The Animal House | WAMU 88.5

Dr. Gary Weitzman speaks to a man who wants his dog to bark more. A cat’s companion wants to stop the feline’s biting spree. The caretaker of a dog that was successfully treated after being affected by recently recalled pet food wants to know if there will be further complications. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “Baby Elephant Walk” – Quincy Jones

WAMU 88.5 News reporter Sabri Ben-Achour follows the story of Shanthi, a 36-year-old Asian elephant at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park that has a talent for making “interesting sounds” with various types of musical instruments. Then, Sam Litzinger speaks with USA Today Kid-Tech columnist Jinny Gudmundsen about Disney Animal Kingdom Explorers, a new collaboration between Disney and Facebook. After that, it’s The Loh Down on Science with Sandra Loh.

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society fields a question about canine “potty training." A woman asks if having a new dog will cue her Lab’s separation anxiety. And a family with a baby on the way wants to know the best way to “relocate” two of their cats.

A group of veterinarians at North Carolina State University College of Veterinarian Medicine recently made international headlines after performing experimental surgery on a green turtle that sustained a usually fatal injury. Dr. Greg Lewbart, known for his revolutionary surgical work on pet fish, led the turtle’s medical team, and he spoke to Sam Litzinger about the successful procedure. Litzinger also spoke with author Alison Rieser about her new book, "The Case of the Green Turtle: An Uncensored History of a Conservation Icon."

An Animal House listener hears the story of a dog that is losing its sight because of cataracts and makes a generous offer to pay for the animal’s surgery. Also, Dr. Gary Weitzman speaks with a woman whose cat has a penchant for moving articles of clothing from one room to another. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “Lady Bug” – Ella Fitzgerald

Cornell University entomologist John Losey introduces us to his Lost Ladybug Project, a nationwide effort to track the movements of North American ladybugs, which are disappearing at an alarming rate. Then, Sam Litzinger speaks to Jeff Bennett, one of 2,400 volunteer aviators working with Pilots N Paws, an animal rescue organization that uses airplanes to transport shelter pets to new homes. read more

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society counsels the companions of two cats. One of the cats has a strange way of using the litter box and the other is a feral animal whose caretaker wants to attempt domestication. Then, Sally Blanchard of Companion Parrot Online joins Weitzman to advise the keeper of a suddenly aggressive Sun Conure.

Of the 26 sports in the 2012 Summer Olympics, only one includes the participation of non-humans, namely horses. Mary Pilon covers the Olympic equestrian events for The New York Times, and she shares her observations with us. Sam Litzinger also speaks with psychologist and cetacean expert Dr. read more

Dr. Gary Weitzman encounters a fitness enthusiast who wants a dog for an exercise companion. A gerbil’s caretaker is worried about the animal’s compulsive mutilation of its own body.

Dr. Marty Becker offers more insightful commentary about cats. WAMU 88.5 news reporter Sabri Ben-Achour files a report about new efforts to improve the dire circumstances of the world’s coral reefs. After that, it’s The Loh Down on Science with Sandra Loh.

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society offers advice to listeners with questions about canine training.

You don’t get to be known as “America’s Vet” unless you’ve experienced all types of animals. The owner of that moniker, Dr. Marty Becker, certainly fits the billing. These days, Becker’s focus is on cats, and he gives us a few pearls of wisdom on the subject from the pages of his new book, "Your Cat: The Owner’s Manual." Sam Litzinger speaks with Dr. read more

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

Jeff Corwin prefers the modest distinction of “naturalist,” but he is arguably the world’s most recognized wildlife expert and conservationist, thanks to his numerous media projects that reach millions of people. read more

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 Animal House Dateline stories read more