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ANIMAL RADIO | May 5, 2004
a not-for-profit monthly newsletter
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In this newsletter:

* HEAT WAVE BRINGS DANGEROUS TEMPS FOR YOUR PETS
* ANIMAL OBESITY

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THIS WEEK ON ANIMAL RADIO
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DECAPITATED CAT VIDEO BACKFIRES ON FORD
Even for the most lateral-thinking advertising executive, it appears to have
been a catastrophic misjudgment. [Listen now at http://AnimalRadio.com]

NEGLECTED DOG WORKS THROUGH MEMORIES
Gandolph was a creature of habit, and after 10 years of living on the end of
a chain where his only entertainment was walking around a pole - he is
finally running free at Best Friends. [Listen now at http://AnimalRadio.com]

MONKEYING AROUND FOR MONEY
Scientists at the Zoological Society want human volunteers to act like apes
for research. [Listen now at http://AnimalRadio.com]

ADVENTURES IN PET SITTING
It was once the territory of kind neighbors or local kids, but more and more
people are looking for trained professionals with good animal care skills.
[Listen now at http://AnimalRadio.com]

MAN ARRESTED FOR SAVING A STRAY CHICKEN
Nick Gombos stopped by the small closed convenience store. He sees this
shivering chicken huddled in an open crate. The chicken looks abandoned and
lonely, so Nick picks her up, and takes her home to safety.
[Listen now at http://AnimalRadio.com]

HOW WELL DO ANIMALS SEE?
Visual function involves a combination of many factors, including: the field
of view, depth perception, acuity, perception of motion, and color
differentiation. [Listen now at http://AnimalRadio.com]

Next Week:
THE ARRIVAL OF ANIMAL LAW - Bob Ferber

LISTEN TO BEST FRIENDS on ANIMAL RADIO: A list of 70+ AM-FM RADIO STATIONS
that broadcast Animal Radio is at http://AnimalRadio.com - Consult
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YOUR OPINION - WHAT YOU HAD TO SAY
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We always welcome your response to articles in our newsletter or something
you heard on the radio. You may view other comments online at
http://AnimalRadio.com.
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MICRO-CHIPPING ISO:

Judy Lore from Volunteer, AVHS responded:
I'm on the board of directors and our shelter here in Buena Vista has a
scanner that reads Avid and Home Again. Somewhere - I thought in one of
your newsletters - I read an article that included a phone number to call
and inquire about obtaining a scanner for the newer type chip. Do you know
anything about this?

Editors note:
The only phone number published in our last newsletter was for the AHA -
(800) 242-1877. You may get more information from them.

Anna Gonce of the AHA responded:
Thank you for bringing attention to the current problems with microchip
technology in the United States. The introduction of the ISO chips in the
United States has created added burden on many animal shelters and
veterinarians who are already struggling to reunite lost pets with their
families. The microchip manufacturers supplying the United States have put
their market share over the best interest of animals by failing to provide
universal scanners that can read all the chips and failing to widely
distribute scanners to shelters and veterinarians. Instead, they have placed
the burden on pet owners, animal shelters, and veterinarians to keep up with
the changes in technology. Until the problems are resolved, American Humane
offers this advice concerning pet identification:
*Contact your local animal control agencies, humane societies, and
animal shelters to find out which brand of microchip is in place in their
community;
*Do not rely on what a company might say about its products or those of its
competitors. Trust an independent source. Read American Humane's complete
microchip study at www.americanhumane.org/microchips
*Always provide your pet with a collar, id tag, and license as well as a
microchip as the most reliable way to ensure your pet returns to you.
*Be sure to keep your information current and change that information if you
move or get a new phone number.
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LOBSTER:

Frank Schober responded:
Please tell me why I should not eat lobster and tell me how to kill it
before I cook it. Thanks

Editors note:
Many reasons online - but our favorites are:
http://www.zug.com/scrawl/lobster/
http://www.lobsterlib.com/fascinating.html

"When we can grow all our food on trees, be it apples or steaks, we can
cease using animals as a food source. Until that time, as humans, we are
left with little choice in our diets: somebody somewhere has to kill
something so we can eat it. If we are to be compassionate, we should do
everything in our power to make the animal's death stress and pain free."

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BEST FRIENDS LOOK-A-LIKE CONTEST:

Renee Del Rio writes:
I heard the show that you talked about the pet look-alike contest. I didn't
get all the information. When does the contest end? Is it over? I'm a
shoe-in.

Editors note:
Renee, you still have time to join the many people that think their pet
looks like them. You could pick up on a $500 prize package for you and your
pet. Snap a picture of both of you and send it to radio@bestfriends.org
right now! Deadline June 15th!! You can also mail your photos to Animal
Radio at P.O. Box 129, Kanab, UT. 84741
______________________________________________________
{Comments welcomed at: YourVoice@AnimalRadio.com}

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ANIMAL RADIO HEADLINES
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CELEBS TURN OUT FOR LINT ROLLER PARTY
When she was first asked to be a presenter at the sheik Hollywood
fundraiser, actress Elizabeth Shue thought it was a roller-skating event.
[See complete story at http://AnimalRadio.com]

DOG DYED TO AVOID JAIL
A teenager who robbed a schoolboy on a train used human hair dye on his dog
Muttley, a Staffordshire bull Terrier, so they would not be recognized.
[See complete story at http://AnimalRadio.com]

NEW LAW BENEFITS GREYHOUNDS
A bill that was sponsored by Democratic Senator Debbie Wasserman Schultz was
recently passed and signed into law by Governor Jeb Bush.
[See complete story at http://AnimalRadio.com]

HILL'S WILL PAY YOU
As part of an awareness campaign, Hill's Pet Nutrition will be sending out
over 2 million checks in the amount of $7.00 to pet owners.
[See complete story at http://AnimalRadio.com]

'HOG-DOG' EVENTS OUTLAWED
What is a "Hog-Dog" event? It's similar to cockfighting, taking place in a
pit, where dogs chase and corner hogs by biting them.
[See complete story at http://AnimalRadio.com]

THE "MONEY DOG"
When Darlene purchased a brown vinyl ottoman for a $1 at a yard sale last
year, she never thought it would be stuffed with money.
[See complete story at http://AnimalRadio.com]

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GOOD TREAT HABITS HELP DOGS STAY LEAN, HEALTHY AND HAPPY
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By Steve Brown

The most important thing one can do to help dogs live longer, healthier
lives is to keep them lean! Giving and getting treats is fun and rewarding
for humans and dogs. It is an interaction that brings joy and strengthens
relationships. Sometimes treats can add many unneeded, unwanted calories
that pet owners neglect counting. Veterinarians, trainers, groomers, and
other pet care professionals have a powerful influence that can help shape
the choices people make about types and frequency of treats, which can be
part of a healthy weight control program.

Recent research clearly shows that overweight dogs die younger, and get
cancer, arthritis and other debilitating diseases at younger ages. Treats
are often a part of the problem. Some treats, especially the large biscuits
and green treats, are high in calories.

Consider that a medium-sized biscuit may contain 50 kilocalories, a large
biscuit or green treat 110 kilocalories. Since many people give their dogs
more than one treat a day, biscuits may be a major reason a recent
government (National Research Council 2003) report estimated that 25% of all
dogs and cats in the U.S. are obese!

Instead of high calorie, high carbohydrate biscuits with little nutritional
value, other treats should be considered including small pieces of carrot, a
blueberry, or a tasty low calorie treat (weighing less than one gram per
treat). The size of the treat is not important to a dog (though taste
certainly is!) - itâs the interaction and play with their humans that is
significant.

Keeping a dog lean is important for its health. Getting treats is an
important part of a dogâs day, and provides pleasure to humans as well. When
pet owners develop healthy ãtreatingä habits for their dogs, they can also
increase the odds that their dogs will be lean and live longer, healthier,
happy lives.

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FERAL CAT SEASON IS HERE
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Spring is finally here, but so are unfortunately, feral cats.

Just exactly what is a feral cat?

A feral cat can either be a domestic cat that was lost or abandoned or a cat
who was born to a feral mother. These cats usually live together in a group
or what is called a colony, near food sources and shelter.

What should you do if there is a colony in your neighborhood?

First of all, donât try to catch them by throwing a towel or some other item
over them. I know someone who personally did this, and ended up in Urgent
Care. Try to count how many cats there are, and then try to round up the
same amount of humane box traps. You can do this by contacting individuals
or groups who loan out these traps. If you contact a humane society or
animal facility, be aware that they may require you to return the cat with
the trap, who will then probably be euthanized. Please check beforehand
what their policy is for loaning traps. If you canât get a trap for every
cat, you can trap the cats at different times. The cats will also need to
be kept in their trap while they recover from surgery.

Next, locate a veterinarian or clinic that will work with you and provide
either the spay/neuter at no charge, or for a low cost. You can raise the
money for low costs spay/neuters by contacting neighbors and local
businesses where the colony is located. More than likely they will be happy
to contribute to help control the problem.

After the cat has been spayed and has recovered from surgery, it is best to
place the animal back where it was found. Adult cats will usually not
adjust to living in a home, but if there are kittens, they may be young
enough to socialize and eventually be placed in a loving home. This whole
process is called Trap-Neuter-Return (TRN). If you try to place the cat in
another location, it may try to return. Also, another colony might move in
because of the available food source and shelter.

After the cats have been sterilized, there should be someone appointed to
manage the colony. This person can feed them and monitor any that may need
veterinary care. They can also trap any new cats to the colony so they can
be spayed or neutered.

There are also many sources available, such as books and videos, as well as
organizations that can help you in this process. And if you're not up for
the job, many of these organizations can help. View our resource list online
at http://AnimalRadio.com.

Thanks for noticing and being the one to speak up for that litter of feral
cats at your job. You will make a big difference.


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HEAT WAVE BRINGS DANGEROUS TEMPS - BE READY!
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Now that the weather is warming up and summer is almost here, youâre pulling
out the old barbecue, filling the pool and putting on all that sunscreen.
But, donât forget about Fido and Fluffy.

In the summer, more pets are taken to the vets because of heat related pet
emergencies. These emergencies consist of dehydration, heat exhaustion and
sometimes even death.

The most common emergency occurs when a pet is left in a car. I know, you
will just leave him for a minute or two while you run into the store and
grab a few items. But when you were in the store, maybe you ran into an old
friend and talked for a few minutes. You need to know that a car can reach
a temperature of between 120 degrees to 140 degrees in a matter of minutes,
and cracking the window doesnât help. Your pet can actually receive brain
damage or even die. And, if you see an animal in a parked car during the
summer, notify the management of the shopping mall or grocery store. If the
owner doesnât return quickly, call your local animal control or even the
police.

You think that if your dog rides in the back of your truck itâs better for
him? Think again. Even if he is secured with a rope, flying debris can hit
and injure him. He could even fall out and get dragged by the vehicle. A
dog should either ride inside the cab with you, in a crate or wearing a seat
belt harness designed just for him, or in a secured crate in the bed of
your truck.

Have you noticed in warmer weather you drink more water? Well, so does your
pet. You should keep on eye on your petsâ water bowl and make sure that
itâs always filled with fresh clean water. If he is tied up, make sure
that he has plenty of shade and is able to reach his water bowl. I even
like to throw a few ice cubes in my catsâ water bowl. It keeps their water
cool and they also like to play with them.

When walking your pet, you should keep him on a leash. I know, he is very
well trained and doesnât leave your side. But, he may try to drink water
that is bad for him. In the summer, more people fertilize their lawns and
gardens. These chemicals can be fatal if your pet ingests them. Also, if
he drinks out of the gutter, it can contain antifreeze. Antifreeze has a
sweet taste that animals like, but it can actually kill them.

Okay, you are at the store buying sunscreen, and of course you left Fido and
Fluffy at home. Go ahead and pick up an extra bottle. No, not for you, for
Fido & Fluffy. I know itâs hard to believe with all of that hair, but your
pet can get sunburned and even get skin cancer, especially if they have
light hair and skin. Itâs okay to use the same sunscreen you use yourself on
your pet. Rub a little on their exposed areas like the tips of their ears,
the skin around their lips, and the tip of their nose, and make sure that
the sunscreen has adequate protection against the sun.

Did you know that keeping your pet well groomed during the summer can
actually keep them cooler? If your pet has long hair and it is tangled,
their fur can actually trap the heat in making them even hotter. You can
always clip your dog in the summer months with the latest ãdoâsä and make
them the envy of the other pets in the neighborhood.

Summertime is also a time of increased physical activities. If your pet
normally exercises with you, be very careful. If your animal starts panting
excessively or seems tired, itâs time to stop.

Heatstroke is very serious and can be fatal. The normal rectal temperature
of a dog or cat is 101F. Signs of heatstroke are:

*Panting
*Staring
*Anxious expression
*Refusal to obey commands
*Warm, dry skin
*High fever
*Rapid heartbeat
*Vomiting
*Collapse

If you see any of these signs, you must act fast. Have someone contact your
vet immediately while you try to lower their body temperature. You should
apply towels that are soaked in cool water to the hairless parts of their
bodies. Sometimes your pet will immediately respond, but their temperature
is still not back to normal. You should get them to a veterinarian
immediately for treatment.

Ok, now youâre ready - go ahead and pull out the old barbecue and have a
safe and happy summer with your pets!

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FINAL THOUGHT
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Love Thy Neigh-Purr

The touching relationship between Tiggers the Cat and Annie the Horse is
proof that animals have souls and spirits just as humans do.Ê

They love to play "nuzzle the muzzle."Ê Their unusual relationship is the
talk of the barnyard at the Victoria, Australia, home of contractor Jack
Bellman.Ê

"Tigger is a nasty old cat, who will bite and hiss and scratch, but he just
melts around Annie," says Jack.ÊThe paddock pals bonded immediately.ÊThe
3-year-old feisty feline loves to jump on the stable fence for a tête-à-tête
with 2-year-old Annie.Ê

"They have formed and incredible attachment," says their owner.Ê Tigger even
sleeps in Annie's food bin.Ê Concludes and amazed Jack: "They are rest
buddies."Ê

>From our experience, such relationships are not as unusual as most humans
think.Ê Animals don't have the emotional and cultural hang-ups that humans
do, and they let pure heavenly love happen.Ê These two possess the love and
knowledge that is needed to have peace on earth.

Mainstream moralists have urged, since the Axial Era, that it is human life
that most demands love and respect. We realize and perfect our own humanity
by recognizing humanity in every other, of whatever creed or race. Neither
advocacy of Îanimal rightsâ nor utilitarian calculation of animal pains and
pleasures sit well with a traditional morality. Conversely, many of those
who defend traditional practices such as hunting, farming or goading animals
to fight, themselves suppose that Îhumanâ and Îanimalsâ may sometimes
inhabit the same moral universe. Decent treatment of animals (as of others)
is that form of life which lets us live together Îhumanelyâ, in appreciation
of the actual beings they are. Virtue, as Aristotle argued, lies less in
acting nobly than in appreciating nobility. Those who claim to appreciate
such nobility in beasts must learn to live humanely.

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