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ANIMAL RADIO NETWORK | June 7th - June 15th
a not-for-profit bi-weekly newsletter
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In this newsletter:

* MY DOG HAS SEPARATION AXIETY! WHAT NEXT?
* RECORD TEMPS CAN KILL YOUR PET FAST!
* UNFAIR PRICING PRACTICES - POSSIBLY ILLEGAL
* plus the ALFA DOG TOUR SCHEDULE AND UPDATE

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THIS WEEK ON ANIMAL RADIO NETWORK
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*Alfa-Dog Tour WEEK ONE
"Superman" DEAN CAINE - Bayer Advantage Pet Parent Program
Jill Taylor - DIAGNOSING AND TREATING FELINE DIABETES
Faye Peterson - WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR PET WHEN YOU DIE?
Jamie MacLeod's Parrot Menagerie - TALKING BIRDS - How smart are birds?
BEST FRIENDS' Francis Battista - June Adoption Event
California DECLAWING LEGISLATION

Next Week:
Annie Bruce, Ron Barber, Trixie Koontz and Faith Maloney

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)
- SUPREME PET PRODUCTS (http://www.russelrabbit.com)
- HOWARD JOHNSONS PET FRIENDLY HOTELS (http://www.hojo.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 NEAR YOU - Listen ANYDAY, ANYTIME ONLINE
using the FREE Real Audio Player (http://realplayer.com).

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 or whatever is on your mind. We wish we could publish all the e-mail, but there is simply not enough space in this newsletter. You may view other comments online at animalradio.com.
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HOLOCAUST ON YOUR PLATE:

*D. Miller, Sherman Oaks, CA responded:
This is in response to your reader Debbie's view of the "Holocaust On Your Plate" campaign. She was disgusted that you have compared animals with Jewish people. I'd like to know why she claims to be an animal lover, but doesn't think that animals should be accepted on the same level as Jewish people. I feel that animals should be accepted on the same level as ALL people, if not a higher level. I truly believe that if animals were "in charge" of the world, they would never inflict the kind of cruelty to us that we inflict upon them. To me, that makes them more evolved than us. As long as people like Debbie continue to think of animals as lesser than humans, than the cruelty (in all forms) will go on. She needs to see it not as a slight to the Jewish people, but a message that cruelty to ANY living being is wrong. Following is one of my favorite essays, by Henry Beston. I hope you'll make the space to print it (or at least part of it).

We need another and wiser and perhaps more mystical concept of animals. We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein we err, and greatly err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethen; they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendor and the travail ahead.
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LOOKING FOR STORIES

*Fiona Seed from South Africa wrote:
Hi, I've been rescuing cats and kittens for the last five years and now in the process of compiling a book of true animal rescue stories in the hope that there will be enough proceeds to help our disadvantaged furries.

I wonder if you would be kind enough to put a request out for me asking for animal rescue stories for the book. The authors will be acknowledged in the book. There will also be a list of organizations listed should anyone wish to make donations to them. "Fiona and Dave Seed/Rescued Tails"
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RV'ing WITH YOUR PET

*Anonymous wrote:
As I write this, I am fighting back the tears. Through my own ignorance, I was unfortunate to suffer the loss of my cat by my negligent usage of my RV slideout. And, if this letter can save one pet, it will be worth it. (Not really, I would do anything to bring her back, but this is something you are supposed to say!)

Anyway, I am sure you probably have thought about it, and may have even actually said it out loud, but do you practice it faithfully? When pulling a slideout out or in, YOU MUST MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE LOCATED ALL OF YOUR ANIMALS AND THEY ARE NOT IN HARM'S WAY. Well, I thought and even said the same thing, out loud, believe it or not. But, one day I was careless.

A cat can get in small places you would not even dream they could contort to. But, I am sure that this is true with small dogs also. I never noticed the small hole along the bottom of the slideout. I also cannot believe that she could fit in there and would not run from the danger when the slideout was activated. Unfortunately, she depended on me to protect her and I let her down.

I think there should be warnings posted on all slideouts (heck, they have them posted on hair dryers, not to use in showers, besides the risk of electrical shock, how fast will your hair dry in the shower?)

Anyway, please use extreme caution when operating a slideout and make sure that you have a head count of all animals (even children!) before you push that button.
Please check all sideouts thoroughly and block all holes, even the tiniest ones. Don't think it could happen to you? Neither did I! I would not want you to have to go through what I am suffering through right now.

I love you and miss you baby girl. See you at the rainbow bridge!
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{Comments welcomed at: YourVoice@animalradio.com}

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MY DOG HAS SEPARATION AXIETY! WHAT NEXT?
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By Judith Ann HS

Separation anxiety can occur in dogs of all ages and breeds. These dogs may bark frequently when they are left alone, sometimes barking for hours. Most dogs when left alone find a familiar spot and go to sleep. However, a dog suffering from separation anxiety will become extremely anxious, or they may actually become destructive, by chewing on household items and scratching at the doors. In extreme cases, your dog may become depressed, suffer from diarrhea and even bite himself. They don't understand where you have gone or if you will ever come back.

This disorder can be found in specific breed characters, genetics, and even in the way the owner has trained and treated the animal. Dogs in the wild are "pack" animals, and domestic dogs have transferred this attachment to their owners. Some people think that their dog is barking and tearing up their home on purpose and that he is a "bad" dog, but this behavior is related to being a pack animal. If you punish your dog for this, you can actually make the situation worse.

Separation anxiety is one of the major common reasons that dogs are surrendered to shelters or euthanized. But, there are things you can do to help.

You might try crating your dog. By limiting his range of motion you can actually reduce his anxiety and stress. And, he can't do much damage to your house if he is confined. It's a good idea to make sure that he has some toys to chew on while he is in the crate.

You should also ignore your dog just before leaving. By that, I mean don't make a lot of fuss by giving him extra attention, and then stop all of a sudden and leave.

Some people actually leave the radio or TV on while they are gone so their dog can hear human voices. You can leave these on in a room where you usually are and then close the door. When your dog hears it he might feel that someone else is in the home.

Another good idea is to exercise your dog before you leave the house. A tired dog is less likely to be stressed. You can do this by taking him for a long walk. If you don't have the time, 10 minutes of playing, such as chasing a ball, is also a good way to exercise him before you leave.

You can practice these procedures several times, leaving your dog for longer periods each time. Remember to give him rewards for good behavior. This is behavior modification, and this should eventually reduce his anxiety and stress.

If you can, you might want to consider getting another dog. The new dog can keep your dog company and distract him when you leave. This will also give him someone to play with while you are gone.

There are also products on the market that can help. Farnam Pet Products has created Comfort Zone with D.A.P., a dog appeasing pheromone. Comfort Zone's D.A.P. mimics a natural reassuring pheromone produced by female dogs when nursing. This can reduce or completely stop stress-related behavior including: barking, whimpering and whining, chewing, urination and defacation and reduce or eliminate separation anxiety. You can also use it to calms dogs during thunderstorms and firework displays. Farnam also makes Comfort Zone with Feliway for cats. To find out more about these products go to www.farnampet.com.

Remember, there are ways to reduce stress anxiety in your dog, but extreme cases should be referred to a qualified animal behavior consultant or your veterinarian. With patience and understanding, you and your dog can overcome this!

[Get more information on Separation Anxiety at our website or on Animal Radio Network broadcasts. http://animalradio.com]

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SUMMER IS HERE! RECORD TEMPS CAN KILL YOUR PET FAST!
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Now that the weather is warming up and summer is finally here, you're pulling out the old barbecue, filling the pool and putting on all that sunscreen. But, don't 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 doesn't 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 doesn't return quickly, call your local animal control or even the police.

You think that if your dog rides in the back of your truck it's 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 pets' water bowl and make sure that it's 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 cats' 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 doesn't 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 and Fluffy. I know it's 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. It's 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. 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 "do's" 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, it's 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 you're ready - go ahead and pull out the old barbecue and have a safe and happy summer with your pets!

[Hear more summer tips on Animal Radio Network -
http://animalradio.com]

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ALFA DOG UPDATE
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(Hal Abrams - Executive Producer of Animal Radio Network)

We come to you this week from Las Vegas (113 degrees) and next week from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. The Alfa-Dog journey has begun. We will spend a couple of weeks at Best Friends prior to our first "classroom" stop at PETCO in Denver/Aurora (13750 E. Mississippi at Potomac. Joining us June 28th in the Mile-Hi city will be Animal Planet's Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, Ark Angels' Faye Peterson, ARN's Annie Bruce, and a special guest to be announced.

Our free seminars are open to the public and your four legged friends. Animal Radio Network will be broadcasting the whole event.

Then it's off to Chicago. Joining us in the Windy City is trainer to the stars, Bash Dibra and Videographer, Ron Barber. More to be announced as we get closer to the August 9th extravaganza.

We hope you will take a moment to come visit and cheer us on as we come through your city. We have all kinds of gifts for you and your furry companions, donated by great companies like KONG. You can get all the details, dates and cities at http://animalradio.com

And of course, none of this would be possible without your support and the help we're getting from PETCO, Farnam (Comfort Zone), Clorox (Fresh Step), Bissell (Petfinder), and the latest to join, Rio Vista (Pro Dog GroomingSupplies).

You can hear this incredible voyage on Animal Radio Network. http://animalradio.com

Tour dates for the 2003 Alfa-Dog Cross-Country-Tour
*June 14, 2003 - Kanab Utah Broadcast from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
*June 28, 2003-Denver, CO PETCO #911 Aurora-North
*July 12, 2003-Denver, CO Washington Park - Animal Planet Expo
*July 19, 2003- Mitchell SD TBA
*August 9, 2003- Chicago, IL PETCO #869 Chicago-Clybourn
*August 23, 2003 - Burlington, VT PETCO #1829 Burlington
*August 30, 2003 Boston. MA PETCO #740 Peabody,
*September 13, 2003 - Providence, RI PETCO #1825 Providence
*September 20, 2003 - Hartford, CT PETCO #759 Manchester
*October 4, 2003 - Baltimore, MD PETCO #940 Timonium, MD
*October 11, 2003 - Richmond, VA
*November 8, 2003 - Lake Charles, LA
*December 6, 2003 - Idaho Falls, ID PETCO #207 Idaho Falls, ID
*December 20, 2003 - Portland, OR PETCO #209 Tualatin, OR,
*January 3, 2004 - San Luis Obispo, CA PETCO #1511 San Luis Obispo
*January 10, 2004 - Santa Maria, CA
*January 17, 2004 -Santa Barbara, CA PETCO #1507 Santa Barbara-Central
*January 31, 2004 - Los Angeles, CA PETCO #1503 Van Nuys, CA
*February 7, 2004 - Las Vegas, NV PETCO #573 Las Vegas-SW, NV

Keep up to date at http://animalradio.com

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UNFAIR PRICING ISSUES?!
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Animal Radio Network has been asked to look into the unfair pricing issues involving pharmaceutical products supplied, not by your local pharmacy for human use, but by the products being supplied to your family pets, through, in most cases, your local veterinarian.

A pharmacy located in the northwest brought this to our attention when a supplier of veterinary medications refused to continue to supply their products to the veterinarian and the pharmacy. What we discovered uncovered a wealth of knowledge every pet owner should be aware of.

When talking with Brian Jorgensen, the pharmacy owner, this is what we were able to find out about pet prescriptions.

ARN: Brian, what got you involved with the mail order pet prescription business?

JORGENSEN: A local internet pet business owner that came to my pharmacy for his and his wife's medications candidly asked me one day if I would like to provide a pharmacy service through his company for pet prescriptions. I had never thought about this although my pharmacy often filled prescriptions for many local vets and pet owners when asked to do so by the vets.

The Internet site owner, because of his background in the pet industry gave me the name of the major manufacturers that provided pharmaceuticals to vets. I decided to contact Merial Labs (the pet division of Merck).

ARN: What did they have to say?

JORGENSEN: I called and requested that they send me an application to open an account so I could order their products. I identified myself as a pharmacy owner, and not a vet, and was told that their company only sold their pet medications, both prescription and non prescription, thru licensed veterinarians. I pointed out that I have a direct account with their human division (Merck Sharpe & Dome) and they reiterated their previous position - that they only sold to licensed vets.

Unhappy with the answer, I contacted the executive director with the Idaho Board of Pharmacy to see if Merial Labs had to register with the Board of Pharmacy
in order to bring their products into the state of Idaho. The answer was yes, every company that sells pharmaceutical items (both human and animal) must register with the Board of Pharmacy.

I also asked the director, if these companies, Merial Animal Health, Pfizer Animal Health, Novartis Animal Health, as well as wholesalers Like MWI, had to register with the Board of Pharmacy, why were the products not available to myself and other pharmacy owners? The issue had never been addressed and as much as the board was willing to help me, they were unable to provide any further information.

ARN: Did you decide you had hit the end of the road and it was time to give up?

JORGENSEN: The more research I did the more upset I became with the answers provided to me.

I decided it was time to hook up with a local vet that was willing to help me obtain vet products. My friend that had the Internet business hooked me up with the vet; and within a couple weeks, we were up and running - vet supplying product, Internet site to sell the products and advertising in pet journals, news papers, etc., we were up and running.

ARN: What was your purpose in doing this?

JORGENSEN :The pharmacy industry is highly competitive - chain stores, corner drug stores, mail order prescription pharmacies, and insurance companies, all doing their best to provide prescription items to the public at a competitive prices - although many prices are still very high, the prices are very competitive and the buyer has the right to obtain such products by any of these choices.

I saw an opportunity to provide a mail order service for pet medications that would allow me to make a larger profit margin even after paying my associates (the Internet site owner and the vet) than what I could make in the human prescription business). I could do this and still save the general public that owns pets anywhere from 20% to 200% on their prescription items for their animals· what a great opportunity.

ARN: Sounds like everything went well thereafter, did you run into any more problems?

JORGENSEN: Within a few weeks, I was asked by a vet from another state what my state license number was - I had made the assumption if the vets did not have to license with the Boards of Pharmacy in their state, that would not have to. I immediately contacted every Board of Pharmacy in every state and obtained the necessary licenses to provide mail order prescription service to their states - from then on whenever a vet asked for my state license number I faxed a copy to them.

Within a month the vet supplying product to me was notified by Merial that they were going to close his account because they were against mail order and Internet practices that took away the vet, client, animal, relationship required by their policies- we explained to Merial that we only filled and provided items to pet owners thru products ordered by the pet owners vet, and the doctor.

They also said they would refuse to provide any products that would be supplied via mail order. When I was told this I really laughed - Merial Animal Health - a branch of Merck, Sharpe, and Dome-one of the biggest
manufacturers of drug products in the world, if not the biggest, and by far the biggest mail order business for human prescriptions (Merck Medc)), did not believe it was proper to supply pet medications thru the mail - this
really made me laugh as well as make me more angry!

ARN: What type of impact did this have on your business?

JORGENSEN: Almost overnight, my mail order business dropped between 30%-50% - knife in the heart.

I have contacted an antitrust attorney in San Francisco to see if he feels any action should be taken against the drug manufacturers to stop what I consider the wrongdoings that exist in this industry.

ARN: You say "wrongdoings," can you be more specific?

JORGENSEN: most definitely - the current business as set up between the manufacturers and the vets allows for all kinds of injustices that have not existed in the human/doctor/prescription business for longer than I have been in it - since 1971.

ARN: Do you believe that pharmacists are the only people that should be allowed to dispense prescription medications for animals?

JORGENSEN: Absolutely not. It is my belief that by allowing pharmacies to dispense medications for animals that are currently only available thru vets, the public would be protected in the following ways:

Vets would likely quit writing for products that provided themselves with the best profit-they would most likely chose the product most likely to give the animal the best care-not the most profitable product for their business.

ARN: What do you consider the most bizarre situation that has happened to you during this business experience?

JORGENSEN: About 6 months back I received an e mail from a vet in Southern California - I still have the e mail. He was offering to supply me with product - After Novartis closed my account I e-mailed this veterinarian to ask him how much he would charge me for a product called Percorten (used for Addisonâs disease in dogs). The cost of the product to the vets is about $96.00 per vial and my pharmacy mail order program sold it for about $116,00, which, to the best of my knowledge was one of the best prices available in the u.s. After exchanging e-mail it was decided he would be willing to sell me the product at a 10% upcharge if I was willing to buy $8,000.00 each month (the volume that I had been going through) - with his final e-mail came the declaration that he had no problems with selling products to other businesses (mail order businesses) and that he currently was doing a $300,000.00 per month business doing this. Although I have kept the correspondence, I chose not to participate as to me it was just another cost that would have to be passed on to the customer.

ARN: Last question for you Brian. What, in an ideal world, would you like to see happen with pet medications and the distribution system of them.

JORGENSEN: I believe the pet owner should have the right to chose who they obtain their pet medications from. The pet owner should have the right to have a written prescription from their vet and the right to shop for prices on these items. If the vet has a satisfactory price, I am sure most people would chose to get the product from the vet. If the products were available also at pharmacies, the pet owner could use the pharmacy of their choice. If the pet owner would prefer to use mail order to have the product sent directly to their home, I also feel that is a valid source. The way the system is currently set up to control distribution, to protect the vets profit margins, and is possibly against the law, but most certainly is restricted and noncompetitive. The fact that product is available via mail order and the Internet, exposes the fact that the manufacturers cannot keep the controls in place

All the people involved in the distribution of medications increase the final cost to the public paying for these products. I feel it is time to force these manufacturers to make their products available to pharmacies as well as veterinarians and allow the competitive market to dictate what a fair price for the pet owner to pay should be. The freedom should be given to the pet owners and they should have the final say in how they can obtain these products as long as they are through legal channels.

(Your comments may be sent to YourVoice@animalradio.com)

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ARN EVENT CALENDAR
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*PALM SPRINGS RIVIERA RESORT & RACQUET CLUB - SUNDAY JUNE 8th 2003
Animal Friends Expo - The Animal Disaster Team of Riverside County (ADT) seeks to raise public awareness of animal issues, products and raise funds
to provide for animals in disasters. ADT is a program of Animal Samaritans SPCA working in conjunction with The American Red Cross, Riverside County Fire OES, other animal groups and emergency service organizations.

*HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA - JULY 26th Doga-Paw-Looza - Wag, Walk and Roll is coming to Huntington Beach, California, July 26th at 9am. Help Dog Partners raise funds to provide service dogs for mobility impaired people. This is truly a great cause and a day full of fun for your entire family, including your dog! So, pack up your bags and all your dog goodies for a beautiful day at Huntington Beach Central Park - next to the Dog Park. For more details, visit www.dogpartners.com to obtain a walk sponsor form. Raffles, vendors and entertainment will be available after the Wag, Walk and Roll.


{Copyright 2003 Animal Radio Network- Various contributions have their own copyright. Material in this newsletter may not be published or broadcast
without permission.}