How To Find That Pet Related Job
Jamie Damato Migdal, FetchFind.com

If you've ever thought of quitting your job to work in the pet industry, you should hear this week's guest. Jamie Damato Migdal created a website to match you with the perfect pet-related job. From Dog-walking to Marketing, the jobs pay quite well.

Jamie is a mom and entrepreneur and she launched FetchFind.com, a networking and career development site for the pet industry. FetchFind.com allows people who are looking for animal related jobs to connect to people in the pet industry.

Fetchfind.com is Jamie's fourth pet business after being in the pet industry for 30 years. She started in 1994 with a dog walking company, growing it into a national franchise, which she later sold. She then returned to school and became a dog trainer, growing that into 11 locations with over 25 trainers.

When Jamie became a dog trainer, lawyers, doctors, marketers and even stay-at-home moms, would come up to her and state, "You know, I'd like to do what you're doing!"

Jamie had been doing this for so long, she wasn't even sure how she got to that point. She stated that there is no clear path to where she was at that time and said it was more like "A trail of bread crumbs!"

Jamie says when you keep hearing the same problem; you should realize that there are probably industry opportunities there. She then built a website and a business, FetchFind.com.

At Fetchfind.com, employers can post job opportunities, allowing people to apply directly online. People looking for jobs can also post their profiles, making them available to prospective employers.

So can you expect the typical pet jobs such as dog walking and pet sitting? Jamie tells us yes, but that's not all. You can also find jobs in management, advertising, marketing, etc. The possibilities are endless, with incomes ranging from $25,000 a year to $200,000 or more.

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"HERO PEOPLE OF THE WEEK" - Dusty Showers - Sewer Trolling Hero

This week's Hero Person definitely goes above and beyond for animals. One of his rescues was a small Chihuahua dumped into a sewer. Dusty Showers probably needed a few showers after crawling through raw sewage to find this pup that everyone else had given up on.

Dusty Showers, owner and operator of Creepy Creatures Pest & Wildlife, has a passion of helping others. Dusty not only is an expert at resolving wildlife issues but has a proven track record of saving dogs. He is also an internationally recognized breast cancer advocate.

Authorities were called and someone from the city did go out to investigate, but they weren't able to find anything. They also felt that if a small dog were in the sewer, it would drown and there was nothing they could do.

Dusty decided to do the right thing and investigate himself. It took Dusty over an hour and a half to find the vacant lot where this dog was supposed to be. He also searched the area, but wasn't able to find anything.

Dusty and his daughter, along with a friend, were just about to give up after searching the field for an hour, when Dusty found an old manhole cover. The cover had not been opened in years and was overgrown with grass. Dusty uncovered it and went in.

After going about 75 yards, he saw the Chihuahua just sitting there. See the video of the rescue.

Dusty says that typically when they rescue dogs, they name them. Since the Chihuahua was found off of George Jenkins Boulevard, he named him "Ol' Man Jenkins."

Dusty is not afraid of hard work. He also has an organization called The 2nd Basemen where they fight breast cancer in unusual ways and provide direct financial support to women with breast cancer. He tell us one time when they were low on funding, he decided to ride his bicycle across the country in a pink bra. Dusty lives in Florida and didn't realize at the time just how far California was! All in all, Dusty said it was a great trip and he raised much needed money for the organization.

Prevent Pet Poisonings - Dr. Debbie

March 17th through 23rd is Pet Poison Prevention Week and an important time to look out for your pet's safety. As a veterinarian, I see all types of pet toxicities, but it is through my own foolish Labrador's "toxic adventures" that I've experienced the anxiety and worry of a pet toxicity. My male Labrador, Magnum, had eaten a full bottle of urinary continence medication and another time suffered from the worst case of chocolate toxicity I've ever seen.

Magnum loves to eat anything and everything. He doesn't discriminate with his ingestions and has savored every type of animal excrement, ingested deceased rodents, gobbled on loaves of bread, destroyed jars of nuts and slurped up rocks like Beggin-strips. Learn from my experience, on both sides of the exam table and heed Dr. Debbie's "must know" tips to avoid pet poisonings.

Don't Underestimate Motivation
Pets are naturally curious and will knock items off counters, sniff out edibles and unearth household belongings all in the name of something interesting or tasty. Keep counters clear of food and medications. Eliminate opportunities for your pet to get into trouble in the first place.

And if you are the proud owner of a Labrador, as I am, you should know that the Labrador is the most common breed for toxicities. Labradors are very food motivated and poses a keen sense of smell - main reasons why this breed leads in emergency room visits.

Secure Human Medications
According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, one of the top toxicities is from ingested human prescriptions. The main three culprits were heart medications (i.e. blood pressure meds), pain medications and antidepressants. Secure all human medications and avoid taking your medications with pets in the immediate area. Just one dropped pill can mean big problems for your cat or dog.

Know Dangerous Human Foods
Become informed on common human foods that are off-limits for your pets. A stick or two of sugar-free xylitol containing gum can kill your dog. Grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions and chocolate are all toxic to animals.

Be Aware of Chewables
Chewable and flavored pet medications definitely make it simpler to administer our pet's medications, but are easily ingested in large quantities. Secure all human and pet chewable medications. Common pet chewable medications include arthritis medications, vitamins, supplements and heartworm preventatives.

Take the Evidence
If your pet should suffer a toxic exposure, bring all suspect material. Your veterinarian needs to know what was ingested and the approximate time of ingestion. Don't make your veterinarian guess on these important details. Look for evidence of vomiting or diarrhea in the home. Bring any chewed medications, containers or vomitus.

Keep Emergency Numbers Handy
Know your veterinarian's daytime and after-hours emergency facility phone numbers. Not sure if you need to see the vet? Check out the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, a consultation service staffed by veterinary toxicologists to investigate your pet's toxic risk or call 1-888-426-4435. Consult fees apply.

Fortunately after decontamination, ICU time and emergency care, silly Magnum came through just fine. But even with a cautious, watchful mom, he still had been able to rack up his share of emergency hospital visits in 11 years.

Featured veterinarian known as "Dr. Debbie" on national pet radio program, Animal Radio. Ebook author of "Yorkshire Terriers: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; "Pugs: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; "Mini Schnauzers: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend"; and "Shih Tzu: How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend." Dr. Debbie's books.

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Help, my pet has attitude! What's the deal and why the pet complex? Well, that may be something that we've caused by what we're doing.

If your dog or cat is giving you attitude and you can't figure out why, let me help with a few common things that I think our four-legged friends wish we'd think of before acting upon.

1. Pet Strollers
That's right, we've all seen the latest in high-tech and low-tech strollers for our four-legged friends. Do you think nature bestowed them with four legs so they could ride comfortably in a wheeled contraption meant for those that can't walk or haven't yet learned to walk? I admit it. It's certainly cute and sometimes it's medically necessary. But let's make sure they're getting plenty of exercise and remember we do have a pet obesity crisis.

2. Clothing For Pets
I know, I'm the Pawtographer and I am certainly guilty of loving a pet in a cute outfit and I can appreciate the work of pet fashion professionals. However, unless it's a need, and I'm thinking of you the shorthaired pets in the winter, sweaters, clothing and costumes can be very uncomfortable and can even cause over-heating issues for our pets. Never force a pet to wear an outfit, a hat or even a wig. They've got their own fashion sense and we want them to be able to roll with pride at the local dog park.

3. Snuggies For Pets
That's right, it's a separate category. While pets have a natural nesting instinct, you don't see them trying on sweaters or blankets at the local flea market. Dogs and cats enjoy warmth, but enjoy freedom more. I look ridiculous in a human snuggie and a dog might just send me a fragrant message if I wrap them in a dog snuggie. Being wrapped up as a baby when they're scared can give your pet comfort, but having them wear a blanket if they're not a Charles Schultz character can get them laughed at during a dog park visit.

4. Pet Shoes & Socks
Again, if you're a rescue dog climbing over dangerous debris, by all means, get some safety footwear in place. If you're a senior that slips on tile floors, it makes sense to have sock and shoes for your paws. But if you're a dog or cat being forced to wear shoes or socks to be fashionable, remind your pet parents that you sweat and regulate your body temperature through the pads of your paws. Prolonged covering can be harmful.

5. Pet Bling
Pets are more blingy than ever. From necklaces, to toenails to tiaras, I can appreciate showering your pets with love, but keep in mind that these shiny objects look more like toys and distractions than fashion statements for your pets.

Oh heck, now I know why my pets have so many complexes! I'm putting down the snuggie right now. Remember, your pet trusts you and wants you to be happy. Make sure you're giving them the same consideration.

Share your pet complexes with us on our Animal Radio Facebook Page.

Owner And Dog Receive Similar Pacemakers
Years ago, Catherine Pipon was diagnosed with a condition known as heart block. It's where the heart can miss a beat. Doctors inserted a cardiovascular device known as a Medtronic pacemaker. Later, her Cairn Terrier Molly was diagnosed with the same condition. Catherine spent over $5,000 to fly her to London on a private plane to get a pacemaker installed at the Royal Veterinary College. Their pacemakers were nearly identical and their conditions were so similar that Catherine and Molly shared the same

Long, Lost Dr. Seuss Book Found
Random House Children's Books published a long lost Dr. Seuss book called "What Pet Should I Get?" It was thought that Dr. Seuss, or Theodor S. Geisel, wrote it sometime between 1958 and 1962. The full text and illustrations were found as his widow Audrey and his long-time secretary, Claudia Prescott, were cleaning out his home office space. Dr. Seuss died in 1991. Audrey said it was not totally surprising that they are still finding new stories, because her husband was constantly writing and drawing and coming up with ideas and often worked on multiple ones at the same time.

Mystery Poisoning
The Wildlife Sanctuary, Animal Ark in Reno, Nevada dealt with a mystery. A wolf named Maddie and a tiger named Shere Khan died. The sanctuary thought maybe the meat the animals were fed the day they got sick was bad. However, toxicology tests revealled two types of barbiturates, commonly included in euthanasia solutions and not kept at the sanctuary. The food and water tested came back negative for the drugs. There was some good news, Jamar, the cheetah that was also poisoned, made a full recovery thanks to around the clock care by sanctuary staff and veterinarians. Animal Ark is home to cheetahs, bears, wolves, birds and many other animals that cannot be returned to the wild.

Listen to the entire Podcast of this show (#1265)