Animal Radio®

There are allegations that a dog was poisoned at the world’s most famous dog show. PETA is even being questioned, as they have pronounced their hatred for breed shows like Westminster. We’ll find out what’s going on behind the scenes. Also, just how smart is your dog or cat? It turns out that scientific research says we’ve been underestimating the intelligence of a lot of animals. Take the earthworm for instance. Not only considered an animal, but able to make decisions. Virginia Morell explains why rat owners should tickle their rats. Also, what can you do for the dog that chews on everything? This is one of the most common calls we get. It’s actually a pretty simple problem to solve. Alan Kabel helps uncover the reasons dogs chew and how to re-direct their attention to more positive behaviors. Also, there’s a 15-year-old Florida girl who didn’t really know much about Charlie Sheen before this, but does now. The actor wired $10,000 to Teagan Marti and her family for a therapy dog to help rehabilitate from injuries sustained when she plummeted 100 feet from a Wisconsin amusement park ride. “I think they should name the dog Charlie,” Sheen joked.

As our canine friends have become integral members of many police forces, it is becoming more apparent for the need to suit them properly for the dangerous job. That’s where Sandy Marcal comes in. She’s raising funds to help afford the $1000 a-piece vests that protect our working dogs. Also, in these rough economic times, many pet owners are forced to abandon their beloved pets due to the inability to pay for their basic food supply and care. That’s why Marc Okon formed a program to ship pet food to those who cannot afford it. He has all the details and how to apply for help. Also, a giant statue known as “Bad Dog” is turning out to be good publicity for the Orange County Museum of Art. The 28-foot-tall piece of art by Richard Jackson depicts a dog lifting one leg and leaving a yellow paint stain on the side of the building. Museum spokeswoman Kirsten Schmidt tells the Orange County Register almost all of the reactions to the dog have been positive. However, some people do wish the pooch wasn’t quite so anatomically correct. Also, what happens when your pet relieves themselves in the wrong place? This is the most common behavioral problem we hear about. There is not always one standard solution. Dr. Debbie examines the different reasons cats and dogs do this. She’ll help with a tough case of kitty revenge on the dog.

Why not cook something you and your dog can eat together? Nutritionist Gayle Pruitt joins us to discuss her book “The Dog Gone Good Cookbook” and share some of her favorite recipes. Did you know guppies try to hang around uglier fish to improve their odds of mating? And would you believe that someone actually got grant dollars to research and prove that, just like humans, fish have a “wingman” - or should we say “wing-fish?” Also, why are so many people inclined to talk “baby talk” to their pets? Certainly, our pets must think we’re crazy. Admit it, you may have, at one time, maybe a long time ago, talked to your pet in this silly tone. Also, a Utah man has his dog to thank for leading him to a winning lottery ticket. Steve Hughes stopped at a gas station in Boise, Idaho, to fill up, but his dog Stella locked him out of his truck. During his 45-minute wait to get back in his vehicle, Hughes decided to buy winning lotto tickets. Also, more Americans think of their pets as members of the family. But that doesn’t mean the animals are getting better care. Two-thirds of the dog owners surveyed for the latest “U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook” say they haven’t taken their pup to the vet even once.

While we all love to sleep with our animals - few of us actually get a restful night. Mikkel Becker (Dr. Marty Becker’s daughter) has some tips on getting a good night’s sleep again. Also, many of those who lost their jobs during the recession are re-inventing themselves in the pet industry. After all, it is the second fastest-growing sector. Mary Collister and her daughter started a business that sends pet goodies to your doorstep every month. Also, a new online test uses the latest scientific research to tell you EXACTLY how smart or dumb your dog is. It costs $60. The test uses games to test your dog, then gives you a full breakdown of their intelligence and personality. Also, public restrooms in China will no longer be limited to just pedestrians. According to the Chinese-language news site Shenzhen Special Zone Daily, China plans to build bathrooms just for pets as part of new civility laws to keep city streets clean. Launched as a trial in the Luohu District of Shenzhen, the open-air pet restrooms are filled with sand and measure about 10 square feet in size. Also, a family in China is turning heads with their choice of babysitter. 13-year-old Azhe Liu is often watched after by the family’s pet python, who measures 15 feet long and weighs 220 pounds. Dad Chan Liu explains that they’ve had the snake since Azhe was born, and the two have become inseparable over the years.

Stacey Nutini has taken crowd-funding to a new high! Her one-person organization directs funds to those who need urgent veterinary care. She describes the kind of people who give dollars to help other pet owners and the vetting process. Also, Jerry Grymeck has the unfortunate duty of cleaning up after a bunch of dogs. Where do the dogs in Westminster stay? Hotel Penn, of course. Jerry is a certified Doggy Concierge. He spills the beans and behind-the-show gossip. Also, James Lawlor of Clearwater, Florida, was charged with Grand Theft after attempting to steal over $300 worth of cat food from a local Walmart. Loss prevention staff had detained James Lawlor for loading up a shopping cart full of cat food and then walking to his car without paying. Lawlor explained to officers that he had done this in the past and steals the cat food to sell in what he calls “hustling.” Also, studies show that pet guardians are visiting the vet less and usually with sicker pets. Why this down-turn? The costs associated with vet visits, vaccines, and medications. Dr. Joel Ehrenzweig explains how you can protect your pet on the cheap. Also, an angry artist in Canada is expressing his or her displeasure with the city’s deer population with a deer statue covered in deer droppings. The Penticton, British Columbia mayor, called it a “very effective way” of letting them know that there was a problem that needed to be resolved.