Be careful with your password

Sit...stay...not so easy

I just could not resist posting this one!
I am finding a lot of funny material by looking over Mama's shoulder
while she is on something called Facebook.

Stay healthy humans!

Woof, woof, till later, 
Zoey

Walk? No way...

At this time, Mama has registered 22,656 steps on her Fitbit and the night is just beginning. I have had to walk most of the steps with her. Why does she think I need to get out so much? So do I double that number since I am walking on 4 legs to her 2? Just asking!

life of a shelter animal

Remember, not all disinfecting products are pet friendly

Cleaning Products That Destroy Coronavirus

Mama thought it would be a good idea for me to post the article below. She found it on her Facebook page. Stay safe everyone!

Woof, woof, till later, 

Zoey

These Common Household Products 

Can Destroy the Novel Coronavirus

By Perry Santanachote / March 09, 2020 / Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports shows you how to use them and tells you which products to stay away from

News of stores running out of hand-sanitizing gels and chlorine wipes may have you worried about how to protect your family at home as COVID-19 spreads. But plain old hand soap will go a long way.

“It isn’t possible to disinfect every surface you touch throughout your day,” says Stephen Thomas, M.D., chief of infectious diseases and director of global health at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. “The planet is covered with bacteria and viruses, and we’re constantly in contact with these surfaces, so hand-washing is still your best defense against COVID-19.”

You need to amp up your typical cleaning routine only if someone in the household exhibits signs and symptoms of a respiratory infection, or if you live in an area with known cases of COVID-19. In that scenario, Thomas says, “Clean high-traffic areas that get touched frequently, such as kitchen counters and bathroom faucets, three times a day with a product that kills viruses.”

The good news is that coronaviruses are some of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate product, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. “It has an envelope around it that allows it to merge with other cells to infect them,” explains Thomas. “If you disrupt that coating, the virus can’t do its job.”

Even if you can't get your hands on hand sanitizer or Clorox wipes, below are a number of cleaning products you probably have around the house already, and that stores are more likely to have in stock, that are effective in deactivating the novel coronavirus. We also tell you the products that don’t work, and when you can expect retailers to stock back up on cleaning supplies.

Cleaning Products That Destroy Coronavirus

Soap and Water Just the friction from scrubbing with soap and water can break the coronavirus’s protective envelope. “Scrub like you’ve got sticky stuff on the surface and you really need to get it off,” says Richard Sachleben, an organic chemist and member of the American Chemical Society. Discard the towel or leave it in a bowl of soapy water for a while to destroy any virus particles that may have survived. 

Bleach The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a diluted bleach solution (⅓ cup bleach per 1 gallon of water or 4 teaspoons bleach per 1 quart of water) for virus disinfection. Wear gloves while using bleach, and never mix it with anything except water. (The only exception is when doing laundry with detergent.)

“Bleach works great against viruses,” Sachleben says. Just don’t keep the solution for longer than a few days because bleach will degrade certain plastic containers.

Bleach can also corrode metal over time, so Sachleben recommends that people not get into the habit of cleaning their faucets and stainless steel products with it. Because bleach is harsh for many countertops as well, you should rinse surfaces with water after disinfecting to prevent discoloration or damage to the surface.

Isopropyl Alcohol Alcohol solutions with at least 70 percent alcohol are effective against coronavirus. Do not dilute the alcohol solution. Alcohol is generally safe for all surfaces but can discolor some plastics, Sachleben says.

Hydrogen Peroxide According to the CDC, household (3 percent) hydrogen peroxide is effective in deactivating rhinovirus, the virus that causes the common cold, within 6 to 8 minutes of exposure. Rhinovirus is more difficult to destroy than coronaviruses, so hydrogen peroxide should be able to break down coronavirus in less time. Pour it undiluted into a spray bottle and spray it on the surface to be cleaned, but let it sit on the surface for several minutes.

Hydrogen peroxide is not corrosive, so it’s okay to use it on metal surfaces. But similar to bleach, it can discolor fabrics if you accidentally get in on your clothes. “It’s great for getting into hard-to-reach crevices,” Sachleben says. “You can pour it on the area and you don’t have to wipe it off because it essentially decomposes into oxygen and water.”

What Not to Use Against Coronavirus

Homemade Hand Sanitizer You’re probably seeing all sorts of hand sanitizer recipes floating around your social media and the internet, but Thomas, at Upstate Medical in Syracuse, advises against making your own. “People don’t know the right ratios to use, and the internet won’t give you the right answer,” he warns. “Not only can you hurt yourself, but it could give you a false sense of security.”

Sachleben seconds that advice. “I’m a professional chemist, and I don’t mix my own disinfectant products at home,” he says. “Companies spend a bunch of time and money to pay chemists specifically to formulate hand sanitizers that work and that are safe. If you make it yourself, how can you know if it’s stable or if it works?”

Vodka There are widely circulated recipes on the internet using vodka to combat coronavirus. A couple of vodka makers, including Tito’s and Smirnoff, have already come out with statements telling their customers that their 80-proof product does not contain enough ethyl alcohol (40 percent compared with the 70 percent required) to kill the coronavirus.

Distilled White Vinegar Disinfection recommendations using vinegar are popular online, but there is no evidence that they are effective against coronavirus. (Read about the 9 things you should never clean with vinegar.)

When Retailers Expect More Supplies

Wondering when you’ll be able to get your hands on hand sanitizer, Lysol wipes, Clorox sprays, etc., at your local store? CR spoke to major chains, including Costco, CVS, Kroger, Stop & Shop, and Walgreens. They said that they are seeing temporary shortages and are restocking as quickly as their suppliers allow (though CVS says it is not seeing a shortage of disinfectant wipes and sprays). Kroger and Stop & Shop have instituted purchase limits.

But your best bet, says Burt Flickinger, managing director at Strategic Resource Group, a retail and consumer goods consulting firm, is to go to the warehouse stores and large grocery chains.

"They have their own distribution warehouses and constantly replenish their stock," he explains. He adds that Walmart has one of the best distribution chains in the country and is prepared for natural disasters like tornadoes or hurricanes. In other words, their system is already in place, so they don't have to scramble to meet demand.

Flickinger says the best time to shop is 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., because the shelves are typically restocked overnight. He anticipates that supplies from Clorox, 3M, and Procter & Gamble will be replenished the soonest.

—Additional reporting by Mary Farrell

https://www.consumerreports.org/cleaning/common-household-products-that-can-destroy-novel-coronavirus/

5 Houseplants That Are Dangerous For Your Dog

Reprinted from Facebook page / March 8, 2020

If you look on Instagram under any of the hashtags pertaining to homes and home decor, you’re bound to come across that wonderful boho-chic look that turns your home into a mini greenhouse with loads of plants. Terrariums are particularly popular. Either way, many of us may love the aesthetic of plants in our houses or apartments, so we go a little crazy on that front. Of course, if we have pets we also have to be conscious that we’re purchasing plants that won’t be harmful to them as well. So, as pet owners, before we go out and go crazy buying all the plants, it’s important to get familiar with the ones that may be toxic to our pets.

1. Lilies

The Lily family of plants is very expansive. But there are some plants that are downright lethal to our dogs and cats. The Mauna Loa, which also goes by the name Peace Lily, is toxic to dogs and cats while the Stargazer and Easter Lilies are toxic only to cats as it affects their appetite and kidneys, and can end up being fatal. Meanwhile, the Peace Lily is toxic for both cats and dogs and can present symptoms of vomiting. They can also experience trouble swallowing due to irritated lips and tongue.

2. Aloe Vera

You would think that Aloe Vera wouldn’t make the list since it’s such a great plant for us humans when we have burns. However, it’s that specific gel substance – the one we humans find so soothing on our skin – that is very harmful to our dogs. If they ingest it, their digestive systems can be harmed.

3. Ivy (Hedera Helix)

We’ve all heard of Poison Ivy and make efforts to avoid it. However, even regular Ivy can be toxic to our dogs. If they ingest regular Ivy, they can develop both a rash and breathing problems. And things can get even worse as Ivy has been known to lead to coma or paralysis.

4. Jade (Crassula Ovata)

The Jade plant has many names like Jade Tree, Dwarf Rubber Plant, Chinese or Japanese Rubber Plant, Friendship Tree, and Baby Jade. Regardless of what you may know it as, it’s important to know that it should be kept away from dogs and cats. No one knows for sure what toxins are in this plant, but what is known is that any dog or cat that ingests Jade can end up developing the following symptoms: vomiting, incoordination (ataxia), a slow heart rate (bradycardia) and/or depression.

5. Asparagus Fern

This plant is harmful to both dogs and cats. The plant also goes by other names such as Emerald Fern, Emerald Feather, Sprengeri Fern, Lace Fern, and Plumosa Fern. This specific fern contains a toxin called Sapogenin, and if the berries are eaten then your pet can experience diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and inflammation of the skin.

https://www.cesarsway.com/5-houseplants-that-are-dangerous-for-your-dog/

Your turn...

When our fur-babies jump on the opportunity to remind us

 that it is our turn to wear the dreaded cone!

Woof, woof, til later,

Zoey

Just saying...

I love to cuddle with Mama. 

Woof, woof, til later, 

Zoey

Sir Darius Brown's Creativity and Kindness

This teen makes adorable bow ties to help get 

shelter dogs and cats adopted

By Caroline Catherman and Justin Lear, CNN
Updated 1:41 PM ET, Mon February 24, 2020
Taken from my Facebook page

https://www.sirdariusbrown.com/

Sir Darius Brown poses with a dog wearing one of his original bow ties.

(CNN)A 13-year-old from New Jersey has embarked on the cutest mission ever. He sews tiny bow ties for cats and dogs to help them get adopted.

Sir Darius Brown came up with the idea in 2017. He wanted to help draw attention to dogs that were displaced by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, according to his website.

"I didn't have a lot of money to help so I used my creative skills," he wrote on Instagram in January. He has been making bow ties as a hobby since 2010.

He started by making bow ties for animals at an ASPCA in New York, according to his mom, Joy Brown. But once he got there, he realized dogs all over the world needed homes, and he wanted to help them stand out.  

Since then, he has made over 500 bow ties and started a company, Beaux and Paws, said his mom. She estimates that he has helped get dozens of cats and dogs adopted at more than 20 shelters.

He's currently raising money on his GoFundMe page to personally deliver bow ties to shelters in all 50 states.

"He now has this thing where he spins the wheel and he selects a state and animal shelter," his sister, Dazhai Shearz, told CNN affiliate WCBS.

In 2018, President Barack Obama gave him a Presidential Commendation. In January, he was featured as one of GoFundMe's kid heroes. And he was he was just named the 2020 New Jersey State Honoree for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

"I know that I'm doing something right, raising an amazing kid who is inspiring people all over the world," his mom said. "I tell him all the time, ''I wanna be like you when I grow up.'"

Not just a pizza!

Pizzeria Puts Pictures Of Shelter Dogs On Pizza Boxes To Help Them Get Adopted

March 5, 2020
Reprinted from Facebook

Just Pizza & Wing Co. store in Amherst, New York wowed the public after coming out with a brilliant new concept to help dogs in need. The pizza joint began to attach flyers featuring adoptable dogs to all of its cardboard delivery boxes – something in order to ensure that the dogs get a chance to find their forever homes.

The owner of the franchise, Mary Alloy, was struck with the genius idea after she began to volunteer with her three kids at the Niagara Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). There, she was exposed to Kimberly LaRussa, an SPCA event coordinator, and the two women started to brainstorm ways in which they could further help the dogs in need.

As Mary explained to CNN, “Kimberly texted me one night and was like: ‘Hey, what would you think about putting pictures of the dogs on pizza boxes?’ and I just couldn’t wait. We are all animal lovers here, so I got permission from the franchise to do it and immediately got to work.”

It was then that the idea was put into practice. The pizzeria would even go on to include a $50 gift certificate for Just Pizza & Wing Co. to anyone who actually adopts one of the shelter dogs featured on the pizza box flyers.

Needless to say, there were many in the community who were on board with the idea and were “absolutely loving it.” Since the launch of the idea, the pizzeria has gone through 500 boxes. On top of that, One six-month-old puppy named Larry found a new home within a day of the new launch.

Kimberly was overwhelmed, saying, “We’ve had a tremendous amount of interest and support from the community and beyond since the story went viral on Friday. Many people want to order a pizza just to get the shelter dog photo, other pizzerias have offered to put flyers on their pizza boxes, and so many people are tagging their friends and family.”

However, Mary’s philanthropy knows no bounds. She is also actively involved with hospice care, non-profit medical organizations, autism centers, children’s hospitals, and animal shelters throughout the Buffalo area.

She explained, “I try to do whatever I can for other organizations who need help. We have donation boxes all over the store. Anything I can do to the help the community, I’m going to do it.”

Unfortunately, Mary couldn’t stick to her volunteer work for the SPCA because it conflicted with her business. But she does still assist the charity by catering their events.

“That’s just the kind of person she is. We are so grateful to Mary and Just Pizza,” Kimberly revealed.

It turns out that Mary’s idea created a trend – Papa Louie’s Italian Kitchen & Motocross Cafe in Ohio did the same thing with their pizza boxes and gave Mary credit for why they did it.

Mary’s pizzeria plans to continue the adoption flyers. According to Kimberly, Mary’s business will be adding adoptable cats to the list of adoption flyers in the future.

Cesar Millan's Puppy Tips

Spring is around the corner. Actually Daylight Savings time stats Sunday, March 8. Mama is really excited about that change. She was telling me that Spring is a good time to get a puppy. I immediately stopped in my tracks.  What is she talking about? Dad, did you hear Mama? Puppy? No way in this household do we need a puppy. I am the one and only Queen Bee at this shelter. 

Anyway, she said she thought about it because she received an email from Cesar introducing his new pack member--Spot. So she told me we should repurpose the information for anyone who is thinking about adding a pup to the pack. So here is some useful information that Cesar sent to her but we are NOT using. You can subscribe to his information too. Go to  https://www.cesarsway.com/

Woof, woof till later, 
Zoey Elizabeth

__________________________
Reprinted from email:

Meet Spot, the newest member of my pack. He is 14 weeks old and I just rescued him from Orlando, Florida! I came around the corner the other day and saw him towering over my luggage like Simba from The Lion King… 

Although he was misbehaving, I feel it’s the perfect opportunity to introduce some puppy training tips to all pet parents that are bringing home a puppy for the first time or even the second! Many puppies end up in shelters for reasons that are completely avoidable if you provide the proper training practices from the beginning. They’re cute and cuddly lovable little balls of fur — but they can be more difficult to handle than adult dogs. “Puppy training” is our number one category for questions at Cesar’s Way. That’s why Cesar decided to offer his top ten Puppy Tips, and more.   Puppy Proof Your Home Before Arrival Make sure to hide electrical cords and cables, keep trash tightly closed, put child-proof latches on cupboards and closets, secure cleaning supplies. Keep clothes that smell like you picked up and secured in a hamper, and keep dangerous things in the bathroom secured — razors, perfumes, cotton balls, soap, etc… and keep the toilet lid down at all times.   Bringing a Puppy Home Take her on a walk to tire her out first; invite her into the home after you still have them on leash, and establish it as your territory as you introduce her to it.   Everyone Remain Calm You need to remain calm and practice “no touch, no talk, no eye contact” during the introduction. Let her off leash when you get to the place where she’ll sleep. This tells her “this spot is yours.”   Establish a Regular Schedule Establish a regular schedule for walks, feeding, and playtime, and stick to it. Make sure your puppy gets potty time every two to four hours at first, and five to thirty minutes after eating, which is when she’ll have to naturally go.   Never Discipline Your Puppy Do not discipline your puppy for an accident in the house or misbehavior that you didn’t catch her doing. She won’t make the association and you’ll just confuse her. Stay calm and clean up.   Puppies Use Their Mouths When They Play We have to teach them what’s appropriate and what isn’t when it comes to mouthing and biting. Gentle play continues. Rough play stops and gets a puppy time-out. Dogs are often hauled off to shelters because they have bitten a member of the family. If a dog exhibits aggressive behavior, it must be dealt with immediately. Biting can be avoided if a dog is properly trained and socialized, and if behavioral issues are addressed before they worsen.   Establish Mouth Rules If you don’t want the puppy mouthing people at all, redirect her before her mouth makes contact by using a chew or a treat and get her to bite onto that instead.   Establish a Relationship With the Vet Right Away If you already have one you like and trust, great. If not, find one as soon as possible to start your puppy on a lifetime of good health. Be Patient Remember that puppies are just learning the rules, boundaries, and limitations, and it can take them a few tries to get it right. A failure today is not a failure forever, so don’t get frustrated. Do stay calm and consistent and your puppy will get it eventually. Until Next Time! Cesar Millan

https://www.cesarsway.com/

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