Tag Archives: #dogpark

Fun times in the parks

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TGIF!!!! What a week and I personally cannot wait for the weekend when I can put my feet up and relax.

As you all know Layla went last week for her annual senior checkup, I got the results on Friday but did not understand them LOL so was stressed all weekend till I spoke to her vet on Monday. Excluding the UTI which she is on medications for at the moment her bloodwork is good so I am more relaxed. We have based our week on her taking her medications on time like clock work and she has to have a follow up in ten days to make sure it has cleared up. Layla thank goodness is eating well, playing with her snuffle toy, so I suppose I cannot complain.

Last Saturday we spent some time in the dog park which was great, I met a good friend there with her two rescues and we just sat on blankets relaxing while the dogs wandered around. It was a perfect afternoon.

I took her to the park on Wednesday morning which was awesome as we sat on our blanket, she wandered around, sniffed a lot and came home and slept like a baby.

Today we met friends for a picnic in a different park, one of my favorites, enormous with a view of the Bay. It was chilly but the sun was shining so we were all bundled up including Layla and she was in her element. I think she was sniffing and walking around for about an hour plus till she lay down and started dozing LOL.

Layla wandering around sniffing with no fear plus the beautiful view of the Bay and the beautiful trees

Mom this is fun, lots to smell

zzzzzzzzz I need my nap in the sun

 

I know many do not agree with dog parks but since doing the session with the Animal Communicator and understanding Layla more, thanks to her I now know that Layla does not like walks on the sidewalk, she is afraid but in the dog park where she can wander around without worrying about banging her head, plus me letting the leash go gives her that confidence and freedom to wander safely and she is happy, so as the sun comes out we will be doing more of these fun times plus the fresh air is healthy and good for both of us.

 

That is what is happening in the Layla neighborhood, am waiting to see the weather forecast to plan our weekend,

 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

With a woof and love from

Layla

January is the month of freedom.

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TGIF !! Rain has stopped, sun is out but it is still cold here.

Many of you do not know but January is the month of freedom for me, it is the month I ran from my ex, and it is the month I rescued Layla so it is her month of freedom also.

So, to celebrate our freedom, and the sun shining today, I took Layla on an adventure to our old haunt or should I say park. It is one I have not been to in ages, and it was wonderful to be there. It was bitter sweet as it was the park I used to go to with Baby who ran with me, and her ashes are buried in the park but it was great also, as it brought back so many good memories and being able to sit in the sun, relax, have a picnic with friends there it was the best medicine.

Baby RIP who died suddenly of IMHA at the age of 6

Lafayette Park is a beautiful big park in the city of San Francisco. It is beautifully kept, the view of the Bay from the top is just amazing, the old trees standing upright are stunning, the green lawns are just beautifully kept and sitting there, listening to the children playing and laughing down the hill in the children’s section is magical. There is nothing like listening to kids laugh and play, pure happiness. Thank you Robin and Roger for this wonderful time.

Where we sat on the hill with a view of the Bay

The lawn where Baby’ ashes were buried

The place Layla used to play when we used to come to this park

Layla wandered around, I had to watch her so she would not hurt herself, but she had so much fun and came home, finished her dinner, and went to sleep. A healthy sleep as I say as she had so much fresh air today it was the best of the best.

I am hoping the rain has stopped finally for a bit so that we can get out more, visit different parks and get lots of fresh air which is so important for both of us. I also notice that if she is out and about she is hungry and gobbles down her food which makes me happy and relaxed.

So that was our adventure this week, who knows what we will do next week but there is never a dull moment here plus Layla loves riding on the bus so it is exciting for her.

I had to pee on the way out so I marked my spot, Layla

Stay safe and warm everyone, have a wonderful weekend

With love from Layla

 

Thanksgiving fun

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TGIF!!!!!

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

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

Watching, sniffing and enjoying the outdoors

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

Peek a boo guess who

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

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

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

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

Have a wonderful weekend everyone

With love, Layla

 

 

 

Mommy got me a stroller

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Happy Friday everyone, the weekend has arrived which I hope will be full of lots of fun and treats.

Mom has been crazy busy this week, but she is being good sticking to schedule and taking me to the park once a day which is so much fun.

Watch my video below :

https://youtu.be/-HFY9CzfFpA

Last Saturday Mom took me to get my stroller, from Muttville Senior Rescue (Thank you Sherri) https://muttville.org/ which is so much fun to ride in and now I am an official princess. All I need is a crown. The reason Mom got one is she cannot carry me on her back anymore, I weigh 15 lbs. and the backpack weighs about 2 lbs., and it was getting too hard for Mom. Plus, I love to go shopping with her and it was getting too heavy, so I now go in the stroller.

My new chariot

Mom is still making me walk on our daily walks which I love as I love sniffing everything plus it is healthy to get exercise but when we go to the park Mom wheels me cos as she says she does not have to carry all the things we need for the park.

So, my friends as you can see, I have Mom wrapped around my paw which is pawsome BOL, I always say Mom is my slave and I am the Boss.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, please be safe, cool and hydrated,

sleeping in the grass

With a woof and love from

Layla

 

 

 

 

 

 

Woof its weekend

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TGIF!!  Summer is here, sun is shining and thank goodness it is not so hot in San Francisco but having the sun out with no fog is a treat for us, so we are taking advantage of it as much as possible.

Contemplating

I need my park sleep

Smelling the grass and wandering around :   https://youtu.be/VVFmtLZr1Fo

This weekend is going to be busy, woof. On Saturday we are spending the morning in my friend’s garden which I love. Its good for me to sit on a chair and kvetch over tea with him while Layla wanders around sniffing and of course napping in the sun. Perfect way to spend Saturday plus there is shade if its too hot for all of us.

On Sunday we are going to the Annual Three-legged Dog Meet in our park which is also for blind dogs. It is their 11th meet up and its fun just to sit under trees, chat with other dog parents, and just chill. I will be meeting a close friend there also who Layla adores so I am excited.

Otherwise, I am busy as always, keeping the Madam healthy and trying to get to the dog park daily so that she has freedom to roam around and I do not have to worry about her bumping her head or anything else. Plus we must not forget the snuffle ball which keep her happy and busy in the house LOL.

I must admit it is so fantastic that events are starting to start again and life is getting back to normal phew, it is so healthy for all of us to be outdoors doing things and not stuck indoors.

What are your plans this weekend? Share with us!

Have a wonderful weekend, make sure you stay hydrated and cool,

Hugs and love from Layla

 

 

 

 

The Challenges of living with an Aging Dog

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Friday is here, week is over, although a short one it has been chaotic as always. Life is never boring here.

Layla and I are both seniors, we are aging gracefully together but its hard to see your baby age and facing new challenges each day.

Layla is now blind, her halo is fantastic, but I think the harness for the halo is hurting her back so am not walking with it all the time and trying to figure out if I can attach it to her regular harness. I have noticed the difference in so many ways. I look at it as trial and error till we find the balance. I am concerned about her back and neck, and I need to keep that in mind as I do not want to her hurt her. She is as stubborn as always and its either her way walking or no way so we have our arguments LOL.

With her loss of sight, she has become a barker, standing, and barking for attention and it has got out of control in many ways and exhausting me so its another challenge I am dealing with. If I give her the snuffle ball, she quietens down till she has got everything out of it and then we start all over again. I have turned her into a snuffle ball monster LOL. (The reason her food is there and not where it used to be is she is  having problems eating from the raised bowl as she knocks it over so this is the solution I found for her food)

Her eating has not changed, she is eating well, getting all her supplements and I feel the mushrooms have done a lot of good for her plus because it has Vitamin D which increases her appetite.

 

Food or Snuffle Ball, which should I choose, Layla

 

One of our new routines is instead of walking her at noon each day I am taking her to the park where she can wander around, sniff and get fresh air and I can get some fresh air also plus balance myself out. It seems to be helping as she loves that freedom and I sit away from all the crowds.  The plus with the park is there is nowhere she can bump her head when wandering around. These are the times I wish I had a garden.

On guard

Shnoozing on the lawn

Otherwise, her happy personality has not changed, she is a healthy happy girl, bossy as always and I would not change it for anything in the world, even the sleepless nights when I check to make sure she is breathing LOL. I cannot believe she is 15 years old, it seems like yesterday I rescued her, we are aging together, crossing the bridges together, and living our lives as best as possible.

Before we go for a walk this is a reminder that July is National Pet Hydration Awareness Month, please keep your pets inside from the heat and make sure they are hydrated with lots of fresh water.

July is Pet Hydration Awareness Month, please make sure your pets are hydrated

So that is the life in the Layla Neighborhood at the moment,

Have a safe wonderful weekend everyone

With a woof and love from Layla and Crazy Dog Mom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are Mushrooms Magic?

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TGIF !! Another week over and the weekend is starting. I cannot believe how fast this year is going it is scary in a way or maybe I am just aging LOL.

Last Friday we had a picnic in the park with one of my closest friends, it was the first time Layla was in the park in months as she has become afraid of them, but she surprised me and was totally relaxed, wandered around a bit, and then went to sleep. It was relaxing for me to see her that way and not worry so have decided that am going to try it again today for a couple of hours. I think it was because the park was not full.

As you all know Layla is aging, it worries me big time and having lost her sight has made walking hard as I am so scared of her bumping her head, so I got her a halo which is arriving today. I am praying it will make outings less stressful for me as she will be able to walk on a longer leash and I will not have to keep pulling her in before she hurts herself. I think the pulling on the harness is hurting her back poor baby.

I have also been doing research on mushroom supplements for her and now am trying one on her.  She seems to be more energetic with it which is fantastic. What it is a capsule with 5 different mushrooms in.

A breakdown of the mushrooms and benefits below :

Reishi : have antioxidant properties to nourish, detoxify and protect the liver. It can also renew liver cells, strengthen the liver and improve the detox process.

  • Shiitake :
  • High Fiber Content Supports Digestion
  • High in B Vitamins. …
  • Contain Vitamin D. …
  • Protect Oral Health. …
  • Help Immune Function. …
  • Contain Cancer-Fighting Compounds. …
  • Good For Heart Health. …
  • Promote Healthy Coat And Skin.
  • Turkey Tail Mushrooms: Boost The Immune System.
  • Support The Digestive, Urinary And Respiratory Tracts.
  • Provide Phytonutrients.
  • Protect The Liver.
  • Increase Longevity In Dogs With Hemangiosarcoma.
  • Fight Other Forms Of Cancer.
  • Reduce Side Effects of Chemotherapy.

Maitake means “dancing mushroom” in Japanese.

  • Preventing cancer.
  • Supporting the body during chemotherapy and other cancer treatment.
  • Helping manage diabetes.
  • Supporting dogs with liver problems.

Chaga Mushrooms

Some of the earliest uses of chaga mushrooms were for ulcers, stomach pain, and inflammatory bowel disease. It’s believed that the immune-stimulating traits of chaga help balance the gut bacteria and ease ulcers and gastritis. Chaga mushrooms can help regulate blood sugar levels for animals with diabetes

I approached an Organic Mushroom Company – RealMushrooms.com to get a bottle for a review as they have one capsule with all 5 in and I can open the capsule and mix in her food.

I am giving her their 5 Defenders Organic Mushroom Blend Capsules for Pets.

 

 

Their customer service has been fantastic, they have answered all my questions and I would recommend them to any other dog blogger who is interested.

I have not changed Layla’s diet or other supplements but adding the mushrooms have given me peace of mind that I am controlling her body health wise inside and out.

If you are interested in learning more about them this is their website :

https://www.realmushrooms.com/

So, on this note as I pack to go to the park to relax a bit which I need, I want to wish everyone a wonderful safe weekend with lots of fun, stay cool and hydrated,

With a woof and love from Layla

 

Happy Friday the 13th everyone

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Smile, its Friday the 13th everyone be safe. My great granny was very superstitious and would be spitting on her hand and touching her head BOL.

The weekend has arrived and we had a great fun weekend last week till Madam hurt herself but thank goodness she is fine and back to being the sassy Madam.

Last Saturday we went to Stern Grove Dog park which for me is heaven, it is a beautiful park near the city with lots of trees and a lake at one end. For me sitting next to water is the best way to balance myself and watching the ducks and turtles was just awesome. There are Coyote warnings all over the park but there were a lot of dogs and people so felt very safe, plus I kept Madam on leash most of the time. Rather be safe than sorry.

Beautiful Stern Grove

Layla watching the ducks but making sure her paws do not get wet

Walking back to the entrance of the park, Madam started slowing down and then hopping with her back left leg in the air. She has always hopped with that leg up but it was more than usual so I was concerned.

As I have lousy eyes and hardly can see I immediately called my neighbors so that I would have two sets of eyes checking her foot for foxtails or something else. They could not find anything so I emailed my vet and he told me to monitor her and give her gaberpentin. I did that and she was thank goodness eating, drinking, no moaning or yelping so kept an eye on her. When it did not clear up by Wednesday I called her groomer who is not far from me and asked her if she could cut her nails and check her paw for me.

Bingo !!!!!!!!!! She has a burr in the fur of her paw, Tomo, my groomer immediately removed it, and Madam is back to Piss and Vinegar. I am so relieved that we did not have to do a vet visit as I did not want to stress her out too much plus sit outside the vet waiting for our turn.

I am also trying a new Dr Harvey’s flavor with her, the Allergy Turkey flavor and she loves it, gobbling down her food like a little pig LOL. Madam with age has become a little pig and me being the Jewish Mom am loving it, the healthier she eats at her age the better.

It has all the veggies she needs plus turmeric and other supplements and so she is eating a really balanced diet.

You can find it on their website :

https://www.drharveys.com/  

Plus Layla is reminding everyone there is a coupon : Layla10 to get 10% off.

she cannot eat it fast enough

So on this note I am going to eat dinner while watching her slurp her dinner down,

Have a wonderful safe weekend

Layla the Boss

National Senior Pet Month

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Happy Friday everyone !!!


This month is National Senior Pet Month and am going to talk about living with a senior as Layla is 14 years old and aging.


Since she was ill in June I have noticed many changes in her which I am learning to adapt to but there are days that I find it hard as it is taking its toll on me also. 


We have been going through the past month or so her allergies so I against my will as I try not to give her medications put her on Apoquel as she was tearing at herself and thank goodness we have avoided hot spots, phew. I am also bathing her weekly which is helping with the scratching. 
Another issue I am dealing with is her not wanting to sleep. She is up and down all night  and if I can get her to sleep 6 hours without interruption I am happy, she is getting CBD oil to calm her down which seems to be helping. I need sleep at the moment LOL.


She otherwise is acting herself but a new issue is her barking at me when she wants to go out so off we go at all times of day and night, and Madam when she wants to walk we can walk which I do not mind but I do not like doing the side streets at night as it is not safe and that is where the arguments start LOL.


Today she is going to the vet, phew I managed to get an appointment as someone had cancelled as her left eye is very red, we have tried medications but they are not helping so the vet wants to check it out again.


Last Sunday, a good friend of mine took Layla away from me for a couple of hours to give me a break, they went to a different dog park, she took the backpack with her just in case but Layla did not want it. It was hard for me to be without her but on the other hand it gave me a break which was really needed as it helped me relax which I needed to do. She was very happy to see me when we met up again.  Thank you Alice as always.


She also got spoiled this week with a parcel of South African treats by a company called ROAM, they sent her freeze dried venison, Crocodile jerky and Cape Ostrich jerky and she is loving them all. In South Africa you can buy Ostrich or Buck Jerky in all the stores and it is delicious.


And she got a new bed, the reason is she sleeps under the bed LOL so wanted her to sleep on something so I bought her a crate bed which fits under there perfectly so she now has her fourth bed. I am hoping with winter coming she will be warmer and it will help her to sleep.


So that is what is happening here, we are both aging slowly and learning to adapt to it all.


Stay safe everyone 

With a woof and love from Layla 

Pets in Shelters

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Happy Friday to all our friends, the week is over and the weekend is beginning phew.


As most of you know I am doing at the moment a workshop to become a Domestic Violence Advocate and as this month is Domestic Violence Awareness month I want to discuss having a pet in a shelter.


This is a subject that I have seen discussed on many groups on Facebook, and how important it is for a survivor to have her pet with her in the shelter so am going to share my story here.


I was fortunate to be able to take Baby into the shelter with me towards the end of my stay, before I moved over to another shelter and then transitional housing.


It was fantastic having her with me again and I was really blessed but people also need to understand Shelter policies also so I do understand why shelters say no. They are not being selfish but in a way practical and this is why :


01.There are children in shelters who are going through trauma and might be afraid of pets 

02. Allergies from pets

03.  The shelter staff are overloaded already so if you are running around sorting out your life you are adding another burden to the staff as your pet is in your room.

04. Shelters have curfews so if your pet needs to go potty at night you cannot take him/her out.

05. Not all shelters can you give you a single room so you might be sharing with someone who does not like pets.


When I was in the shelter with Baby I took her out just before the curfew started, I had my own room which made it easier but her food and water was in my room, she was not allowed in the public areas because of the reasons I listed above, when we did go out she was on leash and was on leash when we got back till we got to my room.


This is food for thought and that is why in so many ways I feel there should be some kind of program for the pets to ease it for everyone and I do know that some shelters are slowly opening their doors to pets.


Would love to hear your input on this.


Last Friday Layla and I with friends went for a picnic in Golden Gate Park. It was a beautiful evening, relaxing, good food and lots of laughs. It was just what we needed and a beautiful start to a weekend.

What I did for Layla’s food was instead of taking her home made food I took with me Freeze Dried Kibbles which she thinks are treats from Raw Paws Pet Food – she loves them. The flavor I had was Beef and then I had with me as a treat their Freeze Dried Minnows which she cannot get enough of.

You can see their awesome products on their website plus you have a coupon for shopping : Layla15 – Happy Shopping

https://www.rawpawspetfood.com/


This weekend our plans are to go to the Shih Tzu Meetup which I am really looking forward to as it is a different park and I love that park as it is so big you can do social distancing.


Have a wonderful weekend everyone, be safe

With a woof and love from Layla