Animal Radio® Show #1161

Being Blind - Faking A Sighted Person
For 30 years, legally blind from birth, Stephen Kuusistos went about his daily business as if he had 20/20 vision. He even drove bikes and motorcycles. But his life changed dramatically when he met his first service dog, Corky. This dog assisted him and even taught him some valuable life lessons.
Listen Now

The Truth About Raccoons
Over the years, many people have tried to make pets out of raccoons. This is nearly impossible. Raccoons not only make bad, destructive pets, but they also inherently carry disease. Animal Radio's Dr. Debbie has to let down a listener that was dead-set on making a wild raccoon a family member.
Listen Now

Recreational Drugs and Alcohol - Not For Pets
The Family Center for Recovery surveyed over 1,000 pet owners who admitted to seeing their pet ingest drugs or other substances. 10% of men and 5% women in this survey said they purposefully got their pet high on drugs so they could share the experience and nearly 8% of men and 4% of women said they gave their pet drugs or alcohol out of boredom.
Listen Now

Dog Park Hijacked For Ten Years
The Tribeca Dog Park in New York was literally stolen, or hijacked, ten years ago by area residents who put a lock on the gate, began charging fees, banning non-member status mutts and enforcing its 22 rules with an iron fist and the city never noticed. The people with the pirated dog park installed a keypad lock on the gate and sent members a secret 4-digit passcode after they paid a $120 annual fee over Paypal on the group's website.
Listen Now

Man Shoots At Roommate Over Cat Hair On Couch
A 58-year-old Florida man has been arrested after he shot at his roommate because he was angry about cat hair being on the couch. The roommate told police that the cat-hair-hating-guy fired in his direction and said, "The next one's going to be you." Mr. Cat Hair Hater is being held without bond and is facing charges of shooting into a dwelling, aggravated battery and aggravated assault.
Listen Now

Read more about this week's show.

Animal Radio® Show #1160

Not Sci-fi. A Device That Translates Woofs and Meows Into Words
Dr. Con Slobodchikoff (Professor Emeritus NAU) believes we are close to developing a gadget that will translate what your dog or cat is saying into English words. While several novelty items are currently on the market, his work is based in science. Slobodchikoff says "So many people would dearly love to talk with their dog. With cats, I'm not sure what they'd have to say. A lot of times it might just be 'you idiot, just feed me.'"
Listen Now

Counting Cats
Because most everyone has their own opinion on whether cats or dogs are smarter, a new study has created quite a stir when it suggested that dogs might have an intelligence edge over cats. On the other hand, a few other studies have shown that cats have a greater mathematical ability than dogs. Meanwhile, other less traditionally "smart" animals like fish and frogs, according to new research, are able to count.
Listen Now

Dating Advice For Pet Parents
Things can get complicated if you are in a relationship that progresses to the point where you are thinking about moving in together. And if the other person is also bringing a pet to the new household then you have a lot to consider. Animal Radio News Director Lori Brooks has some good advice for pet parents who want to combine households.
Listen Now

Read more about this week's show.

Introducing Chewy Pharmacy - Free Shipping on Pet Meds!

Animal Radio® Show #1159

Accidentally Sickening Your Pet
The Senior Veterinary Toxicologist at the Pet Poison Helpline wants you to know what household toxins can fatally sicken your pets. Dr. Ahna Brutlag warns that pesticides and bait traps can kill more than bugs and mice. She also says even pet safe anti-freeze can be harmful.
Listen Now

Psychologist Tells Us What Pets Want From Their Owners
Ever wonder how your pet sees the world? There's an entire branch of science devoted to figuring that out. Psychologist Dr. Zazie Todd has been studying the techniques guardians use to better their relationship with their pets.
Listen Now

Toxoplasmosis Could Actually Improve Your Life
According to a new study, a mind-controlling parasite found in cat feces increases a person's likelihood of studying business and going into entrepreneurial-related careers. The parasite Toxoplasma Gondii has long been associated with impulsive behaviors leading to an increased risk of car accidents, road rage, mental illness, neuroticism, drug abuse and even suicide. Researchers believe T. Gondii exposure might push people toward higher risks and higher reward activities. The experts found that people infected with the parasite were about 1.5 times more likely to major in business and 1.7 times more likely to pursue a management and entrepreneurship major.
Listen Now

Pop Diva Sheena Easton Flashback
Singer, songwriter and actress Sheena Easton provides one of the most memorable celebrity interviews on Animal Radio. Sheena is cra-cra about her kitties, no holds barred when she divulges how she spoils her cats and dogs.
Listen Now

Read more about this week's show.

Animal Radio® Show #1158

Why Is Pentobarbital In Our Pet Food?
Jaclyn Bowen of the Clean Label Project is back to explain why our pet's food supply is constantly jeopardized. What are the implications of the Blue Buffalo's sale to General Mills? You should listen before you shop for pet food again.
Listen Now

Understanding UTI
Urinary Tract Infections are more common than you think. Did you know stress could cause a UTI in your cat or dog? Dr. Tony Huffington explains how a stressed animal is at higher risk for infection. Have you heard the Fear Free Pet Expert Series?
Listen Now

Sleeping In The Doghouse
A cold winter has led to the deaths of several dogs left outside in the elements. Ian Matheson spent the evening in the brutal cold weather to bring awareness to pet owners about the risks of leaving your dog outside overnight. Listen to Ian tell his story.
Listen Now

People Prefer Pets Over Partners
A study of 2,000 cat and dog owners shows more than half often prefer spending time with their pet instead of their partner. This is because they love unconditionally, they don't nag, they never talk back and are always in a good mood. 3 in 10 adults say their pet is a better listener than their partner, while 45% like the fact they are never judged or questioned by their cat or dog. Surprisingly, 29% even say their four-legged friend is better at snuggling.
Listen Now

Dog Tests Positive For Rabies After Biting Owners
A family dog in Delaware has tested positive for rabies after biting his two adult owners. The dog was also not up to date on shots. The adults, who were bitten by the dog, have begun rabies treatment. Rabies is an infectious disease affecting the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Infection happens through the bite or scratch of an infected animal or if saliva from an infected animal gets into the eyes, nose, mouth, or an opening in the skin of the bite victim.
Listen Now

Read more about this week's show.

Animal Radio® Show #1157

Hotlips Houlihan Returns
Loretta Swit (M*A*S*H) is back on Animal Radio to tell us about her childhood pet, her faux fur jacket and most importantly, her book of original watercolors she painted. Surprisingly, Loretta's parents didn't foster her artistic side. Hotlips continues to speak out for the animals.
Listen Now

Canned Food Found To Increase BPA in Dogs
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used industrial chemical found in many household items, including resins that are used to line and inhibit corrosion of metal food cans. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri Veterinary School have found that even short-term feeding of canned dog food resulted in a significant 3-fold increase in the level of BPA in dogs.
Listen Now

Man Sues After Pet Squirrel Attack
A contractor is suing a Virginia couple for $90,000 for injuries he says were caused when their pet squirrel attacked him - biting and scratching his leg and hand. According to the paperwork filed by the contractor, the couple was keeping the animal as a pet, but the homeowners say they have never had a pet squirrel.
Listen Now

Judge Rules Dogs Are Property
A Canadian judge has ruled dogs are property and cannot be considered in the same vein as children in a scathing decision blasting a newly separated couple for a "ridiculous" attempt to use the court system to settle custody dispute over two of their three dogs. The judge likened the matter to being asked to rule on what the couple should do with other joint property they may own. "Am I to make an order that one party have interim possession of the family butter knives?"
Listen Now

Read more about this week's show.

Animal Radio® Show #1156

Evicted Alligator Gets Legal Representation
'Katfish,' the 200-pound PET alligator that was forcibly removed from his home, is now being represented in court by Tristen Woods and Lauren Sierra. The alligator's owner, Sean Casey fed Katfish a diet of chicken nuggets from Wendy's. Tristen and Lauren explain the situation and what the future holds for the reptilian.
Listen Now

Stressed People Have Stressed Dogs
Dr. John Huber says happy owners generally have happy pets. Alternatively, stressed owners tend to cause their pets to be anxious. This anxiety can cause a myriad of canine behavior problems.
Listen Now

Vegan Diets Can Land You In Jail
Cat owners in the U.K. are being advised they are breaking the law if they feed their cat an all vegan diet. Cats are obligate carnivores and need meat. Owners of cats that are malnourished face a hefty fine and even a jail sentence.
Listen Now

Pet Spending Surpasses Previous Reports
Americans spent a staggering $77.13 BILLION on their pets last year. That's a 15% increase over 2020. The biggest chunk was spent on pet food, followed by veterinary care. Consumers spent an average of $237 per pet for the holidays.
Listen Now

Is The Groomer Really To Blame
A big box pet store chain is under the gun again as another grooming accident allegedly resulted in a broken jaw. However, Dr. Debbie is quick to point out that the dog's jaw may have been compromised prior to the grooming due to poor dental care.
Listen Now

Read more about this week's show.

Animal Radio® Show #1155

Legislation To License Groomers
Shortly after Rosemary Marchetto's Shih Tzu was dropped at a chain store groomer she was informed that her dog had died. She feels the groomer was negligent and that the profession needs regulation. Bijou's Bill, named after Rosemary's dog, is being spearheaded by New Jersey Senator Valerie Huttle. The law would require pet groomers to be licensed, at least 18 years old, and tested by the State Board of Veterinary Examiners. Rosemary joins us this week to tell her story. Animal Radio's Joey Villani is also on the forefront of this groundbreaking legislation and he says there is some push-back from many groomers.
Listen Now

You Can Now Ask Alexa Pet Medical Questions
Vet24seven has launched MyPetDoc, an Alexa skill that is the world's first artificial intelligence "SmartVet." Now, pet parents with a pet health question can talk with MyPetDoc on Alexa and get veterinarian-backed answers to their concerns. Once MyPetDoc has answered the pet parents' questions, they can then choose to speak immediately with a licensed veterinarian for more guidance and advice for a $25 charge. This doesn't sit well with Animal Radio's Dr. Debbie.
Listen Now

Courthouse Dogs
World renown animal writer/author Kristin von Kreisler uncovers the world of courthouse dogs in her new book "A Reason For Hope." These dogs comfort those testifying in court, similar to an emotional support animal. While Kristin's book is fiction, she goes all-out to research her writing, even once following a grizzly bear for a Reader's Digest article.
Listen Now

Making It Illegal To Stalk Pets
The federal stalking law is getting an update to include threats made against a pets and emotional support animals. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan managed to get his proposal, which adds threats and violence against a person's pets to the stalking statute, included in this year's Farm Bill. Under the law, threatening or harming a pet as a way to harass or intimidate a victim is punishable by up to five years in prison.
Listen Now

Pet Scams On The Rise
The Better Business Bureau's Scam Tracker has seen an increase in people losing money to pet scams. They're not surprised as it's typical around the holidays. Animal Radio's Lori Brooks exposes the scams and has tips to avoid being scammed.
Listen Now

Do You Have The Right Car Seat For Your Fur-baby?
A recent Harris Poll indicates that many dog owners don't restrain their animals while driving with them. Many admit to allowing their dog to roam freely about the car, sit on their lap or stick their head out the window. Award-winning car columnist Tim Spell tells us the dangers behind unrestrained pets in the car and how to find the right restraining system and use it properly.
Listen Now

Read more about this week's show.

Animal Radio® Show #1154

You're Petting Your Pets Wrong
Dr. Marty Becker is back with new research that shows you may be petting cats and dogs improperly. This is especially important if you're a veterinarian. The Fear Free Pets movement wants us to rethink how we interact with our four-legged friends.
Listen Now

Do Dogs Like 'Baby Talk?'
Most of us baby talk to babies and our dogs, but maybe we should just limit it to puppies because it turns out older dogs aren't so impressed with our baby talk. A new study shows that baby talk, also known as dog-directed speech when you're conversing with your dog, gets a big response from puppies, but older dogs really couldn't care less.
Listen Now

Recipe for Cats and Dogs To Get Along
Cats and dogs really can get along to the point that they'll play hard together, drink water from the same bowl and cuddle on the couch, according to research led from Tel Aviv University. They discovered the recipe for success is to adopt the cat first and introduce a dog while both pets are still young. In homes where the cat and dog are mates, the research suggests they've managed to correctly read each other's body cues.
Listen Now

Pet Owners Fined for Animals Left Out in Cold
In Yakima, Washington, authorities are giving a warning to unkind pet owners after receiving reports of animals being left outside in frigid temperatures. Since the beginning of last month, animal control has already responded to at least 60 animal welfare checks. Pet owners could face a misdemeanor charge for animal neglect if their pets are found in distress and given a fine from $250 to $5,000 depending on the severity.
Listen Now

Read more about this week's show.

So many ways to listen to Animal Radio®. We're on 134+ AM/FM stations, the Animal Radio® App for iPhone/Android, iHeart Radio, iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn, Spreaker and Podcast. NOW YOU CAN ASK ALEXA TO "LAUNCH ANIMAL RADIO." We're available wherever you are!

Listen to Animal Radio LIVE anytime with the FREE Animal Radio App for iPhone / Android. Plus, you'll get notifications anytime there is a recall or news that affects you and your pets.

Copyright 2001-22 Animal Radio®, its logo and Animal Radio Network(TM) are registered trademarks of Animal Radio Network LLC. All rights reserved. Submissions for newsletter, programming, editorial comments and opinions may be sent to: YourVoice@AnimalRadio.com. See our website for additional information.