Carolyn was a program host for QVC. Animal Radio's own Dogfather, Groomer Joey Villani, had been on QVC selling his own line of grooming products, which did very well. Joey brought his own dog Miles as an assistant, and Carolyn said when you bring a really cute pet on the show, the item always sells out!

Carolyn would sometimes even bring in her own dogs to demo the products. She also tested some of the products at home with her pets. If they didn't pass the test with her own animals, they didn't make it to the show.

At home, Carolyn and her husband have dogs and cats, bunnies and chinchillas, all from shelters, and everyone gets along!

Sneezy, The Penn State Squirrel, Goes Viral
Mary Krupa, Squirrel Whisperer

When Mary Krupa befriended a wild squirrel, she learned that she could easily dress "Sneezy" up and take photos of the rodent in hats and clothing. She then met up with the squirrel for photo sessions.

Sneezy, the Penn State Squirrel, became an Internet sensation and her Facebook likes soared. Sneezy had more likes on her Facebook page than the real Penn State mascot, the Nittany Lion.

So who is Sneezy? Sneezy is a squirrel that doesn't mind dressing up in tiny, adorable, handmade hats to be photographed.

It all started when Mary Krupa, a junior English major, with a minor in wildlife science, was having lunch with friends in front of Old Main on campus. The squirrel came up to them and appeared to be begging for food. Mary said the squirrel allowed her to touch it. This is not surprising, as the squirrels have become accustomed to being fed by the students.

After Sneezy let Mary touch her, Mary then thought the next step would be of course, to see if Sneezy would let her pet a hat on her head.

Mary has been putting little hats on Sneezy and taking her photograph for many years now. But how does Mary know it's the real Sneezy every time? Mary said she can tell the squirrels apart. She says they have different gaits and are different sizes. Even their facial structures and tails are different. But that's not all. Sneezy can recognize people as well and will sometimes seek out Mary.

So how did she get the name Sneezy? Mary said she had to think about it in three seconds when someone saw her interacting with the squirrel and asked her what its name was. Mary hadn't yet named her, but Mary said she does tend to sneeze a lot when she is running around the dirt. So, Mary said her name was Sneezy, and it stuck.

The Twelve Days Of Christmas & The Eight Days Of Hanukkah
Lisa Hennessy, Your Pet Chef

Lisa Hennessy decided she was done with commercial dog food for her Collie. She started creating healthy, fresh dishes that her dog could share with her. Lisa tested dozens of recipes and compiled them into several cookbooks. She's here to share some of her recipes with you.

Lisa Hennessy started preparing special meals for dogs years ago when her rough collie, Shelby, was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy. This disease caused her to lose control of her hind limbs.

Lisa's vet asked her if she would be willing to prepare a special diet for Shelby that had been designed by a leading veterinary researcher on this disease, which would help to slow it down. She said of course! She then began cooking the recipe.

At first, she thought there was no way her dog was going to eat this. The recipe included tofu, spinach, peppers, a combination that she said smelled like dirt. Well, to her surprise, Shelby gobbled it up!! She was stunned. Lisa then mixed this food with Shelby's regular kibble for a couple of weeks, gradually decreasing the kibble and increasing the "Shelby Food."

When the opportunity presented itself, Lisa started Your Pet Chef to share her love of preparing home cooked meals for her dogs with others.

Lisa said commercial dog food is filled with chemicals and fillers and is just plain junk! She says we would start seeing less medical issues than we have now with our pets if we just started feeding them a more natural, healthy diet.

Lisa knows she is providing a complete and balanced diet for her dog, because she worked with her veterinarian on her recipes, so they are all vet-approved. She also rotates the proteins and rotates the organ meat, because each organ has its own key essential minerals, so that it is a balanced diet throughout the week.

Circovirus Identified in Las Vegas Dog - Dr. Debbie

In 2013, there had been nationwide attention on the novel canine virus called Circovirus. The virus was thought to play a role in the illness and deaths reported in Ohio, Michigan and California. The disease causes diarrhea and vomiting, both which may become bloody. Symptoms can rapidly worsen and result in shock, bleeding disorders and in some cases death.

Sadly, there was news of a dog staying at a boarding facility in Las Vegas that became sick and subsequently died. The dog tested positive for Circovirus. Although this was a sad loss, it was fortunate that veterinarians were alert enough to send samples in for testing.

Research indicates that Circovirus may act as either a primary or perhaps a co-infection with other pathogens to cause illness. But the virus has been isolated from the stool of completely healthy dogs, so just because a dog tests positive for the virus, it doesn't mean it necessarily will get sick.

Much is not known of about Circovirus virus and how it may, or may not lead to disease in dogs. But the good news is that researchers are actively studying the virus, and practicing veterinarians are watchful for suspected cases.

Circovirus Background - What is Circovirus?
Circovirus is a virus affecting dogs that was first identified as recently as June 2012. Although Circoviruses are also known to affect pigs and birds, these are distinctly different than the canine Circovirus. As far as we know now, this virus does not affect cats.

What are symptoms of Circovirus?
Vomiting, diarrhea - which may be bloody
Rapidly worsening condition
Shock, fluid accumulation and bleeding problems

How is Circovirus spread?
The specific behavior of the virus is still being studied. But many other gastrointestinal agents are concentrated in the vomit and feces from infected dogs. Direct exposure to feces or vomit can transmit disease or contaminate surfaces or items.

How is Circovirus treated?
Just like Parvovirus in the 1980's, many gastrointestinal viruses have no specific cure but are treated with supportive care including intravenous fluids, antibiotics for secondary infections, and other therapies. Early in-hospital treatment was one important factor believed to improve survival for some earlier cases of suspected Circovirus.

Is there a vaccine?
A vaccine isn't available at this time.

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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Animal Radio News with Tammy Trujillo

Here's A Story Of How Much A Dog Can Love
A little Beagle mix named Buddy hitched a 20-mile ride on the step of an ambulance that was taking his person to the emergency room. This happened in in San Angelo, Texas. A driver flagged down the ambulance to let them know the dog was riding on the step. The ambulance crew stopped and brought the dog inside and he made the trip to the ER with his person, an 85-year-old man who had called the ambulance because he felt dizzy.

Listen to the entire Podcast of this show (#1251)