Zoe’s will be hosting an adoption event at the West Henday Pet Valu this Saturday 3rd October from 3-6pm. Cute Zoe’s foster pets will be on hand with free cuddles!…
Pet Valu | 1010 Webber Greens Drive | Edmonton| T5T 4K5
Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks
by Lindsay Herrick-Somerset
As the weather warms up, that means more time outside with your dog. But, with the warm season, also means the return of something else: ticks.
Ticks are found specifically in longer grassy areas and in bushes. Even though many people think of them as insects, they are actually arachnids which are similar to spiders and mites. Ticks are parasites that feed off of the blood the host they attach themselves to. Those hosts can be can a human or an animal.
The biggest problem with ticks is that they are carriers of disease, specifically Lyme disease. Lyme disease can be very serious if not treated, with symptoms including a fever, loss of appetite, pain, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, swollen joints and shifting lameness from one leg to another. If not treated, it can cause serious damage to your dog's heart, nervous system and kidneys.
If you suspect that your pet has Lyme disease, take them to their vet as soon as possible. Your vet will want to do a blood panel to be sure and then start your dog on antibiotics right away as Lyme disease is a bacterial illness.
This is why it's extremely important to do a tick check any time your dog has been outside, specifically if they have been in long grassy areas (such as the river valley) or in bushes. The most common places where ticks like to grab on to and most pet owners miss are your dog’s ears, between their toes and arm pits.
What do you do if you find a tick on your dog? The safest way to remove a tick is by using a tick remover tool . Do not touch the tick with your bare hands as bacteria could be transmitted to you. Wear gloves or use a paper towel if you don't have gloves. Grab the tick as close to the skin surface as possible so this reduces
the chances of the head detaching. Twist and pull the tick out with steady and even pressure. It may take a minute or two, so be patient. Once the tick has been removed, find a container and take it your vet so they can send it off to a lab to be inspected. Write down the time and place where the bite occurred.
Once the tick has been safely removed, it's very important to disinfect the bite area and your hands as soon as possible.
So, what can you do to prevent your dog from getting ticks? Talk to your vet about what they recommend as there are many different options out there. There are monthly topical treatments that can be applied to your dog that are effective at keeping both ticks and fleas at bay. If your dog attends daycare, most daycare require proof that your dog is having it applied. But be cautious about using any random tick treatment you find at a store as they are not all created equal and/or can be hazardous to your dog.
Also, make sure you check yourself over if you have been out with your pet in high risk areas for ticks. You don't want to take your chances.
Rental Laws and Pets: What You Need To Know
August 25, 2015 by ·
by Tammy Bauer, foster home, animal lover and landlord
There are often questions of what kinds of restrictions landlords are allowed to put on pets in their rentals. The short answer is in Alberta pets are not specified in the Residential Tenancies Act, so it is up to the landlord to decide if pets are permitted in a rental suite.
The long answer usually depends on what it says in your lease. Even in cases where you may be legally right, it’s best to try to get along with your landlord whenever possible.
Volunteer Kaitlyn and her foster-turned-permanent dog Bro. Photo by Christy Jones Photography.
What is a pet? A pet could be a dog, cat, snake, fish, bird, rabbit, etc. Puppies, kittens and other baby animals are also included as pets even though they do not count with Edmonton city bylaw licencing.
If you have a no pets allowed clause in your lease, no pets are allowed. If you would like to get a pet then speak to your landlord about it. If the landlord agrees, get the approval in writing. If your landlord changes his or her mind later, the no pets clause in the lease will trump a verbal agreement. Be clear on what type of pet and how many pets you are getting so that you don’t end up in a sticky situation later.
If pets are allowed or there is no mention of pets in the lease, pets are permitted! You are only restricted by local bylaws. But hold on! Talk to your landlord about the pets you plan to get. If the landlord intended for the rental to be pet-free but neglected to put a clause in the lease, it could be trouble if you bring home a pet. They can’t evict you for it, but your lease may not be renewed or your rent increase might be higher than you anticipated, leaving you scrambling for pet friendly accommodation. Communication with your landlord is key!
Your landlord might restrict the types of pets, height, weight, breed, quantity, fixed, vetted, etc, in the lease. It’s all completely legal. The landlord has the right to decide what pets are allowed in the suite.
Pets may be allowed on a case by case basis with approval in your lease. In this case, get each pet approved and don’t bring any new pets into the home without your landlord’s written approval.
Condos:
If your suite is in a condo building, be sure to read over the building bylaws to ensure there are no pet restrictions that will affect you. Your landlord answers to the condo board and must abide by the bylaws. Even if your landlord approves your pets, if his or her decision isn’t in line with the bylaws you will eventually have a problem.
If you do rent a condo, be aware that your pets must always be on a leash in common areas and you are responsible for any damage they do in the hallways. Always pick up after your pet!
Extra Fees for Pets:
Your landlord might request a non-refundable pet deposit, or might ask for additional rent to have a pet. This is legal. The landlord may not request an additional refundable deposit if you’ve already paid a security deposit equal to one month’s rent.
What If you Break the Rules?
If you have a pet and it’s not permitted according to your lease, your landlord can serve you with an eviction notice or apply to the court to have you removed for a substantial breach of the tenancy agreement.
Moving out:
When you move out of your rental suite, be sure to repair any damage done by your pet and thoroughly clean the suite. If a suite is damaged beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord can keep your security deposit, seek a judgement against you, and make a note on your credit. In some cases the landlord specifies that you must have the carpet professionally steam cleaned. If this is in your lease, then you must do it. If it’s not in your lease, you can rent a steam cleaner and clean the carpets yourself if you can prove you rented and used the steam cleaner. However, a professional steam cleaner is better at getting out stains than renting a steam cleaner, and there is a chance you can damage the carpet by misusing a rental steam cleaner.
Landlords, tenants and pets can all live peacefully. The most important thing to remember is to communicate with your landlord and to get your approvals in writing.
Sources:
Service Alberta:
http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/618.cfm
Residential Tenancies Act:
http://www.qp.alberta.ca/1266.cfm?page=R17P1.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779737925
CMHC:
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/reho/yogureho/fash/fash_001.cfm
DIY scratching posts
August 13, 2015 by ·
by Tawyna and Amanda, professional cat ladies
Every kitty loves to flex those toe pads and mark their territory by scratching their favorite scratch posts. These favorite posts can come in the form of corrugated cardboard, a stand-alone carpet post, a sisal door hanger, or your vintage couch. As cat owners, we’ve noticed one thing that all scratch posts have in common… they’re expensive!
So here’s a little information on how to create your OWN scratch post… from scratch! (pun intended.)
What do you need?
That will depend on how crafty you want to get. Popular materials are sisal rope and carpet. And more sisal rope. Check out the photos below: an Ikea cube with a bit if sisal rope glued on, a folded length of cardboard with carpeting, a couple of wine crates with sisal rope. (If you don’t already know, sisal rope is a cheap natural twine you can get at Home Depot You can glue it in place, or tack it with small nails). It’s just that easy.
We like this quick carpeted tunnel. And there’s a how-to video!
Martha Stewart makes it look easy by literally screwing a branch onto a board. Dang!
Of course, you can also build your own completely average, store-bought-looking cat post if you have a table saw. You will need some sturdy materials for the base and post, such as plywood, particle board, or PVC pipe. Depending on how many tiers you want your post to have, you’ll need one piece of wood or board for the base, and at least one chunk of wood or pipe for the tower. Hit up your local hardware, DIY, or home re-useables store for good material. For the carpeted part, check out your local carpet store for scraps and roll ends. You’ll also need a drill, carpet knife, and staple gun, as well as wood screws, heavy duty staples, and/or wood glue. Look here, here, here, and here for ideas, plans, and step-by-step guides!
So go forth, and wrap all manner of objects in sisal rope! Make your cats happy! And send us your photos: we’d love to see (and share) what our readers come up with!
Inside the Mind of a Satisfied House Cat
August 12, 2015 by ·
Hello everyone!
My name is Sapphire, and I’m a Zoe’s Success Story. In fact, I’m so successful, that my actual foster mom couldn’t even let me go, and decided to keep me forever. I must be pretty special. Anyway, my life started rough. As a cat on the streets, we have to learn very quickly to be alert, protect ourselves, and survive the elements. And food comes when it comes, so as you can imagine I was a little on the slimmer side, especially once I had babies to care for. After my litter grew older, I attempted to care for some premature kittens without a mother, but they were just too young and didn’t make it. When I got to what was about to be my forever home, I was happy to just sleep for days.
Pretty soon I figured out that my foster mom goes to work every day, and some evenings and weekends she goes out with friends (but I love when they come here!). Once I caught up on my sleep and fattened up a tiny bit (I still look really good, though, by the way. Eat your heart out, any Tom’s that see me through the window), I started exploring what there is to do around a condo. My foster mom doesn’t let me outside! She won’t even let me into the mysterious hallway beyond the door!
She sat me down and told me that it was simply too dangerous for me out there. That in a place where it gets this cold, and people aren’t always the nicest, the best place for a cat is inside a home. Not only that, but the thought of losing me made her feel very sad. I asked her, “but there’s still SO many kitties out there, aren’t there?!” She looked very sorrowful, and told me that yes, educating people on why they should keep their cats indoors is very important, as well as educating them on spaying and neutering. She dreams of a world where rescues aren’t even needed, because every animal has a loving home.
She explained further to me that outdoor cats have a risk of being hit by a car, consuming poison, encountering predators, diseases, and parasites, even though I have a license and a collar. Also, the neighbours might not like me in their gardens, and they can call to have me removed until my owner comes to rescue me. This sounds terrifying and stressful! I’ll live a much longer life if I stay inside here; however I still have a few concerns. Won’t I get bored, fat, or destructive?
Not true, said my myth-busting foster mom. Although you’ll get a rounder belly, you won’t become too overweight if your owner portion-controls your food and joins in a daily playing routine with you. Cats love schedules, so feeding us at the same time every day helps. I have a ton of options for keeping me entertained throughout the day, I’ve got a perch to watch out the balcony window, as well as crumpled up paper, boxes with holes in it (my owner can play with me using her fingers), catnip-stuffed toys and catnip bubbles, and a toy mouse dangling from a string on a stick for us to play together. Just make sure you hide strings when you aren’t home, and no plastic bags. There’s also the option of getting a playmate one day down the road. She’s might even build me a cat tower to play on. As long as I keep a good bond with my owner, we’ll always be able to keep each other entertained. Hiding treats for me to hunt, or even stuffing food inside something that I have to work to get it out, will give me a challenge. I even got to chase a moth around last night! (I’m not sure about those red laser pointers – because I never get the thrill of catching it and it makes me feel down on myself). Try to rotate my toys every so often as well, and leave some soothing music on for me during the day.
If I’m being destructive, it could be a sign of something else. Maybe I’m sick, or I don’t like a change to my routine. Either way, it can always be worked out. Even though I started my life outdoors, I am very adaptable to being indoors. Did you know even indoor cats can travel nearly 20 acres in a night? They can pick up things that make a mildly allergic owner’s allergies even worse than before, so letting them out isn’t the best solution for allergies either. And if I just keep trying to escape outside, try squirting me with water or making a loud noise – I’ll soon start to associate it negatively.
Consider this – every time you let me outside to play, it might be goodbye forever. I’m open to trying a secure harness that attaches a leash on the mid-back, or even a net enclosure. I’d love a sunroom or a closed patio to hang out in. There are certain plants I like to sniff and I love to chase bugs; and lounging in the sun is the best feeling to me. I don’t need a whole lot more, I’m tough and adaptable and am happy being an indoor kitty forever.
Check out THIS informative link for helping build stray kitties shelters outside in the winter.
And THIS ice ball is just the best idea for hot summer days!
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Love,
Sapphire
Check out my newly plump belly!
Roaring 20s Fundraiser
July 30, 2015 by ·
Hey all you bimbos and bearcats, get your glad rags on, fire up your hayburners, and foxtrot your way along to On The Rocks on Jasper for a swanky bash including drinks, music and dancing on an evening of nostalgic fun. There’ll also be an auction if you’re looking to bid for some swell loot! All proceeds go to those lovely little hepcats and dogs at Zoe’s Animal Rescue. So dress to imress & don’t be a square – be there!
Date: Saturday 8th August – 6pm to late.
Tickets are $35, available at: zoesroaringfundraiser.myevent.com
On the Rocks
11740 Jasper Ave
Edmonton
T8H 2B4
Featured Volunteer – Tracy Tingey
July 27, 2015 by ·
Name:
Tracy Tingey and family.
Time spent with Zoe’s:
About 2 years.
Specialty (e.g., medical, behavioural, puppies):
Medical dogs/cats and cat/kitten intake.
Why did you get involved with Zoe’s?
I wanted to start fostering kittens as well as dogs, and the rescue I was with didn’t have any. Jo-Anne Siebert recommended Zoe’s to me.
What kind of background do you have in working with animals?
I’ve always had cats of my own, but never had a dog until I started fostering. I’m an RN so that helps with the medical side of things.
Tell us a bit about your most challenging foster experience. Feel free to name names…of foster critters, that is!
Mickey was by far our most challenging experience – when he came to us he had issues with bowel and bladder incontinence, and mobility issues. It took a while to arrange our lives around that, but with time, help from Zoe’s and lots of love and care, he’s a pup we couldn’t imagine being without.
And what has been your most rewarding experience?
Being able to trap and rehome kittens and their mothers – seeing cats that would have ended up living on the streets and having short lives being cold sick and at risk of being coyote meals, to seeing them settle into forever homes and complete a family is extremely rewarding.
What have you learned from your work with rescue animals?
How to be patient, assertive, how to say no and make tough decisions and own your decisions. how to be a part of a larger entity than just yourself, and have pride in being a rescue ranger. How to teach my kids to have compassion and see the value in volunteering and being selfless.
What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about fostering?
Do it! It’s hard, there’s no doubt about that…you get an animal and teach them to be good members of society, then you let them go…that’s tough, but I always remember that the better job I make of this, the more animals that can be saved from death or a sad and lonely life. Being part of a “family” of rescuers is an incredible thing. It’s the best decision I ever made for my family and we can’t imagine life void of these animals.
Thank you very much for taking the time out to share your experience Tracy and and on behalf of Zoe’s, deepest thanks for volunteering. We salute you and your family!
Simba: on putting your past behind you
July 23, 2015 by ·
Even though Zoe’s is financially exceeding capacity, we’ve taken in an emergency case: an emaciated brindle mutt named Simba. He has multiple injuries, including a gunshot wound, and may lose one of his legs. Despite his pain, Simba is not reactive. Like his namesake, Simba is brave and resilient. The morning after his first surgery, his tail was wagging. He still loves people. Simba still has a long way to go, but he’s happy to be where he is.
What’s Simba’s secret? He knows you’ve gotta put your behind in your past. Simba is at a turning point. He’s made it to a safe place, and is receiving the best care from the staff at Edmonton West Animal Hospital. Like Timon and Pumbaa, it’s Zoe’s job to give animals like Simba a hand when they need it most, to nurse them back to health and help them relax and enjoy life again. Hakuna matata.
But it’s not always easy for rescue workers, or our supporters. Cases with evidence for malice are the hardest to emotionally process. We’re can-do people, and animal cruelty isn’t an easy fix. Take a deep breath. It doesn’t matter, it’s in the past.
Because for every instance of cruelty and neglect, there are hundreds of instances of kindness. Did you know that Zoe’s is run completely by volunteers? That all of our animals live in foster homes, where they are treated like family until they find their own? Did you know that local businesses and vets donate supplies and expertise? That two little sisters under ten years old have raised $1700 for Zoe’s by drawing pet portraits? That we’ve saved over 300 lives in the last three years? These are the things that give us hope, and help us fight compassion fatigue.
If you’d like to help Simba on his path, please donate via ATB Cares. It’s fast, safe, and ATB matches 15% on all donations.
Our Summer Wish List
July 17, 2015 by ·
If you’ve been following the rescue news in Alberta, you’ll know that shelters are packed, and funds are low. And Zoe’s is no exception. We’re looking for adopters, foster homes, volunteers, and donations. Donations can even be small things, like paper towels and poop bags: every bit helps! Check out our list below for items our animals really need this season!
Insider Tips for Dog Parks in Edmonton
July 17, 2015 by ·
By Kristy Rhyason
We are so fortunate to live in a city with plenty of beautiful off-leash dog parks. Since adopting my dogs a couple of years ago, I’ve made it my mission to visit as many as possible in Edmonton and the surrounding areas. Based on those visits, I’ve put together some tips for visiting off-leash parks with your doggy friend.
Make Sure a Dog Park is Right for Your Dog
Remember that many dogs will not do well at a dog park; in fact, we recommend some dogs find other places to exercise. It’s important to have a very strong recall (or head to a fenced park) and a very well socialized dog. Dog parks are not for developing socialization skills – instead, check out some classes at the Edmonton Humane Society, Dogspaw, or any of our other local positive reinforcement trainers.
Visit During Less Busy Times
I always try to visit dog parks at times I know will be less busy – in the early morning or during supper time, for example. Winter is a great season to visit the dog park; I often find we have 
the park to ourselves! Although I understand the temptation of an off-leash frolic in a park with your dog on a beautiful summer Saturday, the really busy times can be overwhelming for some dogs. Take the opportunity to explore a new neighbourhood on-leash instead!
Focus on Your Four-Legged Friend
Make sure to be in the moment while you’re at the dog park. Focus on your dog and carefully observe situations and body language. I always avoid standing around in groups and like to keep moving by hiking through some of the back trails. There is so much to explore, so this isn’t really challenging!
Respect Wildlife
We often encounter rabbits, deer, geese, ducks and coyotes on our walks. This is another reason to have a strong recall. If I see rabbits or deer before my dogs do, I will leash my dogs and change direction. I’d rather give wildlife their space and happily coexist. We watch local Facebook groups like Edmonton Dog Connections to keep up-to-date with coyote sightings and avoid areas with many encounters. However, I’ve seen a coyote walk right down the street in my neighbourhood before, so it’s best to always be cautious.
Besides these things, ensure your vaccinations and licences are up-to-date, pack your poop bags, and you’re ready to explore.
River Valley Parks in Edmonton
The off-leash areas along the river valley are some of my favourite spots in the city. I particularly enjoy the trails along the river at Buena Vista, Terwillegar, Mill Creek, and Gold Bar Parks.
Buena Vista Dog Park is by far the park we visit most. There are lots of trails to get lost on, a dog beach for swimming and lots of room separated from bikes. I’ve encountered quite a bit of wildlife here including deer and coyotes, so be on the lookout. There is a large open field where they launch hot air balloons from (usually only on weekends in the summer) so be prepared for that as well. This park is absolutely beautiful year round. There is parking near the zoo and also at Hawrelak Park. Remember to watch the signs to make sure you are complying with on-leash areas.
Terwillegar Dog Park is huge and you will feel like you’ve been transported out of the city; it’s wonderful! There is a dog beach here too – just be careful of the currents. I’ve witnessed more than one small dog 
get caught up. Luckily, it’s almost always very shallow. There are so many great trails to follow in this park that I don’t think I’ve even covered them all yet. There are short walks and long walks depending on what your pup needs. We have encountered coyotes in this park too, so keep an eye out.
Mill Creek Ravine is another gem. There are lots of places to access this park so check out a map before you go. The creek is stunning and the trail follows it through the trees. There are some cool wooden walkways that cross the trails and give it a great atmosphere. My dogs love to play in the creek too; they chase sticks as they get pulled downstream. It’s very shallow and safe.
Gold Bar Park also has an off-leash trail that runs along the river. This trail is stunning in the fall, although I enjoy it year-round. We park at Rundle, Gold Bar, or Capilano Park depending on how far we want to walk. There are lots of joggers and cyclists on this trail so make sure your dog is good with that. The river banks are a little high here (one time my dog couldn’t make it back up and we had to lift her) so be careful with smaller dogs. There are lots of pretty vistas and you can walk across the pedestrian bridges.
Neighbourhood Off-Leash Dog Parks
We are lucky enough to live right beside a small off-leash dog park – it’s been a great way to get to know our neighbours and their dogs. We’ve also explored quite a few of these mini parks around the city. They are often hard to find if you’re not from the neighbourhood and don’t often have many services, but they are cute and quiet. The City of Edmonton has a map to help you find them – there might be one closer to you than you think! Some of these parks are near busy roads and aren’t fenced. Even though my dogs have a really strong recall, we avoid the areas near the road just to be safe. We’ve really enjoyed hunting down these little neighbourhood parks and visiting places we haven’t been before!
Fenced Dog Parks in Sherwood Park, Leduc and Spruce Grove
If you’re looking for a fenced dog park, you’re going to have to head out of town. The parks in Sherwood Park, Leduc, and Spruce Grove are fenced and none of them are too far of a drive.
Deermound Off-Leash Park just outside Sherwood Park on Highway 21 and Township Road 522 is beautiful. Besides the open field, there is a lovely trail through the forest – bring your boots in the spring because it gets a bit flooded. There is a fence for most of the park, however some of the areas leading into the surrounding neighbourhoods aren’t fenced.
Leduc K9 Off-Leash Park has been convenient for us when we had time to kill before picking someone up at the airport, but it’s worth a visit just for fun too! The entire park is fenced and it’s never been busy when we’ve been there. Airplanes fly quite close overhead so fearful dogs might not enjoy it as much.
Cpl. Jim Galloway Memorial Off Leash Area in Spruce Grove is another great fenced park. This one has a separate area for small dogs too! Again, this is another park that is never too busy when we’ve visited.
If you’re looking for a fenced dog park in Edmonton, you can check out Central Bark at the Edmonton Humane Society. It’s a members only fenced park with a fee; membership fees go to maintain the park. They also have a separate area for small dogs.
Have I missed any really great dog parks? Do you have a favourite?
Cat scratching the couch? Alternatives to declawing.
July 12, 2015 by ·
Declawing, or onychectomy, is when the end of the toe is amputated to remove the toenail. Most often cats are declawed to prevent them from destroying furniture. That is, for purely cosmetic reasons. The practice of declawing is a controversial one: do a quick internet search on the effects of declawing, and you will find graphic images and polarized opinions. There are a variety of possible side effects, including long-term pain, aggression, and litterbox issues. Unfortunately, scientific studies on the long term health and behavioural effects of declawing are sparse, and overall inconclusive. What does this mean for you, the cat owner?
Declawing your cat is not a decision to be made lightly.
There could be permanent negative effects on your cat’s health and behaviour if you declaw her. Is it worth the risk? We don’t think so, and if you are looking to adopt from Zoe’s, we’ve made the call for you: we do not allow any of our cats to be declawed. But does that mean you need to live a hard, uncomfortable, fabric-free existence? Perhaps not. Here are just some of your options.
The Cat Tree
Provide your cat with things that she’s allowed to scratch. Even trendy things: gone are the days of tacky, office-carpet-stapled-to-plywood cat posts. Encourage kitty to use them by putting catnip on the tree, and giving her treats and affection when she uses it.
The Dreaded Spray Bottle
In combination with providing good spots to scratch, make the couch seem like a crummier option by spritzing kitty with water whenever she goes to scratch it. Soon she will back off when she hears the sound of the bottle shaking.
The Spa Day
Trim kitty’s nails frequently to reduce the amount of damage she can inflict. Give her treats afterwards to make it a good experience.
The Ultimate Spa Day
Try Softpaws. They’re plastic nubbins that fit over your cat’s nails. They need to be re-glued as her nails grow, but on the plus side, they look fabulous. Both vets and pet stores sell them.
The Tearful Goodbye
Some types of furniture just aren’t going to work with cats. Leather will get scratches. Tweed will get pilled. But microfiber, velvet, and slipcovers are all good places to start in your search for a cat-friendly couch.
Sadly, Ikea has yet to develop a 2-in-1 couch and scratch post. But we’re sure it’s on the way.
The take-home here is that there are a lot of opportunities to get creative in making your home cat-friendly and stylish at the same time. It will take some thought, and maybe some trial-and-error, but your cat will likely appreciate being able to keep her talons. We can’t tell you that the bad things said about declawing are true, but we don’t think it’s worth the risk.
