare for many pets because of the fireworks. It is so important that we, the parents keep our pets safe in the house and this is what I have found works for Layla.


I put a bed in the shower, water and some toys, making it comfortable for her if she needs it. I also keep music on, give her last walk at about 7 before the chaos starts and most important of all is I give her Hemp Oil. I am a firm believer of the Hemp Oil as it keeps her calm, relaxed and less worrying for me. 


The Hemp oil I use is from a company called Restorative Botanicals and swear by it. What I love also is that they have products for us also which makes a difference and when I am stressed out I drink their delicious coffee which keeps me calm. A must for us coffee drinkers.


This weekend we are going to Pride in San Francisco which is exciting although I hate the noise of the motor bikes so Mom will be giving me the Hemp Oil to stay calm, actually with age I am getting scared of many noises so this product is really easing my life in a big way.  

You can read all about them on their website :

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

GIVEAWAY TIME

So we decided to leave the BEST NEWS for last and that is Mom surprised me this week with some wonderful new treats, chicken jerky yummm and raw turkey necks to chew on especially on 4th of July which will keep me busy as I am inside more than normal plus what could be better than chewing away on something good.


What is the give away ??????? 


Freeze Dried Wild Caught Minnows. They are a single ingredient treat for both cats and dogs. This single source treat is perfect for pets on a limited ingredient diet, who have food allergies or stomach sensitivities. Minnows are easily digestible containing no grain, gluten, artificial flavors, additives, or preservatives. Sourced and packaged in the USA. 
I, Layla personally puts my paw of approval on them, they are delicious and I strongly suggest you enter to win as they are a must for the treat jar. I am also excited as once again I am sharing for both cats and dogs so everyone can enjoy.

You can find them on the link below and remember if you do shop there you have a discount of 15% with the coupon Layla15.

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

We have been sponsored for this give away by the company. It is not open to Canadian residents only the USA.

All you have to do is enter on the link below :

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/7d1ec19c49/?

Before I log off here for the week we must NOT forget that 5th of July is the busiest day in shelters as they are saving and keeping all animals that have run away from the fireworks safe, so to all my fur friends everywhere, both domestic and wild, please be safe, try to stay calm and remember the stupid humans are to blame for us being scared on 4th of July.


Happy Pride to those that are celebrating this week and Happy Safe 4th of July Everyone.


With a woof and love from Layla 



Friday has arrived

April 11, 2019

Morning Fur Friends,


Friday has arrived and that means the fun time and adventures start as there is no rain this weekend, phew.


Thursday, April 11th is National Pet Day which is a very important day. It was started by Colleen Paige to celebrate the joy and love that pets bring into our lives and most important highlight the awareness of the many different animals sitting in shelters all over the world waiting to find forever homes. 


This is the reason I will only rescue and not pay a breeder as there are so many in cages begging to go home people should rescue. There are also pure breeds in shelters and rescues for those that want one, opening your door to a rescue of any kind of animal is saving a life, actually not one but two, yours and the rescue.


No animal should have to suffer, especially at the hand of humans and that is why Adopt don’t Shop is so important.


To celebrate this day we can do the following :

Layla is a rescue and like many I am sure when we read the list above we say well we do some of those every day so why not instead do the others also.


I for example try to give back wherever possible, helping rescues is on the top of my list and love sharing with them.


One of the most important things in my life as a Mom to a rescue is to make sure that on weekends I do very little work and spend quality time with Layla giving her extra special love and attention as she is so patient during the week when I am at work. 

Last weekend I decided as the weather was so good to take advantage of it and on Sunday we did two dog parks. One in the morning which I call my little paradise as it is a tiny park not far from me, really quiet but has lots of smells, so what can be better than walking there with a cup of coffee, a happy trotting little dog, bag of treats of course, finding a bench and just chilling. Best way to start the day.

At lunchtime we went with a friend to the Chihuahua Meet Up, Layla always is the honorary Chi LOL.  I love where they hold it, Stern Grove is amazing and at the end of the park is a fantastic lake, so it is soothing, relaxing and just great being out in nature. Layla loves the smells, wandering around and of course getting some treats, but for me it is quality time, no electronics, just the two of us. 

So now that summer is arriving, I am researching new places of adventure for the two of us on weekends, plus of course all the dog events that will be happening in the city, so that our weekends will be filled with fun.


Did you do something special for your pet on National Pet Day ?


Layla is now going to have her morning nap after a long walk and I am catching up on my work,


Have a wonderful weekend everyone With a woof and Love from 
Layla 


National Pet First Aid Awareness Month.

Layla drinking from her water bottle in the park

TGIF !!!!!!!!!!


April has arrived and with it many National Pet Holidays and Observances and I am going to focus on one in this blog which I think is just as important as the others but the main reason I am focusing on this one is that Spring has arrived, summer is around the corner and that means we are outdoors more, hiking, camping plus many more adventures.


When we pack for those adventures one of the important items that some of us forget about is the First Aid Kit for our Pet, we remember for us and remember many items for the pet but this is one that we forget. It happens cos we are humans LOL.

What should a First Aid Kit have, we can either build our own or buy one that is prepared already, I personally have put my own together as it was easier plus it is easier for me to keep an eye on the expiry dates and some of the over the counter ones come with food, etc which I do not need.
What is in my kit :

I also have in my kit some Topical Relief – 4Paws Pet Balm by Restorative Botanicals. which works wonders on bites, as it relieves the itchiness plus if she licks it it has Hemp Oil in which calms her down. See link below for the product.

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

I have made sure our first aid kit is not that heavy so that it makes it easy for me to take when I am out for the day on an adventure with Layla. 


This kit with of course other items I keep in my earthquake emergency bag and take out when needed so it makes my life easier and I am more relaxed.

I also keep with my kit the book : Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide which is my Bible for everything.


I do admit I am a Jewish Mom so am always worried about Layla when we go to different dog parks or other outdoor activities and that is the reason LOL that I am reminding all of us.


Do you have a first aid kit for your pet ? What do you have in yours ?


We are so looking forward to the summer, spending time outdoors and having fun which is so needed after all the rains.


Have a great weekend everyone 

With a woof and love from Layla


Poison Prevention Awareness Month.

March has arrived and the rains are still here. When will they stop. The good news is that California is out of drought the last I read but the grounds are so soaked that they are not absorbing the rains anymore. One muddy mess in the dog park LOL which Madam does not like.

March is also an important month as it is Poison Prevention Awareness Month.

Please keep us safe !

This is so important and it reminds us how important it is to keep our pets safe from anything toxic which leads to illness and sometimes death. So Layla decided that this week our blog is going to focus on this subject to make sure that all our fur friends are safe both in the house and outside. The way we child proof a house and garden, we should pet proof the same way.

01. Plants can be poisonous especially azalea, oleander, castor bean, sago palm, Easter lily or yew plant material eaten by an animal can be fatal.


02.. Cleaning products – those are dangerous and should not be lying around in the house. Please store them in a place that your pets have no access to. I personally only use Apple Cider Vinegar in the house for cleaning, etc as that way I know if Layla walks on the wet floor she is safe.


03. Medications – never give your pets medications unless directed by a Vet. Keep all medications locked away so they cannot find them.


04. Chocolate is a BIG NO. 

05.  Household products like coffee grinds, play dough, fabric softener sheets and more are all toxic to your pets.


06. Automotive products – please do not leave them lying around the garage and if something spills make sure to clean up.


07. Flea Meds – all pets have different reactions to these so please check with your vet before you administer them to your pets.


08. Always read all instructions / cautions of any product before using it in your house, garden or on your pet. 

09. Keep your pets inside or away from any insecticides  Also keep your pets away from fertilizers on the grass or in the garden. All of them can be toxic. Plus make sure you store these products in a place that is inaccessible to your pets.


10. Do not use products for dogs on cats and vice versa unless it says you can. 


11. If you are uncertain about the proper usage of any product, contact the manufacturer and/or your veterinarian for instructions.ASPCA National Animal Poison Control CenterSuite 361717 Philo RoadUrbana, IL 61801

Phone : (888) 4-ANI-HELP


I am aware we do these reminders all the time but I feel by reading the above, remembering we are keeping our pets safe, no extra vet bills or expenses and most of all we have a happy healthy home.


So now that Layla has woofed all this she is going back to bed LOL,
Be safe and have a great week, With love from Layla 


New Year is around the corner


Hello fur friends and human friends,

Christmas is over and New Years Eve is around the corner. The pets nightmare as I call it as so many are afraid of the stupid fireworks and that means pets getting lost.

I have spent the whole morning trying to update Layla’s microchip as I got a new phone and number and it is a nightmare. I contacted Avid as I thought that is where she was registered to be told she is not, LOL, the first thing I did when I got her I registered her. So I went digging in her files and emails from the day of her arrival, thank goodness I have a Layla file on gmail and found that she is registered to another company called PetChip I checked that company and all is good there with her profile etc but Avid is saying it is one of their microchips so she should be registered with them.

So have emailed that company and now waiting for a reply from them with the update of the new number.

This has totally confused me and have decided to leave it as is at this moment. Layla thank goodness is like velcro in the park and wears a PetHub.com tag on all her collars and harnesses where someone can scan with a phone and find me.

New Years Eve, one of the nights I hate when everyone gets drunk and sets off fireworks everywhere that it is scary. My heart goes out to all the animals that are in shelters shivering already from fear, and then have to endure the fear of the fireworks with no one around to comfort them. I wish we could just empty those shelters and all animals would have loving homes.

How do you keep your pet safe during the fireworks ? I as always puts Dr Bach Rescue Remedy in her water, a couple of drops of CBD oil on her tongue and from there just keep an eye on her. I do not take Layla out after like 8 in the evening unless she tells me she wants to go out. I make up her bed in the shower where she loves to go sleep, water is next to her, and a I also put a t-shirt on her which seems to help a lot. TV is going of course and that is how we spend our New Years Eve. I do not go out as I will not leave her alone.

Unfortunately we always have to remind everyone of the safety tips for their pets:

And most of all everyone please remember this when out partying:

So on this note we want to wish everyone a Happy New Year, may 2019 be a good year for all of us with lots of love, laughter, health and happiness.

Woof with love from
Layla

I saw lots of Santa’s

Good morning fur friends,

How are you all and we hope you are staying warm and toasty but at the same time I always think and worry about the poor pets that are left outside.

This past weekend was hectic here as there were so many Santa events going on I did not know where to start with them. Bless San Francisco.

On Saturday was Santacon which is where everyone dresses as Santa – hits the bars and by the evening you have loads of drunken Santas’ all over the streets. It is a fundraising event where they try to collect as many toys as possible for the kids that need Christmas presents – the toys are dropped off at different locations so in one way it is serious but in another way it is fun. Last year our park was red with Santas’ but this year it was really quiet. I only saw three and managed to get a picture of Layla with them.

On Sunday was the skivvy run which is a fundraiser for the AIDS Foundation. Layla and I went to check it out, it was lots of fun plus of course she got a picture with Santa Claus. Actually all the photographers there took pictures of her too. Not sure who they are but it is ok with me. I hope they managed to raise funds to help this wonderful organization.

She also was spoiled by PAWS as they every year do a delivery of a goodie bag for our pets and she got one too with two new toys and some treats.

All in all it was a crazy but fun weekend. I need to rest LOL.

NOW we must also not forget that with Christmas coming the shelters fill up with irresponsible pet owners dumping their pets with ridiculously sad stories, it is a time for us to adopt a pet and not buy from a breeder. January becomes a nightmare for the over crowded shelters and rescuers work full time trying to save as many as possible. It is not a happy time but a really sad time.

We must also remember that to give a pet as a gift to a kid is something to be thought about carefully as that pet should not pay the price of being dumped at a shelter when the excitement wears off. Please remember that.

Why Shelters fill up in January :

I rescued Layla in January 2011 and I often wonder if she was dumped there as the novelty of having a pet had worn off with the family that dumped her or what was the real reason. She is one of the lucky ones to have been rescued by me but there are so many that are not that lucky.

I am off now to bed to dream about my lucky life with Mom and pray that many will be as lucky as I am.

Woof with love
Layla

A letter to everyone

Good Morning friends,

We hope you are all safe and getting ready for Thanksgiving.

Our past weekend we stayed indoors as the air quality in San Francisco has been really poor due to the fires in Northern California. Our prayers and thoughts go out to all the victims, both two and four legged.

Before we start our thanks we would both like to thank all the first responders, non profit organizations and rescue organizations for the amazing work they have done this past year all over the world and now especially in California. Without all of your kindness, compassion and love the world would be a sad place as many of you show us all the time that there are good people in the world.

Layla has decided to thank those that have helped keep her happy and healthy this past year with this letter.

Dear Mom and friends,

As I get older, and you can call me a senior if you want but Mom remember you are one too I would love to thank all those that have helped Mom keep me healthy and happy, in so many ways.

01. PAWS – The mission of PAWS is to preserve, support and nurture the human-animal bond for those most vulnerable in our community. You have been amazing to us in so many ways and no words can express our gratitude for all you have done, not only for me but for so many other pets.

02. Pet Food Express – An amazing Pet Food Store with branches all over California. Your giving back to the community is amazing, and what many do not know is that with fires raging at the moment they are giving out free food and supplies to all fire victims including dog washes if they need them. Thank you and that is the reason I love shopping at your stores.

03. Shalom Bayit – who have helped Mom through thick and thin since she ran with my sister, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

And now I must woof a special thanks also to :

01. Mom – you are the greatest. You put up with all my quirks. your patience and love is amazing even when I am naughty but most of all thank you for being a good Jewish Mom and cooking my dinners and baking my treats. I am very lucky to have been rescued by you and would not give you up for anything.

02. Tropiclean – Mom calls me a Tropiclean baby as she uses all their grooming products on me only.

Shampoos – the shampoos are fantastic and Mom uses on me the Papaya and Coconut all in one (shampoo and conditioner) so I always smell good after my bath.

Papaya Spray Mist – which keeps me refreshed and smelling good in between baths especially when I have rolled in something icky and smelly in the park.

Oxymed Products – When I have the itches then Mom turns to them to help sooth my skin and relieve me of the itches.

Dental Products – my teeth are pearly white as Mom puts in my water the water additive minty flavor so I have a minty breath plus she puts in my mouth in the morning and evening their gel to keep my teeth sparkling. We love these products as they are easy to administer and the results are awesome.

Ear Cleaning – I hate having my ears cleaned but let Mom do it and that way I get no infections as my ears are clean all the time.

Tearless Facial cleaner – Mom does wash my face at the end of each day so I am a pretty clean pampered pooch.

And the best part of Tropiclean is their dental chews which keep me busy when Mom is working and I know they help keep my teeth clean also.

If you want to see what amazing products they have this is their link.

Tropiclean

Tropiclean gave me some of their products for this thank you review.

03. I want to thank everyone else that have shared their products with us for reviews this year and made our lives easier in so many ways.

04. I want to thank all my aunts and uncles in the dog park for being ATM’s when it comes to treats, that is the highlight of my day.

And most important and before I go back to my morning sleep I would love to thank all my fur friends everywhere for following me on my blog with comments and discussions, you all are the greatest and make me smile every time.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, do not gobble up too much turkey and have a wonderful family day,

With a woof and love
Layla

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overland Dog Gear

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

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

And that is what we did.

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

Remember Me Thursday

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

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

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

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

How to get involved with this special day :

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

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

02. Hold a pet food donation event

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

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

05. Be the voice for the orphaned pets

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

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

Thank you with a woof and love from
Layla

TGIF

Good Morning Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please all be safe, woof with love from Layla