Tuesday, September 30, 2014

ZoePhee's Tribute to Dr. Sophia Yin

Photo Credit: Dr. Yin's Facebook Page

I am so sad and shocked to learn of Dr. Sophia Yin's death. I want to express my sincere condolences to Dr. Yin's family, friends and her dog Jonesy. The Dog Training Community has lost one of greatest advocates for Force Free Training and Low Stress Handling. She will be truly missed by all.

I didn't know Dr. Yin personally but I've followed her work for many years and I've read a lot of her books. Her video on "Counter Conditioning Aggression" is one of the first I've ever watched and I've learned so much from her. I even use some of her free posters on my training page. I admire her work so much and I can't believe she's gone. :(


Dr. Yin dedicated her life to easing the fear and stress that animals go through in veterinary clinics and educating people about force free handling and training techniques. She was known for her ability to solve aggression, fear, barking, jumping and biting in both dogs and cats with positive reinforcement. Her page "The Dominance Controversy" has helped to educate countless people on what dominance is and isn't and why Cesar Millan's methods are inappropriate and detrimental. Not to mention all the other extremely useful articles she's written. She was absolutely amazing.

Dr. Yin pictured with her dog, Jonesy 
Photo Credit: Dr. Yin's Facebook Page

Rest in Peace Dr Yin! We will miss you!

Monday, September 29, 2014

Baths Suck! Monday Mischief


No one likes a bath!! Well maybe some do but these girls put on the saddest of all sad faces when it's their bath day.

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Chilly Nights ~ B&W Sunday


It is finally starting to cool off at night! Zoe is less than thrilled about it, though. I am so excited for Fall!

Friday, September 26, 2014

Pet Parade Giveaway Loot!


A while back the Pet Parade Blog Hop had an Anniversary and Giveaway. ZoePhee won the giveaway and we are so excited to show you some of our loot!! :D Thanks again to all the fabulous hosts!!

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Mistakes I made with my Rescue Dog!

Phoenix & Zoe

I've been reading a lot of posts about "do-overs" and in the spirit of my favorite quote from Bark and Lunge by Kari Neumeyer: "You did then what you knew how to do, and when you knew better, you did better." (originally by Maya Angelou) I am going to do a series of posts about what I think I did wrong with my rescue dogs and what I wish I had done instead or how I'd handle things that happened now. I completely understand that there's no going back, we can only move forward but if someone else can learn from my mistakes and not make the same ones I did then it's totally worth it for me to talk about it. 

The blog posts will mostly feature Phoenix since I had absolutely no experience with reactive dogs before her. These posts will go up on Thursdays since it's also kind of a "Throwback Thursday" sort of thing. I will start this series next week. 

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Patiently Waiting on Wordless Wedneday


The girls are really good at waiting. :D It did take some time to train it, though! Phoenix actually has better impulse control than Zoe, these days!

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Special Treats - Tasty Tuesday


After going to the vet, we always get them a special treat! Here's Zoe with her meaty bone. Both girls enjoy all kinds of different chewies and luckily for us we don't have to worry about allergies.

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Pajama Weather! Sepia Saturday


It's getting to be that time of year again!! I started breaking out the PJs the other night when it cooled way down.. I am so excited for Fall!! Zoe and Phoenix's Grandma made the giraffe pajamas. :D

Friday, September 19, 2014

Winner of SnapLeash & King Fire Update


We have a winner for the SnapLeash Giveaway! So be sure to check that out. ZoePhee Reviews: SnapLeash & Giveaway

We are still having a lot of internet connectivity issues. I apologize again for not being able to visit everyone!

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Going to the Vet with your Fearful Dog!


I have the most perfect "fearful" dog. She is an absolutely wonderful companion to me and my husband. She is funny, silly and loves to play. She snuggles with me when I don't feel well. She makes me laugh and takes away my pain. She is absolutely perfect in every way, except for two things. She is afraid of strangers reaching for her, to the point she will flail at the end of her leash to try and get away. (She has never growled or snapped at any human. All she wants to do is get away from them.) She trusts the people she knows to a point but is mostly uncomfortable being handled by anyone other than myself and my husband. Her other problem is that she is afraid of large dogs and she can be a little or a lot reactive with them depending on the situation.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Speechless - Wordless Wednesday


18,000 Acres of beautiful forest. Gone. :-( 

We haven't been evacuated yet but are still on stand by. The fire is only 5% contained. It's pretty devastating. 

*The photo is not mine.

Update! 70,000 + acres have now been burned. It's absolutely devastating.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

No internet and Fire.



Hey everyone!

I'm sorry I don't have a real post for you today. Our Internet access is down and I only have limited access on my phone.

I apologize for not being able to visit everyone's blogs!

We also have a major fire that's currently burned 11k acres and it's about 5 miles from our place. They are evacuating a lot of our town. :( I will keep everyone updated when I know what's going on!

Friday, September 12, 2014

SnapLeash "Dog Leashes" Review


Hey everyone! Today I have a review and a giveaway for you! 

I've always been a huge fan of multi-use leashes. Recently I was sent a SnapLeash to try out. 

The SnapLeash comes in two different sizes: 5/8" x 6ft (for dogs 40lbs and under) and 1" x 6 ft (for dogs over 40lbs) and at the time of this writing they have three colors available: red, blue and black. 


We were sent a Red 5/8" SnapLeash. The shipping was so fast! We received our leash within two days. I also really liked how quickly the owner of the company responded to my questions. They have really awesome customer service.


The first thing I noticed about this leash is how light it is. We've tried similar leashes before like the Gripper Police Leash and one of my huge issues with them has been weight. Some of these leashes can be so heavy and stiff that they are uncomfortable to carry. Not the SnapLeash! This leash is light and flexable and made from high quality nylon and it is strong. It does not cut into your hand like some nylon leashes do. It has strategically placed grommets so you can adjust the leash for the length you need. It's really 7+ leashes in one.


Sunday, September 7, 2014

Sleepy B&W Sunday


We are having a very sleepy B&W Sunday today!! :D Well the dogs are at least. I'm going to be grooming my neighbor's schnauzer and then after that we are going to be testing a new leash! Come back on Friday for my review on the Snap Leash. I am also going to be giving one away! (USA only)

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Friday, September 5, 2014

Arm and Hammer "Clump and Seal" Review

 

Today I am reviewing Arm & Hammer "Clump and Seal" cat litter. Anyone who has or had cats can probably relate to my struggle with finding a good cat litter. Hurley has had behavioral as well as medical urinary issues before in addition to him having asthma. Finding a litter that agrees with him health and behavior wise has been really difficult. We've been searching and trying different brands and types for around 5 years now. To say he is a problem child would be a massive understatement! :)

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Phoenix on Throwback Thursday


This is the first picture we ever took of Phoenix. We are on the way home from the shelter! The little ear poking up in the left hand corner is Zoe's. I think Phoenix was a little carsick. Poor baby!

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Monday, September 1, 2014

Being an Outstanding Breed Ambassador - Positive Pet Training Blog Hop

Zoe and Phoenix, settled on their mat at a Cafe. Zoe says, "Hey! I think I smell burgers!"

Today we are joining the Positive Pet Training Blog Hop. This month's theme is: "Being an Outstanding Breed Ambassador through Positive Training and Socialization." My dogs are obviously not purebred dogs but I do take being just a regular dog ambassador very seriously.