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Three Simple Ways to Spread the Love to Rescue Animals

February 14, 2017 by ·

Happy Valentine’s Day! Let’s not forget about our four-legged friends on this day of love! Here are three simple ways to spread the love to rescue animals that won’t cost you a dime.

ONE: Spread the love by sharing an adoptable animal’s profile. The more exposure the animal gets, the more likely they are to find their loving forever home. We truly appreciate every like, share, and comment. Once the animal is adopted, a spot is freed up in a foster home for another animal in need. You can find our adoptable animals’ profiles here.

TWO: Volunteer your time! Did you know that Zoe’s is 100% volunteer run? You do not have to commit a certain amount of hours per week or month to volunteer to make a positive impact. Instead, with Zoe’s, you can jump in when you are available. We are always looking for help with fundraising, event organizing, transporting animals and supplies, photography, blogging and of course… fostering! Learn more about volunteering here.

THREE: Share the message to spay and neuter! Zoe’s does everything in our power to help to end the cycle of homeless animals including ensuring that every single adopted animal is either spayed or neutered before the adoption is finalized. There are so many deserving animals in local rescues, and so many waiting to come into care. Help to reduce the population of stray and unwanted animals by reminding people to spay and neuter their pets. You can find a list of vets that we like to work with here. In addition, the Edmonton Humane Society offers a great program for those with pets that cannot afford to spay and neuter. Check out their PALS program here.

 

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks · Tagged With: , , ,

Foster of the Week: Reepacheep

February 13, 2017 by ·

Hiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!

I’m Reepacheep, but I prefer to be called Henry. Henry Rollengardner.

I’m a chinchilla! (I don’t know why I need to announce that. Maybe because chinchilla is fun to say? Chinchilla! Chinchilla! Chinchilla!)

I came to Zoe’s because my previous home was too, too busy and it stressed me out. I don’t mind a little hustle or small bits of bustle, but I do need my rest. Chinchillas are nocturnal, which can be a bit of a challenge for people. They are awake when I want to sleep and when they want to sleep, I want to play! The easiest way to handle this is to have my enclosure away from high-traffic areas in the home. That way I can be in the busy parts of the house when I want to play, but also have quiet when I want to sleep. Plus my nighttime antics won’t disturb you while you’re sleeping.

I’ve been a little skittish when it comes to human contact. Smaller animals tend to take longer to form a bond and trust their humans. My foster family has been patiently and slowly working to boost my confidence and help me become more comfortable with handling. I’m still unsure about being picked up, but I am starting to love pets and scratches. I have a sweet spot and if you find it, I will coo and smile in delight! I LOVE to be out of my enclosure to run and explore and chase my humans. Especially when they have treats. Be sure to keep a close eye on me when I am loose, though, I can be mischevious and chewy.

I may be partial, but chinchillas make great companion animals! We are generally quiet and low-maintenance, but also sweet and silly and fun. The most important part of being a chinchilla parent is providing an appropriate environment, like making sure there are places to tuck in and hide as well as chinchilla exercise equipment like a running wheel and climbing structures.

If your home sounds like a great home for me, and you’re looking to add some fun and silliness to your life, visit my bio and apply to adopt me!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks · Tagged With: ,

Foster of the Week: Gilligan Katt

February 6, 2017 by ·

 

Hey there! I’m Gilligan!

Do you like to play? I do!! My favourite things to play with are string toys and wand toys. Anything I can chase, pounce, and bat!

I like people too. They’re wonderful! I can be a bit demanding when I want affection from my people. Ok, a lot demanding. But I love to cuddle! I love pets and scratches and belly rubs. I have this spot that I just LOVE to be scratched. When my people scratch that spot, I can’t help but flop over in absolute bliss.

I like other animals, too. Cats, dogs, kids…. I like them all! What’s that? Kids aren’t animals?? Uh….if you say so…. Whatever they are, I like them!

I’m an adventurer at heart. I love exploring and climbing. I especially like sneaking into the pantry and the cupboards. Peek-a-boo!! I like water, too. I’m always hanging out in the sink or the bathtub. My foster family says I am a curious cat who always makes them laugh. They’re so sweet.

I may not look it, but I am still a kitten. Full of energy and silliness. I am also a perfect gentleman. Quiet and affectionate.

You won’t find a cat much better than me! I am well-rounded, lovable, fun and dashingly handsome…. My ideal home would be full of things to love – adults, kids, cats and dogs, the more the merrier! My home should also have lots of places and spaces for me to explore, plus at least a few sinks and a spacious bathtub. Also well-stocked with soft and cozy blankets. After a day of playing and exploring, I love to curl up in a warm lap covered with a soft blanket.

My sisters have found their forever home, it’s my turn! If your home is lacking a purrrrfect gentleman, I am your cat! Visit my bio and apply to adopt me!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks · Tagged With: ,

Foster of the Week: Morgan

January 30, 2017 by ·

Hi! Morgan here again!

How have you been since we last chatted? I’ve been great! I’ve been in this foster home for about four or five months and I love it! I have three foster siblings, that weirdo behind me is one of them. Mickey. He’s good stuff. I’m way in love with my foster sister, Minnie. We snuggle all the time, she lets me nibble her toes. She’s the sweetest girl I’ve ever met. And then there’s Habib. Silly Habib…..

I can’t imagine life without doggy siblings. Not only because I enjoy their company, but because I get very scared and nervous (and LOUD) when I am alone.

A few other things I don’t like:

Cats. I swear they taunt and tease me because they know I can’t see them. But I can smell them. And I can CHASE them!
Squirrels. They are conspiring with the cats, I know it.

You know, I think that’s it. I’m a very happy guy! Always smiling and enjoying life. I like people a lot. I like being around people, I like cuddling with people, I like the food people eat….. If you’re looking for a solid Netflix (and snack) and chill companion, I am your guy.

It’s impossible to have a bad day when I’m around. I have that sort of personality that turns the frowniest of frowns upside down. I excel at snuggling, too. Everyone knows the best remedy for grouchiness is a good dog, you won’t find a dog better than me!

Let’s meet in person. Visit my bio, send in an application and come on over!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks · Tagged With: ,

Fosters of the Week: Blue & George

January 22, 2017 by ·

Hey, Blue! I think I see it!

See what?

Our forever home.

Really?

Yeah, I’m sure of it.

We’ve been adopted, George??

Not yet. They don’t know we are here.

If they don’t know we are here, how can it be our forever home?

It just is.

George, you’re crazy.

Maybe, but I’m still right. Our forever home is out there.

I dunno, George. We’ve been here a long time.

I know, but that doesn’t mean our people won’t find us. Look at Moose, it took his people over a year to find him!

That is true. His forever home is wonderful, he’s a very lucky guy!

That will be us, Blue. I know it, I feel it in my fur.

How will our forever people find us?

The universe will send them.

Oh, George. You really ARE crazy.

Crazy for cuddles!!

Good grief, George. You’re lucky I love you so much.

Our people will love us like you love me.

You are a hopeless optimist. I’m going to have a nap.

That sounds like a great plan, Blue. I’ll join you, we can dream about our people.

Yeah, maybe we can control the universe with our dreams and make our people find us today.

I feel like you’re being sarcastic, Blue.

That’s PREPOSTEROUS!

Is it, Blue? IS IT REALLY?

Oh, settle down, George. Let’s go find our foster mom and curl up with her.

Fine. But I am telling you, our people ARE out there.

I know they are, George.

You’re just saying that so I’ll stop talking.

Well, yes. I would like to have a nap. But I do believe you.

Really?

Yes, George.

I love you, Blue.

I love you, too George.

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks · Tagged With: , ,

Home-made Environmental Enrichment for the Indoor Kitty

January 19, 2017 by ·

by Crisia Tabacaru

As a loving cat parent, no doubt you’re already providing food, water and a warm home for your feline friend, but, just like you need more than the necessities to keep you at your best, your kitties will be happier and healthier if you understand their instincts, behaviours, and what will make them feel safe and content.

Let’s look at it from a biological perspective: Cats come from wild species that are both predators and prey, and many of their instinctive behaviours stem from this history. For instance, you’ve likely noticed that your kitties like to be high up, which helps them to both observe and feel safe. Providing such spaces in your home means that you’ll have a happier, less aggressive kitty, with fewer behavioural issues in general. For multiple cat households, increased vertical space will also help with stress related to territorial issues.

Many cat parents meet these needs with store-bought cat trees, hammocks or cat walks. There is nothing wrong with purchasing a cat tree, but a home-made one can be a very fulfilling project for both you and your kitty, not to mention a money-saver. In fact, one of our Zoe’s adopters built one for their kitty Neelix (Zoe’s alum, formerly Tator) and he loves his new cat tree!

This is one of my favourites. The instructions are very clear and it won’t cramp your style either. Seriously, check out those gorgeous branches!

 

Image courtesy of By Brittany Goldwyn

 

You can also take the scratching post approach and provide a climbing workout like this easy-to-follow project. Another way to give your cat observation powers is to provide cat shelves like this crafty cat owner did. The only limit is your imagination! (And maybe your handiness with tools…)

The next need to consider is mental stimulation and engagement. Boredom from a lack of environmental enrichment is often accompanied by stress and “bad” behaviours like urine marking and aggression. Increasing complexity in their environment is a way to engage cats and provide much needed mental stimulation. One way to do this is to create physical structures with attached toys and other complexities for them to play with, sleep on, scratch, and explore. This one uses readily available Ikea furniture and is attractive to boot.

Image courtesy of By Brittany Goldwyn

Another way is to provide a challenge in the form of toy or treat puzzles like these. Heck, have fun with it and make them a climbing wall!

Get inspired by these DIYs and let your imagination run wild!

Bonus: Geeky DIY cat projects

These projects are just so deliciously geeky, that I couldn’t resist!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks, Resource · Tagged With: , , , ,

Foster of the Week: Chance

January 16, 2017 by ·


 

Hi! Chance here!

It’s been a few months since we chatted. I’ve been learning so much and working so hard, I want to tell you all about it!

First of all, I attended Leash Monsters in October and have had a private training session. My people said I did very well, I’m so proud of myself! Working on my leash manners has been challenging, but also rewarding. (By ‘rewarding’, I mean I get LOTS of delicious food when I listen and do my best. Yum!!) I have a new leash and harness too, it helps me stop lunging and pulling. I’ve also been working on boundary reactivity. I often forget and bark! bark! bark!, but I’m getting much better at stopping and listening when my foster people call me. I still have some work to do, but I have come so far.

I adore people. I really do. Love and affection are my favourite things. (Next to food, of course.) My favourite way to tell you I love you is to put my face right in your face and touch noses. I call it a Chance Smooch!

I also love other animals. There are two cats in my foster home, they are wonderful friends and great nap buddies. I very much enjoy playing with the kitten, however, there is a considerable size difference between us and I forget that sometimes. My foster people keep an eye on me to make sure I don’t play too rough or paw-sy. And, despite my excitability around other dogs while on a leash, I am happy as a clam and positive as a pickle when meeting friends off-leash.

I am full of life and energy. I love walks, runs and playing in water – the muddier, the better!! I love playing period. I join the cats chasing the laser pointer and play fetch in the house when it’s too cold to get out for long walks. I’m kind of a toy shredder. I love ripping the fluff out of stuffies. I don’t rip up anything else in the house! Just my toys. You might want to look into a wholesale stuffy supplier….

I am a huge goofball, I have no shame saying that. I am fun, funny, sweet and silly. If we meet, I know you will agree. Visit my bio to read more about me and apply to adopt me!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks · Tagged With: ,

Five Tips for a Successful Adoption Application

January 12, 2017 by ·

We get a high volume of applications for some dogs and cats. The interest in great! But it also means we sometimes have to pass on wonderful homes. Our choices are based on each individual animal: their temperament, energy level, health, behaviour, likes, dislikes, and reactions we’ve noted during their foster care. We try to match every pet with the best possible home for its needs. Zoe’s Animal Rescue has a 4% return rate – one of the lowest in Canada – and it’s because of our commitment to ensuring every pet finds his or her purrrfect fur-ever home.

We’ve put together a list of five tips to increase your chances of being selected for a meet and greet:

  1. Fill out the adoption application entirely. Be free with information and elaborate where possible! If we have two applications for the same dog or cat and one is missing some answers or has one-word answers, we are going to be inclined to go with the one with the most information first. 
  2. Read the animal’s profile on the website and apply for animals that you are a match with. For example, if the profile says the animal is not good with cats and you have a cat, that is not the best fit for you or the animal. But if you have a separate area for the cat or a plan to keep the two apart, please let us know in your application! 
  3. Go to adoption events and meet our volunteers! It can be hard to get a sense of who someone is when reading their responses to the application questions. When we have a face and personality to put to a name, we feel like we know you. That will add weight to your application. 
  4. Apply for animals who have been in care for a while. Puppies, kittens, and other charismatic animals tend to get lots of applications and we might lose your application in the mix. Consider applying for one of our adult or senior companions who have been on the website for a bit. You might be surprised at how quickly you form a bond with them, and you probably won’t miss getting up at 3 a.m. to let a puppy out for a pee break. 
  5. Apply to foster or volunteer with us! You automatically have a leg up when you’re part of the team. We know you, know you are committed and trust you already! Plus you’ll know just who to bribe with cookies.

If you’ve submitted an application in the past and haven’t been chosen, don’t take it personally. Keep trying until you find your match. Your fluffy soulmate is waiting!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks · Tagged With: ,

Paw Wax Fundraiser!

January 9, 2017 by ·

Zoe’s Paw Wax is an all natural product made from beeswax, shea butter, olive oil, and coconut oil. It’s safe for your pet to lick, although my lick-a-holic dogs haven’t bothered to lick it yet, and it’s safe for your own skin.

Apply paw wax a few minutes before going outside on a walk. It will protect your dog’s paws from snowballs, ice, and painful salt! If you go through deep snow where a buildup of snow on the paws is inevitable, paw wax keeps the snow from sticking or becoming embedded between the pads. You’ll be able to wipe it off and continue your walk.

In the summer paw wax will protect paws from hot asphalt, although use caution for hot surfaces and reapply as needed.

To apply paw wax:

  1. Trim your dog’s paw hair, including between the pads. Be careful not to grip his foot too hard and hurt him, and careful with those scissors
  2. Scoop out some paw wax and rub it on the pads and the areas deep between the pads. The oils in the paw wax will absorb into your dog’s foot and the wax will form a protective barrier.
  3. Repeat for all 4 paws
  4. Paw wax is good for about a week before you need to reapply. You don’t need to trim the hair each time. Apply more often if it’s very cold or you do a lot of walking.

Apply paw wax on a washable surface in your home, or get your dog to stand on a towel. The paw wax will leave light footprints for the first few steps your dog takes but the majority of the product will be absorbed into the paw.

Purchase Zoe’s Paw Wax for $8 here. Proceeds to Zoe’s Animal Rescue Society.

 

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks ·

Foster of the Week: Reinforcement

January 8, 2017 by ·

 

Hiiiiiiiiii!!!!

I’m Reinforcement, but you can call me RiRi or Ri for short.

I came to Zoe’s about six months ago after being found seriously injured by a car motor. It was a very scary time in my life, but I was treated by the very best veterinarians and cared for by the loveliest foster mom until I healed up. I’m ready for my forever home, but I suspect my pesky medical condition, caused by that run-in with the motor, might seem overwhelming to all the great families out there.

Rest assured, I am far more than a medical condition. In fact, you will never meet a more perfect mix of playfulness and affection in a feline.  My foster mom describes me as ‘charming, friendly, outgoing, exuberant, mischevious, super-loving, and adorable.’ Quite the list, right? (My foster mom is the sweetest!)

I adore people and will greet you at the door when you come home or come to visit. (No bashfulness here, I love meeting new people too!) I am inquisitive and enjoy following my people throughout their daily activities. I also love curling up in a cozy lap or napping on a warm chest. I’m not all shadows and snores, though! I might be entering my teenage years, but I’m still full kitten when I play. And I do love to play! I’m always pouncing and playing tag with the resident cat in my foster home. He tolerates me very well, but I know I’m a bit much for him some days. My perfect home would have a cat who matches my energy level and loves to play as much as I do.

I am a bit of a, um, food-a-holic. And by ‘bit’ I mean there is nothing I won’t do for a morsel of food. N.O.T.H.I.N.G. I have eaten through plastic to get to cookies and dived into the recycle bin to find the very last lick in the tuna can. All manner of counter deterrents have been tested to absolutely no avail. I am an ‘incorrigible counter surfer.’ I cannot be free fed as I am a total glutton; I must be given small portions throughout the day or I will gulp down my food causing an upset tummy. While my foster mom chuckles at my antics (it’s amazing what a pretty face and sweet disposition can get away with) I have caused some changes in household habits when it comes to food handling and storage.

Which ties into my medical condition…… My run in with that motor caused permanent damage to my pancreas. Treatment for my condition was quite involved at first, but is now quite simple! I can only eat a certain kind of wet food, in small portions as mentioned, and need a monthly injection of Vitamin B – If you give my injection while I’m eating, I won’t even notice. There will always be a risk of a pancreatic flare-up, which is very painful for me and requires a visit to the vet, however, I have not had a flare up since getting my diet under control. (Which is why keeping me away from people food is so important.) With consistent care, my foster mom feels the chance of a flare-up is minimal.

I would love to meet you, I am certain you will fall in love. Submit an application right meow!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks · Tagged With: ,