The Animal House | WAMU 88.5

Climate change, more interaction between people and wildlife in residential areas and a rise in species extinction levels are all contributing to renewed interest in preserving native habitats for animals and plants. "The Spine of the Continent" is a new book about "the most ambitious wildlife conservation project ever undertaken," linking protected areas from the Yukon to Mexico. Sam Litzinger speaks with the author, Mary Ellen Hannibal. Beverly Amsler of Virginia Public Radio has a story about efforts to save the Bobwhite after new ways of farming disrupted its native habitat, nearly wiping out the shy and elusive bird. Music: Igor Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite” by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society helps a concerned Washington, D.C., mom whose Doberman Pinscher has taken a liking to licking her newborn son. A Virginia man seeks a way to stop a neighbor’s cat from relieving itself on his front lawn. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy

DeBordieu, S.C., is known for scenic beaches and an 800 acre wildlife preserve. But recently this private community along the Atlantic coast has become the place where an estimated 40,000 fish have come to die. Mel Bell, director of the Office of Fisheries Management for the state’s Department of Natural Resources, talks to Sam Litzinger about this mysterious occurrence. WAMU news reporter Sabri Ben-Achour has an update on his story about the intractable and devastating infestation of brown marmorated stinkbugs along the Eastern Seaboard. Also featured: BirdNote, our weekly review of avian species. Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James, “Spanish Guitar Solo” - Sting

This week the Washington Animal Rescue League became the temporary home for five cats and eight dogs from New York after they were orphaned by Hurricane Sandy. We were there to meet the new arrivals and talk to rescue league staff member Lisa Stemcosky (pictured),who assisted the ASPCA's NYC efforts and helped transport the animals back to D.C. Stemcosky spoke about the next steps in finding new families for the animals. Also featured: BirdNote, our weekly exploration of living things with wings. Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James, “Half Life” by Imogen Heap

Dr. Gary Weitzman counsels a Washington, D.C., woman whose cat prefers to seek relief in the bathtub, instead of litter box. A North Carolina man’s Shih Tzu was a lucky survivor of a serious auto accident but needs help dealing with painful after effects. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “Awaken Us To The Blue” by Bob James

The feathers of a hen or rooster might appear to be an unlikely target for intensive research, but a U.S. Department of Agriculture scientist has spent the past 20 years uncovering some remarkable properties of this often discarded part of the bird’s anatomy. WAMU news reporter Emily Berman paid a visit to the USDA campus in Beltsville, Md., to learn more about the chemist and his chicken feathers. Also featured: The Loh Down on Science with Sandra Loh.

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society offers advice to a Maryland woman whose rescue dog has been “kicked out” of a training program. Also, a Massachusetts man seeks a solution to his dog’s skittish behavior in public areas. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy

Many people have seen her memorable work in the films "The Birds," "Marnie" and "Roar," without realizing that actress Tippi Hedren has another important connection to animals: She is the founder of one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in the United States. Hedren talks about her films, her love of animals and her pioneering efforts to protect them. Sam Litzinger also speaks with New York Times reporter Andrew Pollack about a growing trend toward using lab mice in efforts to identify proper drug therapies for individual patients. Music: “Animal Dreams” Bob James; “Theme From Marnie” – Bernard Hermann

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society meets a woman who is concerned about her dog’s excessive howling. A cat’s excessive self-grooming has its human companion seeking advice. Then, producer Karen Munson has Animal House Dateline and the latest news from the animal kingdom. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy

WAMU News Reporter Sabri Ben–Achour explores the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s collection of new animal species. We also continue our exclusive chat with legendary actress and animal conservationist Tippi Hedren. Then it’s The Loh Down on Science with Sandra Loh. Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James; “Home” – Pat Metheny

Dr. Gary Weitzman helps a woman determine the best way to clean her cat’s nails. And a canine’s persistent whining at meal time has its guardians at wit’s end. Music: Dr. Gary’s theme – “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy.

Dr. Gary Weitzman helps the Arizona companion of an 8-year-old Chinese Crested named “Notcho” (as in not-cho ordinary canine) discover the right dietary balance. Then, a woman calls from Maryland wondering what to do about her cat’s overweight condition. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “La Rondine” (The Swallow) by Renata Scotto

As a rule, cats and litter boxes can be a difficult match. But Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society is up for the challenge. He has a fail-safe solution for a Washington, D.C., woman whose cat would rather perch aloft from her furniture for its biological relief instead of using the litter box. Weitzman also helps a California woman who is trying to cultivate the lighter side of her Chihuahua’s personality.

Whether she’s employing unique procedures, such as water therapy and acupuncture, or counseling her friend Oprah Winfrey on veterinary matters, Dr. Barbara Royal is known as a trailblazer in pursuit of an “integrative” approach to animal medicine. She spoke to Sam Litzinger about the methods described in her new book, "The Royal Treatment." After that, it's BirdNote with a few tips for beginning bird watchers, followed by The Loh Down on Science with Sandra Loh, which features details of a new study about North American songbirds.

The world’s busiest explorer, Jeff Corwin, takes some rare down time to talk with Sam Litzinger about how his mother’s encouragement and a love of snakes influenced his current work with wildlife and nature conservation. Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James; “River” by Enya