The Animal House | WAMU 88.5

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 offers advice to a man who wants to bring a new rescue cat into a home that already has an aggressive older cat. A teenager wants to know the best course of action for healing a guinea pig with a lump on its back. A puppy squeals at a squeaky duck toy while playing, a behavior that mystifies its human companion.

Charges of financial impropriety involving animal charities are unusual, but that’s exactly what happened to the international arm of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. CNN investigative reporter Drew Griffin broke the story and shared the details with Sam Litzinger. Then, Sam continues his exclusive conversation with actress, author and animal lover Betty White.

Dr. Gary Weitzman and noted animal behaviorist Dr. Nicholas Dodman offer advice to a man who is worried about his 17-year-old dachshund’s eating habits. Dodman has written a book on the subject of aging canines called "Good Old Dog." Meanwhile, a woman wants to know if her adopted alley cat can be moved to a new state. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “Die Fledermaus” – Johann Strauss II

The celebrated actress and author Betty White talks to Sam Litzinger about her life, career and lifelong love of animals during a program that took place at Washington, D.C.’s Lisner Auditorium, sponsored by The Smithsonian Associates. After that, The Loh Down on Science with Sandra Loh features a lighthearted description of “Robo Rats.”

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. read more

Dr. Weitzman helps a woman decide if acupuncture is the right course of action for her cat. Another cat’s companion is concerned about his feline’s eating habits and is looking for a new approach to appetite modification. A dog’s aggressive behavior has sparked concern from its human companion, who seeks an alternative to traditional behavior therapy. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “Cantus Acticus” - Einojuhani Rautavaara

Dr. Bernie Krause is a legendary musician who pioneered the use of animal sounds in musical performances. Dr. Krause speaks to Sam Litzinger about his work and new book, The Great Animal Orchestra. Then, musician Janet Marlowe talks to Sam about her company Pet Acoustics, which creates “a world of sound” exclusively for pets. read more

Dr. Gary Weitzman of The San Diego Humane Society enlists the help of reptile expert Dr. Scott Stahl to help a man with a python that has a feeding issue. Also, the incessant barking of two Jack Russell Terriers has their human companion at wits end. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy

When it comes to protecting the rights of animals, Captain Paul Watson has a reputation for direct action. He co-founded Greenpeace and he’s founder and president of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, the bullish organization that is the cynosure of the reality television show Whale Wars. read more

Dr. Gary Weitzman offers advice to a man dealing with his foster dog’s unusual aggression. A cat named “Zena Warrior Princess” has taken a liking to an expensive stuffed animal, to the chagrin of her human companion who seeks advice on how to redirect Zena's attraction. Also, a man’s Norfolk Terrier is obsessed with an invisible backyard visitor. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “Glory Days” (from “Racing Stripes” original soundtrack) – Mark Isham

Author and Washington Post environmental reporter Juliet Eilperin talks to Sam Litzinger about new challenges to the 39-year-old government mandate, involving a tiny lizard in the Southwest United States. read more

Dr. Gary Weitzman of The San Diego Humane Society meets a woman seeking proper treatment for her Boxer, who has a serious bone disease. And a Westie that is prone to seizures has its human companion wondering if the end is near.

The historical and biological significance of the 300 feral, free-roaming horses living on Maryland’s Assateague Island has recently taken a back seat to the concerns of scientists who want to limit the iconic animal’s numbers in order to lessen the serious impact the horses are having on the island’s ecology. WAMU news reporter Brain Russo visited the picturesque area for a firsthand account of this complex situation. read more