Animal Radio®

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.

Quite possibly the largest dog show in the world, Westminster takes place Monday and Tuesday. Connie Newcomb takes us backstage and tells us what the public doesn’t see. What are some people willing to do to win? Also, the yearly tradition continues as Jerry Grymeck, the concierge at Hotel Penn in New York, tells us what strange requests he’s getting from the Westminster show dogs and their owners. The Hotel Penn is where many of the primped pooches stay for world-famous dog shows. Also, as many as 70% of our pets will get cancer. But with medical technology advances, we can now treat our pets like we treat humans. And dogs can withstand chemotherapy better than humans. The founder of the Animal Cancer Foundation, Dr. Gerald Post, reminds us that information is the best weapon against this ugly disease. Also, workers in the Great Ape House at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo have found a new, socially engaging outlet for their six orangutans: an iPad. Animal Keeper Becky Malinsky says the idea comes from a non-profit called Apps for Apes, which uses the program in 13 other zoos worldwide. Malinsky says the National Zoo started last year with a donated iPad, and their orangutans’ repertoire has now grown to more than ten apps, including musical instruments and cognitive games. Also, your dog or cat’s poop is a kind of Google on your pet’s health. Picking it up isn’t only the neighborly thing to do; it’s for the best interest of all pets in the community. There are indeed some potential health issues for people, according to Veterinary Parasitologist Dr. Dwight Bowman, including roundworm, salmonella, and whipworm, which can be spread to other dogs, even the parvovirus, to those not vaccinated. Read more about this week’s show.

Even with the best intentions, sometimes we open our homes to a foster pet only to realize the cat or dog has found its way into our hearts and homes forever. Viveca Stone Berry is the “Foster Queen,” whose mission is to promote fostering. Are you ready to help reduce the amount of animals that are euthanized simply because they’re homeless? Also, a case that may reflect a pet owner’s worst nightmare has made its way to the Texas Supreme Court, which must decide if a family can place sentimental value on a pet that was accidentally euthanized. In 1963, Texas adopted a “sentimental value rule,” which provided that the parties involved could sue if the property was wrongfully destroyed and had no market value. Also, many people can’t seem to get a good night’s sleep, and they already have stress, caffeine or snoring spouses to blame. However, researchers at Mayo Clinic’s Center for Sleep Medicine found another surprising reason for those tired eyes: dogs and cats. There’s a solution to the problem without kicking your furry friend out of bed. Also, you don’t have to go far to find different theories on Heartworm and preventative medicine. While some people think it is a waste of money, most professionals will agree that it just makes good sense. Animal Radio’s Dr. Debbie tackles the myths and lays down the cold, hard truth.

What makes a cop quit his job to become a writer about animals? Seems like quite a transition. Author and Animal Radio friend Allen Anderson is back to share his story and tell us what he’s been up to since a brain aneurysm changed his journey. Also, Boston Globe reporter Stephanie St. Martin may have identified a correlation between animal ownership and being single. She says it’s time to stop freaking out your dates by showing them all the pictures of your “children” on the first date. Also, Hallmark created a Valentine’s Day card for your dog. Vinnie Penn Doesn’t get it. Why would you send a card to your dog? Do you also open it and read it to them? Wouldn’t that Valentine-themed dog treat be a better choice? Also, with so many pet businesses and services dotting the landscape these days, it’s hard to know which one is the right one for you and your pet. Stacey Cohen has tips to help you choose pet sitters. Also, a cat in Brazil was locked up after it was found carrying contraband into a prison. Attached to it were drills, a mobile phone, an earphone, a memory card, batteries, and a phone charger. A spokesperson for the prison says they are investigating the matter. However, they say, “It’s tough to find out who’s responsible” since the cat obviously cannot speak. The cat was taken to a local animal shelter, where it received medical care.

No longer is a dog required to be a purebred to compete in some of the Westminster events. David Frei explains that mixed-breed dogs still won’t be eligible to compete for “Best In Show.” Also, did you know fleas can transmit tapeworms to your pet, robbing your furry friend of 25% of its daily nutrition? Dr. Joel Ehrenzweig has the low-down on tapeworm and how to avoid being a statistic. Also, Smoky was a 4 lb. Yorkie found in New Guinea during Bill Wynne’s WWII tour of duty. The little dog flew 150 reconnaissance missions and holds the title of the First Therapy Dog. Bill recounts his stories about Smoky quite lucidly as if they were yesterday. Also, an explosion that caused thousands of dollars in damage to a house is being blamed on a puppy and a can of deodorant. It turns out Zeus bit a hole in a can of spray deodorant and then rolled it near the gas fireplace. The can blew up when the boiler came on and caused more than $3,000 in damage. Also, a survey has found that about a fifth of the country may be taking their dependence on technology to new heights. The poll asked a group of pet owners to imagine a scenario in which they would either give up their pet for a month or their smartphone for a month. 20% of the respondents admitted they would rather hold on to their gadget and go without seeing their animal. Also, the Manx is a special breed of feline that has no tail. You may have known that…but did you know the Manx comes with its own set of medical problems and predispositions? Dr. Debbie helps a listener treat a Manx with incontinence issues.