Steve Garvey Guests

Legendary first baseman Steve Garvey is back for his third time to explain his relationship with his 140-pound Rottweiler named Spartacus, among other things. Steve shares his home with Bear and Charlotte, two Cocker Spaniels, as well as Spartacus. Steve says Spartacus is 140-pounds and can sleep pretty much anywhere he wants to, just not on the bed!

Steve is now working closely to help the Lucy Pet Foundation score a home run. Steve met Joey Herrick, founder of The Lucy Pet Foundation, in 2010 when Joey contacted the Dodgers to see if Steve would coach his son's traveling team. Joey was a season ticket holder for the Dodgers and loves baseball just as much as Steve loves dogs, so they were a "Match Made in Heaven."

Joey and Steve both worked together when Joey owned Natural Balance Pet Food, and Steve tells us that Natural Balance was the one who started the Bark In The Parks, where dogs were allowed to attend baseball games. Over about a four or five-year period, they conducted around fifty of them. Some of the ballparks where these were held were the Texas Rangers Ballpark, City Field in New York, Dodger Stadium and the AT&T Ballpark in San Francisco. The concept is simply to bring your dog to the game. About two hours before the start of the game, a pup rally is usually held. They also held contests such as dogs that looked like their owners, the biggest and smallest dogs, and the best themed costumes. Then about 45 minutes before the game, they would parade the dogs around the warming track on the stadium. These events are extremely popular.

The Mission of The Lucy Pet Foundation is to reduce pet overpopulation by having mobile spay/neuter clinics across the country and to support causes that benefit animal welfare. The Lucy Pet Foundation currently has two buses that travel around Southern California focusing on spaying and neutering. These buses are state of the art surgery units. Their next focus is in generating more funds to expand the work of these buses and have more across the country.

Steve urges everyone to visit The Lucy Pet Foundation and learn all about the wonderful things they're doing. If you'd like to make a donation, that will go towards raising money for more mobile clinics to continue their great work.

Here is a list of upcoming free or reduced fee mobile spay and neuter clinics in California:

July 8
CATS ONLY - Spay/Neuter
Location: Home Depo, 2115 North Gaffey St, San Pedro, CA 90731
Check in 7:30am
$10 COPAY
Please call 1-855-499-5829 or Email: Info@lucypetfoundation.org to schedule an appointment

July 9
VACCINE CLINIC
Location: VX Clinic Palos Verdes, City Hall
6:00pm - 7:30pm
ACCEPT COUNTY AND CITY VOUCHERS
Please call 1-855-499-5829 or Email: Info@lucypetfoundation.org to schedule an appointment

July 12
SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC
Location: Lakewood SEAACA Pet Fair, 20711 Studebaker Rd
Check in 7:30am
ACCEPT COUNTY AND CITY VOUCHERS
Please call 1-855-499-5829 or Email: Info@lucypetfoundation.org to schedule an appointment

July 15
SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC
Location: Inland Valley
Check in 8:00am
PRICES - VARY
ACCEPT COUNTY AND CITY VOUCHERS
Please call 1-855-499-5829 or Email: Info@lucypetfoundation.org to schedule an appointment

July 15
SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC
Location: Inland Valley
Check in 8:00am
PRICES - VARY
ACCEPT COUNTY AND CITY VOUCHERS
Please call 1-855-499-5829 or Email: Info@lucypetfoundation.org to schedule an appointment

July 20
SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC
Location: Venice Mark Twain Elementary Parking Lot
Check in 7:30am
ACCEPT COUNTY AND CITY VOUCHERS
Please call 1-855-499-5829 or Email: Info@lucypetfoundation.org to schedule an appointment

Remember, you must get on a list to have your pet seen at these locations. Please call The Lucy Pet Foundation toll free at 1-855-499-5829 to get your pet scheduled, or register at the events.

http://www.lucypetfoundation.org

Pet Law
Debra Hamilton, Pet Mediator

Attorney Debra Hamilton gave up practicing litigation law to focus on the animals. As a mediator, she negotiates peaceful resolutions to pet-related discourse. Besides the obvious, divorce and pet-custody issues, she also deals with bad breeders and pet trusts.

Debra Hamilton is a pet mediator in Westchester County, New York. If you've ever been through a divorce, you might have used a mediator to work things out and save money. This is exactly what Debra does, and she usually does it with people with pets who are divorcing.

Most of the time people can deal with splitting the furniture and the kids, but the dog, not so much, states Debra. It is usually the last best thing they did together so each of them want to keep it or they want to make sure you pay for it if you're going to keep it. But in the rare case where no one wants the dog, Debra can help them find someone who can give the pet a good home, because there is usually someone they've never considered. She also helps people make plans for their pets if something happens to them.

Other types of cases that Debra deals with are people having issues with breeders or with their handlers if they have show dogs. This could be someone who is having an issue with a dog that they've purchased from a breeder, because the AKC doesn't get involved in any civil suit between a breeder and an owner. It costs a lot of money to take a case to court, and if, for example, you've paid $1,500 for a dog, are you going to spend $10,000 to get your $1,500 back if you go to court? She also deals with barking dogs, dog park issues, groomer issues and veterinary malpractice, issues that can result in emotional upheaval and steep legal fees.

Both parties pay half of what Debra charges in a mediation, which is usually about $300 an hour, resulting in about $150 each, and you can't hire an attorney anywhere for $150. Debra is a neutral who will help you come to a resolution that works for both sides. It is a win-win.

If Debra has a case that can't be settled by her in mediation and it goes to court, there is actually less time spent in court and less money involved, because they've had their say in mediation and the judge just needs to decide the last few things that they couldn't agree on.

While animal law has gained prominence in recent years as pet ownership has become more popular and involved (spending on pets was $55.7 billion last year, up from just $22 billion in 1996), so has the sophistication of dealing with them - and the legal woes they can bring.

Debra also believes that everyone should have a pet trust and there are currently only two states that don't allow pet trusts. Debra has a program called MAAP (watch her free webinar on June 30, 2015 to learn more) that maps a plan for your pets and also makes you aware of the fact that if you haven't passed away, all of the plans in your will don't come to fruition. So you really need to make a plan before you pass and after you pass, or otherwise your pets might be set adrift.

Join Debra in her free webinar on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 and connect with like-minded people who want to MAAP out a plan for the care of their pets before something happens to them. You will learn how you can create a plan that will enable your pets to receive the care you want them to receive anytime you are personally unable to care for them. You get to rest easy knowing your pet will continue to receive great care even when you are unable to provide it yourself, because you made a MAAP plan!

http://hamiltonlawandmediation.com

Using Cats to Fight Cancer
Rachel Gitlin, Cats vs. Cancer

Everybody loves cat videos. Rachel Gitlin figures that the creation of Cats vs. Cancer, will use the power of cat videos to raise money, through advertising, to help assist in the fight against human cancer. She'll explain the model and tell you how you can help too.

Cats vs. Cancer has gathered some unique, fun cat content from around the web, putting it on one place. They then use the advertising revenue, along with direct donations, towards cancer research. While it is for human cancer research, they are looking to pet options in the future as well.

Co-Founders Tom O'Connor and Eddie Pena are the ones who have the fun gathering this cat information from the web.

The time you spend on their site enjoying cat videos goes to a good cause, which is a first of its kind. They launched December 1, 2015 and they are now trying to gain traction and as much visibility as they can and invite everyone to come spend time on their site.

They partner with a different charity each month. They have a common goal with these charities, as most of these charities are small and are looking to get some awareness themselves.

The charities they've worked with so far help ease the financial burden of people with cancer by helping them with household bills, helping them with rehab and even helping their families.

Just by spending time on their site, they receive money from the advertisers. You don't have to donate anything. Just go on and enjoy the content and share it with your friends on social media. The time that you spend on their site generates dollars based on the advertising. You can, of course, donate directly as well if you'd like.

CatsVsCancer.org is a non-profit Web site run entirely by volunteers.

The Dogfather's Grooming Tip with Joey Villani

Control Shedding With Un-Refined Coconut Oil
Joey is giving away one of his trade secrets, one that brings many people into a grooming salon with their dogs.

For some reason shedding is over the top this year in most of the country. This might be because of messed up seasons. In some parts of the country, there wasn't much of a spring; it just seemed to go from winter to summer, with the heat pouring on.

Dog's coats react by seasons and they will shed out when the weather starts to warm up a little. When the weather then starts to get cold, you will start seeing more of an undercoat growing in.

It seems that this year we sort of by-passed all of that, as it went from cold to hot. Now, you have a coat that doesn't know what to do, so it just all starts coming out.

This can be very difficult to manage if you do it at home. It is hard to deal with, because it binds inside the coat.

Go out and buy some unrefined coconut oil. You may not find it in a liquid form, but it will liquefy as the temperature rises. It is almost looks like the old Crisco Oil you would buy in a big can many years ago, sort of thick and pasty.

You can find unrefined coconut oil in most supermarkets, but it you want to save some money, go to your local drug store. Look in the aisle where they sell ethnic hair products, as this is where you will usually find it, and a lot cheaper than most supermarkets.

Just shampoo your pet with your favorite pet shampoo, and while they're still wet, (the key is to NOT OVER APPLY as this will make it worse) apply some in your hand the size of a nickel and work it through your pet. If you have a large dog, apply the oil in three sections. Start at the front, then the middle and lastly the rear.

How does this work? Picture a seized bolt, a bolt that you can't move. But then you spray some oil on the bolt, letting it sit a while, and then all of a sudden it un-seizes and you can take it out.

You need to understand that you will make a mess. Not with the oil, but with the actual hair. Because the hair is now going to want to come out, and it will, in bag fulls. Just keep combing through your dog during the whole drying process and in no time at all you should have been able to remove most of the loose hair, thus reducing the hair around your home.

Get Your Pet To the Vet Safely with No Escapees - Dr. Debbie

A frightening situation occurred the other day at my veterinary hospital. Working inside my office, I could hear a woman's shrieks coming from the parking lot. I ran outside to find a woman with one dog on a leash, and the other dog skittering about the parking lot - the result of a slipped collar. The owner would approach the panicked dog and he'd retreat, darting under nearby cars. Those familiar with our hospital location understand its proximity to a busy intersection. Should the dog run in the wrong direction, he'd meet up with 45 mph traffic.

My staff was outside in moments to assist the owner in retrieving her dog and safely escorted everyone into the building. Thankfully my client's few minutes of terror ended uneventfully. But that's not always the case. I've seen dogs run straight into the road, cat's leap from a family member's arms, and owners dive into oncoming traffic trying to catch an escaping pet.

The lesson is simple. Don't underestimate your pets' fears. Fear of car travel, new places or the veterinary office can cause a pet to behave in unpredictable ways. If you know your pet to be nervous with new people or new situations, be especially vigilant when transporting your pet in a vehicle.

Identify Your Pet
Use two methods of identification for best insurance your pet is returned to you if lost. Permanent identification with a microchip is a must, and should be complimented with a collar and ID tags.

Restrain Pet in Vehicle
Keep your pet secure during travel and when the car door opens by using a doggie seatbelt. Small dogs and cats should be housed in a pet carrier which is secured with seatbelt to avoid undue carrier movement during travel. Do not allow cats and small pets to roam freely in the car. Cats have been known to take cover under car seats which may require sedation or seat removal to extract kitty from her hiding place.

Check for Proper Fit
A proper fitting collar allows 2 finger widths between the collar and pet's neck. Allow more than, and should your pet put on the brakes, he'll easily slip out of the collar. Poor fitting harnesses are just as dangerous and allow gap room which allows a back-peddling pet to wiggle out. Not sure if the collar is too loose? Snug the collar up one fitting in anticipation of your trip to the vet.

Try Other Collar Styles
Even if you don't normally use a choker or pinch collar, consider using one when going to the vet's office. For thick necked dogs with smaller head size, try the Martingale collar, a fabric and metal combo collar that snugs down should your dog try to back out. Boisterous dogs that jump and leap when on leash may benefit wearing a head collar that fits over the muzzle. Ensure your collar choice is properly fitted, since any of these styles can fail if improperly fitted or used incorrectly.

Call Ahead
If you anticipate difficulties getting your pet to the vet's office, call ahead. Veterinary staff members are on the ready to help ensure your pet's visit is a safe one.

So, take a few minutes to consider your pet's travel safety before heading out on that next car trip, whether it is to the park, groomer, or veterinary office. Your four legged friend will thank you, but may pout on the way there.

Featured veterinarian known as "Dr. Debbie" on national pet radio program, Animal Radio. Ebook author of "Yorkshire Terriers: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; "Pugs: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; "Mini Schnauzers: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; and "Shih Tzu: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend."

http://www.drdebbie

It's a Wacky Wednesday Here at the Animal Radio® Studios

WackyWed Contest IS ON - LIKE your FAVORITE pic and the three pics with the most LIKES & SHARES are this week's winner will receive the Cool Pet Pad from The Green Pet Shop!.

TO ENTER Send us your FUNNY pet pic to WackyWed@AnimalRadio.com - (Please put WACKYWED in the subject line & give us your pet's name, your name & where you hail from) If YOUR pic is chosen then spread the word to your friends & family on Wednesday - the pics w/the most LIKES and SHARES will be the winner!

This week we are giving away the Cool Pet Pad, a pressure-activated revolutionary product that cools without water, refrigeration, electricity or maintenance from The Green Pet Shop!.

The Cool Pet Pad by The Green Pet Shop is made of a non-toxic cooling gel formula that is activated by your pets weight, lasts for up to 3-hours at a time and recharges itself automatically after 15-20 minutes of non-use.

Join Animal Radio® on Facebook for Wacky Wednesday! Win great prizes every week for your wacky pet pictures. Last month we gave out goodies from Open Farm, Tractive, Remarkabowl, Inset Shield and more. Visit us on Facebook now.

Animal Radio® News - Lori Brooks

Link Between Cats and Human Schizophrenia?
Looking for a link to help explain mental illness, new research shows that growing up with a family cat is a commonality among people who develop schizophrenia. Of course, this research merely shows a link rather than a cause but researchers theorize that the parasite Toxoplasma Gondi (T. Gondi), which is found in cats and can be passed on to humans, could play some role in the development of the mental illness. In addition to schizophrenia, T. Gondi is linked to miscarriages, fetal development disorders and blindness and, in extreme cases, death. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that more than 60 million people in the U.S. have T. Gondi, people with strong immune systems generally don't show any symptoms. Researchers suggest keeping cats indoors since T. Gondi can be transmitted through neighboring cats and keeping litter boxes covered, since T. Gondi can be transmitted to humans if they accidentally come in contact with cat feces. Owning a cat comes with plenty of benefits. According to a 2008 study from researchers at the University of Minnesota's Stroke Institute, cat owners are 30-percent less likely to die of a heart attack.

Saying Our Final Goodbyes At Home
As we humans become closer to our pets, our ways saying goodbye to them are at long last evolving. All signs are showing that many people are now choosing to have their animal companions put down at home, as we become more sensitive to what our pets might be thinking and feeling, and it's creating a fast growing in demand service. One online directory of veterinarians who perform in-home euthanasia services reports that over the past five years, their directory has grown to more than 350 listings nationwide and they're adding up to 5 more each month.

Most Popular Dog Names
Rover.com has released the results of its most popular dog names for 2014. The top three male dog names in order are Buddy, Charlie and Jack. For females, they are Bella, Lucy and Daisy. But here's where it gets interesting. This year there was a 37-percent increase in dogs with food-themed names compared to 2013 like Kale, Coconut, Vino and Whiskey and nature-related names saw a 78-percent increase from last year with dog names like Lightning, Clover, Moose and Panda being added to the list. The survey also revealed that 94-percent of people considered their dogs family and 74-percent identified with the term "pet parent" rather than "dog owner."

Here's A New Twist On Pet Allergies
Air pollution has always been problematic for people with allergies and asthma, but new research from Canada shows that exposure to traffic-related pollution, specifically in the first year of life, could actually increase a child's chances of developing allergies to foods, mold, pets and pests. Researchers looked at data from more than 2,400 children and skin-tested them for 10 common allergens including cats and dogs at one year of age. They also measured levels of nitrogen dioxide, a key component of traffic pollution, in their homes. What they found was that those who became sensitized to allergens tended to have higher exposure to traffic exhaust. And while other studies have linked heavy traffic with asthma in kids, this new research is the first to link air pollution and measured allergic sensitization during some of the earliest stages of life.

Dogs Help Mourners At Funeral Homes
Dogs are used in all kinds of ways to help humans. Funeral directors say dogs, especially trained therapy animals, can lighten the often awkward, tense atmosphere at a wake or funeral service and sometimes seem to know exactly who needs their help. Turns out that dogs are increasingly being offered as a source of comfort to mourners at American funeral homes. Statistics aren't kept, but a spokeswoman for the National Funeral Directors Association, said, "We hear from members that more and more of them are bringing animals into funeral homes, be it a dog or a cat, whether it's a certified therapy dog or just an extremely well-behaved family pet."

Final Resting Place Next To Your Pet
We're not trying to be morbid, but if you had to be laid to rest somewhere, wouldn't it be much better to be resting next to your pets who passed before you? That is exactly what some people in Germany are able to do now. After too many requests to count, the German Cemetery Association is offering pets and people adjoining urn spaces. The cost is between $1,100-1,600. Although the ashes of pet owners and their animals will now have the chance to sit side by side, cremations are still legally required to be carried out separately. Germany is home to 28 million pets, the third largest number in Europe. A study published last month suggested that Germany now has the lowest birthrate in the world. As that number continues to plummet, cuddly critters look set to become an even more integral part of the family.

NEWS UPDATE brought to you by Drs. Foster & Smith, affordable pet supplies. Low prices every day, so you save on every order.

Listen to the entire Podcast of this show (#812)