For Sheryl and George Austin, one of the best parts of living in Ibis is the active, welcoming lifestyle. After five years in the community, Sheryl loves everything from biking to tennis, pickleball, and the convenience of having world-class amenities just minutes from home. But perhaps the greatest addition to their Ibis life arrived in April 2022 on four furry paws.

Layla, a 4½-year-old Australian Labradoodle, quickly became the heart of the Austin household. Originally developed in Australia as a low-shedding family companion, Australian Labradoodles combine traits from Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, and several other breeds. With such a varied gene pool you never know what to expect.  While Layla has many physical characteristics, including her size, of a Cocker Spaniel she is a bundle of pure love and she loves her lovin’, giving and receiving plenty of that. The perfect addition to the Austin family.

The story of how Layla joined the family began with another Australian Labradoodle named Hamel, who was adopted by the Austins' daughter, London, and her family. One look at Hamel and the Austins were smitten.

"Once you start looking at puppy pictures, you're a lost cause," Sheryl laughs. "You know you can't resist and will end up getting a puppy of your own."

After choosing Layla at just six weeks old, the tiny pup spent her first month learning excellent manners with a trainer before coming home. According to Sheryl, however, some of those lessons may have been unintentionally undone.

"We dedicated time to untraining her," she jokes. "In spite of us, she still listens pretty well most of the time!"

One of Layla's most striking features is her beautiful long eyelashes, which seem to attract compliments wherever she goes. But it's her sweet personality that truly wins people over. Layla has perfected the art of requesting treats, performing an irresistible routine that includes dancing, making eye contact, sitting, scooting backward, and even leading her humans to the treat cabinet while "talking" to them.

Her talents don't stop there. Layla is also a self-proclaimed interior designer, especially when it comes to rearranging decorative pillows on the bed. She proudly provides nightly "turndown service" before bedtime and responds to simple hand signals for sitting and lying down when treats are involved.

When the Austins aren't home, Layla has another important responsibility: neighborhood watch. Despite knowing she's not supposed to be on the white sofa, she can often be found perched there, keeping a close eye on everything happening outside. Sheryl says that if neighbors happen to walk by and spot "a doggy in the window," it's a sure sign that no one is home.

Layla also takes her role as Ibis' unofficial welcome committee very seriously. She loves people—especially people walking dogs—and eagerly invites everyone passing by to stop for a visit. If she's barking as you stroll past the house, don't be alarmed. She's not sounding the alarm; she's simply asking if you'd like to come in and play for a while.

Like most dogs, Layla treasures her toys, particularly her bunny, lamb, bear, and favorite ball. If it can be thrown, she's ready to chase it.

When asked about a favorite memory, Sheryl immediately recalls the day they first met their future puppy.

"The first time we went to meet Layla, she crawled up onto George's shoulder and fell asleep," she says. "We were in love instantly."

Layla is a social butterfly around Ibis and is always eager to greet passing pups. Among her favorite neighborhood friends are Triscuit Sherman, Maggie Sobelman, and Alef Fredericks, although she's happy to make friends with every dog she meets. She also enjoys visiting the Pittman Club House, where owners Earl and Sue are always ready with treats and attention.

And because a girl with eyelashes like Layla's likes to look her best, Sheryl wanted to give a special shout-out to Amanda at Woof Gang Mirasol, whose loving care and grooming help keep Layla looking as beautiful as ever.

If Layla could plan her perfect adventure, it wouldn't involve mountains to climb or beaches to explore. Her ideal day is much simpler.

"Anything that involves a belly rub," says Sheryl.

With her movie-star eyelashes, lovable personality, talent for convincing humans to hand over treats, and enthusiastic approach to welcoming the neighborhood, Layla has certainly earned her place as one of Ibis' most cherished four-legged residents. Whether she's supervising the street from her favorite spot on the white sofa, offering turndown service at bedtime, or inviting passersby in for a playdate, Layla reminds us that life's greatest joys often come wrapped in fur, wagging tails, and unconditional love.