Zoe's DogBlog

 

Meet Zoe, shelter spokes dog and family pet of Lori Halligan, HHS Executive Director.  Zoe shares thoughts about life, love, and the pursuit of forever homes for our shelter animals.

 

 

 

 

 

 Zoe’s DogBlog, February, 2012

Starbucks!

 

My mom has a serious addiction to Starbucks. And so do I. She orders a Grande Nonfat Something or Other Latte.

 

I know the sound of the slurp when she’s almost to the bottom of the cup. And then… oh, doggie heaven… I get to lick the foam out of the cup. It’s a sweet mixture of spicy, whipped foam, with hints of mocha. The sticky substance gets all over my face because I immerse my nose completely in the cup. It is so worth the messy hairdo that results. I love that stuff! Next time, order Extra Foamy, OK Mom?

 

But now I’m having Starbucks withdrawal because Mom is trying to wean herself from Starbucks. It was a New Year’s resolution. At first she tried to go cold turkey, but that lasted about a day. Now she tries to limit herself to only two a week. I know it’s going to be a jittery week if it’s Tuesday and she’s hit her self-imposed ration. Not a good idea, Mom. You know how you act when you don’t get your Starbucks!

 

For some reason, Starbucks does not allow dogs inside the store. So at my local Starbucks, people actually park their dogs outside the door. Dogs are tied to the bench or bike rack while the humans go inside for their caffeine fix. People, this is not the best idea. Someone could get dog-napped that way! You should leave a designated “dog watcher” or send a friend inside to get your Venti Double Shot Blah Blah Blah. (I still haven’t figured out Starbuck’s language!)

 

Morris the Cat, a Hinsdale Humane Society alumnus, actually has his own bench outside the downtown Hinsdale Starbucks. The nice manager leaves doggie water bowls for the canine customers. For all you thirsty dogs out there, I must recommend cool water instead of hot coffee. Caffeine is actually poisonous to dogs and more than one or two slurps can be toxic or even fatal! Cats, too.

 

Come to think of it, I’ve never seen a cat outside any Starbucks. Do cats like Starbucks or are they too finicky, like Morris?

 

Do you know what else I like about Starbucks? The atmosphere! You feel like you’re among friends, neighbors and nice people you’ve never met before. Strangers talk to me, people hug one another and the manager knows your order before you get to the counter. Occasionally, my mom has meetings at Starbucks with board members, staff, volunteers, and even reporters, but she never invites me. (It’s that “no dogs allowed” rule coming back to annoy me again!) Mom says she’s having an “off site meeting.” I know she’s really trying to feed her compulsive habit. I just hope she remembers to bring home the empty cup with all that foamy stuff.

 

I love Starbucks! Only I call it Starbarks. And I heartily give it my 4 Stars (or 4 barks) of approval.

 

Love, Zoe

 

 

Zoe’s DogBlog, January, 2012

Talk to me. Whisper sweet nothings. Tell me I’m a good girl and I’ll automatically roll over on my back for a tummy rub. No, I’m not easy, just happy to hear your voice.

 

A psychologist at Purdue University conducted a research study and discovered 97 % of people reported they talked to their dogs. The researcher jokingly added, “And the other 3 percent probably lied.”

 

Why do people talk to their dogs? And why do people who don’t have dogs think this is strange?

 

I love it when my people talk to me. You could be reading me the Wall Street Journal, and as long as you use your “happy dog” voice, I will tip my head and try to digest every word. The Keystone Pipeline, stock derivatives, or jobless claims, it doesn’t matter. Just throw in the word “cookie” occasionally and I’ll pretend I know all about financial matters.

 

You don’t even have to talk in English. My brother practices his Japanese flash cards to study for his tests. The lady down the street hugs me and talks in her native Polish language. I know she loves me just by the sound of her voice. “Kocham cię, Zoe!” she exclaims. I wiggle and wag and kiss and tell her, “I love you, too!”

 

All day long, the volunteer dog walkers stroll by my office with another adoptable dog tugging at the leash. And all day long, the chatter continues. “I know you want to go out. Just a minute while I put on my gloves. Let’s find some of those yummy treats. OK, time to go out!”

 

And this is my absolutely favorite thing to hear. “You’re a good dog. You’re going to get a family one day very soon!” I know it’s true! Because that’s what happens at the Hinsdale Humane Society. The dogs and cats hang out at the shelter for a while. The staff and the volunteers take really good care of them. And then one day… TA DA! They go home with people who love them. Families who will take good care of them and whisper sweet words. “You’re the best pet ever! I love you!”

 

People talk to cats, too. But cats don’t really respond. They don’t wag, wiggle or roll over for belly rubs. Cats, being aloof and nonchalant characters, might actually snub you. But research has shown that if you talk in a high pitched “Minnie Mouse” voice the cats will pay more attention. And if I bark in my high pitched voice, I might tell them to lighten up a little! On second thought, maybe not…

 

So here’s a little advice for all the humans reading this. Talk to the animals! We’re very good at listening. We don’t argue or disagree. We’re just happy to hear your voice. Especially if you say, “Want a cookie?!”

 

In my unofficial research study, 97% of cats and dogs surveyed said they enjoyed having their humans talk to them. The other 3% were lying. They were either lying through their teeth or lying on the couch. Either way, they were lying!

 

Love, Zoe

 

 

 

 

 

Zoe’s DogBlog, December, 2011

 

Dear Santa,

 

I hope you’re doing well. Are you watching your weight and your cholesterol? I’ve been a little worried about you lately. I’ve also noticed there’s an amazing lack of snow, so I hope you can land your sleigh to bring presents to all the good little boys and girls, pet and humans!

 

I might have made your naughty list this year… You know that barking thing seems to get on everyone’s nerves…  So I’m not going to ask you for anything for myself. After all, I have enough love to go around and enough kibble in my bowl, so I’m all set. But I’m hoping you’ll bring something special for those I care about…

 

For the animals here in the shelter (some of them have been here for MONTHS!) please find them great homes with people who cherish them forever. That goes for cats, too. I like them, even though they don’t seem to like me. Could you remind them that we prefer purring and kissing, not hissing?!

 

For our staff and volunteers who do so much to help out around here, please bring them at least one thing on their wish list. They’ve been very good, so they deserve more than just our thanks and praise.

 

I’ve heard a lot of news reports about people who hurt children, animals or other living breathing creatures. I hope you will make them understand that behavior is NOT acceptable. Please help the vulnerable ones who need protection from harm. That goes for polar bears and reindeer at the North Pole, too.

 

At this time of year, everyone talks about peace and joy. But sometimes there’s discord and sadness. So for those who are disappointed or disillusioned, unemployed or uninspired, please give them an extra boost of optimism and the confidence that things are going to get better. Likewise, I know folks who are missing loved ones this holiday season. Pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge and departed ones who will spend the holiday is heaven instead at the dinner table. Please shower them with love.

 

Then when everyone goes to sleep, rather than visions of sugar plums, could you send them dreams of a brighter tomorrow?

 

 

Until Next Year,

 

Love, Zoe

 

 

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Zoe’s DogBlog, November, 2011

 

Why I’m Thankful

 

Ah, the season of Thanksgiving is upon us! Families all over America will gather at their tables to consume mass quantities of food and contemplate thankfulness. By the way, the dogs will gather UNDER the table and wait for accidental spills…

 

Have you really thought about why you are thankful? People say, “I’m thankful for this delicious food. I have a roof over my head and life is pretty good.” But what about Americans who don’t have those things? What about families who are homeless, or those who lack jobs, or the ones who don’t know where their next meal comes from? Are they still thankful?

 

I’ve thought a lot about this lately and I’ve come to a few conclusions. We shouldn’t focus on WHAT we are thankful for… we should focus on WHY.

 

So why am I thankful? I’m thankful because there are a lot of folks who want to make a difference for others.

 

A few weeks ago, I got a letter from my first family… the people who surrendered me to the Hinsdale Humane Society. Why did they do this? I know they loved me and wanted what was best for their family. They discovered that having two small human children and one “wild child” dog was a little too much excitement. They could have sold me on Craig’s list or given me to the first person they saw on the street. But they loved me so much they wanted the very best for me. To have a new chance in a new household, carefully matching my needs. That’s why I’m thankful for my first family!

 

I’m thankful for my forever home family because they put up with my shortcomings and they love me anyway. So I apologize for all the inappropriate barking and the occasional “accidents.” Little dog equals little bladder. Think about it and then just get the mop and get over it!

 

And I apologize for ruining your _______. Fill in the blank with shoes, toys, important papers, leather gloves. How am I supposed to know they aren’t rawhide chew toys? It’s your fault for dropping them on the floor in the first place! I’m thankful you love me and forgive me anyway.

 

Also, I’m thankful for places like the Hinsdale Humane Society and other animal shelters who know that rescue dogs and cats aren’t damaged goods. We’re just pets who deserve a second chance! Same goes for homeless people. That’s why we need homeless shelters and job training programs.

 

So when you gather around your Thanksgiving table or congregate in front of your television set to watch a game or a parade, please remember WHY you are thankful. Are we truly appreciative or do we take things for granted? This Thanksgiving, please remember the ones you love and who love you back unconditionally. The ones who give you a dose of hope and a second chance. And they just might give you a second bowl of kibble along with a hug and a squeeze!

 

 

Love, Zoe

 

 

 

Zoe’s DogBlog, October, 2011

 

Excitement at the Shelter!

 

Wow! You wouldn’t believe what happened at the shelter last week. A car accidently hit our building! Luckily, no animals or humans were hurt in the incident.

 

I learned a lot of things from this unusual occurrence… First of all, the staff is really good in an emergency! They calmly called 911 and assessed the situation. No human customers were in the building, but they made sure the furry four legged kind were all safe. The dogs and cats didn’t freak out, either. You’d think someone would have barked or hissed, but instead they just wanted to be fed.

 

I can’t say much about the driver (you know those pesky privacy laws!) but I know everyone was really worried about that person. They got a chair, they held a hand and they promised that help was on the way. Afterall, buildings and cars can be fixed but human (and animal) life is precious.

 

Another thing I learned: The firefighters are really strong and fast! They came right away… after all they’re right around the corner and down a block! They pushed the car away from the building. They made sure nothing would catch on fire. They directed traffic. They put yellow tape up to “cordon off the area to ensure community safety.” That’s fancy talk for taking charge and getting curious onlookers out of the way.

 

Quick question: Why are they called onlookers? Such a strange word! And what makes them curious?

 

I was very impressed with the police officers. They were so kind and comforting. They kept asking, “Are you hurt? Is anyone injured? Are all the animals OK?” You would think they would be worried about what happened and ask a lot of questions about why cars run into buildings. Instead they worry about the people involved. That’s very encouraging.

 

A reporter showed up within minutes because he happened to be driving by. All day long, the phone kept ringing with more reporters asking more questions. I guess it’s not every day that there’s this much excitement at an animal shelter. The Hinsdale Humane Society is very grateful that everyone cares so much about animals and the people who love them and take care of them.

 

My mom was a little stressed out, although she pretended she was calm. She was talking to insurance companies, building inspectors, village officials, reporters, staff and volunteers. She was writing emails, talking on the phone, determining temporary entrances and emergency exits.

 

The shelter opened on time with guests using the back door. It was a little crazy in the lobby, but everyone seemed to understand. Four of my shelter buddies got adopted so it was business as usual. Well sort of…

 

Because the next day a water valve broke and the water department had to be called. The pipes were vibrating and the whole building was shaking. Should we evacuate? Was it safe? I barked my head off from all the excitement, although the staff remained calm. The automatic fire alarm sounded because the pressure to the sprinkler system was compromised.

 

Did I tell you the firefighters are really fast? They were here in a flash and asking their usual questions… “Is everyone safe? Are all the animals OK?”

 

That’s one more thing I learned. The meaning of Déjà vu.

 

 

Zoe’s DogBlog, September, 2011

 

Back to School

A quick reminder that it’s “Back to School Time!” All the little kiddies and the big ones, too, will be starting a new school year. I’ve never quite figured this out, since it’s the end of August and the new year is supposedly in January. But you’ve got to trust me on this one. It’s a new year.

 

So what’s cool about back to school? Let me tell you.

 

The best thing about Back to School is all the new gear. Brand new back packs, unscuffed shoes, up-to-the-minute fashions. Although come to think of it, nobody bought ME anything new this year... a new hair bow or a doggie sweater in the latest fall colors.

 

A new school year seems bright with new promise. It kind of reminds me of the shelter pets who get a fresh start in a new home. They get to wipe the slate clean, learn new stuff and make new friends. Anything is possible. After all, that’s what happened to me!

 

At my house, we’re getting ready to send my brother back to college. Mom has been running off to the mall to buy sheets and shampoo but he seems more concerned about finding a big screen TV and dumpster diving for an acceptable couch for the new apartment. I’m sure he’s going to study, Mom, AFTER he plays video games and exerts some newly found freedom.

 

I live less than two blocks from my local elementary school. This has certain advantages. Mainly KIDS and SNACKS! Kids walk to school and they accidently drop food. It’s a regular buffet of apples cores, used chewing gum, half eaten sandwiches and carrot sticks. Once I found an entire chocolate cupcake. Mom tried to take it away from me, but I was too fast. I’m not sure if it was worth the upset tummy that came later, but I’d try it again to test my hypothesis.

Everyone walki

ng to school is protected because the crossing guard keeps them safe. What a nice lady. She even stops traffic for me. She smiles and says hello and asks me what grade I’m in this year. I’m not sure if she’s kidding or not. Duh! I’m a dog! I don’t exactly go to school. They won’t even let me in the building. However, the little kids love me! They’re always saying, “AHHHHH! She’s so cute!” I don’t mean to sound conceited, but they do have a point.

 

The big kids, the middle ones and the high school ones, walk right by my house on the way to the bus stop only two houses away. So at 7:05 in the morning, I look out the front window and I bark at them. Bark. Bark. Bark. They don’t even look at me. Maybe they’re still asleep or listening to their IPods. Or maybe they’re possessed by Zombies. I’m scared of Zombies, so I bark. Just saying…

 

Love,

 

 

 Zoe’s DogBlog, July, 2011

 

I want my Mommy!

 

Mom went out of town four whole days and left dad in charge of the household. She went to Dallas. In July. Where it’s 104 degrees. I question her sanity about that, but I digress. Let’s talk about Dad…

 

Dad, in case you don’t know or can’t remember the rules of the house, here they are.

 

Rule # 1. Morning Potty Break:

 

Potty time is at or before 7:00 am. It doesn’t matter that you want to sleep in on a Sunday morning. I can only cross my legs for so long. I want my Mommy!

 

Rule # 2. Walks:

 

I get 4 or 5 walks a day. Short ones because I have short little legs. It doesn’t work to take long walks in the morning and evening with you because I can’t keep up. It was hot and humid outside. So it’s your fault that I laid down in the grass and refused to move one inch further. Likewise, it is your fault that you had to carry me home. Get over it. I want my Mommy!

 

Rule #3. Sleeping:

 

I sleep where I want to. On the couch. In the corner of the family room. I have beds in the kitchen and the laundry room. I also like to sleep in the laundry – clean laundry, dirty laundry, it doesn’t really matter. So it was fun to have the run of the whole house on Saturday night. I found so many new sleeping spots. And I’m really sorry I woke you up at 2 am by sleeping on your head! However, you don’t get to choose where I sleep. So it’s not your job to place me in the bed in the laundry room after letting me have choices throughout the whole house. I want my Mommy! But if you let me sleep in bed with you, I promise I’ll forgive and forget. And I might just sleep by your feet.

 

Rule #4. Barking:

 

I’m not supposed to bark after everyone else goes to bed. I get that. But when there are raccoons cavorting outside on the patio, raiding the garbage cans, it is my JOB to bark like a maniac to scare them away. Remember the crazy raccoons in the attic? How quickly they forget! So don’t scold me for barking when I’m actually protecting the household from masked intruders. OK? I want my Mommy!

 

Rule #5. Eating

 

I get a quarter cup of dog food, twice a day. Wait! Forget the rules about eating. If you want to give me bites of cheese or corn chips (skip the salsa!) that’s alright with me. Mom insists on boring little doggie biscuits “in moderation.” So Dad, if you want to give me “people food,” it can be our little secret…

 

Finally, Dad, it’s not that I don’t appreciate all that you’ve done for me. I really do. It’s just that Mom and I understand each other. I miss her when she’s gone. It disrupts my routine when you forget the rules. And I want my Mommy!

 

Wait! Did I hear Mom?! She’s home! Oh joy! Oh rapture! Now I’m going to totally ignore her. That ought to teach her a lesson for leaving me behind to go out gallivanting with her girlfriends. She can just suffer the cold shoulder treatment. Now I want my Daddy!

 

 

Zoe’s DogBlog  

                                                                        

Invasion of the Felines!

 

You’ll never guess what showed up at my house! A mama cat and 4 babies! My human mother is responsible. She calls it “fostering.” I call it “the invasion of the felines.”

 

Mom kept reassuring me that it was only temporary. Fostering animals saves lives and Mama Cat and babies had nowhere else to go. They might get hurt outside, all alone with no one to protect them. There wasn’t enough room at the shelter, because of all the other homeless animals. Why do we have to share our space with someone so helpless, so vulnerable, so weak and defenseless?

 

No one consulted me in the matter, so let me set something straight if anyone is listening. This is MY house. I am an ONLY pet. All love and attention is supposed to be shown exclusively to ME.

 

The babies are tiny little fluff balls that squeak instead of meowing. They live on the other side of the door and no one will let me see them. So all day long, I can hear them and smell them, but I can’t meet them. This hardly seems fair, as I’ve never done anything to harm them. Mom says she doesn’t want me scaring them. I don’t understand why she doesn’t trust me.

 

Mama cat is a very good mother and cares for her babies… or so I’ve been told. We met one another in the kitchen, but just when I was going to bark and give her a piece of my mind, I was banished to another room. Mothers who have recently given birth are delicate and cannot be disturbed. Maybe she’s disturbing me! Has anyone ever thought about that?!

 

I didn’t like the invasion of the felines until I discovered cat food. Mama Cat gets delicious smelling food that comes from a can. All I get is dry stuff, every day, same old thing. When I gave mom the whole “pathetic dog look” she decided I deserved a treat, too. So now I get one spoonful of giblets in gravy every day. I’m not sure of the definition of giblet, other than delicious!

 

Yesterday I was hanging out in the kitchen when I heard a strange noise coming from behind the closed door. Mama Cat jumped again and again and managed to open the door! I must admit, I’ve been trying to figure out how to open doors my whole life and she did it after 5 days. I was quite impressed! Then she sauntered into my space like it was no big deal. I wasn’t sure what to do. Should I bark? Should I run and hide? Should I go find the babies and finally give them a piece of my mind?

 

So did what any self-respecting dog would do when a rude intruder invades my personal space. I wagged my tail and said, “Do you have any more of that delicious cat food?

 

 

 

Zoe’s DogBlog April, 2011

Singing in the Rain!

Have you ever seen “Singing in the Rain”? I mean the Gene Kelly version, not that Umbrella/Glee thing! I love the parts where Mr. Kelly gets completely drenched. He stomps in puddles. He stands under the downspout and ditches the umbrella. He dances with complete joy!

 

I don’t SING in the rain, but I love to WALK in the rain. And for some reason, mom does not like the rain. She’s a whining wimp. When she complains about her shoes and her hairdo, I say, “Get over it!” I try to get mom to dance through the mucky stuff like Mr. Kelly. She finally bought some rubber rain boots because she was tired of listening to her gym shoes go squish.

 

Mom has a little Red Riding Hood raincoat for me. It’s seriously ridiculous. You try wearing Velcro against your delicate armpits and see how you like it! I’d rather go “au natural” and get drenched. You might be able to keep part of my back dry, but what about the feet, tail and ears? Let me fill you in on a simple fact. We’re DOGS. We don’t have to worry about what our hair looks like. So next time, forget the doggie raincoat, OK?

 

Besides getting wet, there are two other things I love about walking in the rain. There’s nothing like the feeling of mud squishing between all your toes! And earth worms are extremely interesting to sniff because they don’t move very fast. They don’t hiss or bark at me and I can’t really tell which end is which. So it’s fun to investigate them and see how they wiggle.

 

Knowing how much mom dislikes walking in the rain, you might be surprised to know that the volunteer dog walkers seem to love it! They come in with raincoats, hats and boots. They don’t mind muddy paw prints or perfume of wet dog. They have lots of towels and they just laugh when the dogs shake off the raindrops. Personally, I think everyone should just accept the rain and make the best of it. So people, stop your whining, OK?

 

There’s an old saying. April showers bring May flowers. I say April rains are just doggie showers!

 

I made up a little song to go along with walking in the rain. With apologies to Gene Kelly, here it is.

 

I’m walkin' in the rain
Just walkin' in the rain
What a soggy feelin'
I'm dripping again.
I'm laughing at mom.
She’s walking through crud.
The worms are around
And I'm ready for mud.

I’m home from my walk.
I’m ready to play.
I love the rain.
It’s a glorious day.
I shake off the drips
I smell like a dog.
Just walkin', walkin’ the rain…
I'm playin' and dancin' in the rain...

Let’s all go walkin’ in the rain!