Quirky Layla’s week

TGIF !!!! 


Good morning everyone,


The days are getting longer, the weeks are going fast and living in lock down is slowly taking its toll on me.  That is one of the reasons I took a break from blogging last week also.


I lost all my work so am sitting here figuring out daily what to do and like many I think I am driving myself crazy. BUT thank goodness for Layla she is keeping me on my feet and amused especially as she is back to being her funny normal self.

Layla has some new quirks which are amusing but on the other hand not sure where she has picked them up or do they come with age ?
She now sits at the door barking when she wants to go out, telling me to get ready to go and does not let up till she sees the leash. This is a dog that has never barked unless someone knocked on the door and I have to laugh although it can be aggravating also.  She has become a really bossy little girl.


I was very fortunate and a friend of mine, who grooms his dog did Layla for me last week so her fur is short and with the heat I am sure she is a lot more comfortable. It is not perfect but a lot lot better plus she got a bath. 


Last Saturday we did a professional photo shoot in our dog park with a great photographer who took some amazing photos. Unfortunately towards the end some idiot decided to set off fireworks in the neighborhood and she freaked out but thank goodness I had her backpack with me so I put her in it and she started relaxing. As soon as I get the photos I will share with you as some of them are really adorable.

Our adventures have become nothing as such which is sad as I miss them and am sure she does also and like me getting bored of the same walks and dog park so I decided that as they are having a ShiTzhu meetup this Saturday in another park to take her. There will not be many people, the park is enormous so great for social distancing and for both of us it will be mentally good to be somewhere else for a couple of hours.  Yes I will be wearing my mask and have hand sanitizer with me.


So as you can see we have slowed down here, our routine is not exciting and praying for it all to be safer so that we can start out adventures again.

Be safe everyone, have a great weekend 

With a woof and love Layla 

A letter to Layla on her Gotcha Day

TGIF !!!!!!!!!!!!!! But most important Happy Gotcha Day to my best friend, my partner in life and most of all to Layla. 


Today we are going to dedicate this blog to Layla, who is my Boss, the owner of this blog as I am her secretary.


Dear Layla,


I am so proud to be your Mom, to be able to keep you healthy and happy but most important of all am so blessed to have you in my life. 


I am once again going to share your Gotcha Story here so that others will realize rescuing is so worth it and that is why I speak out for rescues, as like you, they all need a home with a warm bed to sleep on.


I remember when your sister passed away, I waited about 6 weeks and then decided my home was too empty without the pitter patter of paws so the search was on. I ran around to all the shelters in the city but could not find a little fluffy at the time, which is what I wanted. 


So Uncle Michael introduced me to Aunt Cindy by email, told me that he would be in LA for a week so I had a week to search online for a new fur kid and he would bring her home to me.


I sat 24/7 on Petharbor and Petfinder and was nearly giving up when I saw you sitting in a cage in the Carson Shelter. Your look on your face said to me take me home. I immediately emailed Aunt Cindy with your information and photo and she went to the Shelter on the Saturday to fetch you for me. I remember her calling me from there telling me she had a smelly matted mess kissing her, that sealed the deal.


You arrived on the Sunday evening, the 31st of January 2011, I had got the house all ready for you, bought you a new pink bed and was so excited. Yes, you were smelly and dirty but I did not care as there are washing machines, and for me what was important was you were finally home, safe and sound with a nice warm bed.


Your dumping papers said you had been an outdoor dog, you bit when groomed and in a nutshell everything negative a person can say and OH What A Lie. You are the opposite. I am ashamed to even say what your name had been.


I waited a couple of days and then met a friend of mine, a vet, Dr. Phil in the dog park, he looked at you, checked you and said I had won, and he was so right.


Your first couple of days you slept and ate, I had to teach you to climb the stairs, potty outside and am proud to say you had one accident inside. You did no damage and I did not crate you as I do not believe in crates but as far as I remember you chewed a tissue LOL.

You overcame your fear of men, your fear of so many things but with love and patience we did it together and you succeeded.


You have come a long way Layla, 9 wonderful years with me, we have moved, you have become one of the most happiest waggy tail dogs I know, friendly, full of love and I could not ask for anything more.


So as you grow older with me, nearly 13, and Mom is growing older too, I could not ask for a better way to grow old but with you, you make me laugh, shower me with unconditional love, and even when you are naughty I giggle as it is so seldom.


Thank you for rescuing me Layla, Mommy is so proud of you, so blessed to share my bed with you and most of all, Mommy loves you very much.


Happy Gotcha Day Sweetheart, my Lullybelle (her nickname) and I promise today, we are going to do something special.


Hugs and lots of love Mom


PS. I can honestly say On Line Love Affairs do exist.

November has arrived

TGIF !!!!!!!!!!!!!! 


November has arrived and with it the fog and cool weather, not sure about others but I am loving it and know Layla is happier also.


As usual we are busy running around like lunatics or should I say I do the running and she sits in the backpack, what a life LOL.


Last weekend was hectic. We were going to go out with friends on Saturday but last minute it was cancelled so off we went, Madam sitting happy in the backpack while I went grocery shopping, I have come to the conclusion it is not easy carrying a 15lb dog on your back while trying to carry another couple of pounds of groceries in a bag LOL, so what I did was when we got off the bus, I took her out of the backpack and put the groceries in and made her walk home.  She was very happy and so was I. By then I was dragging myself from exhaustion.


In the afternoon we just relaxed, napped and then went and spent sometime in the park. It in the end was a great Saturday.


Sunday morning I worked, was supposed to volunteer but it did not happen so I took Madam to one of my favorite events Dog Day Afternoon which the Pawtrero Pet store holds every year. They close down a street and turn it into this fun event with lots of booths with samples, rescue organizations plus so much more.


There were so many Booths there with really interesting products, some I know and some I did not know existed, SF dog bakery, etc so it was great to see what is happening in the Pet Industry. Layla of course ate herself through the entire event LOL while sitting in her backpack and I took photos and chatted with everyone.

If you click on this link you can see Madam tasting a treat and enjoying it big time from a San Francisco Dog Bakery

https://www.facebook.com/layla.epstein.50/videos/145313370161781/


Layla and I want to woof to Ray for once again organizing such an amazing event and the weather was perfect. I hope all the rescues found homes which always makes these events special.


By the time we got home I was tired, Layla was full of energy of course but I decided I needed a nap and that is what we did. I did make sure before going home that she would have a great run through the park.


With day light savings happening our park time has shortened so am now trying to get her there whenever possible. I hate the day light savings and Layla is not happy walking in the dark.


With November here, and the cooler foggy weather our lives are going to slow down quite a bit, time for hibernating as Madam does not like the rain and have not told her that it is arriving soon shhhhhhh. I also think all the dog events are now over for the year which I am sad about as I do enjoy them.


So on this Fall note we are wishing you all a great weekend,

With a Woof and love from Layla 

The weekend has arrived

TGIF !!!!!!!


It has been a long week and phew thank goodness the weekend has arrived. I just hope there will be no more tremors and I can relax a bit. Yes I did check my earthquake kit again LOL.


Last Saturday we went to Bark in the park K9 Heroes event in our park which of course Madam sat in her backpack and I did the carrying. She was not happy with all the noise especially the jets flying over head so on Sunday we just lay low and relaxed in the house which she was happy with. I had the Jazz going to keep it as calm as possible plus to block out the jets. So I spoiled her with lots of treats.

Talking about treats we got some new goodies to try out. They come from one of our favorite local stores – Jeffrey’s Natural Pet Food Store. What she got was some frozen raw chicken necks and I must say she is going to town on them. Loves them and sits on the bed moaning to get more although I am only giving her one a day.

Madam will not  sit still for anything when she gets one so sorry
 about this pic


Jeffrey’s is a local raw pet food store, they prepare their food daily in San Francisco sourcing local ingredients, quality ingredients: fresh, raw, quality meats, free from hormones and antibiotics, fresh organic vegetables, and their own vitamin mineral mix. They make food for both dogs and cats.

You can read all about them on their website https://www.jeffreyspets.com/

I also had to compensate Layla big time as she got punished LOL with a bath this week, lying in the park with all the leaves falling had made her dusty and itchy, so it was needed and she was happy to come home and chew on another neck.




As you all know October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month we are sharing important info all the time to remind everyone to be safe, both humans and animals.


So that has been our week, Madam as usual being spoiled and me working hard to keep her happy, what a perfect balance.


Have a wonderful weekend all,With a woof and love from Layla

I am a busy bee

Happy Friday Everyone,


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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


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

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


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

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


Have a wonderful weekend all

With a woof and love from Layla

August is here

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


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

Layla when she was in the shelter 

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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


Another week in my life

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

All Dressed Up


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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

After her blessing with the Sister of Perpetual Indulgance 


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

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


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

With a woof and love from 
Layla 


I am a Social Butterfly

Morning All,


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


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

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

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

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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


With a woof and love From Layla, the social butterfly 



A weekend of Adventures

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 


Weekend is here

Good Morning All,


Weekend has arrived and the fun will begin. 


The weather is lousy here in SF at the moment, cold, windy and raining and not sure where the sun disappeared. Layla is not happy getting her paws wet so she is hibernating as much as possible in her box.


Last Friday I took the day off to spoil myself and went with friends for the day to Muir Woods. I have never been there and was so excited to go, I decided to leave Layla at home and spend some down time for myself in nature. I know some of you will say poor Layla but it is the first time I have done something like this, and although I felt guilty I really needed it. The Woods are magical, listening to the water running in the streams, the quiet, the birds singing, was heaven for me and relaxing that I came home with new energy and I think I need to do this more often. I am sure she slept and said to herself phew thank goodness she has gone LOL.

On Saturday we went to National Dog Mom’s Day held at Pet Camp San Francisco. 
What is Dog Moms Day ? Dig-The Dog Person’s Dating App created a day to celebrate and thank the dog moms who dedicate their love and support every day to their dogs. It’s a different, special and visceral love that deserves its own day to be recognized and appreciated.


Us Moms were spoiled with beautiful tote bags and caps from a company called Drink Babe whom gave us cans of bubbly Rosé Babe, Grigio Babe, and Red Babe to celebrate Mothers Day.

There were also vendors for the dogs :


The hosts : Pet Camp who is San Francisco’s only certified green dog and cat boarding, day care, grooming and training facility. A wonderful place with lots of place to run and have fun. Highly recommended.

V- Dog – V-dog is a family-owned vegan dog food company based in San Francisco,

CA VetCBD – teaching us the safe and effective use of cannabis for pets! 

 Paw Patch Pastries – Fresh Baked Organic Gourmet Treats, Cakes, Fashion, Accessories More! 

Yoga Force – Yoga for Humans and Dogs together

Vetted Pet Care – Vetted is an in-home veterinary care provider for dogs and cats

Dog Log App – DogLog’s mission is to improve the lives of pets and their caretakers by facilitating better communication and providing more visibility to the dog’s activitiesHappy

Hounds Massage – Happy Hounds Massage provides a variety of massage services including surgery rehabilitation, arthritis and dysplasia management, preventative treatments, athletic care and weight management.

 And then of course the Rescue Organizations Grateful Dogs Rescue and Copper Dreams Rescue.


In a nutshell we had a great time and I think the best of all was watching Layla climb down the stairs at the agility section LOL. Click on the link below :

https://www.facebook.com/LaylasWoof/videos/2629654410438244/

On Sunday we had a lazy day, met a friend for coffee and a chat with Madam of course but otherwise we did nothing.


So that is what has been happening in the Layla neighborhood as with the rain at the moment and me back at work nothing exciting is happening although shhh she is getting groomed today and I have not told her yet.

Oy Vey I am going to have to stock up on treats and spoil her afterwards.
Have a wonderful weekend all with lots of fun and laughter.

Hugs and Woof Layla