Cat Scanned

Well this is my new life being psychoanalyzed by a cat. My hu-dad  and hu-mom  felt sorry for this  pretentious impostor who was living on the streets and invited him home to live with us. First it wasn't so bad  because he stayed outside in the garage. They even put in a cute little pet door for him, which of course I can't fit through, so all I could do was bark at him and watch him scurry like the little rodent that he is. It may interest you to know that it is a scientific fact that cats evolved from a cross species of rats and cockroaches.  I learned this from our mailman Cliff, who really knows just about everything.

Back to my lament. So for weeks my  hu-dad and hu-mom fed this unwanted  con artist, who just turned his matted little butt to them.  I looked though the window and watched them fall to their knees and grovel, treats in hand, trying to get some simple acknowledgement from this pestilent beggar. For days nothing, no response, but one fateful day my hu-dad fed the vermin out of his hand and then "it" rubbed up against him spreading it's fur dander poisons all over dad's arm, Yuk it was sickening.

The next thing I hear is dad telling mom, "we had a huge break though with the cat, I think we should name him so he can get used to us calling him." They sat down with a friend and finally all agreed on the name Shadow. I suggested adding a "Y" to the end of the name, but they claim that they couldn't understand me, yeah right! It wasn't quite two days later that they invited "Shadowy" into the house. That's when it happened, I flipped out. I charged at the intruder and barked as loud as I could only to be rebuffed by it's secret weapon, "morphing". He arched his back, made his hair stand on end and displayed Edward's Scissor-hand appendages as he hissed at me, "at me, the regal protector of the mansion and all that's holy."

To my amazement dad and mom hollered at me and did that disgusting "Dog whisperer" thing of poking me in my chest and spitting at me through pursed lips. Where did he come up with that? It's not scary or startling, I just can't stand the spit all over my face. So, I was given special CIA operative desensitization training, so that I could be more tolerant and welcoming of  "new family members" into our home. Now Shadowy has gone from "fluffy the slinking rodent-cat" that nobody in the neighborhood liked, including and especially me, to "my brother?" He doesn't even have to wear a collar or stay in the yard. He takes off all the time and brings back birds and gophers and other helpless things. That's my job!! Each time my hu-mom says, "oh look what he's brought back for you now honey." What? What? Are you kidding me? If I had opposable thumbs and could talk I'd dial animal services and report him. Hey no collar, no computer chip, no problem. Maybe I could just e-mail them with an anonymous complaint?

So what you see in this picture is DR. Shadowy, his status having astronomically skyrocketed in a few short months counseling me on how to discover my inner-self and live in the present in true peace and harmony, this at mom and dad's suggestion! Stay tuned.        

Thursday's Tip: Surviving the Winter Months

Living in sunny (hah!) California, I am used to getting out and getting exercise.  But it has been raining (a lot) lately, and my humans have been challenged about making sure I don't become a couch potato. 

Cesar Milan recently posted an article on how to survive the winter months in certain parts of the country, and gave some excellent advice on "Indoor Exercise".  Essentially he challenges humans to get creative and find ways to keep your canines moving.

Our house has a fairly open format, so my hu-mom and hu-man will play indoor fetch with me.  They will throw the ball from one room to another and I'll run and "get it", then bring it back for them to do it again.  My hu-mom will also take me in one room of the house, ask me to "sit" and "stay", then she will go into another part of the house and yell, "come!"  I always take off on a dead run to find her and as soon as I do, she gives me a big scratch behind my ear, tells me I'm a good girl, and we do it all over again...and again... 

We also play tug (my favorite!) or I'll be asked to perform all of the tricks I have learned.

So, as you can see, snow and rain don't relegate you to the couch -- there is great fun and exercise to be had indoors too! 

How do you keep fit during the winter?  I would love to hear about it.  ~Zoe

Tuesday's Telling: WharWolves...

A couple of years ago my humans had the opportunity to "Walk with Wolves" -- a program offered through a local wolf rescue agency that allows you to go on an educational hike to learn about wolves, and actually walk with them.  They said it was a little unnerving, but a truly unforgettable experience.  The walk was organized through WHAR Wolf Rescue in Paso Robles, CA.  The organization was established to provide education and be a rescue and resource facility for captive born part and full blood wolves, and has grown to service not just our local area, but the seven western states.

The WHAR Wolf Rescue describes their mission as...

offering "animals for adoption both to sponsor or to take home, WHAR Wolf Rescue lends guidance in all things concerning captive wolf type animals. All animals are placed into screened homes using a full adoption contract. Full blood wolves are never released to the public as pets nor will a hybrid wolf be had if the recipient fails the screening process. Various local and distant facilities and animal regulators have come to rely on the expertise that is provided from WHAR Wolf Rescue in identifying potential hybrid wolves found without proper documentation. All the while continuing to serve as a means of factual practical education regarding a variety of subject matter such as, proper containment, quality diets, humane treatment, discouragement of breeding practices, proper exercise, body language communication (wolf speak), U.S. wild wolf reintroduction programs, no wolves as pets philosophy, general animal education on captive wolves and hybrids, ownership realities for current or potential owners or adopters-to-be, spay and neuter information, legal ownership guide for your local municipality, veterinarian selection guidance, and what to do if your animal kills something. Currently run as a grass roots movement, WHAR Wolf Rescue is comprised of a seven person board of directors who are unpaid for their services rendered. A variety of well trained volunteers staff the facility although there are always more openings then volunteers. All helpers are fully trained and orientated for safety, security, and care. As we have found out in building our mission, we are only as good as our plan. Therefore we have created a basic plan of care, concern, education, and a heartfelt devotion and then never wavered from that mission. We are always so delighted to welcome visitors and new training volunteers who share our enormous passion for all things."

Image from WHARF Wolf Rescue Website

If you are interested in supporting this effort, the organization is in need of relocating, so funds are greatly needed.  As always, 30% of the profits from  any of my PawPrintArt cards sold during the month of January will be donated to WHAR Wolf Rescue.  If you are interested in donating directly, you can do that through their website: http://www.wharwolves.org/index.htm.

Thank you for helping to ensure that these beautiful animals are properly cared for!  ~Zoe

Chapter 10: Graduation Day

After weeks of puppy kindergarten, graduation day finally arrived.  My hu-mom packed up the car and we drove to the campus for a final "test" of our skills, followed by a graduation ceremony. 

The test included being put through the paces...and we were required to follow through on each of the commands learned over the past weeks: sit, stay, down come, stay, etc.  I passed and my hu-mom was given my sheepskin...ahem, I mean diploma (sorry all you little lambies out there!).

My graduation day...such a proud day, yet such a humiliating day.  You see, the only other dogs who "stuck with it" through to graduation day were the chihuahuas.  One of my classmates humans was very proud of her little one's accomplishment and made a special graduation hat "for the official graduation photo."  The mortarboard was passed around so we could ALL have photos taken to mark the special day.  All I can say is I know how Marmaduke feels, for I was truly a giant amongst a class of miniatures on my graduation day....

And so here it is...my proudest...yet most humbling moment captured on film...

~Zoe

Wednesday's Weave: Yesterday's Mission

Last night I went on a run with my hu-man.  That in itself is not unusual, but last nights route was different -- we were on a mission.  You see, we ran to Kip's veterinarian's office to pick up Kip's medications.

Kip has had quite the life -- I have shared about him being a guard dog, before my humans took him in.  He went from being a fat outside dog chained to a shed, to a dog who was taken on walks...and eventually short runs...and invited into the house.  Kip has become an integral part of our family and as a member of the family his care and medical care are of utmost importance.

We have learned over the years that Kip is susceptible to tumors.  He has several benign tumors on the outside of his body, but two years ago he started "acting funny" and his vet diagnosed him with a splenic tumor.  My humans had planned to go to Italy to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, but Kip needed surgery and instead of going to Italy, they funded Kip's surgery.  Poor Kip, it turned out that he had a 10 lb. tumor removed from his abdominal region.

Kip was given medication and a 50/50 chance of "making it."  Well two years have passed and I am happy to report that Kip is still with us.  Yes he is showing signs of aging, and he has developed a rather large adipose (fatty) tumor on the right side of his chest that can't be operated on, (because his vet doesn't think he can handle the anesthesia or surgery), but he gets his multiple medications twice a day, and he is well cared for and loved on by our hu-mom and hu-man.

Our mission was an important one.  I'm thankful that I have Kip and will gladly run to his veterinarian's office to pick up refills of the medications that keep him going.  ~Zoe

Fridays Favorite Foto

I'm feeling a little playful...

Now that's what I'm talking about!

Take time to play today!  ~Zoe

Tuesday's Telling: Update on Cooper's Dog

It never ceases to amaze me, just how giving the heart can be. 

As you know, we have been following Cooper, the four year old with severe allergies and asthma, who needs an an allergen alert dog.  We have seen his fund raising efforts go from a couple of thousand dollars to just over $5,000.00, half the amount needed, and enough for him to order his dog.

Well the dog is on order and is currently going through the testing and training necessary to detect Cooper's specific allergens.

Today, I am happy to report that Cooper's family has now exceeded the $10,000 mark! 

Yes, the children of Bishops Peak Elementary in San Luis Obispo, worked really hard to recycle goods this past year and through "Jack's Helping Hand", presented Coopers family with a $5,000 check to help Cooper get his dog...and the training that goes along with that process.  Evidently, once the dog is trained, the family has a 2 week mandatory trip to Colorado to train with the dog.  The donation from Jack's Helping Hand will help with travel expenses (car rental, gas, hotel, etc).

Thank you to everyone who has touched the life of this little boy...and thank you Cooper family for sharing your story, your need, and for touching our lives! ~Zoe

Chapter 9: Puppy Kindergarten (continued)

Well, here we are with more on Puppy Kindergarten.  So far we have covered the things our humans need to keep in mind:
1. The importance of trust
2. Our learning capabilities
3. The importance of hard work
4. How to put on and use our collars properly
5. The three voices (correction, neutral, and command)
6. The importance of timing

Basic commands:
1. Sit
2. Come
3. Down
4. Stay

And best of all... Puppy Massage!

This week we put all of the above into practice...

Then Lisa broke it up by introducing us to the outdoor exercise equipment on campus.  She wanted our humans to expose us to multiple surfaces and heights, so we wouldn't be fearful when approaching changes in the surface of our walking paths -- also, she told our humans that this exercise would help build trust.  Lisa had us climb up and down a small incline, walk on bumpy surfaces, asphalt, dirt, grass, cement and across a wobbly plank of wood. 

This week was pretty intense and ended with my favorite...a Puppy Massage.  Ahhhhh.

Until tomorrow, have a Grrrrreat day!  ~Zoe

Friday's Favorite Foto

Living near the ocean, you learn to appreciate sea life.  Today's favorite photo has nothing to do with dogs...but lions.  Sea Lions to be exact.

Over Thanksgiving weekend, my hu-mom and hu-man took a walk down the Avila Beach pier and took the following photos...

Note the sign...

All I can say, is where there is a will, there is a way!  ~Zoe

Woof!

Hello.  Thanks for checking in today.  Due to the fact that I don't have opposable thumbs, I need my hu-mom to help me post to my blog.  She was gone this weekend so she wasn't able to help me with today's post. 

We'll be back tomorrow, though, with our Tuesday's Telling.

Have a PAWSitively wonderful day!  ~Zoe

Friday's Favorite Foto

I see a camera -- that must mean S-M-I-L-E...

Wednesday's Weave: Kip & Zoe

I love Kip.  He made the way for me to come live with my human family, and he takes such good care of me.  He has a gentle heart and takes his job of taking care of me seriously.  As you know, I was recently sick, and Kip kept me reassured that all would be better soon, by giving me kisses -- lots of them!

Well, I'm feeling better now and we're back to playing together.  I say the ball is mine...and Kip says it's his...

Hey, I've got to go...he's strong and I want my ball!  ~Zoe

Chapter 8: Puppy Kindergarten Continues...

Things went well after the first two weeks of Puppy Kindergarten and my hu-mom and I practiced the "Sit" and "Come" commands until we had it down.  In fact, this wasn't part of the training that Lisa gave us, but my hu-mom heard about using hand signals, so in addition to voice commands, she also would give me hand commands, for "sit" and "come". 

Here is the hand command my hu-mom used for "Sit"...

She started with her hand down at her side, palm forward, and as she said "Sit", she would bend her elbow and raise her palm up so it was parallel with the ground. 

The "come" command was a bit more dramatic...

but she said it was necessary so that if I was off at a distance or there was too much noise and I couldn't hear her, she could put her arms out to the side (a big movement), and I would come running into her open arms.

So, as I said before, we had fun practicing the "Sit" and Come" commands, but now it was time to learn the "Down" and "Stay" commands, and follow it up with Puppy Massage....aaaahhhh....

The "Down" command was taught by having us sit -- then a treat was placed in front of our noses, and our humans pulled the treat down and away from us, so that we would follow with our nose...  As soon as our elbows hit the ground, we were given our treats.  My hu-mom learned quickly that she had to move the treat away from me a couple of feet, otherwise all I did was look like the hunchback of Notre Dame, but didn't accomplish the "down" command.

Instead of saying "No" to me all of the time, my hu-mom would say "Augh!" whenever she wanted me to NOT do something.  I must confess, the "Stay" command was filled with lots of "aughs!"...

My hu-mom was instructed to have me sit, then she would place her palm in front of my nose and say, "Stay".  She would then take a step back, wait a couple of seconds, then call me with a "come" command.  At first it was a little confusing, because she had a treat in her hand and I wanted that treat, so when she started moving away from me without giving me the treat, the foodie in me took over and I would follow her to get that treat!  She would "augh!" me, and take me back to the starting point, have me sit again...give me the "stay" command...again...then take a step or two away from me, wait a couple of seconds, then call me to "come."  I finally got the hang of it and she could more and more steps away from me and I would wait until she called me.

I must confess that after hearing so many "Aughs!" in one session, I was ready for the puppy massage.  Lisa showed our humans how to give us a deep, but gentle massage using small circular motions from our head to our tail, down our legs, in the little indentation just above our paws, and how to rub our muzzles, ears, face.  She told our humans that as they touched us, they built trust, and got us used to touch.  Lisa said that it would help us to not be afraid when other people tried to touch us, including the Veterinarian.  All I can say is THANK YOU LISA...I LOVE MY MASSAGES!!!!!  (If you want to learn more about puppy massage, click here)

In fact, it's time for one now, so I'll be in touch again tomorrow.  BUT, before I go, there is just one thing.  A reminder to Vote for Liberty!  Today is the last day of the contest, and I would really like to see Liberty ride on a Rose Parade float, so if you haven't voted, please click here and do so today.

Thank you and have a WOOF-derful day!  ~Zoe

Wednesday's Weave: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Wednesday's have been about weaving together two different stories into one. Today, as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, I wanted to thank you, for becoming a part of the fibers of my life. 

Through this blog, I have gotten to meet so many wonderful people and animals, and I am so thankful that you are a part of my life.  I love getting your comments and emails, and learning more about you...and enjoying the fact that we are all connected in a way.

So today's post is short, but sweet.  Thank you, for sharing your life with me.  May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy celebrating and appreciating the blessings of your life.  ~Zoe

Friday's Favorite Foto (and update about Zoe)

Today's favorite photo if posted by my hu-mom....

She says this is a favorite photo because I am "on the mend."  It has been a long and hard week.  I have been having trouble with my intestines and my humans were very concerned.  All I was doing was laying around -- I had absolutely no appetite, and whenever I would try to eat I would lose it at one or both ends.  I had no energy for anything at all, not even looking out the front window, which is one of my favorite things to do when in the house. 

My hu-mom is thankful for Dr. Stephens and the staff at Coast Veterinary Clinic, for taking such good care of me.  I'm thankful too -- thank you!

So my hu-mom says this is a new "favorite" photo because I've made it through the worst and here I am with my shaved stomach and pink bandage (hiding a catheter port used to give me fluids), looking out the window.  I must confess, I did sleep some, while in this position, but my hu-mom was happy that my body is responding to the treatment, my appetite is back (as of this morning), and I'm starting to do those things that are more normal for me.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!  ~Zoe

Zoe Update

I think this photo says it all….

Zoe’s hu-mom here…poor little Zoe had a rough night and will be going in to see the vet again this morning. 

Your continued thoughts and prayers are appreciated!  ~Deborah

Tuesday's Telling

Hi Everyone...This is Zoe's hu-mom signing in for Zoe. She is sick today, but she asked me to check in and give you all an update on Cooper. She said we don't have an update yet, for last weekend's Ride for a Reason, but she will update you on that just as soon as she has some info.

In regards to Cooper, thank you, thank you, thank you! So far $6,150 has been donated towards Cooper's allergen-alert dog. From what we understand, Cooper has been tested to determine all known allergens, and the dog is on order and will be trained specifically to detect Cooper's allergens.

And now, as a concerned Mom, please keep Zoe in your thoughts and prayers. She has an intestinal infection and hasn't eaten anything since Saturday night. She saw her veterinarian yesterday and they examined and x-rayed her and sent her home with some antibiotics and strict orders to not feed her for the rest of the day, and begin a bland diet today. She's not her usual self, so again, your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. ~Deborah

Chapter 5: Clicker Training

I've explained that my hu-mom and hu-man were not what you call "dog" people, so when I came along, they had no experience with children, or puppies, so they read books, watched The Dog Whisperer, sought out advice wherever they could, and trained me as best they could.

My hu-mom learned about clicker training, and this turned out to be something that really "clicked" with me = ) She did two things: 1) she watched my natural tendencies, and when I did something that she wanted me to "repeat", she would click the clicker and put a name to it; and 2) she used treats and the clicker to form a response from me.

For example... when she wanted me to sit, she would take a treat and place it near my nose, then move it back towards the top of my head. In order for my eyes to follow, I had to sit down. As soon as I sat, she clicked, said "sit" and gave me a treat -- followed by a lot of praise.


My next command to learn was "down," for lay down. Again my hu-mom took a treat and while I sat, she put the treat in front of my nose, then pulled it down towards the ground...and away from me a bit. This made my nose follow the treat and as soon as my front elbows hit the floor, she clicked, said "down" and gave me the treat. We practiced this for quite some time, then she put the two together in what she called "puppy push-ups."

What are Puppy Push-ups you ask? Well, they are calisthenics for dogs, silly! My hu-mom would say "sit"...then "down"...then "sit"...then "down" Puppy push-ups were fun, still are, tiring, but you should see my biceps!

My hu-mom and I spent hours clicker training and as a result I can do many tricks on voice command...and hand motion command, but that's another story and I'll share more about that later.

Until next time, have fun with and challenge your puppy, then give him/her lots of loving! ~Zoe

Chapter 4: Let the Training Begin

I had a lot of energy when I was a young pup, and my hu-mom, with no dog experience, didn't know how to walk me. Oh she tried, she hooked on a leash to my collar and I pulled her down the street. Next she tried a halti collar, and I absolutely refused to move with that thing on!






Since the walk wasn't happening, my hu-mom knew I needed exercise, so instead of the frustration of trying to walk me, she started putting me through a one-hour workout in the backyard every day. She would throw the ball, play tug, and anything else she could think of to get me to run around and get rid of some of my energy. Our play time eventually became a trick training time and I learned how to respond to a clicker. I knew that if I did what she wanted me to, I would get a treat -- and I loooooovvvvveeee treats!


Although my hu-mom and I had a great time playing in the backyard, she heard about "The Dog Whisperer" show on the National Geographic channel, and she learned the importance of "the walk." So, she strapped on the leash and tried again....and again.... I continued to pull -- afterall, I was just a young pup with lots of energy, and I wanted to explore the world! After much frustration on my hu-mom's part, she finally called "Nick" to teach her how to walk me.


Nick came to our home and the first thing he did was tell my hu-mom that I was using the wrong collar. He pulled out a pinch-collar and when my mom saw it, she broke down in tears. She thought it looked like a torture device and she DID NOT want that thing around my poor little puppy neck!



Nick explained how the "device" worked and placed it on my hu-moms forearm. He showed her how if I walked "nicely", the collar just sat on my neck, however if I started to pull, all she had to do was give a quick "correction" (that he demonstrated on her forearm), and how that would get me back on track to walking without pulling. He also showed her how it would feel if she used the collar and allowed me to continue to pull -- it was not pleasant!


My hu-mom saw that the collar could be "good" or "bad" depending on how SHE used it. Thankfully I have a hu-mom who loves me, so she agreed to use the collar in the "good" way.


Nick showed her how to walk and correct me, and after one session, we were a much improved team and able to walk -- and walk we did!


...what mom? time for a walk? Well I guess that is it for today folks. Check in again tomorrow for more from the Zoe-Chronicles. ~Zoe

Thursday's Tips: Puppy Training

I've heard from some humans that they loved the "idea" of getting a puppy, but once they brought their puppy home, they weren't quite sure what to do with "it." Well, I've shared about the great advice that my dog-mom and dad's humans gave my hu-mom & hu-man, but I also want to share a new website that offers puppy training -- specifically "lab" puppy training, but I think it will help ALL puppy owners. The website is called "Lab Puppy Training" and can be found at www.LabPuppyTraining.com You will find things like what to do "your first night with your puppy" (http://labpuppytraining.com/198/first-night-with-new-puppy/) ; "Puppy Night Training" (http://labpuppytraining.com/201/puppy-night-training/) etc.

Check it out, I think it will help both you and your humans get off to a good start!

Well, I hear my bowl being filled, so it's off to breakfast. Have a WOOFderful day! ~ Zoe