Animal Radio®

Scientists estimate as many as 97% of seniors suffer from behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. That’s why Tom Stevens teamed up with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop to create an affordable robotic puppy to provide companionship for seniors. Tom explains why this is so personal and how it’s making a difference. Also, a pet nutrition startup is aiming to launch a line of clean meat for cats made from cultured mouse cells. The U.S. based startup is working on clean meat/mouse meat cat treats, based on a cat’s natural prey. “This meat is packed with the same protein that a cat in the wild would consume and does not contain the growth steroids or any trace of Salmonella and Listeria found in meat used to make commercial pet food,” states the manufacturer. Also, if you don’t kiss your dog, but your significant other has a beard, heads up! A new study finds men with beards carry more germs in their beards than dogs with their normal germs. Swiss researchers tested the facial hair of men and dog fur from various breeds and found a significantly higher bacterial load in the men’s beards compared with the dogs’ fur. And finally, police in Wisconsin say a woman; her adult son and a dog named “Bo” caused quite the scene in a Wisconsin Walmart. According to police, they responded to a Walmart shopping center for reports of a theft. When they arrived, officers found 46-year-old Lisa Smith screaming in the store’s entryway trying to catch her unleashed dog, Bo. While the mother was in the front of the store, her 25-year-old son was allegedly naked and exposing himself to customers in the clothing section of the store. Bo, still unleashed and on the loose, grabbed a box of Bread Muffin Mix and attempted to leave the store. Eventually everyone was rounded up. The two humans were arrested and poor Bo was taken to the Humane Society.

A young soldier left the battlefield in Baghdad with traumatic brain injuries and P.T.S.D. after a mortar attack. Right before he was to give up on life, a stray cat walked up to him, placed his paws on his leg and saved his life. Josh Marino is here to tell his story of Mutual Rescue. Also, China may have scrapped its one-child policy, but one Chinese city (Qingdao) has now instituted a one-dog policy! Those who own more than one pooch will be required to surrender their furry friends to an adoption agency. Anyone who violates the rules will be fined the equivalent of $60 US dollars. Also, there is a new and fast-growing trend for employees being offered by generous companies. It’s employer-sponsored benefit plans that insure the family pet, dogs, cats, ferrets, birds or potbellied pig against accidents and illness. Some 5,000 companies, including Microsoft, Yahoo, Xerox and Hewlett-Packard, now offer pet insurance. Also, when it comes to choosing a password, hopefully you do NOT pick a pet’s name, because that’s easy to hack. A behavioral biometrics company did some research and says the answer to finding a secure password is naming your pet a weird name, something incredibly unique after you do some research of your own. If your password is Max7$, after your cat, you aren’t alone, but you are putting yourself at risk of identify theft and other cyber crimes. And finally, Switzerland is a fairly small country, but it stills boasts an estimated seven million pets living there, not including farm animals! The Swiss have a long history of improving the working and living conditions for animals including landmark legislation in 1992 when it became the first country to include animal rights in their constitution.

Award winning cat author Dusty Rainbolt has written the definitive guide to solving litter-box problems. Cat owners know that the solutions aren’t always simple. But Dusty breaks it down in easy to understand steps. She can tell why your cat isn’t using the litter-box and how to fix it. Also, Hollywood Numerologist Glynis McCants says the name you give your pet has a powerful impact on its temperament. She has tips on naming and even renaming your pet according to numerical energy. Also, a town in Japan with high rates of stomach cancer is turning to sniffer dogs for help. The city of Kaneyama is now taking part in a research program, in which residents’ frozen urine samples are sent to the Nippon Medical School where dogs are trained to sniff out signs of disease. Also, cats have a reputation for eating their dead owners although a new study shows dogs are more likely to chow down on you. There are even a few reports of hamsters and birds devouring their owners according to the Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine. Researchers have found no connection between an animal’s reported closeness to its owner and its likelihood of consuming his or her body. Instinct, or hunger apparently trumps love.

Out-surging Dentists, Veterinarians now have the highest suicide rate in the U.S., at four times the general population. Dr. Elizabeth Strand discusses the causes of this disturbing trend and possible solutions. Also, the PAWS Act also known as Puppies Assisting Wounded Service members Act has been introduced on Capitol Hill by Congressman Ron DeSantis. The legislation would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide service dogs and veterinary health insurance to veterans with P.T.S.D. (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Also, pet pampering apartment buildings around the country are on the rise with some awesome amenities being offered. The most popular among them are dog runs, and they’re not what you would expect. These are dog runs inside high-rise buildings on some of the higher floors; so there’s no need to even go down to street level. Also, Kristen Hedderich is a Wedding Pet Concierge. She’s available to make your pet’s presence perfect on the big day. Kristen covers transportation, grooming and accommodations for your dog so you can focus on your nuptials. And finally, several months ago there was a story about “Bud,” a pet parrot that witnessed his owner’s murder. Now we find out that a woman in Michigan has been convicted of first-degree murder despite that Bud’s testimony wasn’t used in court. After the killing, Bud was recorded saying, “Don’t F*#&ing shoot,” in the victim’s voice. A state prosecutor tried to use Bud’s phrases as evidence in the trial, but a judge dismissed it.

Actress Nancy Dassault (Too Close For Comfort, Mad About You) is coming on the show to yap about her new Maltese Yorkie mix that seems to be having difficulty learning where to go to the bathroom. Also, Genevieve Frederick heads up an organization that connects pet food with homeless folks and their animals. While sometimes controversial, pets can provide a meaningful relationship for the displaced and destitute. Also, Michelle Hanson’s daughter unloaded her pet tortoise on her mom when she moved out. Little did Michelle know how time consuming and ‘high-maintenance’ Parker the Tortoise would be.

In a world where we barely have time to prepare our own meals, Dr. Judy Morgan says we should be cooking for our pets. The store bought pet foods contain diseased and euthanized animals as well as high levels of heavy metals. She’ll have some time-saving tips to create your own pet food. Also, from the author of Does It Fart?, comes the latest from Nick Caruso, True or Poo? The Definitive Field Guide to Filthy Animal Facts and Falsehoods. This interview is not for the faint hearted. You’ll find out just how many spiders you eat in your sleep, if beaver butt is an ingredient in vanilla ice cream, and which animal may die from constipation. Also, there’s a new law in California granting judges the authority to settle disagreements over who keeps the family pet in divorce cases. Those cases will now be handled the same way judges handle child-custody disputes. Until now, Fido and Kitty have been considered family property, a status giving them little more standing in a divorce than a family’s big-screen TV or a refrigerator. This means the judge deciding who gets to keep the pet will have the discretion of weighing such factors as who feeds them, who takes them to the vet and on walks and who protects them. Also, according to a survey from RightPet, dog owners say they get more satisfaction owning large dogs than small dogs. The study surveyed dog breed reviews from more than 12,000 pet parents from 106 countries. The study found a direct correlation between dog size satisfaction and the fact that dog owners rate bigger dogs as more emotionally stable, child-safe, trainable and less-barky than small dogs. Also, researchers at the University of Nevada in Reno have been pondering the question, “What is really in the food our pets eat?” So they started looking for answers. The results of their first study are worrisome. In the first 100 samples they analyzed, 16 of those samples had mercury concentrations that were well above the maximum tolerable limit.

Dexter Blanch considers himself quite the inventor. And he should. He’s created a chastity contraption for dogs to wear. He’s also thinking about designing a special dog-bra, but is too busy selling the belts to work on anything else. In fact, he was just commissioned to invent a chastity belt for camels in Dubai. Also, Summer means lots of outdoor fun with your dogs. Many pet-lovers will take their furry-companion on boats. This is where Jen Seitz comes in the picture. She’s from the website boatsetter.com and she has tip for making your journey safer for everyone including the pets. Also, cutting your pet’s nails can be a pleasant or really unpleasant task depending on your approach. It’s very likely that you’ll need to trim your furry-friend’s nails sooner or later. Animal Radio’s Dogfather, Joey Villani has tips on cutting those tips the right length without drawing blood. Also, on the heels of Lady Gaga’s violent pet theft, we investigate the topic. Pet theft is on the rise. Here are the stats for the most stolen dogs in America; In no particular order, these ten breeds are stolen far more than others: Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, French Bulldog (some of which are then resold for as much as $4,000) and Pomeranian (resale is said to be around $3,000). Maltese dogs are also on the most often stolen pet list, as are Boston Terriers, Labradoodles, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds and the Labrador Retriever. Animal Radio News Director Lori Brooks reports the reasons for the increase in pet thefts.

This 3-year-old girl was born with a debilitating lung disease and was given a service dog to help her maneuver around with the always-present oxygen tank. The use of service dogs for young children is increasing in popularity. There are service dogs assigned to children with autism and other special needs. From the perspectives of veterinary behavioral medicine and dog bite safety for children, this trend deserves a second look according to Dr. Ilana Reisner. She says “children don’t understand the limitations of their canine charges.” Also, Darwin believed that musicality was a capacity of all animals, human and nonhuman. Dr. Henkjan Honing is researching how animals respond to music. He tells Animal Radio what he has learned about how dogs, birds, monkeys, sea lions and cockatoos interpret musical nuance. Also, An Ohio family is facing a deadline to find new homes for their alpacas, which they consider therapy pets. A neighbor claims the alpacas are a nuisance because it’s turned his neighbor’s backyard into a smelly pasture. The alpaca owners say they’ve been cooperative with the city and have already re-homed two alpacas. They now claim that they clean up after the remaining duo on a daily basis. These alpacas are not outside all the time though. They are indoor-outdoor pets. The owner claims alpacas are quieter and their poop smells less than a dog’s poo. Also, the FBI has issued a warning on pet adoption scams. Beth Anne Steele of the FBI says, “Fraudsters are prowling the web to find families who are so desperate for the perfect pooch that they are willing to adopt sight unseen.” The scam usually starts when someone comes across a pet adoption ad online then unwittingly engages with the scammer and proceeds to pay a series of fees.

Nancy Castaldo authored a book with vivid photographs, first-person interviews and historical anecdotes exploring animals’ ability to show empathy, communicate and develop complex social societies. Humans have changed their overall perception of animals. As little as 40 years ago, many considered animals to be “machine-like” creatures that feel no pain. Now, we know different. But how much do we really know? Nancy will share her research on the clever little rat and why cats don’t rank. Also, in a shocking and controversial decision, a Michigan Federal Court granted police the right to shoot a dog that moves or barks at them when they are inside a home. The decision stems from an incident in Battle Creek, Michigan where police shot and killed two dogs while executing a search warrant looking for drugs inside a couple’s house. While this doesn’t give permission across the board, it will set a legal precedence in the justice system. One has to ask why such lethal force is necessary? Why won’t a stun-gun or pepper spray suffice? Also, according to a new study from the University of Cambridge, children get more satisfaction from the relationships they have with their pets than with their brothers and sisters. The research also found that many children get along with their pets better than their siblings. While boys and girls were equally satisfied with their pets, girls reported more companionship and conflict with their pet than boys, and girls talks more to their pets. Also, a skin cancer cream that is usually used to cure and prevent skin cancer has killed at least five dogs after they accidentally swallowed it. The FDA is warning pet owners to keep the prescription cream out of reach from pets. It is called Fluorouracil and is sold under the brand names Fluoroplex, Efudex and Carac. Also, the FDA has a new warning for pet owners who smoke saying it’s not just second-hand smoke that’s harmful to pets.  Animals are also at risk for being exposed to third-hand smoke, which includes the residue that lingers on skin, clothes, carpets and other household items that ends up on their fur. Obviously most animals groom themselves, meaning that residue getting transferred from the floor, couch or your hand to their fur – is ingested.

Misrepresenting a pet as a service animal may become a crime in Wyoming under a bill being considered in the State Legislature. The issue stems from people claiming their pet is a service animal in order to bring it into a place like a restaurant, store or rental property that doesn’t allow pets. Also, many of us are allergic to pet’s dander, but did you know that your dog’s scratching and itching could be their allergies. Whatever the source, food or environmental, there are great new medicines with little or no side-effects. Animal Radio Veterinary Correspondent Dr. Marty Becker explores these alternative allergy treatments. Also, only in Texas would you walk into someone’s home and be greeted by a 2,500 pound family pet buffalo named Wild Thing. He’s been living in his human parents house since he was a three-month-old calf and is treated just like he’s a member of the family. Ronnie and Sherron Bridges even gave Wild Thing his own bedroom, where they say he likes to watch cartoons. They also let him eat at their dining room table and are OK with him wandering in and out of the house whenever he pleases. The Bridges say “It’s like having a small car in the house.” Also, a man who claims his girlfriend was shot while she was sleeping is blaming the dog! Brian Murphy says his partner was shot in the leg after their dog Diesel leaped on the nightstand where he keeps his gun and accidentally set it off. Also, Sanjay Gupta is our guest this week. He says he learned more from his dog than he did during 25 years of Philosophy education. His dog’s insights clarify what really is important in life. Sanjay will share the most poignant message his Basset Hound taught him.

For the first time, a state has specifically said that a companion animal has visibility in a divorce proceeding beyond that of property and that the court may award custody on the basis of what is best for the dog, not the human owners. In a first, Alaska divorce courts will now treat pets more like children even though, in the eyes of the law, animals are considered property. It makes Alaska the first state in the country to require courts to take “into consideration the well-being of the animal” and to explicitly empower judges to assign joint custody of pets. Also, At least five dogs have been sickened and one has died after eating canned dog food. The reason is a barbiturate, Pentobarbital, has been found in one lot of the food. The manufacturer is recalling five lots of 12-ounce cans of dog food which were distributed in 15 states. Pentobarbital is frequently used to euthanize dogs and cats, which calls into question what the beef protein really was. Also, in Germany, there’s a legal difference between pet owners. Dog-owners are taxed for their pet, while cat-owners currently aren’t, though some say that should change. An estimated 13 million cats call Germany home and that doesn’t include stray cats. German officials say those policies help prevent shelters from being overrun and allow them to stick to a ‘no-kill policy.’ Also, your pet’s dental health is a key factor in controlling fatal organ failure. Unlike humans, infected gums can lead to bigger problems than bad breath. It’s common for ‘out of control’ teeth tartar to lead to kidney failure as infection travels through the bloodstream. February is National Pet Dental Health Month and we have tips and tricks to help your pet live a long healthy life. One of the tricks is to avoid anesthesia free dental cleanings, because they don’t work and could actually cause problems.

Brad Croft of Universal K9 trains shelter pit-bulls to assist police officers in fighting crime and searching for people. The success of the program can be seen around the country as more police departments express interest in these dogs. Also, even the most grounded person can be devastated by the loss of a pet. Dr. Guy Winch is an authority on broken-hearts and has answers to common questions following the death of a pet. He says you should avoid the 5 common mistakes when grieving the loss of a pet, including not getting rid of reminders like feeding bowls and leashes and feeling guilty about getting another pet. Also, If you’ve ever been nervous around a dog and told to just be calm because dogs can “smell fear,” well, that is good advice though most people can’t suddenly calm their fear. Believe it or not, the sentiment behind that guidance is rooted in some truth. While dogs probably can’t literally smell fear, they do seem to respond to fearful people with more aggression according to a new study in the British Medical Journal. Also, the stories of unruly flights caused by animals continue to grab headlines around the world, like the one where a woman attempted to bring her pet peacock onto a flight out of New Jersey’s Newark airport. The woman was told the big bird would not be allowed on the plane even though the owner had bought a separate ticket for the peacock. United Airlines issued a statement saying the peacock did not meet guidelines for a number of reasons, including its weight and size.

Clinical Forensic Psychologist Dr. John Huber culled research indicating that, given the choice, we prefer puppies over people. Respondents to a recent survey are significantly less distressed when adult humans were victimized, in comparison with human babies, puppies and adult dogs. Also, Monique Feyrecilde breaks the common fallacies associated with training your dog. She’ll share the mistakes we make when trying to change our dog’s behavior. Also, it’s National Pet Dental Month. Not another Hallmark card opportunity. This is the ideal opportunity for your veterinarian to check for dental issues that could ultimately be fatal if gone unchecked. Dental care isn’t about vanity as much as it’s about preventing organ failure because you thought a ‘non-anesthesia dental cleaning’ was all you needed. Also, Genevieve Frederick heads up an organization that connects pet food and veterinary care with homeless folks and their animals. Since 2008, her non-profit has found health care for 17,500 pets. Now, the organization is on the hunt for more veterinary practitioners to offer discounted assistance to the homeless.

Vance County North Carolina Animal Control Officer Chad Olds discovered a new use for his incredible singing skills. He’s able to quiet the barking a several dozen dogs by playing guitar and singing to them. The shelter videotaped one of his sessions. The video went viral and adoptions increased. Also, researchers Alex Benjamin and Katie Slocombe set out to investigate if so-called dog-speak improves bonding between pets and humans, and specifically, whether it is useful for the dogs to hear that high pitched baby talk. They found that adult dogs were more likely to want to interact and spend time with the speaker that used dog-directed speech with dog-related content. Also, Santa Barbara, California is dealing with a crisis in its animal care community, which is a problem happening all over the country. The problem is the high rate of suicide among veterinarians. In fact, vets have the highest rate of suicide among all professional groups.

When this little pig got sick and needed a blood transfusion, his guardian, Maddie worked effortlessly to find a match. Thanks to social media, Pickles the Potbellied Pig was saved by Tickles - a 450 lb. donor pig, whom was also saved from the butcher in this ‘win-win-win’ hog story. Also, Dr. Natalie Marks suggest that pet owners use Pre-Visit Pharmaceuticals (PVP) before you go to the veterinarian. This will make the visit easier and more pleasurable for your pet. She says these medications are not sedatives or painkillers, but are effective for easing anxiety. Also, Joe and Lauren DiPaolo have devoted everything to rescuing handicapped cats, or ‘handi-cats.’ Their house is full of cats with one or multiple ailments. They’re providing life-long care for a feline without eyes, a kitty using a wheel contraption in place of legs, and one with a cleft palate, just to name a few of the maladies. You must hear them tell you their story of undying devotion.