Animal Radio® Show #467 November 15, 2008
Ben Vereen Accidental Friendship
Ben
Vereen has joined the cast of Hallmark feature "An Accidental
Friendship," which is the true-story of a woman (played by
Chandra Wilson, "Grey's Anatomy") living on the streets
of Los Angeles after losing her home and job, but whose life was
given some meaning thanks to the dogs she cared for and protected
at all costs, even if it meant forgoing necessities for herself.
While hard economic times are forcing
some people to give up their pets, others will not. Ben states
that he did research in a homeless camp for his role, and he saw
that some homeless people will forego food themselves so that
they can feed their animals. Their animal is the last thing that
they have that can't be taken away from them, and that animal
is their family. Most of the homeless he found with animals were
living on the streets. The ones who were staying in shelters were
without animals, because most shelters won't allow pets.
Ben has a Miniature Pinscher named Satchmo. He named him Satchmo,
because he was born on the same day as Louis Armstrong. Ben finds
himself actually cooking gourmet food for his dog, whom he refers
to as his child. Right now he only has time for Satchmo, but states
that if he had more time, he would have many more animals. Satchmo
always goes with Ben to the set, hotels and everywhere else he
goes. He even said he puts Satchmo in his pocket when he goes
through security. In fact, Ben states that even today there are
some hotels he won't stay at, just because they won't allow pets.
Ben was diagnosed with diabetes last Christmas and is currently
working on a campaign called "Take the Stage for Diabetes."
Look for Accidental Friendship on Saturday, November
15 (9/8c), on the Hallmark Channel. It is a stark reminder that,
even in times of hardship, pets bring us joy, companionship and
often a sense of purpose. They can be a beacon of hope and should
not be discarded lightly, even and perhaps especially
during the difficult times many of our friends and neighbors find
themselves in.
VPI Top 10 Pet Wounds
Lacerations and bite wounds
topped Veterinary Pet Insurance's list of most common pet wounds
in 2007. The 11,000 insurance claims were the result of dogs or
cats fighting with other dogs or cats, or clashes with wild animals.
The Top 10 is as follows:
1. Laceration and bite wound
2. Torn nail
3. Insect bite and sting
4. Abrasion
5. Eye trauma
6. Puncture
7. Foreign object in skin
8. Foreign object in ear
9. Foreign object in foot
10. Snakebite
Vladae,
The "World Famous" Russian Dog Wizard
Chihuahua Runs In Circles
This Chihuahua runs in circles all of the time, both when you
call her to you and even when going from room to room. This dog
appears to be bored and is looking for something to do. She does
not have a job, so she found a job to do by herself. The cause
of this problem needs to be addressed and the symptoms need to
be attacked at the same time. Listen in as Vladae explains how
to do this.
New Puppy Joins 4 Dogs In The Household
And Pees In House 
When you can't supervise the new
puppy, keep him in a crate. Make sure you clean the spots he has
peed on with an enzyme-based product. Then, put his food where
he has gone to the bathroom, as a dog won't pee in an area where
he eats. Take him outside frequently and tell him to "go
potty." You should be able to correct this problem in about
a week.
Dog Chews On Everything
This dog will chew on everything
he is not supposed to and won't chew on toys. He also steals household
items and chews them up. This dog is manipulative, smart and unexercised
physically and mentally. He has no leadership, so he does as he
pleases. The first thing Vladae suggests is to cover the items
you don't want him to chew on with an unpleasant taste, such as
Chew Guard or bitter apple. Don't wait until your animal chews
on an inappropriate item, spray it with an unpleasant taste and
then touch it to his lips. This way, he will sense it is not a
good thing and won't even approach the item. At the same time,
get appropriate items and put a pleasant taste on them, such as
peanut butter.
Dog Steals Food
Do you have one of those dogs that you can't turn your back on
when food is around? There are two things going on here. The dog
steals in your presence and the dog steals in your absence. When
a dog steals your presence, it means he has no respect for you
whatsoever. When a dog steals in your absence, it has nothing
to do with respect, but the food is a temptation. Learn how to
set up a food situation to teach your dog to stop this unwanted
behavior.
http://www.animalradio.com/vladae.html
Vinnie Penn, Animal Radio's Resident Party
Animal
Video Kennels
I'm sure you animals lovers are very aware of this, but those
of you who aren't, I'm very excited to bring this to your attention.
My sister and her children were visiting for the past two weeks, at the end of the summer. They put their dog, Ringo, in a video kennel, and they were able to log on everyday and check on Ringo. The camera was aimed right at him. I heard my nephews Ricky and Jay saying, "Ringo's sleeping, mom, look at Ringo sleeping!"
This is great for all of those people out there who still have a little bit of paranoia when it comes to leaving their pet behind. All you really have is the kennel owner's words. The fact of the matter is that kennels are fantastic and there is more than enough loving kennels out there. But, every once in a while you hear horror stories. There wouldn't be 20/20 or Prime Time Live without those kinds of stories. What would Barbara Walters do outside of the View?
But it was great now; there was so much piece of mind. The boys were worried about Ringo and to be able to tune in in the morning and watch him in action, watch him chasing a ball, was great. Every day they started off in a great mood, except for the day I had to explain to them what dry humping was and why Ringo was behaving in that manner, but my sister Julie says they are going to resolve that issue as soon as they get home. But nonetheless, what a beautiful thing to be able to tune in and see him playing and being able to log in.
(They all live in Las Vegas, so you would think that the boys would know about dry humping already. Especially Ricky, he's 12, and living in Las Vegas!)
But video kennels have to be all over, and if they aren't, they are definitely something that is going to be happening. Video kennels, it's piece of mind for a couple of dollars, and even if it isn't a couple of dollars, it is piece of mind for your pet!
Play Date With the Dogs?
I
just hung up the phone with my sister who lives out in Las Vegas.
She had to go because she was having what she called a "play
date" with her dog. She has a girlfriend who got the same
type of dog at the same time she did. Technically the dogs are
brothers, or brother and sister, or sisters. I don't know. I never
inquire about the sex of the animal when a dog is introduced a
family. But she said she was having a play date with the dogs.
I said that this was a brilliant idea.
Her friend comes over once a week and
they let the dogs play in the yard and then they get to catch
up. She also mentioned a yappy hour where they have drinks
and crack open a couple bottles of wine. And I thought to myself,
this is not a play date for the dogs! No matter what clever name
you come up with, whatever guise, this is an excuse for you to
get drunk with your girlfriend under the ruse that you care about
your animals, and then drive the little guy home drunk! And I
have met her friend Annemarie before. I can see her propping her
dog up in her lap and having that dog steer the car! Yappy Hour!
Dr. Jim Humphries, Veterinary News Network
Canine Heartworm Found Across
Country
Due to a migrating population of people and pets, canine heartworm
disease has found it's way across the map of the United States.
Rapid development has given new homes to the mosquito and this
has lead to an increase in heart disease in areas of the country
where heartworms were unknown even 20 years ago.
This new prevalence has caught some pet owners and some veterinarians unaware. Old recommendations for giving heartworm preventatives often focused solely on the mosquito season, roughly March through November. But now, due to increased numbers of cases, veterinarians are recommending the medication be used year round. The medication available through veterinarians is a simple monthly chew treat that prevents infections. It's very important to test your pet annually. This regular testing enables the veterinarian to find the disease before it can cause major damage to the heart, lungs and liver.
Chiropractic Care in Veterinary Medicine
Mention chiropractors, and you will get a variety of opinions
and experiences. Well, now that includes experiences with our
animal friends. People who have had positive chiropractic experiences
now want their pets and their horses to experience it too.
More than 500 veterinarians and chiropractors across the United States have formed the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, a group dedicated to performing chiropractic for pets. Founded in 1989, the AVCA helps certify doctors who have undergone animal chiropractic training and ensure they meet adequate standards. Pet owners should be extremely wary of anyone who calls themselves an animal chiropractor, because they may lack a veterinary degree or a degree in chiropractic medicine. Many pets have been harmed by well meaning people with "experience."
In spite of some problems, many animal guardians are excited about the drug-free hands-on approach to their pet's health. Horse guardians, especially, seek the assistance of an experienced veterinary chiropractor to improve the athletic performance of their animals without the use of drugs, which are many times prohibited in competitions.
Chiropractic medicine offers important
therapeutic approached for common problems not currently available
in veterinary medicine, and some of the results can be significant.
So if your veterinarian recommends some chiropractic treatment
for your animals, you may want to give it a try. Just be sure
to work with a doctor of veterinary medicine or a doctor of chiropractic
medicine who has been specially trained with animals.
http://www.myvnn.com
Animal Radio® News with Bobbie Hill
Hart
Launches Recall
The Hartz Mountain Corporation, makers of chicken based rawhide
chips for dogs, is launching a voluntary recall of that product.
The company said earlier this week that there are concerns some
of the bags may have become contaminated with salmonella. The
recall affects only the two-pound plastic bags of rawhide chips
with the lot code J-C 23282. So far, there haven't been any reports
of dogs becoming sick, but in this case, it is the humans who
are being exposed to the risk.
Soup Kitchen for Dogs
In Berlin an animal organization has opened a soup kitchen exclusively
for dogs. Animal Board, which gets funding from animal food
companies, opened its doors to provide meals to the pets of the
homeless and unemployed. But this good deed has been met with
criticism during the looming financial crisis.... director Claudia
Hollm has been criticized by some who say it would make more sense
to collect money for humans rather than dogs. Hollm said, "Making
sure dogs don't go hungry is just as important as making sure
that people don't starve."
Dog Risks Life in Fire to Save Kittens
Leo the terrier refused to leave his post guarding newborn kittens
at his home in Melbourne Australia. That's where firefighters
found him; unconscious in thick smoke after fire broke out in
the home last weekend. Leo was revived with heart massage and
oxygen by firefighters who also reported the four kittens are
doing fine. One fire commander said, "Leo wouldn't leave
the kittens and it nearly cost him his life". Leo is recovering
nicely and is back at the house with his kitties.
Baggage Handler Gets Surprise
Halloween got just a little too scary for a Delta Airlines baggage
handler in Atlanta. When the worker opened the hatch she was
greeted by a large cheetah that was running loose in the cargo
hold of the plane. The big cat, one of two being transported
from Portland to Atlanta somehow got out of its cage during the
flight. Zoo Atlanta quickly sent help. Their staff tranquilized
the kitty and let him sleep it off at their facility. A Delta
spokeswoman declined to identify the owner of the cheetahs citing
privacy rules but said the airline was working to return the cats
to them. The good news is no luggage was damaged during the incident.
Missing Dog Appears 1,000 Miles Away
What a long strange trip it's been for Max the Maltese who disappeared
from a Florida back yard several months ago. The pooch turned
up one thousand miles north in Chicago. Max's owner, Richard
Gonzalez reported his pet stolen after he went missing from his
daughter's Brandon Florida yard. Last week Gonzalez got a call
from Chicago where Max's implanted microchip identified him.
The North Central Maltese Rescue of Racine Wisconsin arranged
to fly Max home to Florida to be reunited with Gonzalez but as
for just how he got to Chi-town, Max isn't talking...
NEWS UPDATE Brought To You By Simple
Solution Natural Line Of Products
Talk With
Your Animals with Joy Turner
Steve wants to speak with
his Boston Terrier, "Ya Ya Butterbean," who wants all
of the attention. The problem is that Steve has 2 other dogs
and he tries to spread the attention evenly, but Ya Ya Butterbean
doesn't feel that they need the attention that she does.
http://www.talkwithyouranimals.com
http://www.joyturner.com
Animal Minute With Britt
Savage
South Korean Scientists Have Cloned The First
South Korean scientists have cloned the first dog, named Snuppy,
which stands for Soul National University Puppy. Their creation,
now fourteen weeks old, is described as frisky, healthy, normal
and rambunctious. Snuppy is an Afghan Hound whose surrogate mom
is a yellow lab. The Afghan Hound was chosen because it's genetic
profile is relatively pure and is easy to distinguish. Stanley
Coren, author of the best-selling manual, "The Intelligence
of Dogs," wasn't happy with their choice for the first cloned
dog. He ranked the Afghan Hound last among 119 breeds in temperament
and trainability. But, Snuppy doesn't have to do any special
tricks; he's just the World's First Cloned Dog.
In Germany- Birds Imitating Rings On Cell Phones
Hello, can you hear me now? In Germany, birds have been found
to be imitating ring tone on cell phones. Ornithologists believe
it has something to do with the new green areas becoming popular
in urban settings. The birds move in and are introduced to the
sounds of the city. Many of the more common ring tones are actually
imitations of birdcalls. So the birds, in some instances, are
mimicking other types of birds. Birds use their call to find
a mate, mark their territory or scare off danger. They may add
these ring tones to their vocabulary, but they never lose their
ability to call in their native tongue.
Your Vet Questions Answered with Dr. Debbie
8-Week-Old Kitten
Has URI
This cat has been on antibiotics for an Upper Respiratory Illness
(URI) but is getting worse. Dr. Debbie states that a good thing
to do is to put the kitten into a bathroom with the shower on
so that the cat can get the moisture and humidity which will help
to loosen up the discharge in the sinuses. You can also warm
up their food in the microwave just a little to get them to eat,
as a congested cat can't easily smell their food and won't always
eat. With cats, antibiotics won't always work, as sometimes they
have a virus
French Bulldog Has Diarrhea
French Bulldogs are predisposed to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, just
like humans sometimes get. A chicken & rice diet, along with
pumpkin, is not working. The first thing Dr. Debbie suggests
is having the dog screened for parasites several times even if
nothing shows up. She also thinks that this little guy might
have a food allergy. She suggests using a probiotic supplement,
which is a healthy bacteria supplement, which helps to restore
the normal flora.
Cat Has Dandruff
This cat is brushed weekly, but he still is very flaky on top
of his back. He doesn't seem to be bothered by this and is not
scratching excessively, nor does he have any hair loss in the
area. Cats with this problem can either have dandruff, which
is associated with a medical problem, or they might just have
the typical kitty dandruff. Some medical problems could be mites
or possibly ringworm. If the veterinarian doesn't see any medical
reason for this, you can try more grooming or possibly adding
a fatty acid to their diet.
Dog
Was Lost, Now Afraid Of Son
At 10 weeks old, this little Italian Greyhound was lost in
a corn and soybean field in Minnesota. Four days later he was
seen running in a drainage ditch. Luckily he was chipped and
also had a tag with his guardian's cell phone number on it, and
they were reunited. Sounds like the perfect ending, but now the
dog is afraid of the guardian's son. Dr. Debbie suggests making
the son the best person in the house. Let him take over feeding
and rewarding the dog with treats.
Listen to the entire Podcast of this show (#467)
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