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.
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.
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!
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.
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 
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?
The Cat Tree
The Dreaded Spray Bottle
The Ultimate Spa Day
Groot came into care with an icky abscess on his face. He needed two surgeries and over a month of tender loving care in a foster home. His high profile story attracted the notice of young Kendall, who, instead of getting presents for her birthday, asked her guests to donate to Groot’s care. Kendall raised $300, and afterwards, visited him to check in on his progress. Groot, an expert cuddler, showed his appreciation in the best way he knew how.
