Nili’s Journey Home

Good Morning friends,

While I type this Nili is on her way home and should be arriving in about 3 hours. I decided to write the blog before she arrives so I can focus on her only and no social media till tomorrow.

I have been very blessed by my friends for stepping in and fostering her the last two weeks, it is hard on them as I think they have fallen in love with her plus Winnie their rescue had to say goodbye to her playmate this morning. I feel bad for Winnie at this moment because she has no one to play with and Nili will have the same problem although I am fixing play dates in my house for her.

https://youtube.com/shorts/bqfbXo7-R5Y

As you all know Nili, was rescued from the L.A. Animal control where they put all her details down and I have subsequently learned they are not correct. A friend of mine who does animal rescue explained to me they cannot always do it as they do not have the funding for DNA tests. Avi, my friend took her to the vet for a check up and told me that she was not afraid at all WOW, and the vet told him the following:

She was sure Nili is about 2-2.5 years at most based upon her teeth and the brightness in her eyes. She has been through one or two heat cycles but does not think she has given birth. She is very healthy. No Upper respiratory infection at all and she can be spayed when I want. she heard no wheezing or crackling in her lungs. She weighs 16.4 lbs. She has a cutaneous histiocytoma on her head. but it appears to be healing on its own and is nothing to worry about. The scab came off in the doctors hand. She said is it doesn’t heal up completely in a month get it checked out. but she did not think it was anything to worry about.  She said Nili is a very healthy, alert pup, and a great rescue.

One of my favorite photos of Nili

I have already made an appointment for her to be spayed, first one I could get was 24th August but will phone and keep checking to see if there is any cancellations so park days will not start till she is fixed but will take her for walks, other adventures where there are no dogs. I also have to train her with recall although she knows the words Treats and Sit which is a good beginning. I am getting her a 14ft leash for the park when we do start so she can wander around and not get away.

This morning I drove myself nuts and child proofed the house, have everything ready for her and now sitting and waiting which is not easy LOL. Matt who is bringing her to me is every couple of hours texting Avi and then Avi texts me, it is a long ride from Palm Springs to San Francisco, about 8 hours and he will be stopping so she can potty along the way  but she is sleeping peacefully in her expandable pet carrier that the company Mr Peanuts gave her. They are such a fantastic small family business and so quick to help where possible. They sent for her a large expandable carrier, medium sized one and a pink regular carrier so Nili was spoiled. The medium sized I left with Avi to give to whoever he would like to as sharing is caring and that is so important.

Being bribed this morning to get in the carrier

 

Here is their link and I strongly suggest you look at all their amazing reasonable products.

https://mrpeanutspetcarriers.com/?rfsn=7819747.8b3521&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=7819747.8b3521

Nili has a lot to learn so her schooling is beginning here and the sooner I start the better as her life will be so much easier. I have to stop her naughtiness of barking at bicycles, noise, running out of the door when it opens and so much more but she is a smart little girl and will learn. (Her Mom is an ex teacher LOL)

Treat time, Quasi, Nili and Winnie

 

So plans this weekend are to let her sleep, get into a routine, play with snuffle toys which I have got treats for, chew on bully sticks which I bought her and just relax together spending lots of cuddle time.

Before I log off to get ready to meet her I want to say from the bottom of my heart thank you thank you thank you to Jonathan, Avi, Will, Shai, Boaz, Quasi, Winnie and Matt for helping me with everything, keeping Nili safe and amused and most of all getting her home to me, I am so blessed to have you all in my life.

Have a wonderful weekend, we hope you have loads of fun and relax also,

With a woof and love

From

Nili and Mom

Welcoming a new Rescue into my life

TGIF!!! Friday has arrived and I need to put my feet up and relax a bit, I am exhausted from a crazy hectic week that thank goodness turned out well in the end. This blog is going to be in two parts, the first one is today.

 

Since Layla passed, my home has been empty and cold, and I realized two weeks ago the time had come for me to rescue a new fur kid, to speak out Layla’s legacy in so many ways. So, I started searching for a new fur kid. I will not buy as you all know and love black mutts so that was my goal to find another black mutt. Why black? Because they are the hardest to get adopted.

Nili in the shelter

 

The past two weeks I have spent hours searching on every FB page, website plus so much more and it horrified me to see the number of dogs sitting in shelters, owner surrenders, lost dogs that had not been claimed and so much more. What upset me most was seeing how many seniors have been dumped, poor babies, what a way to spend their golden years. I did not want a senior but middle aged to grow old with and then, one morning, while perusing one of the FB pages, I saw my new fur kid.

She was in the Los Angeles Animal Control, a stray that had been picked up and not claimed, about 4 years old and immediately asked this friend, a rescuer if she could get her for me. It is impossible to get anyone on the phone to put a hold on the dog, you must go there when they open and adopt the dog if it is still there, a Catch 22 situation and I hit the jackpot and got her.

My nightmare with all this started when my friend last minute could not go so through the help of my ex-Boss, he introduced me to a good friend of his, and I was very blessed as Jonathan went there and adopted her.  So now we had her, we had no one to foster her as I am in San Francisco and my friend could not, so Jonathan took her to groom her and get her food and although he could not do this he agreed for one night, took her to his house. (he has two dogs) The following day, Friday, a week ago, Shai, one of my boys that I used to tutor, drove from Palm Springs to Los Angeles to fetch her and take her home to Palm Springs to his home, (my ex-bosses moved there from San Francisco a couple of years ago) and that is where she has been since. Nili is house trained, walks well on a leash so I think she was very well cared for in her past home but not being microchipped and having a collar they had no way of finding her owners.

 

Her name in the shelter was Gladys, oy vey, but I have renamed her a Hebrew name Nili. She has settled in there, happy, playing with their dogs and we now have finally arranged for her to come home on July 25th, which I cannot wait.

Nili is not spayed as the shelter said she had a chest infection, so Avi is taking her to his vet to have her checked up and I plan to have her spayed here in San Francisco, I am blessed that the SPCA has free spay and neuter clinics.  She is now microchipped so I am at ease also.

 

 

So, friends I would love for you to welcome Nili and there will be many adventures and fun time to share with you once she has been spayed and settled proper in her home with me.

The second chapter of her rescue you will be able to read next week, but before I go a special thanks to everyone who were my rocks, my glue who kept me together mentally and came together to get her and keep her safe, I owe you all big time and so blessed to have you in my life.

Have a wonderful safe weekend and please hug your pets

 

Layla’s and Nili’s Mom

 

 

 

Today is Two Months

Today was two months since Layla crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. It was a hard day for me as I sat in my house thinking of her, wanting to hear her bark at me, wag her tail or just sleep relaxed in her bed. Every time I heard the fireworks, I worried about her automatically which did not ease my misery in many ways.

This is what I miss most evenings

I realize there are going to be days when I will miss her more and today was that day, so I went, in the heat, for a long walk and then started doing which she would have wanted me to do, speak out against the fireworks, advise people to keep their pets safe and to not drink and drive while your pets are at home. We need to be responsible parents and to think of everything to keep them safe, like we do for kids.

The fireworks here have been going since 5 this afternoon, each time one goes off I jump in my chair, I have the jazz station on to keep myself calm and feel so sorry for all the animals who are freaking out. I have been seeing on social media posts of lost dogs, ACC calling out with lost dogs, and I am sure by tomorrow the shelters will be overflowing with lost pets, it is just heartbreaking, and I pray all the pets find their families.

As you all know, Layla used to wear these amazing harnesses, custom made by Dachshund Delights, see the link below:

Her favorite harness

https://www.dachshunddelights.com/

Now the reason I am sharing them is April, the owner of the business, surprised me two weeks ago with a small white box which arrived in the mail, with chocolates, rainbow paw stickers AND a mini-Layla, a small, customized toy which looks like Layla. I was totally in awe, cried when I saw her, and I am in love with her. She is hanging on the wall in front of my laptop so I can see her all the time. Plus, the reason I have hung her there is that when I dog sit none of the dogs can get to her and try play with her. I have been doing dog sitting to get my doggy doses which is helping me a lot, as it puts me in a routine with walking the dogs plus gets me out of the house more.

Thank you April for this wonderful gift

 

I am sure you are wondering if I am going to adopt/rescue a new fur kid and I am putting it here, I have started, watching lots of FB pages and praying I will soon find a new fur kid to share my life with.

 

So on this note, have a wonderful weekend everyone, please be safe

Hugs from Layla’s Mom

Fun times in the parks

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

Winter has arrived and so has the fun

Brrrr the past few days have been cold here in San Francisco, so we have been indoors a lot, Madam is not that happy, but it has been too cold and damp to sit in the park.

Layla on Monday got groomed, full spa day and what was great was she and one another dog were the only ones there which surprised me although my groomer does not normally work on a Monday, but I was happy as it was not crowded and less stressful for her. We unfortunately had to cut her hair short this time as from the rain it had got matted especially on her paws so I am worrying now she will be cold and keeping clothing on her in the house so that she is comfortable and layering her up when we go out.

Phew at home from the groomer

Mom has blankets at the side of the bed as I love sleeping there plus one over lapping the bed so I wont bang my head

Events are starting up again and this weekend we are going to two different events on the same day oy vey. On Sunday they having the annual Skivvy Run in the Castro which is an amazing and fun fundraiser for AIDS and then we going to a Hannukah party which I am really looking forward to. Photos will be on the blog next week for all of you to see.

We are taking precautions, wearing masks and of course will test myself before going to be safe. I am not taking any chances as it is not worth it.

So socially life is picking up but am not over doing it either as LOL I do not want to put on weight after losing so much and feeling good with myself.

I was also surprised last week; I belong to a women’s international forum, and they asked us what talents we have so I told them I write a blog and gave them the link. I was chosen as one of the five winners and got a $50.00 on line debit card for shopping so guess who is getting two new fleece lined t-shirts which she can sleep in and be warm, Layla of course, it is her blog so she does deserve it and It will be the start of her Hanukkah gifts this year.

So that is what is happening in the Layla neighborhood, we are aging slowly, cold but enjoying life wherever possible.

Please stay warm and dry, have a wonderful weekend,

With love from Layla

 

 

 

Thank you

Dear Friends,

As you know Thanksgiving is next week and November is the month of thanking everyone, so I have decided to write a letter to everyone thanking you.

I first want to thank my followers and friends for supporting us the past year, reading my blogs, sharing my stories, and laughing with me about my fun adventures and anecdotes.

A special thank you to my vet, Dr Gervais of the San Francisco Animal Medical Center for putting up with me, keeping me healthy and giving Mom tips on how to keep me safe in my old age.

I also have a special thank you to the fantastic pet products that are keeping me healthy. As you all know I am a senior now and must stay healthy so am going to share with you the products that are helping me and Mom swears by them

Dr Harvey’s Food and Treats

Mom feeds me Dr Harvey’s Raw Vibrance food, which is full of all the fruits and veggies I need, she adds chicken to it which makes it extra yummy, plus giving me a perfect balanced meal. And of course, Fish Oil which is so important for my skin, fur and brain. And I must not forget their treats which are the best of the best, yummmm.

You can find all the information on their website :  https://www.drharveys.com/

You have a coupon for a 10% with Layla10

Thank you Dr Harvey’s

Real Mushrooms 

Mom calls them the magic mushrooms as she has noticed a positive health change in me since I am taking them.

I get the Lions Mane which slows down Dementia and since getting them mixed in my food I am so much more aware of what is going on around me, which of course makes me happier.

The other mushroom mix I am getting from them is the Five Defenders which is a blend of organic extracts of Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Turkey Tail mushrooms and Chaga.

You can find more about them on their website: https://www.realmushrooms.com/

And of course, you have a 10% coupon with LaylasWoof

Thank you Real Mushrooms

Vetericyn 

This company has fantastic wellness products for hot spots, wounds, ear wash and so much more which Mom uses on me all the time. Their one product that Mom is really happy with is their ALL IN Senior Supplement. This supplement keeps all my insides healthy and oy vey am pooping good, BOL.

They are having a Black Friday sale Thanksgiving weekend with savings of up to 35%.

Thank you Vetericyn

You can find all their information on their website https://vetericyn.com/

So, as I finish this letter I want to thank a very special lady, my Mom for putting up with all my nonsense, bratty moods, keeping her awake at nights when I do not want to sleep and so much more, you the best Mom and thank you for rescuing me, giving me a loving home, spoiling me and keeping me healthy, you are the best.

Happy Thanksgiving friends, please be safe and have a wonderful weekend,

With love from

Layla

Quality of Life

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

 

Mommy got me a stroller

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

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

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