ANIMAL RADIO NETWORK® | April 3rd 2006 Newsletter
Programming with a Purpose
In this issue:
ANIMAL RADIO NETWORK® | April 3rd 2006 Newsletter
Programming with a Purpose
In
this issue:
BROKEBACK PENGUINS
Britt Savage gets the story...
HEARTWORM
DISEASE IS SPREADING It's Preventable!
TRAVELING WITH
YOUR CAT Bring your furry-friend along with the
family.
PRODUCT REVIEW
Furminator De-Shedding Tool BOOK
REVIEW How to Meditate with your Dog
PUPPY DIES
ON AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT - Avoid all airlines for pet transport.
CREATING A
DEEPER BOND - Tips from Animal Communicator Extraordinare
THE TOP DOG IS THE UNDERDOG
- Mutts amuck!
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LIVE
and Nationwide from the Global Pet Expo - Animal Radio's
NEW
PET PRODUCTS Special. We're showcasing everything from Cat
Toilets to Canine Ice Cream. Also, M*A*S*H's Hotlips Houlihan,
LORETTA SWIT on Man-kind. Loretta (right)
testified before Congress in 1999, pleading for the prohibition
of so-called "crush video" fetish films wherein insects,
snails, worms, or occasionally small animals like guinea pigs
or frogs are crushed on camera, usually by women wearing spiked
heals. Such films are now illegal in America. (Loretta Swit Podcast 1/2 abridged
version)
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ASK "THE DOG BIBLE" Based on THE DOG BIBLE: Everything Your Dog Wants You To Know by Tracie Hotchner What to do About Kidney & Bladder Stones?
Increasing the amount of liquid the dog drinks is the first advice to managing either kind of stone. In my case this presents a real problem since Scooby is some sort of canine camel: he never seems to get thirsty and rarely takes a drink. The other dogs slurp and gulp throughout the day, while Scooby often takes no more than one tentative sip. The suggestion has been made to make his food salty to promote thirst (which just sounds all wrong to me) or to make the water more appealing, but I can't really see adding sugar or flavoring to the water, either. To make their water more inviting, I always change the water in the bowls a couple of times a day anyway, which I was "trained" to do by Lulu, my first rescued Weimeraner, a fussy female, who would not drink from any water bowl that the "boys" had already drunk from) (yes, I admit, I am a pathetic slave to my dogs' pleasure and comfort!). So I began learning more about dietary ways to prevent urinary stones in dogs at risk for them. My own vet was diligent in combing the medical texts but unfortunately very little has been written about the role of food in managing the condition. This was not a big surprise, given the lack of general nutritional study in veterinary (or, for that matter, human) medical training. Much of the information about beneficial food for stone-sufferers is not readily found, so your vet and staff will benefit from these facts, too. One of the greatest sources I found was on the web at www.thedogfoodproject.com an excellent place to learn more about any dietary questions. Mordanna, whose site it is, has steeped herself in the nutrition field and also has a kitty with stone problems so she has paid special attention to this issue. Some of what she's learned about stones flies in the face of the common wisdom that to guard against stones a dog should get the lowest possible amount of animal protein. One thing I can say is that the U/D (urinary diet) food made by Hill's Science Diet and sold exclusively by veterinarians was NOT the solution to my pet's long-term health or even his short-term wellness. Anyone out there who is prescribed this food by their vet should give it a good, long look before jumping in as I did. But don't take my word for it: just look at the bag and see for yourself what's in there. I am embarrassed to say that neither I nor the doctor actually looked at the ingredients on the U/D bag, embracing it unquestioningly as a "medicinal" dietary protection. After Scooby's brush with death I was grateful to have the U/D diet to turn to, blindly accepting that it would be his salvation. I am embarrassed to say that I didn't read the bag until I'd been feeding this food for a full month during which time Scooby Doo was always hungry but nevertheless gained a horrible amount of weight that packed on in ripples of cellulite-like fat, his hair fell out and his coat lost its luster. To my utter horror I discovered that there were actually only two significant ingredients in that food: pork fat and brewer's rice. I already knew from researching "The Dog Bible" that "brewer's rice" has no nutritional value except as filler it is the leftover material discarded after rice is used to make liquor. These were hardly ingredients I would choose to fortify my dog; I presume the pork fat explained the unsightly obesity that had replace Scooby's once-sleek and muscular build. Since tossing out that U/D I have been experimenting with a series of diets that manipulate the kind and amount of protein. For two months I fed a commercially made soy-protein based food that seemed to neither satisfy his hunger nor alleviate the extra pounds he was packing and then I learned that soy is apparently not a good food source for dogs, whose bodies cannot utilize it because of its amino-acid make-up. With continued seeking and experimentation I believe I have come to a nice balanced solution it is individual to my dog, his body type and exercise habits. I recommend that anyone whose dog has had urinary stones should experiment with different food combinations until you find the right mix that has your dog's skin and coat looking good and his weight within acceptable limits you will probably find that when you find that correct personal balance, it will probably satisfy your dog's hunger as well. The dietary suggestions that follow are ONLY for dogs already forming stones and should be undertaken only in partnership with your vet. Please note that the advice for the two kinds of stones is markedly different so be sure you understand clearly what kind of stones your dog has a tendency to form so that you are helping the condition, not aggravating it. STRUVITE STONE DIETARY ADVICE: You need the dog's urine to be acidic so you need to include an "acidifier" like vitamin C or cranberry. You can put liquid vitamin C or open capsules into the food; see if he'll drink cranberry juice or eat dried sweetened cranberries as a treat. Reduce carbohydrates generally, beginning by reducing or eliminating dry food completely (it is dehydrating when what you want is to keep up is the fluid balance in the dog's body). You want to give lots of protein and as much fluids added to the food as the dog will tolerate. Along with high quality protein, you can offer raw or cooked vegetables. One way to do this is to boil up a big batch - chopped or shredded carrots, leafy green vegetables, peas, string beans, any greenery adding some rice and/or potatoes and/or sweet potatoes. You can then freeze it in containers or bags. URATE STONE DIETARY ADVICE: You want to lower the concentration of uric acid in the urine by lowering purines, which occur primarily in meat proteins. Despite what was once believed about protein, it is the correct kind of protein that is beneficial. Protein sources from eggs (raw or cooked), cheese (cottage cheese or ricotta are easy to use), milk and poultry (chicken, turkey etc.) are excellent. AVOID seafood, red meats and especially organ meats like liver and kidneys. LOOK FOR foods lowest in purines
like nuts (including peanut butter), butter and other fats, and
yogurt. And when you've done all of the above, you can just keep your fingers crossed, because so much is about just plain luck in whether dogs with stones keep forming them.
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AIRLINE TRANSPORTATION CAN BE FATAL
FOR YOUR PETS To read the US
Department of Transportation's report on Willie's death, go to the following link, then scroll
down to August, 2005, then to the second report.
Heartworm Disease Spreading With over 250,000 known cases across the United States, canine heartworm disease continues to plague our pets, causing emotional distress to the owners and financial worries to their pocketbooks. The saddest part of all: this disease is completely preventable. We know what causes heartworm disease, we know how to treat it, and we even have safe, effective medications to prevent the disease. So, why are more than a quarter of a million dogs and cats still getting this terrible disease? According to a survey recently released by the American Heartworm Society over 250,000 dogs and cats tested positive for heartworm infection nationwide in 2004. . These areas were not surveyed. Since these cases only included dogs that routinely see the veterinarian, some estimates of the true incidence of heartworms in dogs range as high as 11 million canines infected with the parasite. Throw in coyotes and foxes and one can easily see the huge reservoir of potential cases. Heartworms are a parasite that reside in the vessels leading from the heart to the lungs of many different mammals, but are primarily suited for life in a canine. The immature larva of the adult heartworms are taken in during feeding by mosquitoes and then spread from mosquito back to dogs after a short, 2 week maturation period in the mosquito's stomach and salivary glands. After returning to their natural host, the heartworm larva migrate through the dog's body over the next four to six months, growing in length until they reach the heart. Upon reaching the heart, the foot long parasite becomes sexually active, producing large numbers of larva, which, in turn, wait to be picked up by a feeding mosquito, continuing the disease cycle. Infected dogs might have as few as 5 or 6 adult worms or as many as 250! Adult heartworms absorb nutrients from the blood stream of the dog. In an attempt to rid the body of the parasite, the dog's immune system fights the invader, often causing collateral damage to the blood vessels and lungs. In severe cases, large numbers of heartworms can block the major vessels entering and leaving the right side of the heart, causing high blood pressure, bleeding into the lungs, kidney and liver problems, and even death. Treatment of the disease itself involves the use of an arsenic compound. Although deadly side effects with the medication have been extremely rare, many dogs succumb to blood clots in the lungs as the adult heartworms die. And the cost of treatment is also a concern. Appropriate diagnostics, medications, and re-testing of the heartworm positive dog might run as high as $500 to $800, depending on the size of the pet. "Many people are just not aware of how deadly heartworms can be, especially to active pets." says Dr. Tom Nelson, President of the American Heartworm Society. "Heartworms can live 5-7 years and the owner may not see of any of the symptoms. Many of our pets might be considered less active and these pets will not show the signs of heartworm disease until it becomes severe." On a more positive note, veterinary medicine has a wide variety of options available to the pet owner for prevention of this disease. Easy to give monthly chewables are the most convenient way to prevent infection. The most commonly prescribed monthly chewable is called Heartgard. Administration of these preventives (please go through the entire document to make sure he uses the word preventive, not preventative) at the appropriate time intervals can virtually guarantee protection for your pet. In fact, manufacturers of heartworm preventive will stand behind their product and reimburse any medical treatments necessary should a dog develop heartworms while on their product. It is vitally important to test your dog prior to starting heartworm preventive or extreme allergic reactions could develop. Your veterinarian will draw a small amount of blood from your pet and, in many instances, you might know the test results prior to leaving the veterinarian's office. Due to the extreme prevalence of this disease, the American Heartworm Society strongly encourages annual re-testing of all dogs. According to Nelson, pet owners seem to be likely to switch products, with or without the knowledge of their veterinarian. This product and brand switching has the FDA concerned about a perceived lack of protection, or even potential product failure. "We need to make sure we catch this disease as early as possible, thus the strong recommendation for annual testing." says Nelson. Also to be considered is how society has changed in the last 20 years. As people and their pets move from the wetter regions of the Midwest and Southeast to the sunshine of southern California and Arizona, they often bring along these unwelcome parasites. Nelson says "If you have mosquitoes where you live, heartworms, even if they aren't native to the area, will be there as well." Hurricane Katrina caused many heartworm positive dogs to move into all parts of the country thus accelerating the spread. As spring time approaches,
we all welcome the return of the bright sunshine, the longer
days, and the blooming of nature. Just remember, the return of
warmer days will mean the return of mosquitoes and the potential
for heartworm disease spreading. Make sure your best friend protected!
Call your veterinarian today and schedule a heartworm test. For
more information, visit the American Heartworm Society at www.heartwormsociety.org
or see a short video at www.MyVNN.com.
Your cat deserves the world's
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TRADITION AND HARP SEALS
Some might say this is a sentimental view of a five-hundred year-old Springtime tradition, the hunting of baby seals on the Atlantic ice-floes of eastern Canada. Sentimentality is often the charge leveled at those who speak on behalf of animals, the implication that emotions rather than facts are ruling ones' actions. But the fact is, these twelve day old pups are babies, they are utterly defenseless. Veterinarians and scientists who have observed the hunt even estimate that 40% of the seals are actually skinned while still alive. This spring tradition began in the sixteenth century, when millions of barrels of harp sea oil were shipped from the coast of Newfoundland to light the lamps of Europe. In the nineteenth century, it became fashionable to use the fur of the seals for coats, scarves, and trinkets, the very same way their fur is used today. Over the centuries, hunting caused a drastic reduction in the harp seal population, and images of the helpless seals clubbed to death led to a 1987 halt of the hunt only for it to begin again in the 1990's, when various political and industrial fishing powers declared the harp seal responsible for the depletion of cod populations in the North Atlantic. Although convenient to blame an animal that fossil records indicate have been eating cod for over 20 million years, the facts prove that cod makes up only 3% of the harp seal diet, while numerous studies show the serious decline in North Atlantic cod is due to one thing: over-fishing. Not by seals, but by man. Tradition, like sentimentality, is a word that can halt reasonable discussion for change. "Yes, but it is our tradition" is a phrase often used to justify all types of cruel behavior toward animals, be it cockfighting, bull-fighting, or the bludgeoning of harp seals. The word "Tradition" means a time-honored set of practices, the passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation. There is no morality implied in the word, yet it is often viewed through a lens of black or white a duality that leads to no solutions, and for the harp seals, is colored only in blood red. Animal advocate Matthew Scully writes that traditions can "ennoble us or enslave us, leaving human beings a little too comfortable and settled in our ways. Traditions can be changed and replaced with better ways that in time become traditions themselves." Scully's point is important, because global boycotts tied directly to the annual slaughter of the seals cost Canada millions of dollars in lost revenue. Proven alternatives exist to end the slaughter and provide winning formulas for everyone - hunters, fishermen, Canadian people, government, the cod, the global community, and the seals. After five-hundred springs of slaughter, isn't it time to end the hunt and establish a new tradition on the icy floes of the North Atlantic one of compassion, humanity, and economic good sense. To hear an audio version of
this essay, please visit us at www.voiceoftheanimal.org Authored by Rae Ann Kumelos,
Ph.D. - This article first appeared in Best Friends Magazine
in 2004. http://www.VoiceOfTheAnimal.org  Have you heard Animal Radio®
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ASK THE CAT COACH - Marilyn Krieger
My husband and I already had three house cats when we broke our 20-year-golden rule (3 cats max!!!). We adopted and neutered a full-blooded 10-month-old Bengal, whose owner was taking him to a high-kill shelter because of the cat's nervous temperament and severe allergies suffered by the owner. It now has been three weeks,
and he still runs from us humans, screeching all the while, to
the nearest hiding spot. (No matter how slowly or gently we approach!!!)
That is the least of our worries, however, for we are very patient
cat lovers. Our biggest worry (and of very immediate concern)
is his attitude toward our oldest cat, an 18-year-old Persian
mix, named Leo. Leo has had at least nine lives. He survived
a horrible fire in which he permanently lost the tips of his
ears and his paw pads. Leo is precious to us. Leo is also very
gentle, totally laid back and easy going, and welcomed both of
our other cats with a "whatever" indifference. Leo
has been neutered since he was a kitten, and though he was technically
the "first" cat to our household, he never displays
any hostility towards the other cats. The problem is that the
new Bengal will not stop attacking poor Leo, and Leo does nothing
to defend himself, he only cries. He does hide a lot now, but
the Bengal seems to hunt him down when we're asleep at night,
and we awaken to his cries. My husband and I are weary of locking
Leo in a separate room at night (because he shouldn't be punished),
but the Bengal howls loud enough to wake neighbors in the next
town if we shut HIM in a room. There's just no way to lock either
of them up 24 hours a day!!!! The Bengal does play with our other
two cats. We are so worried about Leo suffering a heart attack,
or of him continuing to live in terror and torment, and so scared
we will have to find another home for this Bengal, because he's
already terrified of people, and will likely never adjust to
another uprooting. Please help..... Dear Sara, You will have to separate Mr. Bengal from Leo for a while. Find a room, preferably with a window to look out, where you can put lots of cat toys, a cat tree, comfortable place to sleep, food water and a litter box. We will start by putting Mr. Bengal in the room, and allowing Leo full run of the house. Later we will switch, putting Leo in the room, and allowing Mr. Bengal to roam the house. First, I highly recommend you buy Comfort Zone and Feliway spray. These products are made of synthetic pheromones that mimic the pheromones that are found on a cat's cheeks. Comfort Zone is a diffuser that plugs in to your wall socket, diffusing the pheromone in the air. Plug one Comfort Zone unit in the room where Mr. Bengal is going to hang out, plug another one into the main area of the house. Each unit covers about 500 square feet. Comfort Zone has a calming effect, reducing stress and anxieties between most cats. While the two are separated from each other, encourage as much good will as possible by doing the following: First, have two clean socks. Put your hand in one of them and gently rub it on Mr. Bengal's cheek, transferring the cheek pheromones from Mr. Bengal's cheek onto the sock. Place the sock in Leo's bed. Repeat the process, but rub Leo's cheek with the second clean sock and then put it in Mr. Bengal's bed. Repeat this twice a day for a few days. Then take another pair of clean socks and this time instead of putting the socks in the beds, rub each of the cats cheeks with the socks that have the other cat's cheek pheromone on it. Do this twice a day, during the reintroduction process. Another activity that will help take the edge off anxiety is eating. Yummy food is a great motivator. Simultaneously feed the cats goodies, next to each other, separated only by the closed door. You'll need one person on each side of the door in order to do this. Give them really delicious treats. Most doors have a little space underneath them, perfect for the two to interact with each other. They will smell and hear each other enjoying the treats and will start associating pleasant eating activities with each other. Another way to encourage interaction is to make a toy. Use a strong, thick string or rope and tie something cat-intriguing to both ends. Cat Dancer's are good toys for this also. Position the double-ended toy under the closed door so the cats can play tug of war with it. I recommend spraying the Feliway spray on the bottom of the door before each play and treat activity. Every day or so, switch the location of the cats so that Leo is now in the room and Mr. Bengal is in the other part of the house. Make sure that both cats have plenty of people time with both you and your husband. Keep encouraging the interaction and pleasantries under the door. When you think they are enjoying the limited interactions with each other, open the door about an inch, just far enough for them to smell each other. Do this several times a day. Before opening the door, spray the Feliway spray on the edge of the door and the door jam. You need to judge by their body language on the progress. When you think they are interacting with no hostilities, then open the door between them. Spray the Feliway spray in the room where they will have their first meetings. These first face-to-face meetings should be short and supervised. Gradually extend their times together and always supervise them. At the first sign of Mr. Bengal attacking Leo, separate them and then reintroduce them. Make sure you have the Comfort Zone plugged in and that you spray the room right before they have their meetings. With patience and persistence, Mr. Bengal and Leo should leave their differences behind. Marilyn Krieger is a Feline Behaviorist, Associate Member IAABC, Professional Member CWA. Do you have cat-behavior questions? Ask the Cat Coach. Every issue will answer 1-2 of your cat-behavior questions. Please send your questions to: marilyn@thecatcoach.com. You can find out more about The Cat Coach at http://thecatcoach.com. ©2006 by Marilyn Krieger, All Rights Reserved Animal Radio® is made possible by:
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{Editors Note: We are absolutely thrilled to have Australia's top animal show on Animal Radio Network® We've brought together the world's best pet programs under one roof. If you haven't heard our full-time animal  channel - check it out now }
Hi to all Animal Radio Network listeners, Hey!.... we heard the news that Animal Radio Network is now available via cell phone WOW!.... the things we can do with technology now. Internet, satellite, terrestrial radio and now cell (we call 'em mobile) phones!!! I'll bet Alexander Graham Bell has a big grin on his face eh? And have you seen those GPS style tracking devices for dogs?? Cool (until the battery runs out of course!) ... and what about those 'web cams' in some of the fancier 'doggy day-care' centers where you can log on via the internet and check out what Fido or Fifi is up to while you are at work. And did you know about those ultra-sonic devices that help train dogs to stop barking inappropriately... the list goes on and on. Of course all this technology is great... for those of us who are 'into it'. We use it to communicate with each other about animals, we use it to learn about animals, to save animals and we use it for fun. But what about all those people who don't have access to all this wonderful technology... those that are not as technically savvy as the rest of us or who may well be smart but don't have the funds to enjoy what the rest of us do? Not people in third world countries - I mean people here in Australia and in the United States, Canada, the UK too! How can we communicate with them? Because it is this group of people who are most at risk of having a dog that bites or strays or is un-desexed and a potential danger to everyone. Or a cat that kills suburban wildlife. The sad facts of life - we believe here at Pet Talk Radio - are that we only 'preach to the converted'. And perhaps so are many of the radio and TV shows about animals including Animal Radio (sorry guys!) but it's true... Whilst our respective shows are labors of love and garner pretty good audience figures between us, our listeners eagerly await each week's show because they have the resources to listen using several technologies if standard radio is not available. So how can we get 'out there' into the community to those people who love animals but just don't know programs and information like ours exists? Well the good news here in Australia - New South Wales (NSW) to be precise, the state government has initiated a campaign - it goes by the rather dry title of "Dogs In Today's Society." But it's a start. Pet Talk Radio recorded this seminar (pro-bono) and also made it available on-line - but the seminar / forum is actually designed for local community groups to understand what is available to them in the form of school education programs, magazines, radio shows like ours, etc. The good thing is - and the whole point of my story - is that this seminar will actually physically travel to various regional centers on a bi-annual basis to start with, encouraging local community groups to get involved in animal issues and through various programs - some that are currently running and a few new ones - to get into schools and get to the kids BEFORE it's too late. Before they have pets or certainly while they are just starting out in the wonderful world of animals. Our respective listeners already know all the issues - puppy & kitten farmers, overcrowded shelters, some pet shops, internet, newspaper and market sales of animals, animal cruelty issues, de-sexing - the list is endless. Most people who have a pet think they are good pet owners, but the facts are a lot of us aren't... which is why shows like Animal Radio and Pet Talk Radio have been running for so long... because as new pet owners discover us, they can't get enough new information... and as long as they keep on learning, then that's all the thanks we need. So if we are 'preaching to the converted' ... that's ok... just make sure YOU don't keep Animal Radio or Pet Talk Radio or any other valuable animal information resource a secret all to yourself... TELL A FRIEND!... they're sure to thank you for it and so will future generations... because education is the most powerful tool we have available to us all. Take care & hugs for
your pets Brian & Kaye Animal Radio® made possible by: Drinkwell's Aqua-Garden
A great number of us are already making plans to travel with our furry-companions this summer. More and more, pet product manufacturers are producing items that facilitate the guardian on the move. From climate-controlled carriers to supplements designed for the stress of travel, there were dozens of manufacturers at this year's Global Pet Expo (the pet industry trade show) introducing new lines and hoping to capture a strong share of this ever-growing market. Also this year, RV maker Damon plans to release the first Class A motor home designed with family pets in mind. This includes space for a crate and dining paraphernalia. Resorts and Vacation destinations are discovering positive profits by designating Pet-friendly rooms and pet-related programs. Loews, a major hotel chain, has vacation packages including activities for your pet - reflecting the theme of the market. In Nashville, music city, one hotel bundle allows your pet to cut a record or CD. Kimpton Hotels CEO says he's noticed an increase in people traveling with their pets since 9/11. Kimpton has a program for those that aren't traveling with Fluffy, but still want a divine presence in their room. Guests may order up fish-tanks complete with Goldfish. The tanks even have tops so that you can have one delivered for your cats' entertainment. With the proliferation of Pet-friendliness, there are handfuls of directories listing everything from restaurants to hotels that won't make you sneak your whiney Siamese up the back stairs. Some of our suggestions are: -Mobil Pet Travel Guide ISBN
0762730994 I personally think the best way to travel with furr-balls is in an RV or motor home. This allows your pet to maintain some familiarity and remain comfortable. Set it up with water and litters, just like at home. We suggest you let your cats get familiar with the vehicle a day or two before you leave. Kitties usually desire a hiding place during hairy encounters. They may seek out a closet, drawers or any small orifice. If your RV has slide-outs, make it absolutely sure that you know where your cats and smaller animals are before opening or closing any of these slides. Many pets, mostly cats, can be smashed within the slide system. A tragic way to end any holiday. If you don't have the luxury of traveling in a motor home, a car will do just fine. Just remember to take breaks to stretch and go to the bathroom at least every four hours. A happy and confident guardian exerts a positive attitude for your feline. Allow time for your friend to munch on grass or sniff the new territory. Always put your cat in a harness and on a leash! Unfamiliar territory can make them bolt. A busy highway exit is not a good place to lose your furry-child. We suggest you set up a litter in your car. If you're on-the-move with multiple cats, set up multiple litters. It also wont hurt to put out a little water and hard food in a spill-proof dish. It is extremely important to keep your cat hydrated during this stressful time. If you have to leave your pet in the car for any amount of time, remember to crack the window. A car or SUV can heat up fast. Your pet could suffocate within minutes, even if it's only 80 degrees outside. Hundreds of animals die this way every year. Don't let your pet be a statistic. If you're traveling on a plane, purchasing a seat for your pet is the best you can do. Some airlines allow smaller containers under your seat. Consult your carrier prior to the flight to find out their policy on pets. "Down below," in the pressurized pet cabin, can be very traumatic for both your cat and yourself. Avoid parting with your cat under any circumstance. Too many stories with bad endings to list here. Airlines are now legally entitled to report pet deaths during flight. Many more than originally thought expire from exposure. You should bring a disposable litter box in your carry-on, plus enough litter, 2-3 pounds for a 10-hour trip, 5-6 lbs for longer trips. If your flight is long, or you detect that your cat needs "to go", then take her and the litter to the restroom and set things up. If this is your cat's first flight, don't expect him to relax enough to use the box. You may want to practice setting up a portable litter at home. Practice makes perfect. Remember, cats love familiarity. Make them familiar with as much as you can. Bring familiar items, like blankets and toys. I can't express the importance of having solid identification on your pet. Imagine the worst scenario, opening your car door at a rest stop, your furry-friend bolts in all the chaos - never to be found. This scenario plays out for real daily, and pets with ID fare better. Some of the more reliable identification methods include microchip, or tattooing your friend. Most U.S. SPCA's will scan your pet for a chip...giving your furr-ball a reprieve from the death chamber, and a chance to reunite with their guardian. And finally, if your off to go make plans for that much deserved vacation, remember to take all your pets medicines and vet records (some states require traveling pets have rabies or registration papers). You should go to the vet before you leave to make sure your cat is in purr-fect shape. Pets love routine, and the lack of it will be stressful, wearing at their immune system. When cats are "out of their routine," they won't sleep their usual 2/3rds of every day. Make sure they eat well and sleep best they can. We travel with a CD player with some mellow music that our cats love. Turning it on can reduce the amount of anxiety they're feeling. We can also personally recommend Comfort Zone with Feliway. Every time we travel, we plug one of these into our Motor-home. A spray is available for those without electrical outlets. This plug-in emits a comforting pheromone that calms our cats. (http://petcomfortzone.com/) We travel with our four cats in our motor home all the time. Some of them like it more than others. But everywhere we go, we see RV'ers with their Dogs, Cats, Birds...lots of birds... reptilians and equines. They are part of the family. Why not bring them along next time? Use your basic common sense and you and your cat will love traveling the world together. Don't miss Animal Radio's Traveling
with Your Pet Special June 3rd. More Exciting Cellular News!! Now you can listen to Animal Radio Network's full-time Animal Channel ANYTIME on ANY CELL PHONE, ANY PROVIDER. The Mobile Broadcast Network now features Animal Radio Network 24/7. Find out how to listen FREE (normal airtime rates apply) by visiting MYMBN.com. Animal Radio Network is program number 1221. Podcast of NEW PET PRODUCTS SPECIAL from the Global Pet Expo (1/2 hour abridged version) Upcoming Specials
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and Muttz-RRR-ella® Sticks ON WITH THE SHOW! RON HEVENER As a writer, I am always searching for information; always gathering news and observing trends in the world of pets. This isn't limited to breeding, raising, feeding and showing. It goes much further than that. Today, pet lovers have branched into psychology, fashion, legislation and all manner of discoveries, coming at us in a bombardment of information like never before. Like all of us, I find this information on TV, in magazines, papers, newsletters, radio, Internet, at seminars, conventions, lectures and in the movies. And, like many of us, I wonder why more of it isn't covered in my local newspaper. Recently, an editorial in one of the foremost pet magazines illustrated the scope of this question. I've been observing the writings of this editor for a while now, because very few pet lovers dare to say out loud what he is expressing, even though we might often think the very same thing. This particular editorial caught my attention as if it was written in bold print. What was he saying that "hit the mark?" He was telling it like it is. He was saying that, as a kid, he knew the make of a gun better than he knew anything about pets. Put it another way, and what he was saying is that a lot of kids today know guns, cars and drugs better than they know the scope and potential of the pet world. Why is this? With all the media we have at our disposal, where are pet lovers while most kids are growing up? Yes, I know animals are in commercials and movies. But, where is there any significant literature or television program showing pets in an honorable light? Is "cute" the operative word these days? What has happened to TV programming and other media coverage showing how pets can inspire our spirit and nurture our souls? For answers, I went to a place where I could do some serious thinking. I went to a pet expo. Years ago, I remember attending such an event as an exhibitor. There I was, with my paintings and figurines, never guessing how big such events would eventually become. This time, I saw twenty-thousand people with their dogs, cats, rabbits, snakes, ferrets and birds merging through the gates of the Maryland State Fairgrounds. It was an incredible event! I felt a sense of excitement and the pulsing murmur of voices everywhere. It was good. It was creative. These people were among the most individualistic and intelligent people anyone can find anywhere. And they were having fun! Were reporters covering the story? Here was an event as big as a rock concert! I walked around, catching a bit of a lecture here, a cat show there, and dog agility and pony rides and reptiles all in one great exhibition hall. As I strolled, I asked myself why so many of us just "stumble" into the pet world by accident instead of growing up knowing about it? After all, I thought, just about everybody knows about baseball, football or golf? And, just like the magazine editor I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I started realizing that the power to change this is in our own hands. How do we make such changes? Actually, it's as simple as taking a piece of clay and shaping it into whatever you want it to be. If clay can be compared to "Life," then you, as the artist, can transform a life into whatever you want it to be. I guess, after a lifetime of working with clay and paints, I do make it sound easier than what it is. But, not really. You see, making a sculpture in clay -- or a painting, a book, a song or anything creative -- is a matter of making the right choices and decisions leading up to the objective you hold in mind. If the objective is to raise the profile of the pet world in the news, it means reaching out to decision-makers who speak to the public. A pet expo is a public event. Every kind of show related to animals is news. Maybe they're not all as big as rock concerts, but they're something people want to see. Spreading such news isn't just up to the "powers that be." It's up to the players, themselves, too. If your pet wins something, what does it hurt to type up a brief report and send it to the editor of your favorite paper? If enough pet lovers send reports of their victories to their local newspapers, radio stations and TV stations, the media will report it. If they don't, we need to ask why. When submitting press releases, do whatever you must to make your stories interesting enough -- important enough -- for news coverage. That's how public opinion is shaped. It's shaped just like a piece of clay. Only, this kind of clay is in the hands of pet lovers like you. COMMENTS & QUESTIONS How do you write something for the newspaper? When a report like this is written for the paper, or radio or TV, it's called a 'press release.' There isn't really a special format for press releases, except that they include certain basic information. Be sure your press release is typewritten, that it includes the name of the organization holding the event, the person a reporter should contact for more information and a concise report of what happened (or what is going to happen). Brief and to the point is best when it comes to these things. And make sure everything is spelled correctly! How do we know if an editor is going to run our story? You don't. All you can be sure of, is that the editor (or someone in the newsroom) has seen your story ... they might run it or they might not. But, you can count on them noticing if you submit another story on down the line. And, eventually, they could very well start publishing your reports. Especially if enough pet lovers in your area are doing the same thing. That kind of activity catches their attention. Any other advice? Yes. A lot of pet lovers are afraid of sending out press releases. Yet the more publicity pet lovers get, the stronger our numbers will be. This will have an impact on everything affecting pets in our towns, our states and our whole country. Most important, it means those kids we talked about will see how their love of animals can be the ticket to a whole new world. http://www.ronhevener.com
A DEEPER BOND It's Springtime again! Besides
being that time of the year when the earth wakes up from its
long winters nap, it is that time for my animal communication
classes. The women and men who attend are from different walks
of life, varying ages with different abilities of communicating
with animals. Besides their love for animals, they all share
the quest for a deeper bond with the animals. Talk With Your Animals airs every weeknight on Animal Radio Network's Full-time animal channel. If you would like to talk with your pet via Joy Turner, please call 1-866-405-8405 to make arrangements. http://www.TalkWithYourAnimals.com Animal Radio® is made possible by:
GET SERiOUS!
Brokeback Penguins
Every day, animal control officers, animal shelter staff, rescue volunteers, veterinarians, police officers, educators, youth and social service professionals, civic leaders, lawyers, advocates and caring citizens work hard to make their communities compassionate places for people and animals. We are finding that by pooling resources and working cooperatively, they can accomplish more. On April 27 & 28 people from every facet of humane work - including allies and counterparts in related professions - will gather for two rigorous days of networking, learning and planning to create a viable, long-term strategy for creating a more humane Minnesota. Like other collaborative, strategic
planning events being conducted all around the globe, this strategic
summit will: This year's summit will build on the great success of the 2004 event. Learn by Doing . . . This event is structured to
be both a planning and a learning event. When you participate
in this strategic summit you will not only help shape the future
of Minnesota, you will also learn how to: More information is available at http://www.animalarkshelter.org Mike Fry -Executive Director Hear Animal Wise Radio on Animal Radio Network® - Check schedule for showtimes. Animal Radio® is made possible by:
Country Dog & Bakery http://www.CountryDogBakery.com
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THE TOP DOG IS THE UNDERDOG - by Julia Szabo, Pet Reporter
As the supermodels of the dog world, pedigreed purebreds certainly turn heads. But at the end of the day, who really wants to live with a head-turning, high-maintenance superhound? Some of us prefer not to get too stuck on looks, and we who value substance over style, we "mutt mavens" who seek more than mere beauty in a companion, are proud to embrace the plain, brown wrapper of dogdom: the lovable mixed-breed. The underdog gets by not on his ancestors' good looks and breeding, but on his intelligence, tenacity, and great good health. Perfect purebreds rise and fall in popularity; the gloriously imperfect mixed-breed is forever. Mutt mavens tend to be mavericks, achievers who relate to their dogs' no-two-alike uniqueness, Olympian athleticism, Mensa intelligence, and bright-eyed "hybrid vigor." If mutt mavens watch Westminster, it's to hunt for distinctive features, secret ingredients in that delicious "57" recipe, clues to beloved dogs' mystery lineage. Snoopy ears and a brown coat? Must be part hound. Erect ears and a long snout? German Shepherd mix. As a beginner's guide to mutt appreciation, I wrote a book called The Underdog: A Celebration of Mutts, which contains information such as "The Mutt Family Tree," with photographs and explanations of 75 classic mutt types (such as my personal favorites, the pit bull and Rottweiler mixes) as well as a few surprises (a Chihuahua-shepherd cross). In hopes that The Underdog would also appeal to experienced mutt mavens, I've included verbal and visual reminders of why mixed-breed dogs make such wonderful companions: drawings by New Yorker cartoonist Marisa Acocella Marchetto... photographs by Bruce Weber and Mary Ellen Mark... and touching essays by authors Ally Sheedy and Melissa Holbrook Pierson. (The book is available at Borders and Barnes & Noble stores, and on Amazon.com.) I discovered that fans of the mutt include some of the most talented and successful people in the field of entertainment. If they wanted to, these people could afford to buy the rarest, most expensive purebred dogs - yet they choose instead to adopt from their local animal shelter. Just as their dogs are lab-border collies or shepherd-pit bulls, these stars of stage and screen are hyphenates themselves; consider actor-producers Julia Roberts, Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, Drew Barrymore, and Sandra Bullock. Mixed-breed dogs also count among their constituents some of the most important political figures in our nation's history, including none other than Abraham Lincoln, who had a mutt named Fido. Mutt loyalty crosses the boundaries of party affiliation - neither red nor blue, it is bi-paw-tisan. For compelling proof, consider two political animals from the state of Tennessee: Vice President Al Gore and Rep. Marsha Blackburn. He's a Democrat, she's a Republican, yet both agree that adopting a shelter dog or stray is the right, American thing to do. Speaking for her family, Rep. Blackburn told me, "We always go to our local animal shelter and adopt mixed-breed dogs. The mutt is the all-American dog, the canine melting pot." One dog out of many: E Pluribus Unum. The mutt is a perfect symbol of these United States. And mutt adoption was never more patriotic than right now. In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, animal-welfare groups and concerned individuals across our country bravely stepped forward to shelter the pets left behind. Millions were awed at the heroics of rescuers who risked their safety to save these helpless pets. As Americans, we must recognize that there's a heroic rescuer in each one of us; we all can do our part to assist in the Katrina relief effort. It's as easy as visiting your local animal shelter and adopting a pet. This makes precious space available for the shelter to take in another homeless all-American dog - or cat, because felines are mutts too. SIDEBAR: The Underdog went to press before Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf states, so the book does not mention the heartbreaking number of stray mutts left vulnerable to dangers ranging from abuse at the hands of cruel people to mosquitoes carrying the deadly heartworm disease. For more information on how you can assist the Hurricane Katrina relief effort, please visit one of the following sites - and please adopt or make a donation today: animalrescueneworleans.com by Julia Szabo (www.pet-reporter.com) |
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Since
nearly losing my Weimeraner Scooby Doo to bladder stones last
year, I've discovered that many dogs (and cats) suffer from painful
and often life-threatening stones in their urinary systems. There
are two different kind of stones which form in either the kidneys
or the bladder: "struvite" stones are the most common
and most-easily managed with diet, while "urate" stones
are more difficult. As luck would have it, the latter were the
kind of stones poor Scooby got, which could not be seen by x-ray
because they had imbedded in the bladder wall, causing a third
of his bladder to be destroyed before emergency surgery. Ordinarily
it is Dalmatians (especially males) who are known to develop
urate stones, so the dietary advice that follows should be of
especially great benefit to Dalmatian breeders and owners.
{"Ask
THE DOG BIBLE..." is a regular column by Tracie Hotchner
- Featuring excerpts from her new 700 page encyclopedic book
that has been called "a Dr. Spock for dogs." Further
information may also be on her website, 
Bamboo
is the pet care division of Munchkin, Inc. a fifteen year old
market-leading designer, manufacture and distributor of baby
products. We understand families come in all shapes and sizes,
with claws and tails, wings and scales. Our passion is to make
basic products better-not only more attractive, but also more
functional, more convenient, and easier to use. The Quick Control™
line includes collars, leashes and harnesses. Visit 
Latka's Treats is having a contest
and three winners are going to receive prize packages featuring
assorted Latka's Treats and a mix of delightful doggie gifts
from Animal Radio Network (including a KongTime - doggy day care
in a box, The Poop Hound by Hound Dog and a New Puppy Kit from
Planet Dog), bags from Sherpa Pet Trading, subscriptions and
gift items from Bark Magazine, videos from Dog Trainer to the
Stars Bash Dibra, a gift from DogCollectibles.com, books from
author Darlene Arden, subscriptions to Animal Fair Magazine,
books from author Cheryl S. Smith, pawsitively fabulous accessories
from Purple Pebble (including LEEDZ 6-footer leashes, Buckle
and Slip COLLARZ collars, FLEEZ Ravioli Fetch-a-Cinne toys and
a FLEEZ Cuddle Mat) and more!
To enter the contest, email us one
or two photographs (in a digital file, i.e. jpg or pdf) of you
and your dog, along with your name, your dog's name, your phone
number, your email and snail mail addresses to 
Contest
judges are Dr, Kevin Fitzgerald, Animal Planet's "Emergency
Vet" and Jen Greenberg, Pet Photographer, who will
choose the winners on Animal Radio on June 3rd!
San Francisco, California
For one San Francisco pet, the seemingly safe trip across the
country on American Airlines proved to be fatal. "Willie,
a two-year-old English bulldog die d after arrival from a cross-country
flight. Terrence Ing, the owner of Willie, placed his dog under
the care of American Airlines to safely transport his pet on
a New York to San Francisco flight. Ing never expected Willie
was not going to make the trip alive. According to Ing, an American
Airlines baggage manager denied him access to Willie and had
the dog relocated pending instructions from airline superiors.
It was only after Ing contacted several area veterinarians that
animal paramedics arrived five hours after the flight landed.
By then, Willie had died. An animal paramedic who examined Willie,s
body at the a irport believes the dog may have survived had American
Airlines provided adequate medical care. Now, Ing is taking American
Airlines to court.
As
the early Spring sun glistens on the sea of ice, a baby harp
seal softly cries, the sound of the other pups in the seal nursery
of snow and ice echoing her own. Her coat is like spun sugar
fluffy and pure white, not yet marked with the distinctive
harp sign that distinguishes her parents. The seal has not yet
had her first swim, in these early days of life she can only
crawl. Utterly helpless from predators, she stays huddled close
to the other seals in the snowy nursery. As the man approaches,
she looks up, liquid brown eyes curious; she has not seen this
creature before. As the hooked club crashes into her skull again
and again, her last sight on this pristine spring day is that
of the other seal pups struggling to crawl away from the dozens
of men with weapons, while rivers of red blood run through the
crushed ice.
player with our weekly 
(rated 4 1/2 paws)
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My
Cat Lives in Terror!
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and Eliminates germs, odors, litter messes. The CatGenie has
been tested by over 15,000 cats and is recommended by veterinarians.
If
you don't have the free iTunes software for MAC
or Windows - download it 
The Aqua Garden is an innovation in cat
grass! This hydroponic cat grass garden attaches to the Original
Drinkwell Pet Fountain and begins growing 100% organic wheat
grass within a few days! Cat grass aids in digestion, helps with
hairball management and can save your houseplants!
TRAVELING WITH YOUR CAT
COMFORT ZONE with D.A.P.--provides an effective way
to control and manage unwanted canine behavior associated with
fear and/or stress, such as barking, house soiling, whining,
and chewing. 
We have four cats here at the Animal
Radio® Studios. So you can imagine all of the cat hair
flying around the equipment, on our chairs, and eventually ending
up on our clothes. We have tried many different types of brushes
on our cats. We tried the brushes with long spikes, and while
they took off most of the hair, the cats did not enjoy them and
would sometimes get poked. We then switched to rubber brushes.
And while they were more comfortable for the cats, they did not
pick up the hair.
Try new Pup-RRR-mint® Sticks and
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Hurry...Limited Edition!!
A German Zoo has introduced female
penguins in an effort to seduce a group of male Humboldt penguins
that have all gone gay. The 22 males at Bremerhaven Zoo, who
had few females to choose from, this year formed pair bonds with
each other, adopting pebbles as if they were eggs. So females
were imported from a Swedish Zoo. But, all but four of the males
went right on as gay couples. "The Swedes are rather standoffish,"
complained a disappointed zoo official.
Humane
Strategic Summit to Bring About Positive Change in the Animal
Welfare Community
When
it comes to providing safe and tasty treats for dogs on medically
restricted diets, the marketplace has long left devoted dog owners
begging. Until the folks at Country Dog Bakery enlisted the help
of their own veterinarian to develop a line of Special Diet Recipe
treats that are healthy snacks for any dog, but specifically
formulated for dogs with diabetes, food allergies, obesity and
even chronic bad breath. Now, dog owners have a special treat
alternative for these special dogs - and Country Dog Bakery has
tails wagging across the nation.
Every
February, millions of TV viewers tune in like so many faithful
hounds to watch the beauty contest known as the Westminster Kennel
Club Dog Show, eagerly anticipating which perfect purebred will
be named Top Dog. But there's a silent majority of dog fanciers
for whom imperfect "Heinz 57" mutts are the real top
dogs. The North American Shelter Hound, a.k.a. mutt, is not only
the most ubiquitous "breed," he's also the hippest.
Long dismissed as plain and unworthy, the underdog is now - at
long last - treasured for his inner beauty.