The Animal House | WAMU 88.5

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society has a meeting of the minds with Bob Duncan, executive director of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, to help someone with a coyote problem. A woman who is interested in fostering a dog seeks advice. And a cat that was rescued from Hurricane Katrina has developed respiratory problems, sparking concern in its human companion. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy

Ann Froschauer of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delivers more challenging information about the widespread infestation of White-Nose Syndrome, a deadly fungus that has killed millions of bats since 2006. Following that, the first part of Sam Litzinger’s exclusive interview with award-winning actress, animal activist and humanitarian Betty White. Their conversation took place at Washington, D.C.’s Lisner Auditorium as part a program sponsored by The Smithsonian Associates. Then it’s BirdNote and an examination of birds on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James

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;

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 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

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. read more

Dr. Gary Weitzman offers advice to a woman who wants to bring a new kitten to a house that already has an older cat. Also, a cat’s companion is concerned about the possibility of the animal suffering a serious illness. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; "March" from "Peter And The Wolf" - Sergei Prokofiev

We hear the stories of separate groups of grey wolves: one is threatened by actions taking place in the Canadian wilderness, and another population of wolves is thriving among the ruins of the world’s worst nuclear accident. Sam Litzinger speaks with the National Wildlife Federation’s David Mizejewski about the Canadian Wolf culling. read more

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society and Katrina Smith of the Mid-Atlantic Turtle and Tortoise Society help the companion of a Red Eared Slider adjust its feeding routine. Weitzman also counsels a woman who has a sightless cat. And the family of an English Bull Terrier wants to know if a recent move to a new home has something to do with the canine’s lack of appetite and energy. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy

New research shows that about 60 percent of all human diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted between animals and humans. However, physicians and veterinarians rarely work together. Dr. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz and journalist Kathryn Bowers wrote a book about the extraordinary opportunities that exist in cross-disciplinary collaboration in the medical profession. They spoke to Sam Litzinger about the possibilities. read more

Dr. Gary Weitzman is joined by Dr. Laurie Hess of theVeterinary Center for Birds and Exotics in an attempt to solve the mystery of a blue finch’s plumage depletion. Ella, a male cat named after jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, has a worrisome loss of hair, and his companion seeks solutions.

Ellen Goosenberg Kent is an award-winning filmmaker and one of three directors behind the revealing documentary, "One Nation Under Dog." Kent gives us a preview of the film. After that it’s The Loh Down on Science with Sandra Loh.

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society and Janet Marlowe of Pet Acoustics attempt to make sense of a beagle’s curious reaction to music in the home of its guardians. A woman weighs the possibility of training a feline to walk with a leash, and a dog’s aggressive behavior has its companion seeking advice. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy

Suzan Murray, chief veterinarian of the Smithsonian National Zoo talks about the birth of a new Giant Panda cub, which died suddenly on Sunday 9/23/12. For more details, click here. WAMU and The Animal House is saddened by the news. We send our heartfelt condolences to the National Zoo's staff and management. Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James

Dr. Gary Weitzman encounters a woman who found a baby bird that had apparently fallen out of its nest. Another woman wants to know the likelihood of finding a parrot that has been lost in her neighborhood. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; The Swan” – Claude Debussy