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Foster of the Week: Heather Willow

November 21, 2016 by ·

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Hey there! HW again!

The lovely Zoe’s people asked me to chat you up again because I’m still looking for my forever home.

I was a little shy last time we met, sometimes people aren’t sure about shy cats. I understand that. Sometimes I’m not sure about people. I feel much more comfortable now, but that might be the catnip talking……

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That’s my catnip face. RAWR!

Don’t judge, sometimes a girl has to let loose and have fun!

It’s true that I am a calmer lady and I prefer a quieter home, but I can still get down! I love to play and chase toys. And I lurve me some catnip!!

I’m also very cuddly. My foster mom says if you have a lap, I will curl up and sleep on it. I don’t like to be picked up, but I very much like cuddling. I also like to chat. I chirp and meow at my foster mom all the time. She’s been very patient with me, I appreciate that. And she understands that sometimes I don’t want pets and that I can get a little overwhelmed if there is too much going on around me. She lets me go off on my own for some peace and quiet. It’s important to me that my people are patient and understanding.

I was asked what I would like in a forever home…… a warm lap. That’s top of my list! I don’t like lots of noise and activity, so I would like a quieter home. Dogs and small children scare me, but I do like other cats. I lived with a few other felines for a while, we got along very well. They make excellent cuddle friends! I don’t have many requests: love and patience. That’s really all I’d like.

Oh, and catnip! That’s a MUST.

If you have catnip and a cozy lap, you should apply to adopt me! I’m sure we would be great friends.

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

Foster of the Week: Dozer

November 14, 2016 by ·

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Hmmm…. How does this thing work?  The Humans seem to push on this sticky-outie thing with their foot to get the top to open….Maybe my paw isn’t big enough….. I liked the old garbage can better, it was easier to open. Uh oh!! The Humans are coming! Gotta get to my bed and pretend I’m sleeping!!

Phew! That was close. I will conquer that garbage can another day.

Oh, hello! How long have you been there? Are you going to tell the Humans I was trying to get into the garbage?

They know I’m trying to figure it out. Just like they know I can open the fridge and that I know how to get delicious food from up on the table into my stomach. Tablecloths are a dog’s conveyor belt, you know. (By the way, caramel apple pie is sofreakingdelicious!! I highly recommend it.)

I love food. Can you tell?

I’m supposed to be on a diet, but restricting the amount of food I eat doesn’t really jive with my love of food. (Although shedding some excess weight has done wonders for my hips….)

At least there aren’t any restrictions on my other love – KIDS!!

I love all kinds of people, but I adore children. Especially the smallest ones. The smallest ones usually share food so they’re doubly great.

I couldn’t imagine life without children. They make me so, so happy, my whole entire body wiggles with excitement!

I’m as smart as I am hungry and I am VERY hungry. As a highly intelligent, older gentleman, I know what I want:

I know I want food (diet shmiet!) and I know I always want to have children in my life.

I know that I always want to be with my people, so I will shadow you and lay beside you wherever you are. If you leave me in the yard, I will let myself out of the yard so I can find you.

I like to chat and want to be the center of attention, especially when people are visiting.  If it’s too quiet, I will walk right up to you and start talking. When company is over, I will introduce myself. If they don’t properly introduce themselves (read: give me a suitable amount of attention), I will, politely, of course, get in their face and whimper until proper introductions (read: a suitable amount of attention) are given.

I enjoy being outside and going for walks, I will bring you my leash when it’s time for a stroll.

I know when the day is done and it’s time to sleep. If you’re a night owl or a Chatty Cathy after dark, I will shoot you looks of annoyance until you get the hint and go to bed.

And I know my perfect family is out there, waiting for me.

Gentlemen don’t like to be boastful, and I am no exception, but I have to say I am a great guy. I am gentle, soft, and loyal. I am happy, FULL of love and SO ready to give my whole heart to my perfect family.

If you have room in your heart for a sweet gentleman like me, go on and visit my bio. Then apply to adopt me!

 

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

Your Library Resource

November 10, 2016 by ·

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There are just some books that you should have in your library whether you have cats or dogs or both. The following is a list of books that have great resources and can help you with behavioral issues, training and as well what to expect when adopting a new member of the family. Now it’s not every book you should have in your library as there are just too many great books out there to list them all, but it’s just a few you should consider reading. Yes some books are similar so ultimately it’s your choice what you choose.

Cat books:

Books by Author Amy Shojai are wonderful and easy to read.

  • Complete kitten care – a must read for people adopting kittens.
  • CAT FACTS: THE PET PARENTS A-to-Z HOME CARE ENCYCLOPEDIA -a book to help understand health issues.
  • Complete care for your aging cat -a go-to book for anyone with a senior cat, it gives extra information on how to help your senior cat live a long healthy life.
  • ComPETability: Solving Behavior Problems In Your Multi-Cat Household – a great book to have if your cats are not getting along.
  • ComPETability: Solving Behavior Problems In Your Cat-Dog Household – dogs and cats, let’s face it they don’t always love each. This book can help!
  • PETIQUETTE: SOLVING BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS IN YOUR MULTI-PET HOUSEHOLD -A great book if you have multi pets to help you have a peaceful home.

Books by Pam Johnson Bennet are also great, it has a bit of sense of humor and it more geared towards helping you understand more about cats and their behavior.

  • Think like a cat – Ever wanted to know more about why your cat does certain things or just more information on cats in general? This book has a ton of information that can help you understand more why your furry friend does what it does.
  • Cat vs Cat – A fantastic book to help cats get along peacefully in a home and more information on introductions to help them get off on the right foot.
  • Starting from Scratch: How to Correct Behavior Problems in Your Adult Cat -Does your cat have some behavioral issues that you are struggling to stop? This book has a lot of information that can help you do it, from litter box aversion to cat aggression and everything in between!
  • CatWise: America’s Favorite Cat Expert Answers Your Cat Behavior Questions – Have questions on cats? This book has loads of questions that was answered by a cat behaviorist.

Dog books:

  • The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs by Patricia McConnell Ph.D. – a great resource to understand why your behavior can affect your dog! A must have book!
  • Complete puppy care by Amy Shojai -a book that has all things puppy and is perfect for the first time puppy owner.
  • The power of positive training by Pat Miller- want a comprehensive book on positive reinforcement training? this is the book for you! complete with a diary to track your progress.
  • It’s me or the dog: how to have a perfect pet by Victoria Stillwell -this book is extremely easy to understand and has photos to help guide you. Even kids would love this book and can help with training.
  • Inside of a dog: what dogs see, smell and know by Alexandra Horowitz -what to know more about why a dog does certain things? This book can explain a dog’s inner mind.
  • The Cautious Canine: How to Help Dogs Conquer Their Fears by Patricia McConnell Ph.D – A fantastic book to have if you have a fearful dog.
  • Don’t Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training by Karen Pryor -A MUST HAVE book!
  • Before & After Getting Your Puppy Hardcover by Dr. Ian Dunbar -The perfect book for when you are getting a puppy.
  • ComPETability: Solving Behavior Problems In Your Multi-Dog Household by Amy Shojai – A book to help your dogs get along.
  • Complete care for your aging dog by Amy Shojai -A great book for your senior dog to help make his golden years comfy.

We hope this list of books can help you with training and help you when you are dealing with behavioral issues so you can enjoy the experience of having a pet.

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks, Resource ·

Fosters of the Week: Wednesday & Merlina

November 6, 2016 by ·

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Hey, Wednesday. Do you know what this thing is?

No clue, Merlina. I thought it was a fancy water dish for us, but then our foster mom sat on it. When she stood up again, it made this weird, loud noise.

I saw that, too!! Maybe it’s a toy for humans…..

I dunno, maybe. HEY! Let’s go play! NOT IT!!

Wednesday!! Wait up!!

You can’t catch me! Neener! Neener! Neener!!

Oh, yeah!? Wanna make a bet???

I bet ALL your treats that you can’t catch me.

No, way Wednesday! I wouldn’t give up my treats for ANYTHING!

Hahaha! I know, right! I wouldn’t either.

Hey, look! Our foster mom is home!

Yay!! Let’s go snuggle with her. I’m a bit tired from all this chasing and playing.

Maybe she’ll give us treats!

I hope so! I looooooooove treats.

*Purrrrrrrrr* Are you comfy, Wednesday?

Sure am, Merlina. *Purrrrrrrr*

Wednesday, do you remember the time you got locked in the fridge? Hee hee hee….

Haha! Yeah, I was trying to escape, but couldn’t, tumbled around and made a BIG thump inside the fridge. Foster Mom thought I fell behind the fridge. She moved everything, but still couldn’t find me. Then she heard me crying, opened the fridge and there I was!

I enjoyed watching that. I knew you were in the fridge the whole time, you know.

I know, silly sister….

Hey, do you remember that time you pounced on Foster Mom’s face when she was in bed and on her phone? You crashed her phone right into her nose! Bahahahaha!!

Oh, man! That was so fun! Being a black cat is so awesomely stealthy.

We do have a lot of fun together, don’t we, Wednesday?

We sure do, Merlina. Our Foster Mom is a lot of fun, too.

She sure is, I love her. But don’t you think it would be nice to have a forever home?

Yeah, that would be really nice. If you could pick your perfect home, what do you think you would want?

Hmm….well, I would definitely want people who understand we are shy at first and will give us time to get to know each other. And also people who have lots and lots of treats. I like to get to know people who have a lot of treats.

That’s a good one, Merlina. Treats are a must, for sure.

Wednesday, what do you think about kids and dogs?

I think I’d be fine with either, as long as they are nice to us.

You mean as long as we are nice to them?

Hee hee, yeah I guess we can be a little TOO playful and rough sometimes, eh?

Yeah, but we’re learning. Foster mom is teaching us how to play nicely.

She’s so good to us.

I’d like to be adopted with you, Wednesday.

I’d like to be adopted with you, too, Merlina.

I’m sleepy, Wednesday. *Yawn*

Shhhh! I’m trying to dream about our forever family.

But how will they find us?

Easy, Merlina. They can visit my bio and yours, then apply to adopt us. Now hush. Sleep time.

Ok, Wednesday….. ZzzzzzzZzzzzzzzZzzzzzz…….

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

Foster of the Week: Arrow Oliver

October 31, 2016 by ·

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Oh, hai! I’m Arrow!

I’m heading out on an adventure. Wanna come with?

I love running around, checking out new places. I dream of living in a home with a giant yard that I can freely, but safely, explore. I’m in the prime of my life and FULL of energy. My breed, Slovak Cuvac, is a working dog, you know. The history of my canines is actually quite interesting. As far back as the 17th century we guarded livestock against wolves in the mountains of Europe. Wolves! In the mountains of Europe! Can you imagine?? What a thrilling life!!

As a working dog, I am intelligent and clever. I am loyal till the end and very protective of my people. Once I know I can trust you, I want to be your best friend and always be by your side. I am also fun and silly. I love to play, I especially love throwing myself on my back and wiggling around like a goofy white fluffball. As active and energetic as I am, I’m also totally down to snuggle up beside you. I do a fantastic impression of a couch potato. Hehehe!  And I have the best smile, no one can resist my toothy grin.

Here’s the thing, if I can get serious for a minute….I can be very stubborn and difficult. I think I should be the boss and without a strong, experienced person, I will take over. I don’t think I should have boundaries or rules and definitely don’t appreciate being told ‘no’. Typical teenager, right? I am a good guy, my foster mom says I am super sweet with serious BFF potential. Like all kids, I need the rules and boundaries I so strongly balk. I will thrive in a home where my people won’t give in to me and are committed to positively training me. I know training me will be difficult at first, for both of us, but I also know it’s what I need and will be one of the best ways for us to form a stronger than steel bond. My heart is huge and I promise your efforts will be greatly rewarded with love and devotion.

My perfect human? I would say confident, strong, playful, active and adventurous – just like me!  Does that describe you? If it does, check out my bio and apply to adopt me! Let’s go on an adventure together!!

 

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

Foster of the Week: Moose Shrek

October 23, 2016 by ·

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Oh, hello! My name is Moose.

Who are you? A friend? How nice. Very nice to meet you.

Do you have a forever home? You do? Oh, that’s wonderful! I’m looking for my forever home.

I’ve been a Zoe’s foster cat for almost a year. Can you believe that? I do love my foster home, my foster mom is the best a cat could ask for, but, oh, how I would love a family of my own.

I am an affectionate gentleman. I love to sneak onto my foster mom’s lap when she’s sitting down, or curl up at the foot of her bed. I have the biggest cat smile, and I will use it show you how much I appreciate your attention. I love water, and I like to play with it. When you wash dishes, I will happily help you! I love other cats and small children and babies. I have a “best friend” cat here in my foster home. We love to play wrestle. After playtime, we nap together and snuggle. The other kitty here is not very social with other cats, so I respect her space for the most part. I’m sweet and unassuming, and I don’t meow very often. Instead I quietly chirp when I want to “talk” to you, or your other pets. I never get underfoot, or try to run out the door and I never beg for food.  Because I’m a sensitive and soulful guy, I prefer to watch from afar when new people and pets visit. After I get used to having company over, I will come out and say hello to everyone.

I’ve been wondering why people are passing me by, maybe it’s because I have some medical issues. They might sound intimidating, but it’s very easily managed. When I was just a baby, I accidentally inhaled some cat food into my lungs. Because of this, I occasionally go through periods where I start coughing and will have to go on antibiotics for a short while. It’s very easy to give me a pill though. Most of the time, my foster mom hides my medicine in a pill pocket, and I just eat it. I take fancy Chinese herbs, they keep the coughing periods at bay. But that’s all I need. Other than love and cuddles!

Now that we know more about each other, I think we are a great match! Let’s meet in person – apply to adopt me! You bring the treats, I’ll bring the purrrrrr……

 

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

Foster of the Week: Scruffy

October 16, 2016 by ·

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Hi! Scruffy here!

Let me tell you how fantastic I am – cause oh, I am feeling F-I-N-E!

When I first came to Zoe’s, I had what they call “Little Dog Syndrome.” I was rude and tough and nippy and refused to share. It’s not that I’m a bad guy, I just didn’t have a whole lot going for me. I didn’t have a very stable home, didn’t feel safe or loved. That makes a little guy like me grumpy and nervous. I also had some rotten teeth and painful knots in my fur. Pain can make even the most jovial character a sour grape.

Life has totally turned around for me though and I am feeling on top of the world! I’ve had my teeth taken care of and my coat cleaned up. I’ve also learned that manners and good behavior are the way to my foster mom’s heart. The better my behavior, the more love and attention I get!! It’s great! I am much happier now that I am the sweet and cuddly man I’m meant to be.

Being clean and healthy inside out has me feeling like a young fella again. I love to play fetch with my favorite squeaky toy, I love car rides and walks and I’m a cuddle bug! I try to snuggle up with my foster mom at night but she has a silly no dogs in bed rule. Pft!

My forever home should be one that lets me sleep in bed with my people.

Kidding!

I’d prefer to sleep with you, but I can be happy with a cozy bed of my own. Patience and positive reinforcement are what’s important to me. Also security and love. Those things make me happy and nobody likes a grumpy Shitzu! I Shitzu not! Hahahaha!! That joke never gets old…..

I am a people dog, I just LOVE people. I’m not sure about the very small ones, though. I think I would be better with older kids.  I wouldn’t mind a dog sibling, but I don’t enjoy cats. Strange creatures, they are.

So what do you think? Am I the dog you’ve been waiting for?

I am!?!? Yay!!

Go check out my bio and apply to adopt me! I can’t wait to meet you!

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

Fosters of the Week: Hopper & Petrie

October 11, 2016 by ·

HopperOh, dear…… Petrie?? Are you here? Petrie!!! There are people here. They’re looking at me.

PETRIE!!!

Oh, dear. Oh, my. This is too much. I need to go hide.

*Pitter, patter, pitter….pitter, patter, pitter….pitter, patter, pitter……*

…..

……

…….

*Snuffle…..snort……snuffley snort….*

PetrieUm….hi? I’m Petrie. I heard Hopper calling for me. Did she go hide?

I thought so, she’s very shy.

She’s fabulous! (She’s my best friend, so I would know…) She’s just an introverted kind of cat most of the time. You should see her run, jump, and climb! Holy catnip!!! Running, jumping, and climbing isn’t usually something to be impressed by when it comes to cats, it’s what we do. But Hopper is special. She only has three legs.

Ok, so she’s not really special. Lots of cats and dogs are short a leg and get along just fine. Just like my girl, Hopper. I once knew a cat with seven legs!! Now THAT is special! No, I didn’t. I’m totally fibbing. Hopper really is a sweet young lady, though. She LOVES to sprawl her fluffy body all out and sleep and sleep and sleep. I swear every nap that girl takes is the best nap ever.

You see, we came from a very, very, very busy home. There were lots of cats. Too many. Our human was doing the very best he could, but it was too much for him. We were thankful for Zoe’s because, as much as our human loved us, it was a very unsafe and scary place for us. Many of us left with scars and fears. That’s why Hopper is so shy and timid. Me? Well, I caught some sort of sinus bug or something and now I can make the funniest snorts and snuffles. I’m healthy now, though, Zoe’s fixed me right up! The snorts and snuffles are a special souvenier, I guess.

I can be shy at times too. New environments and people are scary and intimidating. I wasn’t the ray of friendly sunshine you see before you when I first arrived in this luxurious foster palace. Oh, no! It took me a few months to realize how great it is here. Now I LOVE the pets and scratches – but please do not pick me up. I like all four paws on the floor, thankyouverymuch. And food. Oh, man. FOOD!! (Don’t tell Hopper, but I steal her food ALLLLL the time. Hee hee hee!)

Do you know what else this place has?? A RED DOT!!! Holy Dinah, is that thing ever fun!! Hard to catch too….. Little red stinker.

We’ve been here in our foster’s home for a while now. We had full examinations from wonderful veterinarians and all our medical needs tended too, we also had some much needed dental work done. We are adjusting well to our new lives and I think it’s high time we moved on to our forever home. (Hopper might not think so, but she will be okay. Paws crossed…..)

I think a low-key family would best match our low-key selves. No other animals, please. And probably no small kids. Older kids would be fine. People who will be patient with us and let us go at our own pace is most important. We would love it if you would visit our bios, look at our photos and fall deeply, madly in love with us. So deeply and madly that you are compelled to apply to adopt us.

Yours Forever,
(If you’ll have us…)

Hopper and Petrie

*snortle*

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

Foster of the Week: Bert

October 3, 2016 by ·

Bert

Eek! That’s a silly photo of me! I’m getting goosed by another dog!!

Ah, well. Life of a dog, right?

I’m Bert! How are you?

Me? I’ve had a busy year, but I’m doing alright!

I first came to Zoe’s a year ago, a little on the skinny side and a lot on the dirty side. Zoe’s cleaned me up and filled my little tummy full of good food before I was adopted by a wonderful family. Everything was great!

Then they had a baby. It was awful.

I was so sad and depressed. I didn’t even want to go on walks. No one knew I would react this way to a baby. Heck, *I* didn’t know I would react this way to a baby. Nothing helped lift this funk I was in, so the family thought maybe it was best for me to return to Zoe’s to find a home better suited for me. After I came back to Zoe’s, a vet visit revealed I had two subluxing patellas and would need surgery on both back knees. Oy vey…..

The surgery was a success. Yay! I am recovering well and ready to give this adoption thing another go!

Here’s the low-down on your boy, Bert:

I’m a pretty quiet guy, a little on the timid side with men. I’ll need some extra time and attention to bond with any men in the house. I am a sweetheart though and run around like a tail-wagging maniac when I’m excited. (It’s a Pom thing…) I love to sit outside, a fenced yard is a non-negotiable must for me. I like cats and dogs so I am open to a home with either, neither or both! I’m not sure about kids, though. That last baby was so difficult for me, I really don’t know if I’d like older kids. Maybe. We could definitely meet and see how we feel about each other. Lastly, I need a family who will continue with my surgery rehabilitation. My foster mom can tell you all about that.

Everyone who meets me falls in love with me, true story!

Let’s do it! Let’s fall in love! Visit my bio and apply to adopt me right now!!

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

Foster of the Week: Felicity

September 26, 2016 by ·

Felicity Hunt

Bonjour. Je suis Felicity.

Pleased to make your acquaintance.

Are you looking for a feline companion? Because I am looking for a human companion.

I am a lady through and through and a bit particular. I don’t mind admitting that, a lady should ask for what she wants.

I had a human companion, but things didn’t work out. It’s been hard for me, transitioning from a home to a sanctuary to a foster home, so I would like to be clear with what I would like and need in a forever home. I hope to only have one more of those.

When I arrived at my foster home, I was quite skittish. I have the loveliest foster mom who has been so kind and patient with me, teaching me to be cuddly and loving. She has an ever-revolving band of misfits that she loves and helps and teaches, so I’ve been around many cats, kittens, and dogs. It’s been ok, but not my favourite. I don’t like to be picked on; I will shut down and hide if other animals scare me or hurt me. I would much prefer a home where I am the only furry resident.

You should also know I am on a special diet, strictly grain free. I was diagnosed with IBS, grains upset my tummy. When my tummy is upset, I am in pain and don’t always make it to my litter box. Believe me, I dislike that more than the humans do. I am a clean and proper lady, so not only was I in pain, I was also embarrassed to be messing in the house. You can imagine how happy I was to be diagnosed and treated. No more pain and no more messes!

Speaking of loos…. I am a particular user. I must have an open top litter box and I prefer high sides. I am told there are self-cleaning boxes, that sounds downright dreamy!!

Speaking of speaking….I am a talker! Now that I’ve learned how wonderful love and cuddles are, I am vocal about my desire for attention. I am still working on myself, though, so I would appreciate your patience. Ladies should not be rushed.

I hope I haven’t come across too pushy or prissy. Cats who know what they want and need get a bad wrap sometimes, but I think I am charming and loveable. Not to mention stunningly beautiful.

If you agree, we should meet in person. Visit my bio and apply to adopt me!

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