Season for Sharing

 On yesterday's front page of The Arizona Republic, there was a wonderful story by my favorite columnist, Scott Craven.  He is a real animal lover and writes about us and our needs every week.  You should read his columns on a regular basis, I do.

As most of you know, this is the official "Season for Sharing"  because of the holidays, but it is an actual program here in Arizona, and one of the charities that is part of this year's program made possible through The Arizona Republic, 12 News and the Gannett Foundation is Gabriel's Angels.  It is a wonderful organization that uses therapeutic pooches like me.  Over the past 12 years my canine friends and their human companions have "visited more than 13,000children who have been abused, neglected and at risk kids who have learned a little something about love and caring from dogs just as magical as the gray pooch that started it all ( Gabriel)." 

You should read Scott's article and maybe you will want to help.  Or better yet, if your city doe not have a group like this, you might consider starting one!  That's all for today!

Zoe

Pictures with Santa at Petique

 On Saturday, I went to the Biltmore Fashion Park and had my picture taken with Santa, but first I went out to lunch with my mom and my Aunt Linda.  We went to Zinburger; it's a Fox restaurant, and they said their food was excellent.  I wouldn't know because I only eat dog food, but the nice waiter did bring me some water. Here are my pictures from that day. Santa was inside Petique; it's the adoption center and store operated by the Arizona Humane Society at the shopping center.  It was a fun day of meeting people and especially fun when I did my tricks for Santa and his elves.

Here I am waiting patiently to go into Petique.

The photographer liked taking my picture because I was so well behaved

Here I am with Santa!

Here is some Zoe advice:

• Be patient during the holidays if you are out shopping.
• Bring water for your pet even if it is winter.
• Be nice!  Santa is watching....

My Face on an E-card with Petzooba

 Hi Everyone!

Today I had a very busy day at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center.  I never saw such a myriad ( wow- good vocabulary word)  patients in the different infusion rooms as I did today.  One lady was from Paris and she talked to me in French; I liked her.  Another lady liked me so much she even took my picture with her phone to show her children when she got home.  Here is the picture she emailed to my mom.  Isn't technology wonderful?

Tonight, while I was on the computer, I found the link to the man who came up with the idea for the card that I am on; his name is Mitch Wilder.  If you click on his name, it will take you directly to a video of the card that my face (along with many other dogs) is on.  I am the violinist (the cute one) who hangs on the conductor's baton.  Take a look!  The website for the card is Petzooba , and they have a plethora (another good vocabulary word!) of different cards.  You can even personalize some of them.

That's all for tonight --no advice either!  I have to go and read some more of my hero Uggie's book - Uggie:  My Story.

What I Do on a Pet Therapy Visit!

Here I am in my Therapy Dogs, Inc vest. 

Some of you have asked what exactly is it that I do as a therapy dog.  Well, I asked my "mom" to take a few pictures and put together a video/slide show, so you could get an idea of my day. Ther won't be any patients' pictures in here because I don't want to violate HIPA laws. This was from last Monday, November 12th, when I was visiting in my red, white and blue outfit because we were celebrating our veterans.  Normally, I wear one of my therapy vests depending on where I am "working".  That day I visited with 68 people because I went to two places; I usually visit only one.  I was super tired when I got home

My Salute to Veterans - Human and Canine!

I was busy for the past few days getting my costume ready, taking pictures, attending an Open House and making my video salute to veterans - human and canine.  I hope that you like it!

I Won! I Won!

I want to thank all my friends for voting for me this past weekend.  Ruby Ranch Rescue and Sanctuary had a contest on Facebook; it ended at 6:00 PM on Sunday, November 4th and I won the popular vote!  I am quite excited about that.

So, my costume is put away.  I gave out all of my stickers and today I went to the vet.  It was a good experience;  I even showed him all my tricks.  I think he doubted my ability to do them in the animal hospital because he said most dogs are just too scared and don't do anything but pant, shake and shiver.  But, he never met me before!!!

 I did find out that I have two laxating patellas; but it's level 1!  That means I don't have to worry about it just yet.  He said it was genetic and that it is not uncommon in small breeds especially in dachshunds and chihuahuas  ---so, I guess it is part of my ancestry because my DNA doesn't lie.

Reading the Arizona Republic and Scott Craven

Like my mom,  I like to read what she calls "the little paper" --- it lets me know what events are going on in the city and  what's more important are the articles by Scott Craven, who writes a column about pets called Pet Tales.  Besides being informative, he knows the power of 3 in journalism and sometimes he is pretty funny, too.

I feel that I can really relate to his column today called "Dog owners agree puppy love has power to take away stress".  Mr. Craven sites some interesting statistics from findings of a survey taken by Purina Dog Chow.  Well, I was not consulted for his article, but can speak personally on this subject with authority because of  my therapy work.  Just this week, I had 3 patients smile and tell me, "You made my day!" as they scratched my ears!  One of them even called me cutie pie.  Another lady came and sought me out to visit her husband in a private infusion room because he needed my unconditional love and attention.  She heard I did tricks, too - especially my salute - and he served in the military.  SO, I did my thing and guess what?  he was smiling and thanking me before I left him. It makes me happy to spread such good will and cheer.

My advice for today:
Always read Scott Craven's articles.
Remember how important pets can be to your good health.

PS  Mr. Craven, it would be okay with me if you chose to change Pet Tales to "Tails"  to have a play on that word just like I did!