WHO GETS THE MONEY?
Merritt Clifton, chief editor at Animal People Magazine shares his annual "Watchdog" list with Animal Radio® listeners. The list is a compilation of animal welfare organizations' income, budgets, and individual compensations. You will be surprised at the six figures some of these CEO's take home!

What follows is just the beginning of Clifton's interview on Animal Radio®. Hear his picks for best and worst individual salaries this weekend on Animal Radio®.

Hal: At the end of every year you put together a special section. It's compensation for the staff members of many animal welfare organizations as well as the "Watchdog" report which tells how much non-profit organizations, your favorite animal welfare organizations make. When I give to one of these organizations, I'm giving $10 or $20, that's hard-earned money for me. I'm sorry, I don't make a lot of money doing what I'm doing.

Merritt: Well, the first $10 or $20 that you give, if you give it to one of the national organizations that does high volume mailings, they're just going to turn that around and spend that on raising more money from you or attempting to and trying to get you into one of the higher donor categories, the $100 and up just basically priming the pump. What we very strongly recommend is that donors should pick a few organizations that they know very well and make larger donations. Usually those will be small organizations or local organizations in which they have some involvement. Because, with the national organizations, unless they are in a position to be a 4-figure donor and up, they are probably just going to be pump priming.

H: So if I want to help, it's best to help in my community, an organization that perhaps the $10 or $20 really will go to the helping of the animals, perhaps my local shelter?

M: Correct, a local shelter is by far your best investment as far as being able to see where the money goes, have an influence on how it's used, and make an impact in your community.

H: I wanted to actually go to actual individual compensation now, because while all of these organizations are making a great load of money, which is great because it means that we care about our animals and are able to do that, when I get to the list of individual compensation, boy, I'll tell you, my blood pressure just about goes through the roof Merritt. I look at who's on the top of the list and I see some really great people that are on the bottom of the list too, and I'm going to name names, if I can, an organization which you said was at least in the Top 10 in what they bring in is PETA, an organization who I've always felt is sometimes over the edge and extreme, but the President is taking home

M: Well, there's a lot of games played with that too. PETA's compensation is misleading, because the chief executives do receive housing, they receive a vehicle, they do receive allowances that boost the value of their salary to probably about twice as high as what's declared to the IRS. They also have another little game that they play. They have an organization called the Foundation to Support Animal Protection. And they run most of their fundraising operations through that. And you have to put that together with PETA to get the true picture of what they're spending. In addition, they have some 6-figute salaries, but they pay them through the Foundation to Support Animal Protection.

H: Who's making too much money Merritt?

M: To pass a valued judgment on a particular salary requires kind of a detailed analysis one is the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). They actually conceal most of their top paid salaries. They claim that there is a loophole in the IRS regulations that permits them to not disclose the amounts of many of their chief executives' salaries, because those executives are not on the board. That's baloney. I've got letters from the IRS that say so, but the IRS has not enforced it against the International Fund for Animal Welfare. As a result, we're not able to disclose quite a number of their salaries which when we last did get the information, were $100,000 and $150,000 and up

I'm seeing less of that now than I did when we first began publishing this. I think publishing the salaries has had a bit of a positive affect. They don't take the money in most cases, unless they think they can rationalize it...

Hear the entire interview this weekend on Animal Radio®
Visit Animal People News and get a free sample issue at: http://www.AnimalPeopleNews.org

The Week on Animal Radio®:

Kitten Goes Undercover in Vet Scam
He came from the streets of Brooklyn, a cool customer on four legs, the perfect bait for a sting on a fake veterinarian. Meet Fred, undercover kitten, the 8-month-old former stray cat that posed as a would-be patient while police investigated a college student accused of treating pets without a license. Last week, an investigator posing as Fred's owner summoned Steven Vassall to an apartment rigged with a hidden camera. Authorities played a videotape at the news conference showing Vassall saying the kitten could be neutered for $135.

Vassall was arrested as he left the apartment carrying Fred in a box and cash for the operation. Investigators later recovered a price list for vaccinations and other procedures, including surgeries. It was unclear how long Vassall - a college student who once worked as a laboratory assistant in a vet's office - allegedly scammed pet owners before Fred helped put him out of business.

The Animal Care and Control, which originally rescued Fred, predicted the kitten had a future in law enforcement. Hear the full story. http://www.BrooklynDa.org

"Bart Simpson" Nancy Cartwright
Nancy's achievements as an actor include dozens of credits in television, film and theatre. She is recognized as one of the world's leading voice-actors, Bart Simpson.

Nancy lives with a ranch-full of animals including a plastic cow affectionately named "Milk-Dud," which she says is only appropriate because one of Bart's catchphrases is "Don't have a cow, man!"

Listen as Nancy shares her feelings for her pets this week on Animal Radio®. They've always been a major part of her life. http://www.NancyCartwright.com          2006 Celebrity Guest Host List

Animal Radio® is preparing for a solid year of animal lovin' programming. Our first remote broadcast for 2007 is LIVE from Quartzsite Arizona for the "Traveling Pet Special." We'll have the 36' Alpha-dog broadcast vehicle at the Vacation and RV show January 27th. Find out about the latest gadgets and goods that make traveling with our pet smoother.

Live from Westminster with Animal Radio® special correspondent Darlene Arden and Westminster's very own David Frei February 10th and 17th.

Coverage of Webmuttster - the show for rescued dogs is on February 17th.

RECENT Animal Radio® PODCASTS:
Podcast DOM DeLUISE (1 hour abridged version)
Podcast Home Improvement's RICHARD KARN, THE AMAZING KRESKIN, Amazing Race's Phil Keoghan (1 hour abridged version)
Podcast Holiday Animal Stories (1 hour abridged version)
Podcast Looking back at 2006 (1 hour abridged version)

---

Animal Radio® is made possible by: bio Spot Only bio Spot provides the complete flea and tick protection your dog needs, including eliminating and repelling adult fleas and ticks, and stopping the development of flea eggs and larvae from developing into biting adults. And at about 1/3rd the cost of the leading veterinarian brands. Rids your dog of insects within one day and lasts up to one month! bio Spot is available at your favorite pet stores. http://biospot.com/

Voice of the Animal - Rae Ann Kumelos Ph.D.

Who Let The Dogs Up?
Look up! Who let all those dogs out into the night sky?

Actually, it was the Greeks, the Romans, the Egyptians, Helen of Troy, and an American astronomer.

Step outside this evening and look to the east. There is the brightest star in the heavens and it belongs to humankind's best friend. It's the Dog Star, Sirius. Sirius is part of the constellation Canis Major, the Big Dog. The Greeks named the star Sirius, and it means "sparkling," or "scorching." As Sirius rises in the east it twinkles in a rainbow prism of color, eventually retaining a dazzling blue in the night sky. That's where the sparkle part comes from. The scorching part of Sirius relates to the heat of late summer, for the Dog Star rises just ahead of the sun during the height of summer, that's the reason the dates of July 3rd-August 11th are referred to as the "dog-days of summer." In fact, Sirius is so bright, the ancient writers of Rome thought it was the actual cause of the late-summer heat.

The Egyptians also honored the light of Sirius, since it rose at the same time as the annual overflowing of the Nile River, which was responsible for bringing life-sustaining irrigation to their crops. That is one reason dogs often appear on ancient Egyptian temples.

Long ago, Canis Major the Big Dog, was referred to as the Keeper of Hell and watchdog of the lower heavens. For the Egyptians, Canis Major was linked with the dog-headed god, Anubis, who was a companion and guide to those souls passing into death.

Just up from Canis Major the Big Dog, is Canis Minor, the Little Dog. The Little Dog was believed to have belonged to a Greek woman so beautiful that her face launched a thousand ships, Helen of Troy. Helen's prayers for her little dog's immortality were answered when he was placed in the heavens.

The most brilliant star in the constellation of the Little Dog is Procyon, which means "Before the Dog," since Procyon rises just before Sirius. And one more dog, The Pup, discovered by American astronomer Alvin Clarke in 1862, also spends his time in the night sky orbiting Sirius.

Tonight, take your dogs for a walk under this cosmic kennel club, and let them pay homage to their galactic canine counterparts ­ seriously.

©2006 Voice of the Animal
Visit us at http://www.VoiceOfTheAnimal.org to order a Volume One- Voice of the Animal CD for yourself or a friend. Hear Voice of the Animal every week on Animal Radio®, or anytime at Animal Radio's Full-time channel.

Animal Radio® made possible by:  SCOOP FREE AUTOMATIC LITTER BOX ScoopFree is a revolutionary breakthrough litter box you can leave alone for up to thirty days. Imagine not having to touch litter or handle waste for a whole month! With ScoopFree you just replace the disposable, throwaway litter tray filled with Fresh Step® Crystal litter as little as once a month with one cat and twice a month with two cats. That's it! The crystal litter locks away odor and provides unbeatable odor control. ScoopFree automatically rakes and grooms the litter, leaving it smelling clean and fresh. There is nothing to scoop, nothing to refill and nothing to clean for weeks at a time. It's that easy. It's clean. It's hands-off. It's the world's first no-touch litter box. http://www.ScoopFree.com

Veterinary Minute with Dr. Jim Humphries

Pet Therapy in Hospitals
Every dog and cat owner knows the joy of coming home to the wagging tails, purring, and unconditional love of our pets. Now, thanks to recent research and the efforts of dedicated, caring people, that love is being shared with nursing home patients, hospitalized individuals, and even persons with social, cognitive, and/or physical disabilities.

For thousands of years, humans have worked with our pets to help control herds of livestock, to sniff out all manner of danger, and to help individuals with physical limitations make the most of their world. In today's world, our pets, both dogs and cats, are helping to alleviate the stress, anxiety, and overall worries of hospitalized patients.

Most people would agree that owning a pet can enhance your life and often leads to a lessening of stress at the end of the day. But, in a novel study, the American Heart Association has actually provided scientific proof that therapy with pets can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety among patients with heart failure. Carefully measuring vital signs and stress hormone levels in 76 heart failure patients, scientists found that those who had visits with therapy pets exhibited less anxiety. In addition, these patients had lower levels of the stress hormone, epinephrine, and had lower blood pressure and lung pressure scores when compared with patients who received only human visitors or none at all.

None of this is news to the Delta Society, a charitable organization whose mission is to "improve human health through service and therapy animals". Since the 1970s, Delta Society (http://www.deltasociety.org) has been a leader in promoting the use of therapy animals to help educate the public about the health benefits of pet ownership and to help improve the recovery quality of ill patients. In a similar manner, Therapy Dogs International (http://www.tdi-dog.org) has also been serving the needs of hospitalized patients, nursing home residents, and other places where therapy dogs are needed. Between the two organizations, more than 20,000 dogs are registered across the United States and Canada.

An important clarification should be made between therapy dogs and service dogs. Almost everyone is familiar with the Seeing Eye Dogs or Canine Companions for Independence. These highly trained canines are specifically trained to assist the individual with the chores of day-to-day living. Most often, a service dog is likely to be one of just a few larger breed dogs. In contrast, a therapy dog, or cat, can be of almost any breed and size, as long as the temperament is sound. According to the Therapy Dogs website, all of their therapy animals have passed the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen test in addition to training that gets the dog familiar with maneuvering around medical equipment or wheelchairs.

Animal Assisted Activities, or AAA, is the most common use of therapy pets. In AAA, dogs, cats, or even birds, are brought into situations to interact with individuals who may be bed-ridden or unable to interact in a normal social situation, such as children in long-term care facilities. More commonly called "meet and greet" sessions, these activities can help bring joy to people whose lives might otherwise consist of repetitious treatments or other activities that fail to stimulate their emotions and intellect. In a similar manner, Animal Assisted Therapy, or AAT, uses therapy pets to interact with a single individual. These activities have specific goals set for each individual and often involve coordinating certain physical actions with an interaction with the pet. For example, to help assist a child with fine motor skills, a therapist might bring a cat along and have the child feed the cat small treats from a container.

In many states, legislation has been passed that allows the visitation of canine and feline "therapists" to normally off limit areas such as hospitals. Even though these visits have documented beneficial effects, concerns about zoonotic disease transmission, or the welfare of immuno-compromised individuals should still be paramount. Also important is the welfare of the therapy pet itself. Many organizations have set guidelines as to when and where therapy pets can be used and will avoid taking pets into situations that might pose a risk.

Dog and cat owners who feel that their pet might make a good therapy animal should visit any of the above-mentioned websites. As with any animal concern or question, talk with your veterinarian about his or her opinion of your pet's qualifications. He or she will also be able to insure that your pet meets any health requirements of the organization. Visit http://www.MyVNN.com to see a video showing therapy dogs in action and to learn how you can help support this important work.

Dr. Jim Humphries is President and News Director of Veterinary News Network. Hear the Veterinary Minute on Animal Radio®. See the good Doctor at Animal Radio's NEW video section at AnimalRadio.com

Animal Radio® made possible by: Spay Day U*S*A Spay Day USA is a day to shine a national spotlight on spay/neuter as the simple, humane solution to the tragedy of pet overpopulation. During Spay Day USA, concerned community members-including veterinarians, animal welfare professionals and animal guardians-join forces to spay or neuter as many animals as possible, to educate the public about the importance of spay/neuter and to raise needed funds for spay/neuter. Since Spay Day USA's inception in 1995, event participants-people just like you-have spayed or neutered an estimated 1,366,000 companion animals and feral cats, saving potentially millions of animal lives and taxpayer dollars. To better serve animals, the Doris Day Animal League combined with The HSUS in August 2006, making Spay Day USA a program of The HSUS. http://www.SpayDayUSA.org Be sure to tune in for the Animal Radio® Spay Day USA show February 24th. Animal Radio®is a proud sponsor of Spay Day U*S*A*

ASK THE CAT COACH - Marilyn Krieger
Certified Cat Behavior Consultant | CWA, Professional Member

My Cat Refuses to Use the Litter Box!

Dear Cat Coach,
My new little 6 month old female kitten Lilly is refusing to the use the litter box. She urinates right outside the bathroom door on the rug not too far from the litter boxes. I don't understand why she's doing this. She has two very clean covered boxes to choose from located together in the bathroom.

I rescued Lilly from a shelter and don't want to bring her back but I can't live like this! There are some details that you probably should know. I have two other female resident cats that have been with me since they were both 3 months old. My vet thinks the kitten is urinating outside of the box because I introduced her too quickly to the two older cats, Rosie and Pepper. He may be right, I only confined her for a week, and then I just had to let them get to know each other. I had so hoped they would play with each other, instead one of the resident cats, Pepper, chases and attacks her. I am very upset about this and hope you can help.

Patty in San Diego

Dear Patty,
One of the reasons Lilly is urinating outside of the box is because she does not feel very safe around the two older cats that aren't accepting her as part of the household. The other reason she isn't using the box is based on your litter box set up. Both issues need to be addressed.

Lilly was introduced to the two resident cats too fast. Pepper and her buddy have been living with you for the majority of their lives. They can not be expected to accept a newcomer into their home without proper introductions. Imagine yourself in their position. How would you feel if you were enjoying your favorite TV show and a stranger walks in, sits down and turns the station? My guess is that your response would be similar to Pepper's response to Lilly. You would exchange a few heated words with the intruder, and try to chase him out of your house.

Introducing a new cat successfully into the household can take months. Some cats integrate very easily together, others take longer to accept a newcomer into their midst. I recommend starting over, confining Lilly to one room and reintroducing her to Rosie and Pepper.

The goal is to change the negative associations the cats have with each other through mutual positive experiences. Successfully introducing cats to each other takes time. The April 2006 edition of Ask the Cat Coach in the Animal Radio Network newsletter (http://animalradio.com/April2006.html) contains detailed instructions on how to introduce cats to each other.

The current litter box configuration needs to be addressed. Lilly isn't using the box because she doesn't feel safe. She probably feels vulnerable to being attacked by Pepper since the boxes are covered and located together in one room. Having the two boxes in one room sets up a potential "resource guarding" situation. Cats that resource guard don't allow other cats to use the litter box. They do this by lying in the hall or near the entrance to the room where the boxes are kept. My guess is that Pepper positions herself in a prime location so that Lilly does not dare go by her to use the litter box.

According to your letter, there are two cat boxes located together in the bathroom. Both are covered. Cats are very vulnerable when using the cat box. They do not want to be in a position where they could possibly be cornered by another cat. Locating the two boxes together in the bathroom sets up a situation where Lilly could be trapped and then attacked by Pepper. Covered boxes also can provide a challenge for a cat, especially when the cat isn't feeling very secure in her environment. Uncovering the boxes will allow Lilly to have advanced warning of another cat approaching. It will also allow her to escape if necessary. Uncovered 60 quart Sterlite boxes make good cat boxes. They have tall translucent sides that allow cats to see possible animal threats and they keep the litter from being kicked outside the box. Additionally, more cat boxes are needed. There should be at least 4 uncovered boxes, located throughout the house. The rule is one box per cat and one for the house. Placing boxes throughout your house will make it difficult for Pepper to resource guard the boxes. If she does, Lilly will be able to choose another one to use.

With a little work, Lilly should be able to stay with you and not be returned to the shelter to an uncertain future. Her challenges can be eliminated through litter box modifications and reintroducing the cats to each other. It will take time for Lilly to feel safe and for Pepper and Rosie to accept her as part of the household. You will need to be patient and not rush the process.

© December 2006 by Marilyn Krieger. Marilyn Krieger, CCBC is a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant. She can be reached for phone or on-site consultations to help solve cat behavior problems either by e-mail marilyn@thecatcoach.com or by phone: 650 780 9485. Additionally, Marilyn teaches cat behavior classes and is available for speaking engagements. You can find out more about The Cat Coach at http://www.thecatcoach.com

Animal Radio® made possible by: FIDO FRIENDLY MAGAZINE Fido Friendly magazine lists accommodations where you can stay with your dog while traveling in the United States and Canada. Each quarter, our editorial includes hotel, city and state reviews. http://www.FidoFriendly.com

Animal Minute with Britt Savage

Alcoholic Elk Frightens School Kids
In Sweden, an angry elk has been hanging around a schoolyard for days and frightening school kids. Staffers at the school believe the elk is attracted to apples which have become fermented.

Finding drunken elks is not anything new. Every year when the apples have fermented, the elks come around and have themselves a party.
Hear the details

Animal Radio® made possible by: Pet Solution Rx A revolutionary 100% natural cleansing and healing, first aid treatment for pets, the main ingredient is "electrolyzed oxidizing water" and has healing hydrogen ions added that attract the oxygen ions to help accelerate healing from wounds. Groomers have found it indispensable for healing rashes, skin nicks, or when trimming nails. Pet Solution RX from the makers of Dogonit and G-Whiz. http://www.EarthsBalance.com

"Poop" Pays for their Keep
Thailand pays over $250,000 a year to rent the panda couple, Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui for their zoo. And now, with the help of the pandas themselves, those monies have been offset.

After disposing of over 55 pounds of feces daily produced by the pair, someone came up with the idea of turning the poop into products. The process involves cleaning the feces, boiling it and then having it bleached and left to dry in the sun. Some of the products that have been manufactured so far from the "poop" are notebooks, fans, bookmarks and key chains.

While the products are hot-selling items at the zoo, there hasn't been much success in selling the items outside.

Hear Britt and the Animal Minute at AnimalRadio.com

ANIMAL RADIO® BOOK REVIEW for January

Animal Radio® Book Club (rated 3 1/2 paws out of 5) Miss Sarah's Guide to Etiquette for Dogs & Their People by Sarah Hodgson Paperback: 133 pages Publisher: Howell Book House; Bk&Acces edition (September 25, 2006) ISBN-10: 0764599887 ISBN-13: 978-0764599880 You teach your kids polite manners so they don't misbehave. So, why shouldn't you teach your dog? Today pets are part of the family and they need to be taught proper manners. But just what is proper etiquette for our four-legged companions? Sarah has taken the guesswork out of correct or incorrect manners and how to solve them. Her book contains essential dog-training advice and techniques that address the important of proper canine civility with a sense of humor (a must for anyone teaching a dog manners!). You now no longer have to be embarrassed by a dog who used to greet people by sniffing their crotches or who begs for table scraps during that dinner party. And, as a bonus, it comes with free note cards. Free? Did someone say free? See other reviews at AnimalRadio.com. Send books and literature for review on-air and in this newsletter to: Animal Radio Network™ Book Reviews, 233 East 330 North, Kanab, Utah 84741. Product may not be returned. Allow 5 weeks for review.

Search Animal Radio Network™

NETWORK PROGRAMS:
Animal Radio®
Animal Wise Radio
Pet Talk Radio!
Talk with Your Animals
Veterinary Minute and Animal Minute
Voice of the Animal

Currently On-Air Animal Radio® Network Full-time channel

LISTEN TO ANIMAL RADIO NETWORK NOW

LISTEN AT WORK...all day long. Fresh animal programming 24/7. Be sure to view our programming schedule to catch your favorite show.

PET STORES, VETS, GROOMERS: Would you like to broadcast Animal Radio® Network in your store or office? It's E-Z! Call 435.644.5992 to get set up. Animal Radio® Network is simulcast on the PetVision Network throughout America to your store.

Listen to Animal Radio® Network's full-time Animal Channel ANYTIME on ANY CELL PHONE, ANY PROVIDER. The Mobile Broadcast Network now features Animal Radio Network™ 24/7. Find out how to listen FREE (normal airtime rates apply) by visiting MYMBN.com. Animal Radio® Network is program number 1221.

Animal Radio® is made possible by: GET SERiOUS! - Extracts stains & odors COMPLETELY -in only 3 minutes! - Extracts the urine & the pheromone -so pets aren't attracted back to re-mark! - Never leaves any "yellowing" behind (like most enzyme-based cleaners) and even removes old locked-on "yellowing" - left behind by other cleaners! -1 bottle of GET SERiOUS! cleans as much as 2 bottles of the competition because you only use 1/2 as much as the others! - $AViNGS ! $AViNGS ! $AViNGS ! http://www.GetSeriousProducts.com GET $2 off through January at PetSmart

Small Dogs, Big Hearts with Darlene Arden Check Schedule for Airtimes

ASK "THE DOG EXPERT" - by Darlene Arden, Certified Animal Behavior Consultant

Q: Why do little dogs shake whenever I reach down to pat them on the head?
A: Good question! I'm glad you asked because most people really don't understand that what they do is responsible for the dog's reaction even though they don't mean to frighten the little dog. The answer is two-fold. First, when you lean over a dog, the dog perceives that you are being dominant toward him and you loom especially large to a little dog who only comes up to your ankle or maybe your calf. Next, think about the size of a Toy dog's head and then look at your hand. Do you see how much bigger your hand is than the little dog's head? If something proportionately that big were about to come down on your head you'd shake, too! It would look as if you were going to be hit on the head by something huge! Please show some consideration for little dogs and approach slowly; try to get down to the dog's level. Make your hand into a fist and let the little dog sniff your knuckles and then, very slowly move your hand a little and gently scratch him under the chin, moving slowly around so you can scratch him a bit behind his ears. That will be a much more pleasant experience for the dog and you won't frighten him. He wants to make friends, too, so please think about his size the next time you meet a little dog.

"Ask the Dog Expert" is a regular column by Darlene Arden. This month's column features information found in her new 240 page book, Small Dogs, Big Hearts: A Guide to Caring for Your Little Dog" (Howell Book House), the first book that tells you, from the expert's point of view, how to choose, raise and train a mentally and physically healthy, normal, enjoyable small dog. Further information may also be found on her website: http://www.darlenearden.com. Copyright 2006 by Darlene Arden. All Rights Reserved.

Hear Darlene Arden on Animal Radio® Consult schedule for showtimes.

Animal Radio® made possible by:  ANIMAL WELLNESS Ever wonder about what is the best food to feed you dog or cat? Or have you ever wondered if you need to be giving your animals all those vaccinations? There are so many new products out there for our furry loved oneshow do you choose which is the right one for you? Animal Wellness Magazine is your natural resource delivering the truth about the best way to care for your animals plus educate you about the best quality foods, products and services available to day. Trust Animal Wellness Magazine, the leading edge resource in natural health information available at Barnes & Noble, Whole Foods and on line at http://www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/

Animal Wise Radio Check Schedule for Airtimes

No submission this month

Hear Animal Wise Radio on Animal Radio Network™

Animal Radio® made possible by:  OUT!® Deluxe Training Pads OUT!® Deluxe Training Pads are the easiest way to train your puppy. OUT!® Deluxe Training Pads, are 10 times more absorbent than newspaper and much more hygienic, they are also scientifically treated to attract pets, all while providing an indoor elimination area. OUT!® Deluxe Training Pads also contain baking soda to control odors. Available nationwide at Wal-Mart and fine stores everywhere. http://www.OutInternational.com

Talk With Your Animals hosted by Joy Turner Check Schedule for Airtimes

Made in Heaven
My heart is really aligned to helping people! One day I received a phone call from a woman who wanted to know about her four beloved deceased pets, a cat and 3 dogs. She was still grieving over their losses. Wondering if she had done the right thing. What had happened to them? In other words needing closure.

Her female cat, Kee, had reincarnated into her male cat, Sid. She was so excited to hear this. Sid was surprised she had not figured out who he was because the woman believes in reincarnation.

She had felt so awful that she had given up Kee after her daughter was born 20 years ago. Her female cat was very jealous of the baby. The woman did not know what to do so she took the cat to the vet to be put down. She vowed that if she knew then what she knows now, she would have handled the situation differently. The happy ending to this was that the vet found a wonderful family with older children. Kee lived the rest of her days being loved by a little girl.

One of the three dogs named Toby came back as a family dog for another family. Toby wanted to know if this was OK with the woman, his mom. Loving him like she did, this was fine with her because before she had rescued him, he had a hard life. She was thrilled he is living with a loving family and enjoying life. Toby credits her for teaching him that there are wonderful and caring humans in the remaining months he lived.

Her second dog, named Bamsa, was still on the other side. He was a mixture of wolf and Samoyed. Bamsa was torn between being a wolf and a domesticated dog. He liked having a home, but wanted to be on the move. Until he resolves this issue, he will not reincarnate.

Her third dog, a German Shepherd named Sarge was the love of her life. The woman was so heartbroken that she had to put him down. She cried every day for months after his passing and could still cry easily 20 years later. She knew Sarge was in pain from hip dysplasia. Sarge was very stoic. He did whatever he could to please her in spite of the excruciating pain. Finally one day when the pain was so great, he bit a boy. He knew that he would be put down because the house rule was "bite someone and be put down".

The woman wanted to know where Sarge was. When I found Sarge, he was very glad I had found him and that his person wanted to talk with him because he wanted to know where she was. She had moved to another town. He kept visiting the house where they had lived to see her and was confused about her not being there. For some reason Sarge never looked beyond their former home. I was able to connect them by asking the woman to think about the house they lived in. Then I energetically connected them at the old house. I asked her to think of driving from the old house to her current house. In this way she showed him how to get to the new house. Sarge was very interesting. He did something I've never seen another being on the other side do. Believe it or not, he was so interested in all the sights and smells along the way that he got lost. I found him, reconnected the two of them and she finished showing him the way to her house. It has been two years since this reunion. For now he waits patiently to reincarnate as he sits by her side. She feels his paw on her leg reassuring her that he is in her life. This story is not so very unusual. It shows that love survives everything - including what we typically call death. Love knows no time or space so it was easy for the two of them to reconnect as though there had been no time between the last time they physically saw each other. Their love is truly one made in heaven.

Until next time, I'm Joy reminding you, you can never love your animal companions too much. You can only love them, hopefully, enough.

If you would like to schedule a private session with Joy, call 425-867-1779 or go through http://www.talkwithyouranimals.com.
The first Friday of every month at 10 AM PT, a caller is able to ask Joy one question of their animal. This call will then air on Animal Radio. If you are interested in being a caller, please email Martha@AnimalRadio.com <mailto:Martha@AnimalRadio.com> to make arrangements.

Animal Radio® made possible by:  PetStyle.com PetStyle the place for you and your party animal PetStyle America's first lifestyle broadband network dedicated to dog and cat lovers. Tune into PetStyle.com today www.petstyle.com

PRODUCT REVIEW for January

(rated 5 out of 5 paws) Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain Animal Radio® has been using the Drinkwell Pet Fountain for many years now. So when they came out with the new (and improved) Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain, we just had to try it to see if it was so. I mean, how could you improve on something that worked so well already? When we first received the new Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain, the first thing we noticed was its new sleek look. Next, we noticed that there was a built-in reservoir, instead of an attachment. This is very important when you have several animals. Then it was the way it was put together. The lid now snaps on (no more curious kitties taking the lid off to see where the water comes from!) and the "splash ramp" has been redesigned which makes it an even quieter water flow than before. It also comes with a new submersible pump that is nearly silent. The old designed Drinkwell Pet Fountain was a big hit, but the new Drinkwell Pet Fountain is a WINNER! What will they do next! http://www.PetFountain.com Send products for review on-air and in this newsletter to: Animal Radio Network™ Product Reviews, 233 East 330 North, Kanab, Utah 84741. Products may not be returned.

PAWS UP FOR PETS with ARDEN MOORE

By Animal Radio® correspondent Arden Moore

Oh Behave!
January does more than usher in a new year. Typically, it unleashes frustration and confusion among people perplexed by the canine antics and behaviors of their puppies and dogs acquired as holiday gifts. These oh-so-cute canines have figured out that they've landed homes and are now displaying their true selves.

Suddenly, you find yourself face to face with a drooling dog determined to sleep on your pillow or a rambunctious puppy who sees no problem in tearing newspaper sections into confetti ­ while you're reading it.

That's why I am happy to provide you with a belated holiday gift ­ answers to some common canine questions to restore communication and harmony in your household. In this column, I share excerpts from my latest book, The Dog Behavior Answer Book (Storey Books, 2006). As I point out in the book, some dogs grow up to be more challenging than cute, more fearful than fun, more bossy than benign. The people/pet honeymoon ends abruptly and the problem-solving phase begins.

The foreword of this book is written by John Grogan, author of the best seller, Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog. John and I worked together at a daily newspaper in South Florida and I remember the over-excited Marley when he was a young Labrador. I also remember John's look of frustration, as he would share another one of Marley's antics in the newsroom.

Marley wasn't really the "world's worst dog" as John teases. Rather, he was one of the worst trained dogs. "As dog owners, my wife Jenny and I were - I won't mince words here ­ totally clueless," John writes in my book's foreword.

On behalf of people seeking clues and explanations for why their dogs do what they do, here are three excerpts from my behavior book.

#1. Champion Crotch Sniffer
Q. My otherwise polite Great Dane, Dolly, loves to greet people. Unfortunately, her style of greeting often includes rushing up to guests and sticking her nose in their crotches. Dolly is a big dog and it is difficult for me to yank her back. What can I do to stop this obnoxious behavior?

A. Dolly is 100 percent dog. When dogs meet and greet each other, it is very common for them to sniff each other thoroughly from head to tail. The canine nose gives the "sniffer" a lot of details about the "sniffee" (age, health condition, what they ate for breakfast, and even their moods). They aim for the rear end because the scents are more intense there than other places on the body.

Dogs like Dolly need to learn that this doggy greeting is not well received by the two-legged crowd. Please don't be too embarrassed. Plenty of dogs are guilty of this "crime," and people shouldn't get too huffy and offended by what is perfectly polite canine etiquette.

First, teach Dolly to swap sniffing for paw shaking. Start by working with her by yourself. Ask her to sit. Hold out a treat in your hand positioned just below her nose. Most dogs will paw at the treat. When Dolly does this, grab her raised paw, shake it in a friendly manner, say "good shake" or "good paw," and then hand over the treat. Give her plenty of praise for a job well done.

Once Dolly is shaking paws consistently, invite friends to give her the "good shake" cue. If Dolly slips back to her old routine of sniffing crotches, ask guest to simply turn around and walk a few paces away and ignore Dolly. She will soon learn that sniffing doesn't yield her the goodies that sitting politely to shake paws does.

Finally, expand your horizon by practicing this greeting with Dolly when you are outside the home. Do it when friends approach you on the sidewalk during dog walks or when you are in the parking lot of your supermarket. The goal is to expose Dolly to a lot of situations so she learns that this is an acceptable greeting for people, as long as they initiate the contact.

#2. Poodle Hogs Pillow
Q. My poodle, Precious, earns her name, at least during daylight hours. My problem is that she turns into a pillow pig at night. I want her to sleep on my bed, but how can I keep her off my pillow so I can get some sleep?

A. When it comes to sharing your bed with your dog, you're not alone. In fact, about a third of today's dog owners sleep with their pets, an arrangement that dates back hundreds of years. The Mexican hairless breed, also known as the Xolitxcuintli, was valued by pre-Aztec Mexicans as a bed warmer and companion. The term "three-dog night" originated with Eskimo tribes in Alaska who added sled dogs as bed warmers based on the temperature. The colder the night, the more dogs they invited in to keep their toes toasty.

Precious sounds like one bossy poodle. She has decided that bedtime entitles her to sleep wherever she chooses. Cute as she may be, you need to regain control of your bed, not only to enjoy a sound sleep, but also to remind Precious who calls the shots in your home.

At bedtime, make her sit and wait until you call her up on your bed. Direct her to the foot of your bed and provide her with her own pillow or special blanket. If she ventures north toward your pillow, move her back to the foot of the bed. Once she is there, praise her. If may take a few nights before Precious learns your new bedtime rules, but eventually, she will roost in her own spot and let you enjoy a full night's sleep without a pillow fight.

Telephone Terrorist
Q. My Jack Russell terrier, Dexter, pesters me whenever I am trying to have a phone conversation. He barks, yips, tries to jump in my lap, and brings toys for me to toss. I used to think it was cute, but now I find it irritating. Why won't he leave me alone?

A. Put yourself in your dog's place for a moment. As far as he can see, there is no one else in the room, but you're vocalizing. Naturally, he thinks you're talking to him. But when he responds, you ignore him, so he persists in trying to get your attention. If you do respond, in an effort to make him settle down, you are actually rewarding his irritating behavior.

It's time for telephone intervention. If you can, use a phone in a room with a door and shut Dexter outside of that room while you're talking ­ even if it means telling your caller to wait a moment while you switch phones. Keep a chew toy or long-lasting treat within reach and toss it to Dexter as you enter the room to talk on the phone.

Another option is to teach him that when the phone rings, he is to go to his crate, where he'll get a treat. You can start by putting him there before you dial a phone call so that he gets used to the idea of leaving you alone while you talk. Then practice by calling your home number with your cell phone and letting it ring a few times while you first reward him for sitting calmly, and then for staying, and then for going to his crate. As will all training you will need to move in small steps to accomplish your goal.

Your long-term goal is to extinguish this behavior by completely ignoring Dexter when you are on the phone. In the beginning, practice by talking into your phone without dialing. Remain standing to keep him from jumping up or depositing toys in your lap. Turn your back on him and do not look at him or speak to him. Be prepared for his annoying behavior to increase at first, as he will work harder to get your attention. It takes time for this cold-shoulder routine to work and for your dog to start realizing that his actions don't generate any attention from you, good or bad. When he leaves you alone, and after you end your call, go over to him calmly and tell him, "good settle" and give him a treat for being well mannered. Just be glad that he hasn't figured out a way to get his own cell phone!

Animal Radio special correspondent Arden Moore is the editor of Catnip, the national award-winning monthly published in cooperation with Tufts University's School of Veterinary Medicine. Arden has also authored more than 16 books on dogs and cats, including her latest, The Dog Behavior Answer Book, (Storey Books, 2006). To order this book or reach Arden, please visit her Web site: http://www.ArdenMoore.com

Hear Arden Moore on Animal Radio®

Animal Radio® made possible by: PURR...FECT FENCE What exactly is a Purrfect Cat Fence Enclosure? Purrfect Cat Fence is the first complete, free-standing, backyard fence enclosure for cats. Now any cat can safely enjoy all the benefits of the great outdoors, without you worrying about their safety. Our cat fence enclosure material is flexible, so most cats don't like to climb it. For those acrobatic cats that somehow get near the top, the "Houdini-Proof" arch along the top of the enclosure safely turns them back toward the ground. Purrfect Cat Fence kits are easy to install, virtually invisible, and include everything you need to turn your backyard into a safe and secure paradise for your cats. http://www.PurrfectFence.com

• Listen to fresh programming 24 hours a day - seven days a week.
• View Network Schedule - See when your favorite program is on.
• Download the current show to your iPod™or any MP3 player.
• View list of AM-FM RADIO STATIONS that air Animal Radio in your city.

Including KOST 103.5 and KBIG 104.3 in Los Angeles       

Recently on Animal Radio®
Extravagant Pet Gifts- Hear the interview

Geoff Mott, Petgadgets.com, tells us what the rich and famous bought for their pampered pooches this year.

While you're deciding between buying a bone or squeaky toy this holiday season for your dog, the rich and famous didn't think twice about plunking down thousands of dollars for the ultimate pet gifts.

Among the high-end presents for pooches are: $24,000 Louis XV-style rosewood beds, $1,000 quilted metallic Italian lambskin coats, and tiny bottles of French perfume for $3,000. Also included was a $25,000 canine mansion 50 square foot pet palace with a mahogany hand-crafted front door, 7 foot ceilings, slate floors, air conditioning and designer furnishings, including a plasma TV and DVD player, designed for Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer's three dogs, by Doggie Mansions in Palm Beach, Florida.

Busy celebrities, CEOs and professional athletes don't have time to bathe their dirty dogs. And forget about hiring a groomer - that's so yesterday! Instead, these high-profile movers and shakers purhcased The Pet Spa. With the push of a button, the $25,800 unit - that looks like an oversized front loader washer machine - automatically bathes and dries dogs in 25 minutes. Pet Spa General Manager Erick Arnoldson says the company has installed about a dozen of the commercial units in private homes, including the king of Spain, CEO of IHOP restaurants, and Cesar Milan (a.k.a. The Dog Whisperer).

"Most of us will never be able to afford any of these gifts for our four-legged friends," says Geoff Mott, creator of the online retail site PetGadgets.com. "But it sure is fun seeing how the other half lives."
http://www.PetGadgets.com

Pet Talk Radio! with Brian and Kaye Pickering Check Schedule for Airtimes

G'day from Down-under.

It's summer down here and HOT HOT HOT!

December/January is also our traditional holiday season so the family pets enjoy all the attention and having everyone around - they have absolutely nothing to worry about. Or do they?

Despite shows like Animal Radio and Pet Talk Radio saying "don't buy a pet for someone at Christmas unless you have discussed it!" - thousands of people already have.

Ok - we're not going to bang them over the head for it... we understand the urge to have a pet can be overwhelming for some people and of course puppies and kittens are very cute and can have a great future if the new pet parent does some basic research and looks into what is involved.

But the truth of the matter is so many animals are surrendered in Australia either just prior to Christmas or just after - usually later in January early February when they get back to work. The pre-Christmas surrenders are usually people who have decided they can't take their pet on holiday and boarding is too expensive. The only option - surrender! (can you believe that?)

The post Christmas January/February surrenders are just the opposite. Puppies bark, dig and poop everywhere... Kittens - although less of a problem scratch and also do their business all over the house. The family is just getting back into work or school mode and the novelty of 'pet ownership' has started to wear thin... especially for 'mom' who usually ends up washing feeding & cleaning the animals.

There are always exceptions to this scenario of course but the increased surrender figures speak for themselves every year.

But this is not a 'lecture' about the appropriateness of buying a pet for someone at Christmas time. As experienced pet owners yourselves, we actually hope you'll help someone with a 'Yuletide' pet - especially if it's their first - to overcome the 'holiday hump'.

Tell them about Animal Radio and the other great animal shows Hal & Judy have gathered together - Tell them about Pet Talk Radio - not just because we want more listeners, but because all these shows have expert guests and stories that will help and encourage new pet owners as they learn to bond with their new charges.

There are also many great magazines devoted to dogs, cats, guinea pigs, reptiles, horses, rabbits etc, so make sure you buy a copy as a 'welcome home pet' gift. And regularly ask "how's it going with Fido or Fifi?"... Be interested in their new pet and offer support at every opportunity.

It's only through other more experienced pet owners like you and us that we can help newbie pet owners realize the life long commitment they have undertaken. And doing so just might help slow the insidious situation of surrendered pets everywhere.

Have a great 2007 - We look forward to working more closely with Hal & Judy from Animal Radio and perhaps sharing even more stories of people and their pets around the world.

Hugs for your pets from Brian & Kaye and the Pet Talk Radio! team.

Hear Pet Talk Radio! on Animal Radio Network - Check schedule for showtimes.