The Animal House | WAMU 88.5

A Maryland woman seeks advice on helping her canine get over an aversion to thunderstorms. A California man is concerned about his cat’s heavy weight gain. Music: “Kei’s Song” by David Benoit; “El Condor Pasa” by Los Jaivas. Special thanks to Natalie Yuravlivker .

Dr. Coby Schal of North Carolina State University explains the difficulty scientists are having in developing effective methods for controlling German cockroach infestations, due to the insect’s rapidly evolving resistance to sugar based ingredients used in baits . Also, Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States addresses the issue of a recent negative publicity campaign that questions the organization’s fiscal responsibility. Music: “There Ain’t No Bugs on Me” – Jerry Garcia and David Grisman; “The Green Hour” – Bob James

Dr. Gary Weitzman of The San Diego Humane Society, encounters a Virginia cat (pictured) whose inexplicable fear has superseded a need for sustenance. A dog in Maryland is exhibiting a fetish for biting feet. A Washington, D.C., woman wants to know if her elderly Golden Retriever is too old for a melanoma vaccination. Music: “Kei’s Song” by David Benoit. Special thanks to Natalie Yuravlivker.

City dwellers can enjoy an avian safari in close proximity to residential areas and public spaces, with a little help from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The esteemed research center has created Celebrate Urban Birds, a new citizen science project that teaches children and adults how to become sophisticated birders, within a few steps from home. We hear from the program’s administrator, Karen Purcell. Also, Washington Post reporter Lenny Bernstein shares details of a new study that draws a connection between global warming and a significant northward migration of marine species. Music: “Kari” by Bob James & Earl Klugh; “Voliere” from “Carnival of the Animals’ by Camille Saint Saens/New York Philharmonic Orchestra

Dr. Gary Weitzman helps a California woman rid her canine of anti-social behavior during their daily outdoor excursions. A Maryland woman asks if her cat, who gets along with the family dog, will exhibit the same friendly nature if she gets an additional cat. Music: “Kei’s Song” by David Benoit; “Black Snake Moan” by Ramblin’ Jack Elliott

Ari Daniel Shapiro of PBS NOVA and PRI’s The World travels to Brisbane, Australia, to learn more about a deadly circumstance that is pushing koalas to the brink of extinction. Music: “Australia” – Phillip Glass; “Slipstream” by Bela Fleck

Dr. Gary Weitzman of The San Diego Humane Society helps a concerned Washington, D.C., man whose Lab mix has a tendency to bite. A Virginia woman seeks a cure for her Guinea Pig’s fever. And a Tennessee family wants to stop their dog’s aggressive behavior. Music: “Kei’s Song” by David Benoit

City Council Member Lorie Zapf is the driving force behind a new ordinance that bans most retail pet sales in the southern California municipality. She tells us why the law is necessary and how it will help to protect companion animals. Music: “Kari” by Bob James & Earl Klugh; “Promenade: Walking the Dog” by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra

A Virginia woman who wants to save a turtle from becoming roadkill seeks advice from Dr. Gary Weitzman, who is joined by J.D. Kleopfer, a herpetologist with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. We also counsel a Washington, D.C., woman whose elderly beagle has a fear of thunderstorms. Music: “Kei’s Song” by David Benoit; “Superfast Jellyfish” by Gorillaz

The controversy surrounding athletic “doping” isn’t just a human phenomenon, it's also a major concern in the sport of horse racing, where the use of performance-enhancing pharmaceuticals is being blamed for numerous injuries and deaths of both horses and riders. Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Pitts recently introduced “anti-doping” legislation, and he spoke to us about the effort. The Red-cockaded Woodpecker (pronounced co-kayted) is a threatened species making a comeback in its native habitat, thanks to the work of local residents and the Nature Conservancy. Sandy Hausman of Virginia Public Radio joined a team of conservationists on a recent trip to observe and catalogue some of the birds. Music: “Taking the Inside Rail” (from “Racing Stripes” Original Soundtrack) by Mark Isham

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society encounters a Maryland man who has a question about the best size for a dog in an apartment dwelling. A Virginia woman seeks direction on the issue of vacation traveling with a pet. Music: “Kei’s Song” by David Benoit

The beaching of dolphins or strandings as they are called by marine scientists, usually number between 50-60 annually along the Eastern Seaboard. This year, the count has already exceeded 100, and experts are at a loss to explain the reason behind the dramatic increase. To learn more about the situation, we speak with the Virginia Aquarium’s stranding response manager Maggie Lynott and Matthew Huelsenbeck, a scientist with marine conservation organization, Oceana. Fifty dogs that were rescued from abuse by an Arkansas man will get new homes, in the nation’s capital, thanks to the Humane Society of the United States. WAMU news reporter Armando Trull was on hand for the safe arrival of the canines. Music: “Kari” by Bob James and Earl Klugh; “Japura River” by Uakti

Dr. Gary Weitzman speaks with a Florida woman whose twin sons are leaving for college, and she's keeping their beloved Jack Russell terrier. A Virginia man searches for a way to calm a cat that is vicious to visitors. Music: “Kei’s Song” by David Benoit; “Turtle Island” by Mike Oldfield

There is a psychological basis for interactions with companion animals, or there should be, according to Stanley Coren. Coren is a professor emeritus in the psychology department at the University of British Columbia who is known for his books about the mental abilities and history of dogs. He tells us why it’s important to take an intellectual approach to the naming of our pets. We also speak with Jocelyn Kessler, whose new book, "The Secret Language of Dogs: Stories from a Dog Psychic" describes the benefits of intentional communication with our canine friends. Music: “Turtle Island” by Mike Oldfield

Dr. Gary Weitzman of The San Diego Humane Society offers advice to a New York woman who wants to employ a unique adjustment to her feline’s meal plan. In Virginia, a man is looking for ways to help his recently adopted and very shy cat adjust to its new home. Music: “Kei’s Song” by David Benoit