Tag Archives: #sanfrancisco

Are you prepared ?

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June has arrived and it is important month for us pet parents. It is the month where we should make sure we are prepared for any disaster that can happen and our bags are packed and ready to go.

Living in San Francisco which is earthquake city I am prepared and check my bag once every six months to make sure all is good. With Layla aging and now on medications I have got extras in the bag, so I do not have to worry if we must run.

In the bag I have food for Madam, I have put freeze dried food as she eats homemade, boxes of water, water bowl, food bowl, leash, poop bags, first aid kit and so much more. I also have a wonderful carrier which expands on all sides to enlarge it so I can put her inside it, and she will be safe plus I will not have to worry about her wandering off especially as she is going blind.  There is also a file with all her important info which includes a document with emergency contact if something happens to me. Her microchip is up to date, like her tags with an emergency phone number in case my phone is not working. My plan is if we must run to put her in her backpack and carry the bag, so she does not fall and hurt herself.

 

For me LOL, some instant coffee and creamer, crackers, and some cans of food but not much as the bag is so heavy with all her stuff. As I say I can live off bread and water, but she needs proper food. I also have a sleeping bag, flashlight, battery operated radio and I put to protect us from winds which San Francisco does have a beach canopy which will give us some shelter.

Being prepared can be a life saver for our fur family plus being prepared makes my life easier as I do not have to worry If something happens.

Are you prepared? Tell us what you have in your bag as hey maybe I forgot something. Please keep microchip and tags information updated at all times.

 

So, everyone, get the bags ready, please be safe

Happy Pride everyone, get rainbows flying in the wind,

 

With a woof and love from Layla

 

Aging is not easy

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Woof hi friends,

Growing old is not easy and watching Layla age is frightening, worrisome and stressful also. I sit each day wondering how time has gone by, how she is changing in some ways, and it concerns me.

I am blessed to have an awesome vet who I can email, ask questions, and always get a reply to my questions which saves me stressing her out by going to the vet, unless we both agree it is important. I was at the clinic this week to pick up her Gabapentin and my vet caught me while there to tell me that she is going to be away till July as she volunteers every year in Africa with the Cheetah Conservation. So that would mean if I needed a vet, it would be someone else from the clinic. I love the clinic as they told me where I can buy her Gabapentin for half the price so next time, I must order some will do so.

 

Her anxiety has gone through the roof which I think is from her losing her sight slowly, so have come to an arrangement with a friend of mine that if I have appointments and going to be out of the house for more than 3 hours, I take her to my friend to stay for the time I am away. It seems to be working as the couple of times I have left her for long periods she has peed on the bathroom carpet which she does not do at nights or when I am at home. She is quick to tell me she needs to go out by barking at me. I spoke to the vet about it and she is not concerned so I am not worrying either.

She gave me a big fright this week by running down the stairs in our building and slipping and falling, yelping while going down so I carried her the rest of the way and put her on the ground, and she trotted like nothing had happened and peed. She is eating like a pig; all her supplements and Dr Harvey’s dog food so thank goodness her diet is balanced and healthy. Yes, I am still cooking her protein, supplements that she gets are Fish Oil, Green Lipped Mussels, and the Vetricyn Senior Supplement so in a nutshell she is eating better than me LOL.

So, life in the Layla Neighborhood is changing daily but we dealing with it, we did go to our friends garden over the weekend which was fantastic, the weather was perfect and she roamed around all happy. She loves being outside but not in dog parks or anywhere noisy, like me she loves the peace and quiet of outdoors.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, be safe

With love from

Layla

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life is returning to normal

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Hello, all my fur friends today is an important day, it is Earth Day, This day is so important for all of us as we need to keep our planet clean, look after the environment and make it safe for the future generations.

Before it is too late we need to keep our oceans clean, the wild life safe both in the ocean and on the land and most important is to keep our air clean so that we can all breathe which means leaving forests alone.

So we are asking all our friends to work with us keeping our planet clean like we keep our houses clean.

 

Life here in San Francisco is slowly getting back to normal, events are slowly starting with the weather warming so weekends are becoming busy for us.

 

Last Sunday we went to Easter Sunday in the park which is held every year by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. It is a fun filled day in the park with many wearing costumes, a show and so much more. This one was the first in three years so it was extra fun.

 

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are an organization of queer and trans nuns. They believe all people have a right to express their unique joy and beauty.

 

The Sisters devote themselves to community service, ministry, and outreach to those on that need it.  They promote human rights, respect for diversity and spiritual enlightenment.

 

They use humor and wit to expose bigotry, guilt that chains the human spirit.

 

So, we spent a couple of hours there walking around, Layla was in her backpack because of the crowds and she was happy that way. It was fun to be out with others and just laugh at all.

 

This Saturday is one of my favorite dog events, DogFest in the dog park near where I live. I am so looking forward to seeing all the dogs, people and the vendors and of course see what is new on the market.

 

I will be taking Layla with me of course but once again she will be in her backpack as she is safer there at her age especially.

 

As I said life is slowly getting back to normal and it is such a wonderful gift, sun shining, mask on and off we start our fun this year.

 

Have a great safe weekend everyone

With a woof and love from Layla

 

 

 

 

Living with Layla

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TGIF !!!!

The weather has been awful, raining non stop, freezing and with the new variant we have been indoors most of the time.

January is Walk Your Dog Month and Layla is in heaven as all the Christmas Trees are on the sidewalks so all she does is smell

and pee on them LOL.

See video below of her helping me with the housework.

https://youtu.be/QCxmSuQZe3Q

When there has been a break in the rain and the sun peeks out I have taken her somewhere to give her some fun. Last week I took her to the promenade, which was awesome, chilly but sun shining, and she was in her element running around and me running after her so she did not go far. I had taken tea with me but never got to drink it as I could not sit down for too long, but it was worth it as she had so much fun and that is all that counts.

See the video below of her happily running, I leave the leash on her so that I can stand on it which makes it easier for me to catch her.

https://youtu.be/YRVouhcNs-Q

On top of it all Layla now has an ear infection which I was lucky to get her into the Vet and get it sorted out, 200 plus dollars later she is slowly getting better. The vet is really impressed with Layla’s over all health for her age so am relieved.

Today we went to my friends garden, it was cold and misty but it was great to sit outdoors for a bit and Madam was in her element.

See below the video of her moaning for treats, I give her freeze dried raw kibbles as treats as she loves them.

https://youtu.be/daBKHvJbsfg

So, the beginning of the New Year has been very quiet, nothing exciting as such but I am blessed to have a happy healthy little girl.

We hope you all have a safe healthy New Year

With love from Layla

They just amaze me

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Last Saturday we went to the 10th Tripawed Meet Up in our dog park. These dogs just amaze me and I always say we humans can learn from them.

Some of the dogs at the event

Madam watching what is going on

Most of the dogs are rescues and unfortunately have been dumped in shelters because of their disabilities but it does not bother them as they are happy dogs, some hopping on two legs, others with three legs and they just playing around, begging for treats and absolutely adorable.

It was a great day to have a picnic in the park with all dog parents, with lots of laughter and forget all the world problems.

This Saturday, August 21st is International Homeless Animal Day – Every year on the third Saturday of August, International Homeless Animals Day is celebrated to draw attention to the issue of pet overpopulation.

To raise awareness spay and neuter clinics are held, adoption fairs are held, unfortunately because of Covid a lot of these events will not be happening but we can all do something to stop the over population of pets.

We must remember that worldwide there is an over population of pets and if we do what I listed below these poor homeless pets will not face euthanasia and will live happy healthy lives in homes.

How can we help with over population of pets :

  • Spay and Neuter
  • Foster a shelter pet
  • Microchip your pets
  • Become an animal rescue advocate

So Layla is begging everyone to spay and neuter your pets, do not buy from breeders but open your heart to a homeless pet who desperately needs a safe home,

Thinking of all the homeless pets

Be safe everyone, 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

December has arrived

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TGIF !!!!!!!!!


December has arrived and we are having a warm one, no rain which is something we desperately need.


Over Thanksgiving weekend I had Trippe stay with us, Madam did a bark and growl but in the end settled down LOL. He is an adorable Tripawd but afraid of going outside so the walks with him were quick ones, and Madam took me on the long ones. It was so great having him and what I thought was really cute was him bringing his toy to me to play with him which is something Layla never does so I was really spoiled.


The only problem Layla had with him LOL was he loved to sleep in her bed and she was not happy, as soon as she moved he was into her bed like a bullet. He had his bed here but was not interested. 

At night they both hogged my bed and I slept dangling from the corner of my bed but in a nutshell I loved it.


Other than that San Francisco is going back to strict lock down so once again our outdoors will be limited to walks and some park time if I can do social distancing which sometimes is not easy plus Madam loves to walk around visiting others on their blankets and not everyone likes it.


December means the holidays are upon us, Hanukkah starts next week and I will share our Doggy Latke recipe on the blog, Layla gets spoiled for 8 days so I am not doing Christmas for her.


So at the moment it is quietish in the Layla Neighborhood, we are taking each day as it comes but am relieved she is healthy, happy and eating like a pig. Something new I have started with is giving her freeze dried kibbles as treats and she loves them. She now has a snuffle mat and loving it, keeping her busy sniffing all the time hoping something might be there.


Have a great weekend, be safe 

With love from Layla 

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

Helping Pets in need during the Lock Down

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TGIF !!!!!!!!!!

Friday has arrived, first Friday in August and we decided to dedicate our blog this week to an amazing organization that has just started,  a Free Pet Food Pantry in San Francisco, in one of the areas where the residents have been hit hard economically.


This organization is called the Latino Task Force. I am sure you will ask who they are ? 

They formed as a clearinghouse of COVID-19 information and resources for the Mission District community. The group has more than three dozen community-based organizations, along with City Government partners, that are working together to meet the needs of immigrants, families, elders, homeless, LGBTQ, youth, and other Latino populations who are experiencing challenging times during the pandemic.

It’s an all volunteer organization that provides boxes of food to 7,000 people a week. SFDOG is working with the San Francisco SPCA to distribute dog and cat food as part of the services operating at the Mission Food Hub three days per week. They are recruiting volunteers to hand out food and raising funds to keep purchasing food for families to feed their pets.


You can see the links for the Latino Task Force and SFDOG below.

This is the link  :     https://www.ltfrespuestalatina.com/contact

This is the link :     https://sfdog.org/blog/help-san-francisco-families-feed-their-pets


The SPCA and Pet Food Express (An amazing pet store where I shop all the time) contributed food to kick off the pantry. And they will purchase food through the SPCA at their corporate partner rate on an ongoing basis. They are at this moment  testing the pantry on a three-month trial, which could be extended and expanded to other locations. As it stands with the Mission Food Hub, they can only distribute pet food that is shipped directly from the manufacturer.

Thank you David from SFDOG for allowing me to share your photos
Thank you David from SFDOG for allowing me to share your photos


I am putting it out here if you manufacture pet food/treats and would like to donate I am sure it will be welcome. Thank you.

Our pets are our family, I always joke that Layla eats better than me but then she is my furkid so there is no question about that, and as I am watching pets unfortunately being dumped at shelters as families cannot afford them at this moment it is a reminder that there are solutions, amazing people out there who are helping in whatever way possible and we must learn to reach out and ask for help.


So Layla and I want to thank these fantastic volunteers for all the amazing work you are doing, you are our heroes this week.


Do you have a free pet food bank in your city ?


To all our furfriends, please be safe, wear masks and remember you are not alone, we are unfortunately all in the same boat today.


With a woof and love from

Layla