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ANIMAL RADIO NETWORK | March 22nd - March 30th 2003
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In this newsletter:

* WV & WY PASS NEW CRUELTY LAWS - How the ALDF helped.
* IS YOUR VET LYING TO YOU? - What some will do to make a buck.
* WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR PET IS LOST - AHA Tag Day Saturday, April 5, 2003
* ARN - LIVE FROM AMERICA ö 2003 Alfa-Dog Cross-Country Tour
* ARN SURVEY - Does PETA represent you?

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THIS WEEK ON ANIMAL RADIO NETWORK
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*ANIMAL LEGAL DEFENSE FUND on the Tennessee Dog Shooting
*LEGAL TERMINOLOGY - Owner vs. Guardian
*ASPCA's Gail Buchwald - Opt to ADOPT
*ANNIE BRUCE - Talking to your Cat - Deux
....also AMERICAN HUMANE'S Bark Stop Drop and Roll Program and Author of The COMPLETE GUIDE TO LOST PETS, Joseph Andrew Sapia

Next Week:
*ASPCA VP Steve Zawistowski - The Origin of Dogs
*Dr. Robin Downing - Genetics, Environment and Nutrition
*Dr. Bud Collette ö Pet Supplementation

This week's show is underwritten by the animal conscious folks at:
- THE MISSING LINK (http://www.DesigningHealth.com);
- MYPETPRESCRIPTIONS.COM (http://www.MyPetPrescriptions.com)

Did you know all 2003 advertising profits from Animal Radio Network go directly to help the animals helped by the ASPCA, BEST FRIENDS, and FRIENDS OF PETS?

HEAR OUR MISSION NOW: http://animalradio.com/about.ram

HERE'S HOW TO LISTEN to Animal Radio Network: A list of 70+ AM-FM RADIO STATIONS that broadcast Animal Radio Network is at the bottom of this newsletter. Consult your station for day and time.

IF YOU CAN'T FIND A RADIO STATION - You can listen online using the FREE Real Audio Player. LISTEN ANYDAY, ANYTIME, ONLINE. Shows are updated every Saturday at 2pm PST.

Click to LISTEN ONLINE NOW: http://animalradio.com/cfc.ram

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YOUR OPINION - WHAT YOU HAD TO SAY
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As always, we welcome your response to articles in our bi-weekly newsletter. We wish we could publish all the e-mail, but there is simply not enough space in this newsletter. You may view other responses online at http://animalradio.com.
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2003 ALFA-DOG CROSS COUNTRY TOUR:

Mary in Harrisonburg, VA responded:
Would love to see you come to Harrisonburg, Virginia. There seems to be so much neglect and throw away animals in the area I live in. I realize that seems to be the state of things everywhere, but in the past two years I have rescued four cats and two dogs who were cast out on a back road left by their irresponsible owners. I personally cannot drive past them and let them stand there waiting for the 'dumpees' to come back. I have also rescued a dog from the local SPCA who, according to them, was taken away from its owners because of severe neglect. She is the most appreciative pet we have....seems to realize that we were giving her one last chance at happiness. We're are the happiest ones for having the devotion of her! Please consider a stop in Harrisonburg. It is approximately two hours away from Richmond Virginia and WE NEED THE EDUCATION IN THIS AREA! Thanks!
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SEPARATION ANXIETY:

Reed Parsons of New York City responded:
Iâm really glad you addressed separation anxiety in your newsletter. My poor Rusty suffers every day when I go to work. Or should I say sufferED. He now takes anti-anxiety medication. It seems to be a good solution. Now, all I have to do is cure my separation anxiety. I miss him when I'm gone at work. I go home at lunch to see him and I've even hooked up a webcam to check in on him. I guess I'm the one with the problem, huh?
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{Comments: YourVoice@animalradio.com
We investigate solutions for separation anxiety - coming up on Animal Radio Network. Learn more at http://animalradio.com}

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WEST VIRGINIA AND WYOMING PASS FELONY CRUELTY LAWS
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Two years of work by the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) bore fruit this winter when West Virginia and Wyoming became the 39th and 40th states to create felony anti-cruelty laws. ALDF's Anti-Cruelty Division worked closely with legislators, activists and concerned citizens in both states to make the new laws a reality.

"Slightly more than a decade ago ÷ right before the formation of ALDF's Zero Tolerance for Cruelty campaign ÷ seven states had felony animal cruelty statutes. Now we're up to 40," says the Anti-Cruelty Division's director of legislative affairs, Stephan Otto, who authored the West Virginia law. "That's a dramatic shift."

Otto also wrote the initial drafts of Wyoming's "Dexter's Law," which gained widespread support in the state after the gruesome torture-killing of a basset hound named Dexter two years ago. The new Wyoming statute makes it a felony, punishable by up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $5,000, if someone "knowingly and with intent to cause death, injury or undue suffering, cruelly beats, tortures, torments, injures or mutilates an animal resulting in the death or required euthanasia of the animal." Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal signed the bill into law March 6.

The West Virginia statute, dubbed the "Groucho Act" in memory of a dog killed by a reckless driver in a hit-and-run accident, made a number of improvements to the state's animal protection laws. It added a felony provision ÷ punishable by one to three years in jail and a fine between $1,000 and $5,000 ÷ for torturing or maliciously killing an animal. It removed a statutory cap on damages limiting civil awards to the "assessed value" of an injured or killed dog. It required courts to order and review mental health evaluations before granting probation for convicted offenders. And it prohibited those convicted under the cruelty laws from possessing or living with any animal for five years (in the case of misdemeanors) or fifteen years (in felony cases). West Virginia Governor Bob Wise signed the bill into law March 11.

"Encouraging states to create and enforce strong animal protection laws is an important part of ALDF's mission," says ALDF Executive Director Joyce Tischler. "So I'm very proud of what we've accomplished in Wyoming and West Virginia. It's taken a lot of effort to get this far. And we're not through yet. We've still got 10 states without felony anti-cruelty laws, so there's still work to be done."

The states currently without felony animal abuse provisions are Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Dakota, South Dakota and Utah.

{Hear ALDF's Bradley Woodall this week on Animal Radio Network as he discusses the Smoke's case in Tennessee where a family dog was accidentally shot on a routine traffic stop. http://animalradio.com}

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WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR PET IS LOST
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According to a 1997 study of 1000 animal shelters, conducted by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, approximately one million dogs and 584,000 cats were taken in as strays. Unfortunately, for both owners and animals, only 16% of dogs and 2% of cats were returned to their owners. These statistics are alarming.

Tag Day is a major effort by American Humane to combat these statistics. We want to educate consumers on the benefits of identifying their companion animals with ID tags, license tags, micro-chipping, or tattooing. Identification is your pet's ticket home!

If your pet does become lost, don't delay. Take the following steps to help bring your companion animal home to safety:

*Act fast!! Don't wait days hoping your pet will come home. The sooner you begin your search, the better the odds of finding him.
*Search your neighborhood or area where your pet was lost and let people know she's missing. You may want to offer a reward. Call your pet's name and check any places she could have become trapped, such as in basements, garages or under vehicles. A lost pet often will hide during the day, so be sure to go out again at night with a flashlight and them. Sometimes a can of food can lure a hungry and scared pet.
*Check with your local shelters every day. Don't just call -- also visit the shelter to search for your pet. Many animals are difficult to describe over the phone, and only you really know what your pet looks like..
*Call all animal control agencies in your town and surrounding areas. Animal control officers work through the police department and pick up stray animals. Call them or check their shelters at least every two days. *Use your pet's photo to make "lost pet" signs. Put them up in your neighborhood and in post offices, libraries, pet supply stores, veterinary offices and grocery stores. Inform your veterinarian and groomer that your pet is lost in case they receive a call.
*Place ads in local newspapers and offer a reward in case someone found your untagged pet and was thinking of keeping her.
*Watch the found ads. Respond to any that might be close to your pet's description. A week of wandering the streets can make white pets look drab gray, and the ad's description might not exactly fit.
*Call your local radio stations. Some radio stations will broadcast lost pet information for free. Give them very detailed information on where your pet was lost, his description and how to contact you.

Tag Day is a national public awareness campaign that unites thousands of local shelters, veterinary clinics, animal care and control agencies, and other humane agencies in the common goal of educating pet owners about the benefits of tagging their companion animals. To help promote this event in your community, contact your local shelter to help in their efforts.Ê
Everyone can help by identifying their pet or encouraging others to do so. An ID tag is you pet's one-way ticket home. Make every day Tag Day, and join our efforts to increase the number of animals returned home.

{adapted from http://AmericanHumane.org} Hear the first in our series of what to do when you can't find your pet. Author of The Complete Lost Pet Guide, Joseph Andrew Sapia will start our investigation this weekend on Animal Radio Network. Listen before it's too late. http://animalradio.com.

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IS YOUR VET LYING TO YOU?
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The news has been chock-full recently about several counties condemning and possibly banning the declawing procedure Onychectomy. While we pride ourselves in unbiased reporting, we have always supported anti declawing views. We believe the American public is misinformed when it comes to declawing. The procedure itself is illegal in most countries.

PSYCHOLOGICAL & BEHAVIORAL COMPLICATIONS
Some cats are so shocked by declawing that their personalities change. Cats who were lively and friendly have become withdrawn and introverted after being declawed. Others, deprived of their primary means of defense, become nervous, fearful, and/or aggressive, often resorting to their only remaining means of defense, their teeth. In some cases, when declawed cats use the litterbox after surgery, their feet are so tender they associate their new pain with the box...permanently, resulting in a life-long aversion to using the litter box. Other declawed cats that can no longer mark with their claws, mark with urine instead, resulting in inappropriate elimination problems. In many cases, this results in relinquishment of the cats to shelters and ultimately euthanasia. Many of the cats surrendered to shelters are surrendered because of behavioral problems which developed after the cats were declawed.Ê

Risk factors for relinquishment of cats to an animal shelter:

*Among 218 cats relinquished to a shelter, more (52.4%) declawed cats than non-declawed cats (29.1%) were reported by owners to have inappropriate elimination problems.

Source: World Small Animal Veterinary Association - 2001

The incidence of behavior problems following Onychectomy in cats;Ê two months to five years (median 11.5 months) after surgery:

*(33%) developed at least one behavior problem.
*(17.9%) had an increase in biting habits or intensity."
*(15.4%) would not use the litter box

Source: World Small Animal Veterinary Association - 2001

Many declawed cats become so traumatized by this painful mutilation that they end up spending their maladjusted lives perched on top of doors and refrigerators, out of reach of real and imaginary predators, against whom they no longer have any adequate defense.

A cat relies on its claws as its primary means of defense. Removing the claws makes a cat feel defenseless. The constant state of stress caused by a feeling of defenselessness may make some declawed cats more prone to disease.Ê Stress leads to a myriad of physical and psychological disorders including suppression of the immune system, cystitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

"The consequences of declawing are often pathetic. Changes in behavior can occur. A declawed cat frequently resorts to biting when confronted with even minor threats. Biting becomes an overcompensation for the insecurity of
having no claws. Bungled surgery can result in the regrowth of deformed claws or in an infection leading to gangrene. Balance is affected by the inability to grasp with their claws. Chronic physical ailments such as cystitis or skin disorders can be manifestations of a declawed cat's frustration and stress" -David E. Hammett, DVM

{Hear our investigation into the practice of declawing ...and the law- this weekend on Animal Radio Network - Log onto http://animalradio.com - ...and as always, your comments are welcome at YourVoice@animalradio.com}

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ARN EVENTS CALENDAR
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Animal Radio Network is very excited and proud to announce the 2003 Alfa-Dog Cross-Country-Tour across the United States. Starting in June, Animal Radio Network will broadcast from 40 cities, from Los Angeles to Portland, Maine, and points in between. Each stop will include educational seminars on responsible pet guardianship, followed by question and answer sessions. Speakers will include celebrities and the animal industries' prime experts.

The 40â mobile studio, affectionately named ãAlfa-Dog,ä will stop in 40+ key cities. We would like to come to your city. Drop us a note telling us why we should visit your city and bring experts to talk in your town. You can email Animal Radio Network at postmaster@animalradio.com

Stops in key cities will include a photo session for adoptable animals in those areas. All animals will be posted on the Animal Radio Network website for the Alfa-Dog Adoption Drive.

Animal Radio Network has always been a grassroots endeavor benefiting the animals. All hosts, doctors and experts, voice over talent and producers have donated their time to this worthwhile project. This is programming with a purpose by the people!

Animal Radio Network is still seeking pet-friendly companies that would like to be a part of this magnificent journey. Contributions of products, services or goods, as well as corporate sponsorships and underwriting, are needed. Businesses wishing to participate in the 2003 Alfa-Dog
Cross-Country-Tour need to call ARN offices at 805-815-4092.

Hear this incredible voyage on Animal Radio Network.
http://animalradio.com

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EXERCISING YOUR SENIOR DOG
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Exercise is an important part of any dogâs life.Ê It affects both physical and emotional health by keeping muscles toned, the heart and lungs strong, and releasing the stress of everyday life.Ê Even aging dogs require routine exercise, but the quantity and quality of the activity must change to meet the needs of an aging dog body.

Just as our physicians advise us to have a complete physical before beginning an exercise program, it is best for your dog to have a checkup before starting or changing an exercise routine.Ê Be aware of your dogâs weight.Ê A heavier, older dog must start an exercise program more slowly than a lean dog.Ê As your older dog becomes more active, watch for signs of arthritis or canine hip dysplasia.Ê If you notice limping, loss of stamina, or stiffness after exercise, call your local veterinarian immediately to schedule an evaluation.

Most dogs do well with two 15-30 minute exercise periods per day, though as they get older one may be most comfortable. ÊExercise your older dog during the cooler hours in the morning or evening.Ê Avoid the hotter times of the day, as dogs are susceptible to heatstroke.Ê In cold weather, be aware of slippery surfaces and the chilling effects of cold air on the lungs.Ê Donât forget how important it is for your older dog to have plenty of water during and after exercise.Ê Carry water with you when you walk or jog with your dog.Ê Allowing your dog to drink out of streams may lead to infection by parasites or bacteria.

What kind of exercise is good for senior dogs?Ê Well, walking is a great place to start!Ê Carefully consider your pace and distance, and monitor your dog for signs of fatigue.Ê A ãdroopyä head and tail may indicate weariness.Ê What about breathing?Ê Start your program conservatively, walking an easy pace for no more than 15 minutes at a time.Ê Grass is a good surface for older dogs to walk on.Ê The grass cushions older joints.Ê If only pavement is available, try to walk on asphalt rather than concrete - - it is a slightly softer surface.Ê Be sure to check the temperature of the walking surface before beginning.Ê If your dog shows tiredness during the walk, stop for a rest.Ê If you are an active person, be especially careful when conditioning your dog to exercise.Ê Your dog will do all it can to keep up with you, even if your pace is too fast!Ê Your goal is to have walking together be fun for both of you!

Hiking is another great activity, but only after your dog has started to get into shape through a regular walking program.Ê You and your dog should have been ãon the roadä for 6 ö 8 weeks without strain or fatigue before moving into the more strenuous activity of hiking.Ê Gradually expose your dogâs tender feet to the rougher surfaces of the backcountry - - gravel roads, dirt, rocks.Ê Pads must be toughened before they can handle prolonged contact.Ê Stop frequently to offer water and to check footpads.Ê Carry doggy ãbootiesä with you in case the pads crack during a hike.Ê Try to avoid hills with older dogs - - hills put extra strain on aging hips and shoulders.Ê Limit dog hikes to 15 ö 30 minutes so your dog doesnât overdo it.ÊÊ

Finally, retrieving games are a great way for your dog to do ãsprintsä.Ê Because older dogs canât make the sharp turns and stops that were easy when they were younger, throw the ball in a straight line on a flat surface.Ê Keep the distance reasonable.Ê Take your time and keep the pace relaxed.Ê Donât let your dog get overly excited during the game.Ê Allow your dog to rest between throws, and provide frequent small amounts of water.

Senior dogs often do not know their own limits.Ê They get very involved in the fun of what they are doing, and almost never stop until they are exhausted.Ê It is up to you to protect your dog from their own enthusiasm - making sure that your senior canine companion is healthy and in shape for the activities you share, without exceeding limitations.

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ARN SURVEY - PETA
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This summer, Animal Radio Network will be looking into the agencies that make up the animal welfare industry. We'll be exploring agency values, directives and ethics.

We want to know your thoughts about "People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals" (PETA).

Does PETA represent your feelings? Do you usually agree with PETA's actions?

Send your thoughts to YourVoice@animalradio.com
Results will be anonymously posted in a future newsletter.

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FINAL THOUGHT
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Genius Dog

A butcher is working, and is really busy. He notices a dog in his shop and shoos him away. Later, he notices the dog is back again. He walks over to the dog, and notices the dog has a note in his mouth.

The butcher takes the note, and it reads, "Can I have 12 sausages and a leg of lamb, please." The butcher looks, and lo-and-behold, in the dog's mouth, there is a ten dollar bill.

So the butcher takes the money, puts the sausages and lamb in a bag, and places it in the dog's mouth. The butcher is very impressed, and since it's closing time, he decides to close up shop and follow the dog. So, off he goes.

The dog walks down the street and comes to a crossing. The dog puts down the bag, jumps up and presses the crossing button. Then he waits patiently, bag in mouth, for the lights to change. They do, and he walks across the road, with the butcher following.

The dog then comes to a bus stop, and starts looking at the timetable. The butcher is in awe at this stage. The dog checks out the times, and sits on one of the seats to wait for the bus. Along comes a bus. The dog walks to the front of the bus, looks at the number, and goes back to his seat.

Another bus comes. Again the dog goes and looks at the number, notices it's the right bus, and climbs on. The butcher, by now open- mouthed, follows him onto the bus.

The bus travels through town and out to the suburbs. Eventually the dog gets up, moves to the front of the bus and, standing on his hind legs, pushes the button to stop the bus. The dog gets off, groceries still in his mouth, and the butcher still following.

They walk down the road, and the dog approaches a house. He walks up the path, and drops the groceries on the step. Then he walks back down the path, takes a big run, and throws himself - whap!- against the door. He goes back down the path, takes another run, and throws himself -whap!- against the door again!

There is no answer at the door, so the dog goes back down the path, jumps up on a narrow wall, and walks along the perimeter of the garden. He gets to a window, and bangs his head against it several times. He walks back, jumps off the wall, and waits at the door. The butcher watches as a big guy opens the door, and starts laying into the dog, really yelling at him.

The butcher runs up and stops the guy. "What the heck are you doing? This dog is a genius. He could be on TV, for God's sake!" To which the guy responds,

"Genius, my eye! This is the third time this week he's forgotten his key!"

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ANIMAL RADIO NETWORK STATION AFFILIATE LIST
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AK Dillingham KRUP 99.1
AL Birmingham WSMQ 1450
AL Florence WBCF 1240
AR Hope KXAR 1490
CA Los Angeles KOST 103.5
CA San Bernardino KHPY 1530
CA San Luis Obispo KVEC 920
CA Santa Barbara KTMS 990
CA Santa Maria KSMA 1240
CT Bridgeport WICC 600
CT Hartford WNTY 990
CT New London WSUB 980
FL Lake Wales WIPC 1280
FL Sebring WWTK 730
GA Jasper WYYZ 1490
IA Marshalltown KFJB 1230
ID Idaho Falls KZNI 1260
ID Pocatello KZNR 690
IL Chicago WBIG 1280
IL Chicago WRMN 1410
IL Princeton WZOE 1490
IL Sterling WSDR 1240
IL Vandalia WTRH 93.3
IN Marion WGOM 860
KY Murray WKJM 1320
KY Murray WNBS 1340
LA Lake Charles KAOK 1400
MA Boston WBPS 890
MD Baltimore WHFC 91.1
ME Portland WLOB 1310
ME Rumford WLOB 96.3
MN Duluth-Superior WDSM 710
MO Osage Beach KRMS 1150
MO West Plains KWPM 1450
MS Greenwood WABG 960
NC Charlotte WSPC 1010
NC Greenville WJNC 1240
NC Newport WTKF 107.3
NM Clovis KICA 980
NM Los Alamos KRSN 1490
NV Las Vegas KSHP 1400ð
NY Crown Point WIPS 1250
OH Portsmouth WPAY 1400
OR Salem KYKN 1430
PA Ambridge WMBA 1460
PA Pittsburgh WBVP 1230
RI Providence WNRI 1380
RI Providence WPEP 1570
SC Charleston WTMA 1250
SC Florence WJMX 970
SC Greenville WAIM 1230
SD Mitchell KORN 1490
TN Chattanooga WGOW 1150
TX Brownwood KXYL 96.9
TX Del Rio XERC 650
TX Lubbock KKYN 1090
TX Texarkana KTFS 940
TX Tyler/Longview KRBA 1340
VA Johnson City WFHG 980
VA Johnson City WFHG 92.7
VA Richmond WHAN 1430
VT Burlington WIPS 1250
WA Tri-Cities KTCR 1340
WV Bluefiled-Beckley WHIS 1440
WV Tazewell WTZE 1470
WY Cheyenne KRAE 1480

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ATTENTION PET RELATED BUSINESSES.
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{Copyright 2003 Animal Radio Network- Various contributions have their own copyright. Material in this newsletter may not be published or broadcast
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