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ANIMAL RADIOú | July 12th - August 1st 2003
a not-for-profit tri-weekly newsletter
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In this newsletter:

* ANIMAL RADIOú TOURING CHICAGO, BURLINGTON, HARTFORD & PROVIDENCE
* COMMERCIAL PET FOODS - WHAT LABELS SAY - WHAT LABELS MEAN
* THREE AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING ANIMAL RESCUE WORK
* AVMA IGNORES OWN RESEARCH ON DECLAWED CATS

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THIS WEEK ON ANIMAL RADIOú
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**WE ARE LIVE from BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY in Kanab, Utah and PETCO in DENVER**

We're visiting with Best Friends' founder and philosopher, Faith Maloney. She tells us what it takes to create the Best Friends phenomenon.

Our first "classroom" stop on the Alfa-Dog tour is a doozie!! You'll hear 3 Ark Angels' FAYE PETERSON (planning for the unexpected), Animal Radio's ANNIE BRUCE (litter and litterbox Issues), and ANIMAL PLANET's DR. KEVIN FITZGERALD (household poisons).

Chris Cleveland uncovers CANINE SEPARATION ANXIETY. Dr. Greg Mc Donald takes on CONSUMER REPORTS' Jeff Blyskel and last months' article about the costs of veterinary care.

Next Week:
Author of "PURINA's Encyclopedia of Dog and Cat Care," AMY SHOJAI talks about GERIATRIC PETS
"Dog Culture" author KEN FOSTER tells all about his book of stories.

This week's show is underwritten by the animal conscious folks at:
- THE MISSING LINK (http://www.DesigningHealth.com);
- PRO-DOG GROOMING SUPPLIES (http:/ /www.ProDogGroomingSupplies.com);
- MYPETPRESCRIPTIONS.COM (http://www.MyPetPrescriptions.com);
- SUPREME PET PRODUCTS (http://www.russelrabbit.com);
- FARNAM PET PRODUCTS (http://www.farnam.com);
- LITTER WELCOME MAT (http://www.LitterWelcomeMat.com);
- FRESH STEP CAT LITTER (http://www.freshstep.com);
- BISSELL & PETFINDER.COM (http://www.bissell.com);
- PETCO (http://www.petco.com).

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

LISTEN TO ANIMAL RADIOú: A list of 70+ AM-FM RADIO STATIONS that broadcast Animal Radioú 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 http://animalradio.com.
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HORSEMEAT SLAUGHTERS:

Anonymous responded:
When I first read the article about slaughtering horses for meat, I was outraged. However, now I also realize that the only reason Americans may be outraged by the consumption of horse meat is because it is not part of our culture. It's very common to see Americans eating a beefy hamburger, yet the
Hindu people of India don't believe in eating cows. In China, it is culturally accepted to eat cats and dogs, which seems disgusting to me, but that is only their culture. I do believe that its cruel to kill horses for meat, but if we're going to go to certain measures to stop horse slaughters, we may as well go out of our way to stop the killing of all animals for meat. As appealing as that sounds, I'm not sure all Americans would like the idea of giving up the hamburger.
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CONSUMER REPORTS ARTICLE ON THE COST OF VETERINARY CARE:

Bud Stuart DVM from Santa Barbara, CA responded:
I concur with your article on Consumer Reports. Here is a letter I'm sending to the magazine today:

"Have enjoyed my reading of Consumer Reports magazine for many years and have used it to great advantage, including the purchase of our last automobile. Thank you for that. But as a veterinarian of almost 50 years standing, Cornell-class of '55-I was a bit dismayed at the overall Tone of your article, Pets and Vets, in the July issue. Poor Dr. Herriott must be spinning in his Yorkshire grave. While many of the points you made in your article were valid and valuable to pet owners, the impression the reader is left with is, that as a profession, we are all overcharging scoundrels preying on a hapless public. What you chose to ignore in your article is that the same pet hysterectomy you quote at approximately $170 will frequently command a human surgeons fee of $10,000 to $15,000. And remember, that the human surgeon does not have to support a multi-faceted modern hospital, with X-ray, surgery suite, laboratory, staff and housing facilities as just the start of a veterinarianâs overhead. Students keep flocking to veterinary medicine despite the fact that after a minimum of six grueling years of college, it continues to pay the lowest starting salary of any other profession, including pharmacists. Will not belabor the point, but no one goes into veterinary medicine for the money. It's just not there, despite the large bills you quote. I had a very successful pet practice in northern Virginia for almost 40 years, but at age 73, I am still in the work force. And my story is typical of veterinarians as a working group. There is no pot of gold at the end of our rainbow. Fortunately, most of us love our jobs, but work we must, in order to survive. So thanks for the help to pet owners, but please be assured that veterinary medicine as a whole contains a lot more James Herriotts than it does Scrooges or Simon Legrees."

**

Anonymous responded:
1. We thought that all-in-all the Consumer Reports article was right "on the money." We see a log of money-hungry vets who don't even like animals. Also, we wished they had said at least something about adopting a mixed breed or a pet from a shelter if they didn't want all the problems with
purebreds.
2. We've read articles over the years that say clumping litter is dangerous and can even be fatal.
Just FYI --

**
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{Comments welcomed at: YourVoice@animalradio.com}

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AVMA IGNORES OWN RESEARCH ON DECLAWED CATS
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This year the American Veterinary Medical Association (known as the AVMA) met in Denver for their national convention. Annie Bruce of Good Cats Wear Black, a cat owner consultant in Boulder, Colorado, distributed information about declawing at the convention. Bruce is the author of the award winning book ãCat Be Good: A Commonsense Approach to Training Your Cat.ä

The AVMA claims, ãThere is no scientific evidence that declawing leads to behavioral abnormalities when the behavior of declawed cats is compared with that of cats in control groups.ä Not true says Bruce who states that the AVMA keeps ignoring glaring evidence including its own expert-peer-reviewed research on declawed and tendonectomized cats published January 1, 2001 in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Cornell veterinarians revealed that 31% of cats suffered one or more post-operative behavioral changes, the major complaints were house soiling, biting and prolonged lameness.

Bruce also sites other studies which indicate that declawed cats pee outside the box, bite people and are relinquished at higher rates than clawed cats. Bruce states that urine runs deeper than claws and you can hide or repair scratch damage, but urine damage canât be concealed and can be very difficult to fix. Cat-urine soaked property usually ends up at the dump. Unfortunately, she states millions of declawed cats are dumped at shelters and in alleys due to the worse behavior problems many cats develop after getting declawed.

Visit http://www.goodcatswearblack.com for more information regarding declawed cats. Hear Annie Bruce weekly on Animal Radioú http://animalradio.com]

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DEMAND FOR HIGH-COST PET SURGERIES INCREASING
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You have heard of people who have had heart surgery and kidney implants, now your pet can too. Just like human specialists, there are now veterinarian specialists.

There is an advantage to seeing these veterinarians as they have more experience at these types of procedures than your regular vet because of their specialized training. They also do these procedures over and over.

The costs of these surgeries for your pet is pretty expensive though. It costs around Six Thousand Dollars to Eleven Thousand Dollars for a kidney transplant, and open heart surgery can run from Six Thousand Dollars to Twelve Thousand Dollars. But, if you compare it to human surgery, where open heart surgery can run around Two Hundred Thousand Dollars, relatively speaking, animal surgery is a lot less.

The demand for these pet surgeries has been increasing, as pet guardians demand the best for their four legged family members. Cats have been receiving kidney transplants for several years and dogs are recently receiving kidney transplants, because they reject their new organ more than
cats do.

Open heart surgery in dogs is now commonplace, and they also have pacemakers for dogs. In a lot of these cases, the pacemaker battery outlives the dog.

Due to these new and innovative procedures, your pet can now live a longer and healthier life. And, research is always continuing.

Learn more about advancing technologies to care for your pet on Animal Radio - http://animalradio.com

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ATTENTION CHICAGO!! ANIMAL RADIOúALFA-DOG TOUR ARRIVES AUGUST 9th!
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We're broadcasting Animal Radioú from 40 cities. August 9th we're at PETCO, 2000 North Clybourn in the Windy City. We're bringing "CatSpeak" and "DogSpeak" author, BASH DIBRA, "In the Line of Duty's" Ron Barber, Our own Annie Bruce ...and more surprise guests. Bring your friends, family and furry companions! We'll have treats while supplies last. Look for the 40' Alfa-Dog Broadcast Vehicle with logos from our sponsors - FRESH STEP, BISSELL, COMFORT ZONE, PRO DOG Grooming Supplies, and PETCO

DATES ADDED!

We've added dates to the tour!! Look for us in Baton Rouge November 15th with "Dog Culture" author Ken Foster and Purina author Amy Shojai. We've also added Sarasota/Westshore November 1st, and Colorado Springs November 22nd.

Find out when we'll be in your city...and find out who we're bringing. Go to http://animalradio.com

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COMMERCIAL PET FOODS - COULD THEY BE HARMING YOUR PETS?
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Recent studies show that many commercial pet foods may contribute to pet disease because of their poor nutritional value. But, by reading and understanding the labels, you can decide what is best for your pet.

Did you know commercial pet food also can contain condemned parts of animals that are not fit for humans to eat? These foods may contain moldy or spoiled food that is full of carcinogens. Some pet commercial foods can contain dirt, rocks and even wood shavings.

And, just because the label says there are no preservatives, doesnât mean that its true. If the preservatives are in the food before the pet food manufacturer receives it, they can say it has no preservatives as long as they did not add it.

Try to avoid ingredients called BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytolulene). These are both known to cause liver and kidney disease.

Also be aware of ingredients that have been listed more than once. For example, manufacturers can hide the fact that the main ingredient is sugar, if they ãsplit itä by calling it high fructose and also corn syrup.

The main thing is to make sure that the first four ingredients that are listed in your petsâ food are meat products and not grains. Pets are carnivores and get their nutrition from meat. Most grains have little or no nutritional value and your cat or dog cannot digest them very well.

Following is some information about what the label says and what it really means:

IF THE LABEL SAYS:

Chicken and/or chicken by products; beef and meat by products ö

IT MEANS ö

It contains condemned and contaminated meat which is unfit for humans, and it is ground rendered parts of the carcasses, bones, necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, intestines, fat, water, hydrolyzed feathers, poultry and pig waste containing undigested plant material and bacteria

IF THE LABEL SAYS:

Vegetable fiber ö

IT MEANS ö

It contains corn husks and peanut shells

IF THE LABEL SAYS:

Poultry digest ö

IT MEANS -

It contains material from chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis of poultry tissue

IF THE LABEL SAYS:

High fructose, corn syrup or fructose,

IT MEANS ö

It contains sugar

IF THE LABEL SAYS:

Brewers rice ö

IT MEANS ö

It contains polished rice sections discarded from human manufacturers for no nutritional value

IF THE LABEL SAYS:

Ground yellow corn, corn grit, corn meal, cracked corn or corn germ meal ö

IT MEANS ö

It contains the lowest nutritional variety of corn that is not digested well by dogs or cats and may cause allergic reactions

By carefully reading and understanding the labels, you can find out a lot about the food your pet is eating and he can live a longer healthier life.

Learn lots more about what's really in commercial pet food on Animal Radioú. http://animalradio.com

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RIO VISTA GIVES THREE AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING ANIMAL RESCUE WORK
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SANTA MARIA, CA- Three winners have been announced in the Annual Rio Vista Fund ãHank Awardä Program recognizing ãoutstanding equine or canine rescue workä.

Frank and Leo Kuntz have been spotlighted in the individual category for their outstanding rescue work with The Nokota Horse Conservancy in Linton, North Dakota. Frank and Leo established The Nokota Horse Conservancy in 1999 and have been in an uphill battle since the late 1970âs to save this near extinct breed. The goal of the Conservancy is to provide the horses with a place where they can roam free as they once have while ensuring their survival with minimal management. Frank and Leo continue to put every ounce
of effort into promoting the survival of a breed that originated as far back as 1881.

Castaway Treasures Animal Sanctuary of Tucson, Arizona has been named in the agency category. Adrian and John Bruno, founded Castaway Treasures Animal Sanctuary in1989. Their Sanctuary cares for all types of animals and
maintains a ãno-killä policy in the hopes that all can recover with a little compassion and extra care. John and Adrian rely mostly on their own funding as well as the commitment of any volunteers that come their way. All that they do, they do for the animals and have even been described as, ãThe closest I will ever get to knowing a saint,ä by Kyle Ann Thibault, who nominated the agency for its amazing effort.

Roy Scudamore of Equine Prosthetics in Charlottesville, Virginia has been awarded for his outstanding work in veterinary research and rehabilitation. For more than 23 years he has accomplished many feats in prosthesis for both
humans and their companions. His compassion for animals has led him in the founding of Equine Prosthetics, the fabrication and design of prosthetics. Royâs efforts demonstrate his commitment and dedication to help animals in difficult situations that would normally have a less fortunate fate.

Each winner will receive the bronze sculpture ãFriends,ä by Sherry Wolfenbarger Cagan, depicting a dog and horse together, a financial grant, and a yearâs supply of Rio Vista Products. The Rio Vista Fund was established in 1996 when a Fund policy was set, stating that every time a customer purchases a Rio Vista product, a portion of the sale is set aside for the benefit of abused, neglected or mistreated horses or dogs. ãThe Fund remains the finest thing we do,ä said James Towle, President of Rio Vista Products ãand we are proud to reward the work of those who give so much of
themselves. Equine and Canine rescue is not just a job, but a calling.ä

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2003 Hank Award Program. Nominations close October 31, Î03. For more information, contact the company at (800) 248-6428 or e-mail at info@riovistaproducts.com or visit their web site at riovistaproducts.com.

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FELIWAY IS HELP FOR CATS TRAVELING OR MOVING THIS SUMMER
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PHOENIX, Ariz. - (July 14, 2003) As most pet owners are now aware, last December England lifted its lengthy quarantine for cats and dogs coming from the U.S. mainland and Canada. Prior to that, pussycats planning an audience with the queen were in for a long wait - a six-month quarantine, to be exact. But that's all changed. Americans planning to visit, live or work in Britain may now bring their four-legged friends along without having to endure a six month separation. (For rules and regulations, go to www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine.)

While this change eliminates a big obstacle for Britain-bound kitties, another remains - the stress and trauma that goes along with crating and a long journey. Cat owners are all too familiar with how frantic felines react to stressful situations - urine marking, scratching and anxiety. Feliway¨ pheromone spray is a must-have accessory for the well-traveled cat. The spray calms cats through the use of a synthetic substance that mimics a cat's positive facial pheromones. These pheromones calm cats naturally by
creating a sense of familiarity in the environment. When traveling with a cat, simply spray the inside of the cat carrier 15 to 30 minutes before putting kitty inside. If the trip extends beyond two to three hours, the carrier may need another application.

Moving can be stressful too, but adapting to a new home can be anxiety-free for your cat if you spray Feliway in the carrier and car before you go and plug in the diffuser at least one hour before the cat is introduced to the new home.

The U.K.'s new open-door policy is good news for traveling cat owners, and Feliway pheromone spray is good news for the cats they love - whether it's to visit the Queen, a trip to Queens, New York or a trip across town. With more than 34 million U.S. households owning at least one cat, many travelers - and their cats - will benefit.

Pet owners can ask their vet about Feliway or go to a specialty pet store or online retailer and look for Comfort Zone(tm) with Feliway¨. Information also is available on the Internet at www.farnampet.com.
Veterinarians looking for more information should go to www.vpl.com.

Learn more about traveling with your four-legged friends on Animal Radio! Log on to http://animalradio.com now to learn more.

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HOWARD JOHNSONS CHAIN BECOMES PET-FRIENDLY
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Howard Johnson - Where You Feel at Home - makes your pets feel at home too! With close to 150 Pet Friendly locations across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, you and your furry companion can take that long-awaited family vacation together.
Now the whole family can enjoy time together with a name that people trust, respect and look forward to seeing wherever they travel.
Visit our website to locate a Pet Friendly property. Pet Friendly policies vary by location so call ahead after you make your selection.

Some Pet Friendly Travel Tips from Howard Johnson:

* A well-trained animal will help ensure that you and your best friend are welcomed back!
* Ensure that your petâs identification is secure on its collar or leash.
* Pack a fun-filled bag with familiar items. Your animalâs favorite blanket and toys are always a great idea!
* Never allow your pet to roam without a leash or out of your presence.
* Donât forget your animalâs food, dishes and vitamins!
* If vacationing by car, get your pet used to it. Take several short trips before you venture out on the longer journey.
* When traveling by car, donât forget to buckle up all family members; including your pet. If not, use a pet carrier.

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FINAL THOUGHT
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Film Causing Children to Flush Fish
by Sherry Morse

A large number of children have recently been unintentionally killing pet fish by flushing them down toilets after seeing or hearing about a scene in the currently playing animated movie "Finding Nemo" in which a clown fish returns to the sea via a spit basin in a dentist's office.

Roto-Rooter dispatcher Margie Veladez, who lives and works in Valencia, CA, has received, since the film was released several weeks ago ,approximately 70 calls from individuals wanting to know whether flushed fish can be saved.

"I hear kids crying in the background," Veladez told a Los Angeles Times reporter. "There's nothing we can do. (The fish) are gone."

"I've had to explain to young kids that flushing (fish) doesn't take (them) to where they would want to go," said Sasha De Marino, the manager of Aquarium Stock, a store located in Los Angeles.

"It's a beautiful sentiment that kids are trying to free the fish, but it's a bad thing," comedian and actress Ellen DeGeneres, who provided the voice of one of the fish in "Finding Nemo," stated.

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.
See ANC headlines at http://www.ANC.org
Hear ANC Headlines at http://animalradio.com

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ANIMAL RADIOú STATION AFFILIATE LIST
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STATE DMA MARKET CALL LETTERS FREQ TIME DAY Ê
AK Dillingham KRUP 99.1 Ê Ê Ê
AL Birmingham WSMQ 1450 Ê Ê Ê
AR Hope KXAR 1490 Ê Ê Ê
CA Los Angeles KOST 103.5 6:30am Sunday
CA Santa Barbara KTMS 990 6pm Sunday
CA San Luis Obispo KVEC 920 6pm Sunday Ê
CA Santa Maria KSMA 1240 6pm Sunday Ê
CO Buena Vista KDMN 1450 6:00 Saturday Ê Ê Ê
CO Colorado Springs KWYD 1580 6:00 Saturday Ê Ê Ê
CO Denver/Longmont/Boulder KLMO 1060 6:00 Saturday Ê Ê Ê
CO Vail/Aspen/Breckenridge KSKE 610 6:00 Saturday Ê Ê Ê
CT Bridgeport WICC 600
CT Hartford WNTY 990 Ê4pm Saturday Ê
CT New London WSUB 980 Ê Ê Ê
DC Washington D.C. WPLC 1050 9am Sunday Ê
FL Ft. Meyers/Naples WCNZ 1660 3 Sunday Ê
FL Sarasota
FL Sebring WWTK 730 Ê Ê Ê
GA Jasper WYYZ 1490 Ê Ê Ê
IA Marshalltown KFJB 1230 Ê Ê Ê
ID Idaho Falls KZNI 1260 Ê Ê Ê
ID Pocatello KZNR 690 Ê Ê Ê
IL Chicago WBIG 1280 3 Sunday Ê
IL Elgin WRMN 1410 2 pm Thursday Ê
IL Princeton WZOE 1490 Ê Ê Ê
IL Vandalia WTRH 93.3 Ê Ê Ê
IL Sterling WSDR 1240 Ê Ê Ê
IN Marion WGOM 860 Ê Ê Ê
KY Murray WNBS 1340 Ê Ê Ê
KY Murray WKJM 1320 Ê Ê Ê
LA Lake Charles KAOK 1400 Ê Ê
MA Boston WBPS 890 3 ÊSunday Ê
MA Providence WPEP 1570 Ê Ê Ê
MD Baltimore WHFC 91.1 noon Wednesday Ê
ME Portland WLOB 1310 Ê Ê Ê
ME Rumford WLOB 96.3 Ê Ê Ê
MN Duluth-Superior WDSM 710 Ê Ê Ê
MN Waseca KOWZ 1170 Ê Ê Ê
MO Osage Beach KRMS 1150
MO West Plains KWPM 1450 Ê Ê Ê
MS Greenwood WABG 960 Ê Ê Ê
NC Albemarle WSPC 1010 Ê Ê Ê
NC Charlotte WSPC 1010 Ê Ê Ê
NM Clovis KICA 980 Ê Ê Ê
NM Los Alamos KRSN 1490 Ê Ê
NV Las Vegas KSHP 1400 8pm Sunday Ê
NY Crown Point WIPS 1250
OH Portsmouth WPAY 1400 Ê Ê Ê
OR Salem KYKN 1430 Ê Ê Ê
PA Ambrigde WMBA 1460 Ê Ê Ê
PA Pittsburgh WBVP 1230 Ê Ê Ê
PA Youngstown WPIC 790 Ê Ê Ê
RI Providence WNRI 1380 Ê3 Sun Ê
SD Mitchell KORN 1490 9am Sat
SC Greenville WAIM 1230 Ê Ê Ê
SC Florence WJMX 970 Ê Ê Ê
SC Charleston WTMA 1250 Ê Ê Ê
TN Chattanooga WGOW 1150
TX Brownwood KXYL 96.9 Ê Ê Ê
TX Tyler/Longview KRBA 1340 Ê Ê Ê
TX Lubbock KKYN 1090 Ê Ê Ê
TX Texarkana KTFS 940 Ê Ê Ê
VA Johnson City WFHG 980 Ê Ê Ê
VA Johnson City WFHG 92.7 Ê Ê Ê
VA Richmond WHAN 1430 Ê Ê Ê
VT Burlington WIPS 1250 9am Sunday
WA Tri-Cities KTCR 1340 Ê Ê Ê
WV Bluefield-Beckley WHIS 1440 Ê Ê Ê
WV Tazewell WTZE 1470 Ê Ê Ê
WY Cheyenne KRAE 1480 Ê Ê Ê

Animal Radioú not in your area? Call your local station and ask why. Meanwhile, listen online.

CLICK TO LISTEN NOW: http://animalradio.com/cfc.ram

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