The Animal House | WAMU 88.5

Dr. Gary Weitzman helps a cat that has a “displacement disorder,” and a listener seeks a solution to her dog’s persistent licking of a sore that won’t heal.

Author and Dogster.com editor Maria Goodavage talks to Sam Litzinger about her new book, "Soldier Dogs," which describes the heroism of military canines. We also visit with filmmaker Greg MacGillivray, the foremost purveyor of IMAX technology and director of Academy Award nominated films "Everest" and "The Living Sea." Greg discusses his new project, "To The Arctic," which is narrated by Meryl Streep and stars a family of polar bears. Then, it’s The Loh Down on Science with Sandra Loh and a lesson in penguin dexterity.

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society tries to find a solution to a cat’s perplexing lack of social skills. A goat’s protective nature becomes a problem for its human companion.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is my dog thinking right now?” there is new research that promises to take you one step closer toward the answer to that question. Sam Litzinger spoke with the study’s lead researcher, Dr. Gregory Berns, about the exciting possibilities for using MRI technology with canines. Then, we learn how to understand avian behavior in this week’s edition of BirdNote. Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James.

Dr. Gary Weitzman has advice for a woman who is considering adopting a greyhound. A feline’s unusual behavior has its companion wondering if a recent move to a new home has created a stressful environment for the kitty. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “I am the Walrus” by The Beatles and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, moved a step closer to finding a successful treatment for Alzheimer’s disease by using human stem cells in animal models. Sam Litzinger spoke to a member of the research team, Dr. Frank LaFerla, about this groundbreaking development. Litzinger also has a lighthearted conversation with Michigan veterinarian Dr. Jan Pol, the central figure in a new TV show on the NatGeo Wild channel, The Incredible Dr. Pol. After that, it’s The Loh Down on Science with Sandra Loh.

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society helps the companion of a German Shepherd find out if the canine has a hip injury. A listener’s cat is having problems finding the litter box. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy

The recent repeal of a ban on processing horses for human consumption in the U.S. has ignited a debate between those who consider horses livestock and those who treat them as companion animals. Wyoming legislator Sue Wallis is planning to open the country’s first horse processing plants in five years, and she explains her position to Sam Litzinger. Alaska Public Radio reporter Ellen Lockyear tells the story of efforts to reverse the strikingly high mortality rate among moose calves in the 50th state. BirdNote examines the songs of sparrows.

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

Four decades after the historic music festival that bore its name, Woodstock, N.Y., is the site of another cultural revolution, thanks to Jenny Brown and her creation, the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. Jenny speaks with Sam Litzinger about the sanctuary’s mission and why farm animal welfare has become her life’s work. Brown is a tough act to follow, but Sandra Loh does an admirable job with a story about a fat farm for pets in The Loh Down On Science. Music: “Slipstream” Bela Fleck

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. Dr. Weitzman also helps a California woman who is trying to cultivate the lighter side of her Chihuahua’s personality.

For the past 60 days, birds and marine mammals have been found covered with oil in the 53 mile waterway that separates North America and Russia. Amplifying this situation is an inability to find the contamination source. State and federal officials are on red alert and U.S. Coast Guard Officer David Mosely gives us the latest details from the scene. Sam Litzinger also speaks with the founder and director of The Non-Human Rights Project, which says it's "the only organization working toward actual LEGAL rights for members of species other than our own.” Then, we hear Bird Note, our weekly celebration of avian species. Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James

Dr. Gary Weitzman speaks to a man who gets an unwanted wake-up call from his Irish Wolfhound, every night, and sometimes three times a night. A dog’s caretaker wants to know how to proceed after receiving a troubling diagnosis. And a woman seeks advice on the best approach to bring a second dog into the household. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “Glory Days”(from “Racing Stripes” original soundtrack) by Mark Isham

Also known as "the odd pet vet", Dr. Greg Mertz has two decades of experience treating a wide variety of exotic pets as CEO of The New England Wildlife Center. Mertz thinks he’s discovered the reason behind an alarming incidence of blindness among leopard geckos. He shares his findings with Sam Litzinger. The Loh Down on Science with Sandra Loh uncovers a peculiar mode of vocal communication among a certain species of primate. Music: “Mr. Chow” by Acoustic Alchemy

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society comes to the aid of a Maryland woman looking for the best way to clean her cat’s teeth. In Washington, D.C., a stubborn cat’s refusal to use the litter box is a source of frustration for its human companion. And a Virginia woman seeks advice on boarding her cats while she’s away on holiday. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy