Are you prepared ?

TGIF!!! Phew weekend has arrived and thank goodness the weather here is cooling down, San Francisco has had such a heatwave I thought we would melt, global warming is slowly starting to happen here and all over the world. Are we all prepared for these changes?

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month and what else will happen this month? Are we really prepared in our house for one? What do we really need? It worries me as I wonder what if I am not home when an earthquake happens. Will Layla be, ok? Do any of you think of this?

I recheck once a month our emergency bag but I then say will I have time to pick it up and run when an earthquake hits, is too heavy, have I overpacked, it might sound crazy but would rather be safe than sorry.

So this is emergency bag :

Water / flashlight / batteries / radio / change of clothing / food for Layla and me / her supplements and medications / poop bags / dog treats / blanket / toy for her / first aid kit / copies of documents / cash / usb drives of all my computer files / my beach canopy that I could use as a tent and other sentimental items of mine.  It sounds a lot, but I still wonder if it is enough. I also have a collapsible pet carrier to put her in so she will feel safe plus her backpack to carry her out of the house (although with her age she is not comfortable in it) but it is safe, and she does not walk on the sidewalks in case there is debris and could get hurt.

I also say that I can live off bread and water, but her food is extremely important.

So, when all these disasters hit us, and however much we are prepared we all lose material items which for me is as I say, something that can be replaced, but the lives of the animals and birds cannot so it is so important to do as much as possible to protect them.

On this note I am asking everyone to be safe and check your bags.

Most important our pets are family and should not be left behind to fend for themselves as you are serving them a death sentence.

Have a great safe week,

With a woof and love from Layla

 

 

 

 

Another week in the Layla Neighborhood

Woof to all our friends,


March has arrived and that means summer is around the corner which I am sure many of you are happy about.


In my neighborhood it has been warm, no rain which is pawsome although Mom is upset and says we need it. I will let her be right this time.


Gidget and Georgie have been spending time here playing like crazy and I am the referee and growl when they come close to me. I keep telling them I am an old lady and do not have patience for all the playing and jumping around so the growl puts them in their place.

You know the saying you can teach an old dog tricks well LOL I am still laughing over this, Layla in the 9 years plus that I have her has never chewed up or shredded a toy and last Thursday she did it so I think she has learnt from Georgie and Gidget.

Mom is loving having them, but as she says, with the water bowl flying everywhere and water all over the ground our floor is clean all the time BOL. 

They are keeping her busy and healthy as she is walking more than usual also and when they go out I hide in my box for some down time and then make her walk me without them. I have her well trained.


Today, has been a crazy morning for Mom, she cleaned the house (not sure why as the other two are here), a new mattress was delivered so she has loads of laundry to do now and she got me up early to get everything done. I am not really happy about that one as I need my beauty sleep.

I asked Mom what the plans are for this weekend and she told me she is not working and wants to go to the Tulip Festival which I am excited about  as that means riding on the bus woof doing happy dance. We will also be meeting another blogger and  her dog so I will be making a new friend and am excited about that one.  So Saturday is going to be a good day and Sunday no plans. What are yours this weekend ?
NOW something serious :

This month is Poison Prevention Awareness Month for us pets.
This is so important for us to remember and know about to keep us safe.
What is poison for us dogs :
1.    Chocolate
2.    Rodenticides
3.    Anti-inflammatory medications
4.    Xylitol (sugar-free gum & more)
5.    Grapes & Raisins, Onions, Garlic, 
6.    Antidepressant Medications and Stimulant Medications 
7.    Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol)
8.    Vitamin D Overdose
9.    Stimulant Medications 
10.  Fertilizers 

What is poison for our cats  :
1.    Lilies (Lilium species)
2.    Spot-on flea/tick medication for dogs
3.    Household Cleaners
4.    Antidepressant Medications
5.    Essential Oils
6.    Anti-inflammatory Medications
7.    Mouse & Rat Poisons (rodenticides)
8.    Stimulant Medications 
9.    Onions & Garlic
10.  Vitamin D Overdose  

And final list for all pets :
Autumn Crocus
Azalea
Cyclamen
Kalanchoe
Lilies
Oleander
Dieffenbachia
Daffodils
Lily of the Valley
Sago Palm
Tulips and Hyacinths 

So please everyone, keep us safe and if something happens call the Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 This is a 24/7 helpline and there is an incident fee of 59 dollars.


On this note, I have finished dictating to Mom and now need a nap,
Have a wonderful weekend Layla



Loving us is keeping us safe

Good morning friends,
Love is in the air, can you smell it. Yes that smell of flowers, chocolates for Mom and treats for me, it is Valentines Day.


Valentines Day is a special day as we shower our Mom or Dad with extra love as they are the best and love us all the time.

February the 14th is also Pet Theft Awareness Day. 
Statistics tell us that up to 2 million pets are stolen each year and that 1 in 3 pets will go missing at some point in their lives. What we may not realize is that less than 20% of dogs and 2% of cats are ever returned home. Where do these dogs end up? In unimaginable places, from research laboratories to puppy mills, todog fighting rings as bait dogs. 
Pure dog breeds are the most likely to be stolen. Toy breeds are the most vulnerable like a Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua and designer breeds are also common targets. The more expensive the breed the more likely it can be stolen but mutts are also at risk so we must keep the below tips in mind at all times.


How to keep us safe :
01. Keep your dog indoors when you are not home especially, and if you have an outdoor dog make sure the gates are locked so that no one can access them.

02.  Do NOT tie your dog outside a store or restaurant as you are looking for trouble. An unattended dog is easy target for thieves.

03. Walk your dog with a leash only, a dog without a leash walking with you is also an easy target for theft.

04. Make sure all information on tags and microchip are up to date and that your pets are wearing collars at all times. Remember a thief can remove the collar and tags but not the microchip.

05. Keep your cats indoors as they are safer.

06.  If you think your dog is stolen, report the theft to police right away. Next, let your neighborhood know also.

07. Never leave your pet unattended in a car.


Important Tips to help get your pet home :
01. File a police report so there is a record of theft.

02. Contact your Animal Control, Shelter, Groomers, Pet Stores and file a report with each shelter.

03. Put up flyers around your neighborhood with contact information and a recent photograph.04.  Post on Social Media 


Most Important beware of scams – people will call you to say they have your pet to get the reward BUT do not give them anything till you have your pet in your possession.


So I am woofing please keep us safe and happy as we do not want to go to anyone else as you are our parents.


Have a wonderful weekend

With woof and love from Layla