Tag Archives: #dogparks

Spring is here

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Hi Friends,

Spring has arrived and we already had a heat wave, it was so hot Mom put the cooling vest on me which was pawsome. It was cooler in the dog park than our home and can you believe it we even had a power failure so Mom packed a bag and we went to sit in the shade in the park, it was fun as a lot of my friends were there.

Nigel and I walking to the park, Nili

Playing with Sparky

So today am sharing my fun times in the park with you and we hope you enjoy the videos.

 

So as you can see am having so much fun plus as Mom says all this playing will help me get rid the last of the pounds I have to lose BOL so that I will have a sexy figure for summer.

Keeping cool in my cooling vest with BoyBoy another good friend of mine walking towards me, Nili

Have a wonderful safe week all, we expecting rain here grrr, chat next week on my blog again,
Nili

 

I am enjoying life, Nili

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TGIF!!!!!!!!! Good morning, Fur friends, we hope you are all safe and staying warm.

It is one year since I started going to the dog park; we have been going daily as the sun was out and it was really warm and I am playing off leash, chasing my dog friends and Mom is really  proud of my progress but she is not happy with me eating the mud, but it is yum BOL.

We go to the park at least twice a day when the sun is out, at times when Mom knows my friends are there, I run like crazy into the park and of course search for any treats that might have fallen the day before, and then playtime. If there is no one there that I like I just lie in the sun and enjoy the fresh air. Mom has tried taking toys with her, but I am not interested BOL.

Playing with Sparky, Nili

Oy and I must not forget Mom took me on my first adventure this week to another park, it is a beautiful park, one Mom fell in love with, and I ran and ran and ran up and down the hills in the park, so much fun and new smells of course. Mom said to her friend they should have taken coffee so we going to do it next week again weather permitting.

Running in Jefferson park, Nili

So that has been our week, busy as always, Mom leaving me alone when she runs errands which I don’t like but love the treats when she gets home BOL as there is a price to pay for leaving me here. I am also learning to ride in my pet carrier which is built under Mom’s shopping cart so will be starting to go on the errands with her soon and as Mom says I will not be able to eat off the streets which shhhh I still do.

Testing out my carrier under the shopping cart, this is fun

Our life is busy, but happy and I am one lucky rescued dog living the best life now and pray others have the same luck as me.

Have a wonderful long weekend.

With love and licks

Nili

 

 

 

Why do we have adventures.

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TGIF, the weekend has arrived, and I am still not sure what our plans will be.

Layla is off her antibiotics; I am praying we kicked the infection and life can get back to normal whatever that Is in this household. Layla rules the house and I jump to attention for whatever she barks about, it is insane but that is how it goes here.

Madam suddenly does not want to eat chicken as I was hiding her medication in it so on Monday we went to the markets and bought chicken gizzards and she is now a happy old lady and Mom is happy also that she is eating but by the photo below you will see who the Boss is.

I want chicken not gizzards, did you hear me Mom

 

The reason I do adventures with her, trying different parks, going on the train and so much more is to keep her brain going, different places mean different smells and I am always looking for a new place which is easy to get to, I do not drive, so all is on public transport and her being in a stroller I am learning I have to go to easy accessible places as living in San Francisco there are lots of hills and pushing the stroller up them is not easy especially as the princess has a new game, get comfy in the stroller then stand up to walk, and she repeats herself most of the way so by the end of the day my back is killing me. Another reason I do them is I have found if she does not go out for a couple of hours during the day, she sleeps a lot and then in the evenings wakes up and wants to go out every hour, barking to get her own way and it is exhausting for me and I have started eating cold dinners LOL.

So, what we have done the past week, last Saturday we went to the park on the Bay. The weather was perfect and it was just so relaxing to be outdoors by the Bay where I could watch her and the boats on the Bay. Layla was wandering around. All of a sudden, I could not see her, nearly had a heart attack and then turned around on my chair to see her scrambling through a gap in the hedges. She was caught on a branch thank goodness, so I had to untangle her and bring her back to the lawn. Thank goodness the hedge is along a wall so she could not have gone far phew. But once back on the lawn she was happily walking around and of course doing her weekly bark in the park, once she started napping, about 2 hours later, I packed up and brought her home. These outings exhaust her, so she normally naps when we get home and phew I manage to catch a nap also. Lucky me.

I smell something in the grass

On Sunday and Monday, we went to the park around the corner from my building, it was great to just sit outdoors, she do her thing and of course bark and me drank coffee and relaxed. The weather has been perfect for these outdoor days plus good for her. Plus being in that park she knows where the benches are where some of the dog people sit with all the treats so off she goes like a bullet to beg from them. I keep an eye on her and if there are a lot of big dogs there, I pick her up and put her in her stroller and push her there. There are only two people she can get treats from so if they are not there, I just bring her back to the blanket and give her a treat.

Sunshine on my face feels awesome

The video below shows Layla trying to get into my bag to get the treats LOL

Life with a senior dog is not easy, tiring especially when they wake you up in the middle of the night or 4 in the morning to go potty but I would not change it for anything as I am very blessed to have a healthy happy blind senior that is getting me out and exercise.

So, all my friends, as you can see, Fall has arrived, we are busy and each day that it does not rain we are outdoors for a couple of hours each day.

Have a wonderful weekend, Be safe,

With lots of love from Layla

 

Quality of Life

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TGIF!!! The weekend has arrived and with the weather still being warm I plan to go to the park as much as possible plus we are going to a dog event on Sunday.

Layla had her 6-month checkup last week where with the vet I discussed her quality of life as she is over 15 years old, in so many ways healthy but since her fall her anxiety has gone through the roof and she barks all the time. Her paw thank goodness has healed.

The vet replied to my answer like this which relaxed me a lot as I do not want her to suffer with age.

  1. She is eating and drinking – phew
  2. No accidents in the house – phew
  3. Her tail is wagging – phew
  4. Her heart and internal organs are all good – phew
  5. Barking (I had sent a video to the vet to see) – can be from anxiety and the start of Dementia. She prescribed Gabapentin which I have started giving her and she is now sleeping through the nights.
  6. During the day she gets a calming supplement which is working so she is a lot more relaxed now also which makes my life a lot easier. Vet approved.

So in a nutshell this is what my vet said: She is doing good, her quality of life is good and I should not think about it but focus on making memories, enjoying each day with her and keep her brain working all the time.

So, I have put that question on the shelf and enjoying each day as it comes as I am blessed to have her in my life.

My question this week is what are your thoughts of quality of life? I would love to hear from you,

Be safe everyone, our prayers and thoughts are with all those in Florida, both humans and animals.

Have a wonderful weekend,

With woof and love from Layla and Me

 

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://shop.realmushrooms.com/?ref=488

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

 

Today is National Lost Dog Awareness Day

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TGIF !!!!!!!!!! We cannot believe it is Friday and April is nearly over.

We have had a busy week with the fluffs staying with us for 5 days, Layla is exhausted poor thing as they want to play and she does not want to, LOL.

It is amazing to see the dynamics between the dogs but am loving it also, they are really cute.

Pierre the Tripawd is just so funny, an energizer bunny who is not a big eater but when Layla tries eating he barks at her to get her food, although he has just finished his plate. I laugh at it as Layla ignores him but am sure she is getting a head ache from it. Leopold who is normally the food addict has no way of getting to her food because she growls at him. I feed all of them at the same time but Layla being a slow eater and used to eating when she wants I am having to pick her bowl up if she does not eat when they are eating and then put it back down when she moans for some food. It has become a restaurant here.

Otherwise they play with the toys in the house, Leopold loves pulling the bed apart and growls at the pillows whereas Pierre just lies on a pillow on the bed watching.

So that has been the five days in our house and today, Thursday they are going home, I think Layla is happy LOL.

Today, 23rd April, is National Lost Dog Awareness Day increases awareness concerning missing dogs. Through networks of shelters, veterinaries, social media, and other media sources, many lost canines and families reunite.

This is my biggest fear and that is why I make sure all Layla’s information is up to date on her collars and Microchip. I also have put an emergency number so if I cannot be found a friend will be called. I am fortunate that Layla is Velcro and won’t go far but would rather be safe than sorry.

What to do if your dog gets lost, below is my infograph with information on what to do plus of course to post on Nextdoor.com and any other local websites in your area.

So all our furfriends, please be safe and stay at home or with your parents, do not run as you can get lost and it is scary.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone

With love from Layla

 

Life is back to normal

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TGIF !!!!!!!!!  


I do not know why I say this lately as every day seems to be Friday and cannot wait to get back to working / dog sitting which hopefully will happen soon.


Thank goodness the 4th of July is over, the fireworks were like a war zone here and I cannot believe how people went crazy, from 7 in the evening till 3 in the morning my studio was shaking from all the booms. It was totally insane and what a waste of money. Thank goodness Layla was on her meds as she slept through them all but on Sunday morning she did not want to go out I think from fear.  They are still setting them off in my area but not as bad but still just insane.


Layla is off her meds, second day now, doing really well and back to being Miss Piss and Vinegar, bossing me around and keeping me on my toes. It is great and I cannot believe how she has healed although I do have meds in the house for an emergency and the hemp oil of course. I am not allowing her to jump on or off anything although have caught her here and there jumping on the bed.  She is eating really well which is good and drinking too. So I am totally relaxing here now. It was a month of hell but I can put it behind me now.


On Monday I took her to the park which is good for both of us. She had a great time and even made a new friend, they followed each other all over the place and it was really cute. I am doing things slowly now she is off her meds plus carrying her backpack just in case I need to use it although she hopes she will be carried all the time LOL.





Our weekend plans are to spend outdoors as much as possible, just relaxing safe distancing in the park with mask on of course plus I go to the park at odd hours when I know there are less people.


So that is what is happening in the Layla Neighborhood at the moment , be safe everyone and have a wonderful quiet weekend,


With a woof and love from Layla 


I am a busy bee

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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

A weekend of Adventures

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Woof Helloo my Fur friends and Family,


We had such a fun weekend last weekend, Mom spoiled me and took me on two adventures, yes two can you believe it.


On Saturday we went for the first time to the Shi Tzu Meet Up at a great park called Alta Plaza Park. It is a beautiful big park with a view of the Bay on one side and a view of the city on the other side.

There were about 20 Shi Tzus and their owners and what a surprise as it was Jacques (a Shi Tzu) birthday and his Mom made a delicious cake. I have told Mom I want the same for my next gotcha day. We all wore party hats and had so much fun. I also made new friends which was pawsome, as I love meeting other fluffies like me. The weather was perfect and it was a perfect fun day. 
I cannot wait for the next one.

Of course Mom had the back pack for the bus as she says it is safer for me when the bus is full so no one will stand on me and I won’t get hurt.

When we got home guess what I did ? Of course sleep as I was really tired but LOL Mom took a nap too. She says she gets tired from carrying me in the back pack so I woofed her that she is getting old BOL.

On Monday we had another adventure. We went with my favorite Aunt Barbara to Fisherman’s Wharf. We went on the tram there and did a long walk along the bay looking out at the sea, Mom and Aunt chatted while I smelled and checked all the pmail. I had to stay on leash most of the time as there were lots of people, skateboarders and Woof I love barking at them BOL. There was a part where there was lawn so I ran over there but Mom left my leash on just in case as we are close to the street. 

Mom and Aunt then sat down for coffee, relax and to look over the bay, she gave me of course water and some treats to snack on so I was really spoiled.  I wandered around and looked out also over the bay as you can see in the photo below.

We then came home in one of the old fashioned trams which was fun but I was really tired so Mom had put me in my back pack to rest.  
When we got home I ate my dinner, dug up the bed, BOL and then settled for an afternoon sleep. 


It was such a fun day and have asked Mom to do this again with me.
Mom is working hard this week and as she told me she has another month of work and then we will be taking a break, but she did promise me if there are any fun events on weekends as summer has arrived she will take me to them.


Many of you must think I am always on the go but actually I do take things slowly also LOL but with summer here, and in San Francisco there is always something doggy going on on weekends, I try to go to them as I feel it is good for me to get out and see what is happening, and good for Layla to be out and about also especially as we live in a tiny studio with no garden, and going to the same park all the time can get boring also.
So as you can see Layla is a spoiled busy girl, but I would not change it for anything and I feel that variety is the spice of life,  and we are going to keep on doing it. 


This weekend I have not checked what is going on yet so will go with the flow plus weather wise see what we will do.


Everyone, TGIF and have a wonderful weekend all, cannot wait to hear what you did this past weekend.
Woof with love Layla 


Friday has arrived

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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