Submit Your "HORROR STORY" in Which Your Cat Lost One of His Nine Lives - Win a ScoopFree Automatic Litter
Lucky Litter LLC, maker of the ScoopFree™ automatic litter box that you can leave alone for up to 30 days per cat, and Animal Radio® are marking the Halloween season by kicking off a contest seeking the best "horror story" in which your cat lost one of his nine lives.

"This contest is in the playful spirit of the scary stories told around the campfire," said Alan J. Cook, president of Lucky Litter. "We want to hear your favorite story on how your feline proved that cats indeed have nine lives."

Share your cat's story and enter the contest, which runs through Oct. 31, by visiting www.scoopfree.com/contest.

Please include a picture of you and your cat with your entry.  Contest Details

Winners, to be announced by Nov. 17, will receive a free ScoopFree automatic litter box or a case of six ScoopFree Litter Tray Cartridges if they already own a ScoopFree. The contest is not valid where prohibited by law.

The funny details on your cat's story may be shared with listeners of our promotional partner Animal Radio®. Animal Radio® is the "most-listened-to" pet show according to Arbitron. The show is carried by more than 90 radio stations and reaches 2 million radio listeners every week. Please be sure to tell us how to pronounce the name of you and your cat.

The patent-pending ScoopFree Litter Tray Cartridge comes pre-filled with Fresh Step® Crystal litter. The crystal litter absorbs the liquids and dehydrates the solids, providing unbeatable odor control. ScoopFree automatically rakes and grooms the litter after the cat leaves the box, removing the solid waste into a trap built into the disposable tray. ScoopFree is the first litter box you can leave alone for up to 30 days with one cat or 15 days with two cats, without any scooping, cleaning or refilling.

ScoopFree is available at selected PetSmart stores and can be purchased online at PetSmart.com, Target.com, Amazon.com and Costco.com. For more information on this major innovation in cat care, visit www.scoopfree.com

RECENT Animal Radio® PODCASTS:
Podcast of TIPPI HEDREN on Deadbeat Dad MICHAEL JACKSON and HGTV's CLIVE PEARSE (1 hour abridged version)
Podcast of SUPERZOO NEW PET PRODUCTS SPECIAL with DICK VAN PATTEN (Entire Two Hours)
Podcast of KINKY FRIEDMAN and FRED WILLARD guest host (1 hour abridged version)
Podcast of Hollywood Party for the Animals with MAD TV's DEBRA WILSON SKELTON and KELLY BISHOP - Steve Irwin Tribute (1 hour abridged version)
Podcast of DICK VAN PATTEN - Dave Waldon (1 hour abridged version)

Next Weekend: Actor Adrian Zmed

The SUMMER-END NEW PET PRODUCTS SPECIAL LIVE FROM WWPIA SUPERZOO, LAS VEGAS was a sucess. Here are the items that made the cut. Listen to the show and learn more at http://AnimalRadio.com/092306.html

Top New Products as heard on-air

Oral Care Spray & Gel for Dogs and Cats
http://www.petzlife.com

Gidget-Gear by Tiki - Imaginative Line of Clothing and Accessories for Pets and their People
http://www.Gidget-Gear.com

Brake-Fast - Dog Food Bowls that Slow Down the Chow
http://www.Brake-Fast.net

Epiks - The Best Shoes for your Dog
http://www.Epiks.net

Alexis Creations - Wedding Attire for Your Pet http://www.AlexisCreations.net

Pants for Dogs - Protect Your Home from Dogs Accidents
http://www.PantsForDogs.com

Crunchkins - Edible Getting Cards for your Dog
http://www.Crunchkins.com

Canine Genius - Smart Toys for your Dog
http://www.CanineGenius.com

Skamper Ramp - The Great Water Escape Ramp
http://www.Skamper-Ramp.com

Planet Dog - Zip Lead Retractable Leash
http://www.PlanetDog.com

Watch Your Step Productions - Monthly Doos Calendar
http://www.MonthlyDoos.com

A.I.T., Inc. - ScooPick, Bag with a Built-In Scooper
http://www.ScooPick.org

Clothes were definately the big thing at SuperZoo this year. There was even a fashion show.

Look for our Holiday Pet Product Special this November.

A quick welcome to 93rd Animal Radio® affiliate, KXAZ 101.9 Page AZ, 93.3 FM Kanab UT, 1039am Lake Powell AZ. A full two-hours at 8am Utah Time, 7am AZ Time. See a list of our 90 other affiliates across America.

The Infamous Annual Animal Radio® SUMMER GIVEAWAY is wrapping up!
Watch the Grand Prize Package GROW. Anyone can ENTER and WIN. Qualify before October 6th! Giveaway is October 14th live on Animal Radio®

What you can win so far:
-Scoop Free Automatic Cat Litter
-Nintendo with Nintendogs
-Aqua Garden Drinkwell Fountain
-Petmate's Ultra Vari Kennel
-Kongtime from Dogopolis
-Treats from Blue Dog Bakery
-Get Serious Stain Lifter

Anyone can qualify to win by sending us your used ink cartridges. Call us toll-free at 1-866-405-8405 and ask for your FREE postage-paid envelope to send us your spent cartridges - and get qualified to WIN!

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.

Cats and Witches: A Familiar Fear of the Feline and Feminine
Are you aware that persecution of witches and their cats is still happening today, in the twenty-first century?

OK, that statement is a bit dramatic as no one is getting burned at the stake. Now. But for over a period of 500 years in medieval Europe, women who were believed to be witches, and their cat companions, who were thought to perform evil services on their behalf, were persecuted, tortured and yes, burned at the stake. Today, the persecution is subtler. But if you are a woman caring for cats, especially stray cats, then chances are you have encountered the societal projection of a centuries-old stigma against women and cats, a stigma that often takes the form of verbal abuse, mockery, and threats.

So how did this stigma toward women, witches, and cats begin? In centuries and cultures past, the cat was considered sacred and treated like royalty. The most famous feline worship took place in Egypt, where the goddess Bastet took the form of a cat. As companion to the Sun-god Ra, Bastet brought good fortune, and represented the beneficent healing rays of the sacred sun. She was also a representative of the moon, as she was considered the eye of the Sun-god during the hours of darkness. Cats were so worshipped in ancient Egypt, that it was considered a crime punishable by death to harm one, and when a beloved family cat died, a period of mourning was enforced by the state.

The beautiful Roman goddess of the moon and protectress of animals, Diana, chose the cat, feline huntress of the night, as her sacred symbol. In Norse mythology, Freya, goddess of love and Mother of Life, flew through sun-drenched skies in a chariot pulled by two black cats. Freya was so beloved, that the day most sacred to the Northern Europeans was named in her honor: Friday.

Gods and goddesses, as well as all of us mere mortals, carry a darker side to the psyche, and in ancient myth, this shadow side was personified to represent the dual nature of the deity. The aggressive nature of the Egyptian Bastet was portrayed in the lion-headed Sekhmet, the fierce goddess of war who represented the destructive scorching aspects of the sun. Freya's alter ego was know as Hel (with one L), and as Freya represented summer and the lightness of flight, Hel, although still beautiful, stood for winter. As Mother of Death, Hel reigned in the underworld where she lovingly received those spirits who had passed on.

As Christianity became the predominant belief throughout Europe, one of two things happened to the goddesses and their cats. They were either absorbed into the new belief system, with their archetypal energies renamed to reflect monotheistic values (the Celtic goddess Brighid, who had a cat companion, is often thought to be the predecessor of Saint Brigit), or, they were banished altogether and branded as witches or demons. In Hel's case, Christianity transformed the compassionate goddess of the underworld to an actual abode of hideous death and named it, Hell. While the once sacred cats of Freya and Hel, the Mother of Life and Death, were vilified as attendant devils and familiar companions of an evil witch.

It is said that the "gods and angels of an earlier religion are the demons of the creed that supercedes it," and so, in the Middle Ages, an estimated 100,000 women, and no one knows how many cats, were burned alive. Many of those so-called witches were elderly women living a solitary isolated life with a pet cat as their only company. Even today, the shadowy Medieval fear of the beloved goddess and her companion cat, the fear that found its way to the shores of this country in Salem, and is the horrific part of the deeply embedded, cultural Western European heritage that informs the psyche of this country, still rears its frightened hateful head and mocks those generous and compassionate women who choose to care for animals in need of help.

Isn't it time to banish the true demons, fear and ignorance, and embrace a culture of compassion and love? Let's start by thanking those women who devote their time, energy, and resources to helping the feline ancestors of Bastet.

Copyright ­ 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 Proofing Your Home

Your home is a haven and a place of safety for you and for your pet. But, inside every house are poisons, dangers, and hazards that can injure your dog or cat. Here are some helpful tips to help keep your pet safe and out of the emergency room!

The two kittens raced around the apartment, through the bedroom, under the bed and out into the living room. After circling the bar twice, Dora could not help but become entranced with the swaying tinsel hanging from the lower branches. Soon, her brother, Vulcan, was also busy swatting at the strands and seeing how much damage he could do with his teeth. Little by little, the tinsel disappeared into the bellies of the kittens.

Disasters such as this one are common to veterinary emergency room personnel, but not usually well known by pet owners. Not only can our pets damage valuable items and destroy our clean living areas, but they can hurt or poison themselves, sometimes fatally. Knowing a few helpful hints can help keep your home is working order and help keep your four-legged friends out of the veterinarian's office.

According to consultants at PetProTech pet safety products, most pet emergencies result from ingestion of toxins, ingestion of non-digestible materials leading to intestinal blockages, and accidents causing fractures or soft tissue trauma. The ASPCA Poison Control Center urges pet owners to search every room of the home and try to look at it from a toddler's perspective. If the toddler can reach it, so can the new puppy or kitten.

Puppies chew to help explore their world as well as relieve stresses. Remember that puppies will often view anything on the floor as fair game. It is important to pick up potential hazards such as batteries, tobacco products, coins, and many household plants. Although new kittens are not prone to chew like puppies, houseplants, especially in the lily family, can be extremely poisonous to cats. To keep your kittens safe, keep dangerous plants out of reach, or, better yet, outside. For both types of pets, it is extremely important to put away all medications, both yours and theirs. A single acetaminophen caplet can kill an adult cat and many dogs will eagerly over consume the beef flavored pain relieving drugs created for them, leading to potential stomach ulcers, bleeding, or kidney damage.

Trash cans and garbage bags are often irresistible to both dogs and cats. The aroma of foods and other apparently "delicious" items is often too much for even a well-trained pet. To the pet, getting into the garbage is its own reward when tasty leftovers and treats can be found. Keep food scraps, especially cooked bones, in a secure container, preferably behind a locked or child-proof door. Simply placing the trash can up on a counter will not always assure safety. Besides making a mess, garbage can raiding can lead to stomach upsets, vomiting, diarrhea, or even obstructions and perforations of the intestinal tract.

During the holidays, many people become soft-hearted and give "just one treat" to the begging pet. Unfortunately, too many treats, or the wrong types, can cause severe stomach upsets and may lead to an emergency visit to the veterinarian. Bones, fatty foods, onions, and alcoholic beverages should not be on your pet's holiday menu. Thanksgiving can be especially difficult and many emergency rooms report higher than normal number of pancreatitis cases and intestinal blockages during this time. Chocolates, especially dark or baking chocolates, should never be given to pets. Even seemingly harmless treats, such as grapes or raisins, have caused deadly kidney damage to dogs. Ask your guests to honor your holiday wish and restrain from giving holiday food to your pet.

Other holiday dangers can include ingestion of mistletoe, holly, or the water from the live Christmas tree. All of these have the potential to make your pet seriously ill. If your cat is very inquisitive, it may be necessary to keep the tree behind a closed door. The tree's decorations are also a potential for causing an emergency visit due to ingestion or lacerations from broken ornaments.

Read the labels of insecticides well to insure that your pets will not be harmed by their use. Place rat, mouse, or ant traps and poisons in locations unlikely to be found by your pet. Pet safety experts say that granular pesticides are much safer than pellet pesticides because the pet is less likely to eat the granules. Anti-freeze is a well-known poison to pets, but other garage items, such as gasoline, oils, and fertilizers can be dangerous as well. Keep these items out of pet's reach and wipe up all spills as they happen.

The number of items in our homes that can hurt a dog or cat are just as numerous as items that can harm a child. Being proactive and preventing the pet from eating the wrong item or getting into a situation that can harm him or her is the best way to avoid injuries. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic or potentially been injured by a household object, contact your veterinarian immediately. For more ideas on how to pet proof your home, visit http://www.MyVNN.com for ideas and remember that your veterinary staff are also great resources for ideas on how to keep your dog or cat from getting into trouble.

Dr. Jim Humphries is President and News Director of Veterinary News Network. Hear the Veterinary Minute on Animal Radio®.

Animal Radio® made possible by: World's Best Cat Litter

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How Do I Make My Outdoor Cat Inside Only?

Dear Cat Coach,

My cat, BeeBop, has enjoyed being an inside/outside cat for most of his life. After hearing you speak a few weeks ago, I've come to the conclusion that it would be safer for him if he never went outside. I adore him, and want him to be disease free and live a long life. I have tried a couple of times to keep him in the house but he howled and started to tear the carpets up around the doors. I felt so bad that I let him out again. What should I do? How do I convince BeeBop that he should live indoors and not go outside?

Carrie in San Francisco

Dear Carrie,
You are absolutely right! Cats that live the outdoor life routinely become victims of cars, animals, diseases, thieves, etc. The average life-expectancy of an outdoor cat is around 3-5 years. An indoor cat has an average life span of 12-15 years, at least 3 times longer then its outdoor counterpart.

Before convincing any cat that it should change its life style, it's important to have it spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering helps to keep the cat population down and also helps to eliminate frustration, stress and accompanying behavior challenges such as spraying, howling and fighting.

The most cantankerous nature-loving cat can be persuaded to move operations inside 24/7. It may be easier to transition BeeBop to inside living during the winter months when it's cold and wet outside. Most domestic cats will choose a warm spot on a couch over keeping dry under a bush. Begin the transition to inside living by feeding BeeBop exclusively indoors. There shouldn't be any food available for him outside. Put BeeBop on a consistent feeding schedule. Feed him 3-4 times at the same time, every day. In order for him to associate you as the food provider, don't leave food around for him to eat whenever he's hungry. After every meal, keep BeeBop in for longer periods of time, but make it interesting and fun for him so that he wants to stay inside.

Part of the life style change from street cat to house cat will involve convincing BeeBop that relocating inside is much more interesting and fun then being outdoors. Be creative, bring the outdoors in. Fascinating, cat-centric indoor activities include providing a diversity of stuff to climb on, lots of space to explore, places to hide and interactive toys to play with. Start by increasing the vertical space. Since cats love to climb, provide your cat with tall cat trees/gyms or install accessible carpeted cat shelves around the perimeter of select rooms in your home. When buying or constructing a tall tree, make sure that it has a very sturdy base so that over-exuberant cats can't accidentally knock it over. Cat furniture is available with carpeted enclosures that BeeBop will love to go in. Hang objects that he will be fascinated with from the shelves on the cat trees.

Bribery works too. Find a treat that BeeBop loves. Make him work for his treats by converting a whiffle ball into a treat ball by stuffing treats in it. Ping pong balls work well too. After punching multiple holes in a ping pong ball, fill it with treats and then give it to BeeBop. He will spend hours trying to remove the treats from the ball.

Additionally, BeeBop will need regularly scheduled play sessions. Play with him before his meals. At the end of the play session let BeeBop "catch" the toy and then feed him his meal. After BeeBop eats, he will groom and then take a little nap. Make sure that he has a number of comfortable napping areas to choose from.

Provide BeeBop with hours of entertainment by installing a carpeted window perch and than hanging a bird feeder outside the window with the perch. Make sure that the windows and window screens are secure and closed. Some cats are very strong and can easily punch out window screens. Others can squeeze through windows that are barely opened. Another source of entertainment is the TV. Turn on the Animal Planet or run a DVD/tape that has been made especially for cats. These tapes feature birds, animals, insects and fish and some cats find them fascinating.

Making your home more interesting and intriguing then the great outdoors will result in BeeBop preferring to live the life of a King inside his own private domain. BeeBop will live a longer and healthier life and will give you long years of companionship without the howling.

© October 2006 by Marilyn Krieger.
You can find out more about The Cat Coach at http://thecatcoach.com
Marilyn can be reached for consultation to solve feline behavior issues either by e-mail marilyn@thecatcoach.com or by phone: 650 780 9485. Additionally, she is teaching classes in San Francisco on Cat Behavior Problems at Pet Food Express http://petfoodexpress.com/community/thecatcoach_calendar.html
Marilyn is certified through The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants

Animal Radio® made possible by: XFLEAS.com
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Animal Minute with Britt Savage

Oldest Crow Lives to Age 59
Even though it can't be proven, experts say it is possible that Tata, the crow, was 59 when he died.

Tata was never able to fly after a thunderstorm blew him out of his nest in a Long Island Cemetery. Tata was taken by the cemetery caretaker to a local family who was known for taking care of animals in the past. The family took care of Tata for over 50 years, when they had to give him up due to their own health problems.

Tata then lived out the remainder of his life, even though he was blind and had cataracts, with Kristin Flones.

Hear Britt and the Animal Minute at AnimalRadio.com

Animal Radio® made possible by: Pet Solution Rx
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Hamster Lives to Tell Tail after Shredder
A hamster survived after being found in a giant shredder, which is used to destroy large items such as washing machines.

It was believed that the hamster must have gotten into a skip of rubbish that was destined for the recycling plant. After spending several minutes passing through the large shredder, the hamster was found virtually unharmed.

The hamster has since been named Mike and was adopted by Liam Bull, whose father works at the recycling center.

ANIMAL RADIO BOOK REVIEW for October

Entrance into the Animal Radio® Book Club (rated 4 paws) I Have Heard You Calling in the Night - Thomas Healy (a memoir) Hardcover: 224 pages Publisher: Harcourt (October 2, 2006) ISBN: 0151012598 We all have our demons, whether they are tangible or not. We all need someone, whether they have two legs or four. Thomas Healy's demon was the bottle, and the someone who saved him was his dog, Martin. Remembering a dog he had as a young boy, Thomas yearned for another dog when he came across an ad for Dobermans, and selected a puppy. Martin, as he would soon be named, became Thomas' best friend. Martin would nurse Thomas through illness and wounds, and would stand guard over him when he was passed out. Their bond enabled Thomas to begin to recover from his alcoholism and understand himself and God. Martin, in more ways than one, saved Thomas Healy's life. 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.

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Veterinary Minute and Animal Minute
Voice of the Animal
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Animal Radio® is made possible by: CANINE CAVIAR
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Pet Talk Radio! with Brian and Kaye Pickering Check Schedule for Airtimes

{Editors Note: We are absolutely thrilled to have Australia's top animal show on Animal Radio Network™ We've brought together the world's best pet programs under one roof. If you haven't heard our full-time animal channel - check it out now }

G'day from Downunder... Sydney NSW to be precise.

Did you know October 4 is World Animal Day? - there's a number of great websites with more information for you, but we found this: www.worldanimalday.org.uk

Basically - the whole idea is to celebrate animal life in all its forms and our relationship with animals.

It's also to acknowledge the diverse roles that animals play in our lives - from providing food, through being our companions, to supporting and helping us, to bringing a sense of wonder into our lives and to acknowledge and be thankful for the way in which animals enrich our lives.

We have to admit those worthy phrases come straight off the World Animal Day website, but what do they really mean to the average pet owner?

In Australia right now there is great debate over whether immigration visas should only be given to those people who can speak our language and have an understanding of our culture. On the back of that we thought we'd start a test of our own for pet owners... We're going to call it 'The Great Aussie Pet Test'!

The idea is that on October 4 this year - and we hope every year - all pet owners do a test that not only helps them understand more about animals, but also helps them learn about stuff they maybe didn't know... 'Like how do Turtles breathe?' or 'Is it better to let dogs & cats have a litter before spaying or neutering?(answers below)

The idea of the Great Aussie Pet Test is that everyone's a winner! Why?, because no matter if you answer correctly or incorrectly, pet owners get to learn a lot more about their own animals, and about some of the other animals in our environment.

So while the official 'World Animal Day' is a great global concept, we think acting locally - starting with Pet Talk Radio! listeners, is another proactive way of helping people celebrate animals.

Ok, something completely different - and it looks like the temperatures are cooling in your part of the world right now heading into fall but here in Australia it's the opposite! - But it's never too late to have a pet disaster plan, and after recent years and the horrendous fires we've had, we're starting to get people to plan for that emergency that may just strike when we least expect.

Fires, floods, hurricanes and even terrorism are now all part of everyday life all over the world - most authorities find animals to be a real problem in emergencies for many legitimate reasons, so it's never too late to plan what you are going to do if (when?) disaster strikes.

There are plenty of good websites out there and no doubt some great books - best of all, check with your local city hall, fire department or emergency services for what they suggest you do in your particular area... Or give the local SPCA a call.

Finally (and we promise we'll bring back the fun next month!) - have you included you pets in your will?... If you have an accident, who will look after them?

We bring you this reminder in honour of 'WildLife Warrior' Steve Irwin who made darn sure his legacy of caring conservation for all animals will be carried on for many generations to come....

Something to think about eh?

Until next month, take care and hugs for your pets from Brian & Kaye

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOVE:
Turtles breathe through their 'Cloaca' (basically their bum!) And ALL domestic animals should be spayed or neutered BEFORE their first 'heat'. This helps prevent accidental liters and many problems later in life such as ovarian cancer in females etc. Ask your veterinarian for more information or listen to Animal Radio Network or Pet Talk Radio - (preferably both!!)

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

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Dog Talk The Radio Show with Tracie Hotchner Check Schedule for Airtimes

ASK "THE DOG BIBLE" - Based on THE DOG BIBLE: Everything Your Dog Wants You To Know by Tracie Hotchner

Dogs and Cats in Harmony

Nearly half the homes in America that have pets include dogs and cats, so despite expressions like "Raining cats and dogs," we know that these two species can actually coexist quite well. A dog and cat share the same home and the same humans. One of the things they definitely share is that we basically provide for their every need, since people have transformed these two species by domesticating them into a dependent co-habitation with humans that is almost a parent-child relationship. Despite enormous differences in the natural behavior of dogs and cats, and in their wild ancestors, the two species can live together harmoniously and even form bonds as strong as those they each have with their human caretakers.

Differences in how dogs and cats relate: Cats and dogs are not natural enemies, but they aren't natural friends, either. Dogs and cats rarely compete for the same thing because they usually don't want what is important to the other, which is a large part of what makes peaceful cohabitation possible. When living under the same roof, they both need food and water, territory and the affection of the people but as long as they are separate but equal, the potential for "sibling rivalry" and the resentment that comes with it, can be avoided. If these two animals from different species live together over several years, they come to an understanding of each other and learn to respect the different issues that are important to each of them.

A cat takes much longer to warm up: If your cat has not had a dog in the house before, expect the cat to have a meltdown when the dog arrives, and don't be surprised if it lasts a fairly long time. Most cats take months to adjust to having a dog in the house-and there's not really anything you can do to speed the process along. As long as the cat has high places to jump up onto, away from the dog, there's no danger of serious harm coming to her. Normal defensive behaviors for a cat are hissing, swatting and arching her back, so don't worry if your cat does that with a dog either in the beginning or really at any time that she is trying to get her point across.

Dogs and Cats: Living Together Successfully

On some level your cat will probably never fully forgive you for polluting her world with a canine. There are some cats who actually like dogs, but more frequently the best they can do is come to accept a dog they live with ­ but usually just one. A cat can go past tolerance to actual friendship with a dog, but that is unusual. Anyone who has had a mixed dog/cat household can tell you that cats are discerning about their interspecies friendships and may come to really be close to one dog ­ while rejecting all others.

Start Young: The most successful relationships between dogs and cats are those that begin when both animals are young, introduced as puppies and kittens, which allows them grow up together and figure each other out. If you do not have two youngsters from both species, then it is better to have a kitten, who can adapt more easily to a grown dog than a puppy would be able to win over a grown cat.

Territoriality: Dogs can be territorial about specific locations and objects, especially dominant males of terrier breeds and working breeds. Some dogs can get vicious about things like food and water bowls, special areas of a room, their beds and people of whom they're especially fond.

Things that matter most to a cat: Cats can also prize locations and objects, but they'll rarely fight over them and even then only with another cat, not a dog. What does make a cat fiercely assertive are: pathways leading to those favorite locations, attention from favorite people, play objects (especially catnip) and special food treats.

Differences in the social order of the two species: While dog and cat behavior is quite different, both species do have a pecking order ­ but the difference is that with cats, the ranking of who is on top is constantly fluctuating. Cats do not have a social order that is easily understood. In the wild, most cats are solitary creatures who come together and stay together to mate and raise their young. Otherwise the males and females live separately within their own territories (the only cat this is not true of is a lion, who lives in a pride, which is a kind of pack). The lifestyle of cats in the wild gives clues about the independence of domestic cats, who give the impression they are indifferent to human attention. But domestic cats have been pampered by humans who cater to their every need cats have learned to crave the affection, grooming, scheduled fancy meals and affection lavished on them by their people. You could say this is something they have developed in common with dogs: a shared dependence on humans. So while we enjoy having both these animals share our lives, it is up to us to bring them together in a way that enhances the quality of their lives, too.

{"Ask THE DOG BIBLE..." is a regular column by Tracie Hotchner - Featuring excerpts from her new 700 page encyclopedic book that has been called "a Dr. Spock for dogs." Further information may also be on her website, http://www.thedogbible.com, where you can email questions.} Copyright 2006 by Tracie Hotchner, All Rights Reserved

Hear Tracie Hotchner as she hosts Dog Talk The Radio Show on Animal Radio Network® Consult schedule for showtimes.

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Animal Wise Radio Check Schedule for Airtimes

Maggie, Animal Ark's Most Recent Puppy Mill Rescue, Sheds Light on Plight of Animals in Mills

Her corneas are discolored from an eye infection. When rescued, she gasped for breath due to a respiratory infection. Her feet are red and swollen from walking on the sharp wire floor of her cage. Her legs have not fully formed, probably from an inability to use them during her primary growing months. She is Animal Ark's latest puppy mill rescue. Her name is Maggie, and she has stolen the hearts of the staff and volunteers caring for her. Though she has clearly received no training or socialization in her short life, she seems to understand the new people in her life are here to help her, and that her life has taken a sudden turn for the better. She has, at least, stopped biting, for the most part.

A kind person rescued Maggie from a large puppy mill near Little Falls. Her condition is unfortunately common for animals rescued from large, pet factories. Animal Ark needs your support to help Maggie, and other animals like her. She needs to see an eye specialist. She needs radiographs to evaluate the condition of her legs. She can currently walk, but is clumsy and awkward when she does. She can't run. Surprisingly, she is only about 10 months old. And, already, she is suffering chronic neglect due to the lack of care she received in her previous "home".

"There are tens of thousands of dogs living in Minnesota like this," said Mike Fry, executive director of Animal Ark. "The largest puppy mills in our state have thousands of breeding adult dogs and uncounted numbers of puppies."

The subject of puppy mills began making local press in January of this year when Morrison County issued a Conditional Use Permit to Garry McDuffee to operate a 600-dog breeding facility (not counting puppies). Since then, Minnesota puppy mills have made the press in Detroit, New York and other states, because puppies raised here are shipped around the country. They are sold in pet shops and via the Internet. Minnesota has, unfortunately, begun to earn a national reputation for being one of the centers of the puppy mill trade.

In spite of the press, puppy mills continue to do booming business in Minnesota.

"The USDA has proven woefully inadequate at regulating this industry," said Fry. "And the humane investigators in our state have not done much better."

To prove his case, Fry cites another case that has recently received a fair amount of press.

Ruben Wee used to operate a puppy mill in southwestern Minnesota. Conditions at his facility were so bad that dead animals were found on the property during at least one inspection by the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS). To avoid inspections by USDA, all Wee needed to do was tell them he was no longer selling animals commercially. Rather than fining him, they then just stopped inspecting. CAPS investigators took their investigation to local humane investigators. But it was years before any of them even visited the facility. Eventually, with pressure from Animal Ark, local law enforcement charge and convicted Wee of animal cruelty.

"It is not that the humane investigators in Minnesota are bad," said Fry. "However, it is clear that they do not have the skills or resources needed to address a problem as large as this."

By large, Fry means overwhelming. There are hundreds of USDA licensed commercial breeders and dealers in Minnesota. Add in the ones operating illegally and consider that some facilities have thousands of breeding adults, and it is easy to see why humane investigators are overwhelmed.

"Closing one of the largest puppy mills in the state would require an effort roughly comparable to the work of the Hurricane Katrina Rescue efforts operated out of Tylertown, Mississippi, That required a large, national response, hundreds of volunteers and months of work." Fry said. "We are talking about thousands of unsocialized animals with medical and behavior problems."

Solving this problem is going to require new legislation, and a large, coordinated effort with the area's largest animal welfare organizations stepping in to help. Cooperation with large, national animal welfare groups will also be necessary. He also believes that a bipartisan congressional investigation into this issue is warranted.

As for Animal Ark's latest puppy mill rescue, Fry expects she may never be a "normal" Pekinese. However, he believes she will recover enough to have a good life following her rescue.

Links:
Sponsor Maggie
Donate to Help Put A Stop to Puppy Mills
Companion Animal Protection Society
Puppy Mill Community at Best Friends Network
Animal Ark's Puppy Mill Resource Center
If you prefer to donate by mail:
Please send a check to:
Animal Ark
809 E. 7th Street
St. Paul, MN 55106
Please indicate your donations is to help put a stop to puppy mills.

Mike Fry, Executive Director, Animal Ark No-Kill Shelter
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Talk With Your Animals hosted by Joy Turner Check Schedule for Airtimes

A Common Question

"Why does my cat/dog do ?" is a very common question I receive. I will ask the caller for more details so I can understand the situation from the human's perspective. Then I will talk with the animal kid to find out what their perspective is. Their perspectives are usually very different from each other.

One of my favorite stories I love to tell about intention and attention is the one about the cats and the space heater. A woman called me, very intense and incredibly upset about her cats and having done EVERYTHING she knew to keep her cats away from her space heater! The woman lived in an apartment. In the winter for more warmth she would place a space heater in the middle of her living room. Every time she went into the living room, she would feel the heat of the space heater. She was enjoying the extra heat. All this sounds wonderful and is. What had her so incredibly upset was the fact that whenever her two cats went into the living room, the only thing they paid attention to was the space heater. They were sniffing the heater and lying very close to it. She was more than upset thinking they would get burned. So, she did EVERYTHING - yelled, tried to reason, told them NO!!!, tried to block them from the living room. She had consulted everyone she could think of - and as a last resort called me (this often happens - being the last resort for people).

I talked with the cats about the situation. Their perspective was very understandable and, in fact, very comical. They told me they thought the warmth was very nice and they did like it. But they kept going back to it because it was the only thing in the whole room the person they loved most in the world paid attention to. They kept going back to the heater because their person paid attention to only it in the living room.

I explained this whole situation to their mom and gave her some suggestions. I explained to her that she needed to ignore the heater and put it everywhere she would want the cats to be in the living room. I suggested she pay attention to the carpet with as much vehemence as she did the heater - rub on it, say how great the carpet was, be very excited about the carpet - and everything else she thought was a fine place for her cats to be.
She, of course, thought I was crazy but she decided she had nothing to loose except some dignity so she did exactly the things I suggested. She called me back after a few weeks to tell me that the problem had been solved - her cats no longer paid any attention to the space heater.

Animals understand everything you say and even more than that, they know everything you think, even sometimes before you know what you are thinking. They will even read your mind. They also especially love to pay attention to the things you are paying attention to. For those of you with cats, do you notice your cat will want to be on your lap or the computer when you are working on it? Or, for dogs, that when you are very intent on something, that's exactly where your dog wants to be? All animals will do the same. In fact, it is one of the techniques used to train horses - pay attention to the thing you want them to become accustomed to. Eventually they will go to the thing to check it out.

Here is a great experiment to try. Think of and picture in your mind something for your animal kid to do and see if he/she goes and does it. It is a great game and one that would tune you into each other even more. You can think of lying down, or a certain toy, or going outside, or food. To start, make it simple because you will need to pay very close attention to the picture and your attention until you get very good at doing this. Then you can play with more complex things.

Without doing this experiment on purpose, one of my clients learned she has to watch what she is thinking. She just received an e-mail from a friend regarding cats peeing in the house. She was agreeing in her head how awful it is for cats to pee in the house. Thank goodness, this was not an issue in her house any more. The woman got up from the computer and went into the dining room to find her kitty peeing on the floor. This kitty had picked out of her head the picture, kitty peeing on the floor in the dining room because there is no picture for the word, not. I reminded the client about intention and attention.

Without realizing it, we are an open book for our animals. We will let them more into our hearts than another human being. We have no filters between them and us when it comes to interacting with them. They are able to pickup on our feelings and words as well as pictures in our heads. They are great teachers. We can learn how to be better people by looking at how our feelings, thoughts and actions effect others whether they be human, animal or innate objects. Listen carefully to yourself thinking. Is it positive or negative? Look at the message you are sending energetically. Is it positive or negative? Listen to the words you are using. Are they positive or negative? As you pay more attention to your intention, you will be able to create a better world for yourself and in turn for your animal kids and everyone else. So please remember animals do follow your intention as well as attention.

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

Talk With Your Animals airs every weekday on Animal Radio Network's Full-time animal channel. If you would like to talk with your pet via Joy Turner, please call 1-866-405-8405 to make arrangements. http://www.TalkWithYourAnimals.com

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PRODUCT REVIEW for October

(rated 4 paws) Nintendogs Nintendo DS At 40 years old, I was taken aback when I was asked to review Nintendogs, the virtual dog software for the Nintendo DS system. I was pleasantly surprised with the sound and quality of the Nintendo DS system. The software allows you to care for, and interact with, a virtual dog of choice. On one hand, I thought this is a great way to educate children on how to care for their pet. If you don't socialize the dog shaped electrons, their disposition changes. On the other hand, I was disappointed that it encouraged purchasing a breed specific dog instead of going to a dog rescue. Why not teach the kids that 5 million animals are being put to sleep every year no thanks to the breeders and puppy mills. Ultimately, I was delighted with the product for my use, and would get it for my son. The DS unit can be purchased around $130 and play a multitude of games in addition to the Nintendogs software which can be found for about $30 through Amazon.com. This makes for a great stocking stuffer for the animal lover or the animal lover to-be. http://Nintendogs.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.

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PAWS UP FOR PETS with ARDEN MOORE

By Animal Radio® correspondent Arden Moore

Henry: The Feline Pen Pal Who Lends a Helping Paw

Henry, a three-legged cat in La Jolla, California has big plans. With the help of his owners, Cathy Conheim and Donna Brooks, MD, he intends to become the first cat in history to raise $1 million to help people and animals in need.

He is well on his way.

Since being found with a mangled front left leg that required amputation to save his life two years ago, this brown-striped tabby has emerged as a symbol for triumph over tragedy. Through the sales of two books on his still-young life, Henry's World: A Three-Legged View of Human Absurdity and What's the Matter with Henry: The True Tale of a Three-Legged Cat, Henry has raised money to pay for an apartment for a former medical researcher left homeless due to a life-threatening illness. She now shares her apartment with her reunited cats. He has made thousands of dollars in donations to children's hospitals, wounded soldiers returning from Iraq, pets impacted by Hurricane Katrina, wildlife organizations, and others in need coast to coast.

With Conheim acting as his "official cat scribe," Henry has answered more than 9,000 emails from people all over the globe seeking his help and marveling at his ability to lend a paw despite his own physical limitations.

Not bad for a cat who stumbled into the lives of two long-time dog lovers and a black poodle named Dolly.

"We never imagined ever having a cat," says Conheim, a psychotherapist. "We don't dislike cats. We just didn't know much about them - until we met Henry."

It didn't take them long to become feline fans. Step into their home in La Jolla and you will note touches of cat décor: a stained glass image of Henry, a plush cat toy missing one front paw, and plenty of comfy pet beds for anytime napping.

I first heard of Henry when he sent me a personal letter and a copy of his book. I regularly receive media copies of books from writers but this one definitely stood out.

In his letter, Henry explains that he is a lucky cat because his human rescuers had enough money to pay for his medical care and to give him a pampered life. But he recognizes that other animals ­ and people ­ are not so fortunate. So, he offers his books at cost and permits those selling the books to keep all profits and use them for their worthy causes.

He informs me that he has already sold more than 4,000 copies of his first book, Henry's World and nearly 1,000 of his latest book, What's the Matter with Henry? (co-authored by Cathy Conheim and BJ Gallagher). When (not if, he tells me) he sells 100,000 books, he would have raised one million dollars.

He writes: "I think my story is one of triumph over barriers and bias. I refused to be limited by the loss of my leg. I gave up a leg and one of my nine lives in order to teach my human companions some important lessons:

1. You can only hate that which you don't understand.
2. We don't get to choose what happens to us in life, but we do get to choose how we respond to events.
3. Just because you can't do everything, doesn't mean you can't do something."

Pretty smart cat, eh? And, one determined to meet his mission to make a difference ­ one person, one animal and one dollar at a time.

Excerpt from Henry's World

Henry, the tripod cat, regularly emails people and pets all over the globe. He signs all his emails Henry JM (initials for Just Me). Here is a sampling of some who have corresponded with Henry:

Dear Henry:

Mom just found out today that she has cancer, but they don't know what kind yet. She had to go to the hospital for a biopsy on a lump in her neck. She feels fine, but is kind of scared, but I know she'll be alright. My brothers and sisters and I will take very good care of her. We love her very much.

Love to all, Emmy Lu

Dear Emmy Lu:

I don't know what cancer is, but I have heard that people get scared if they have it. A lot of Moms' friends are cancer survivors, so I guess that means they get to stay with their beloved four-legged creatures. Snuggle up to your mom a lot. We furry creatures are the best fur nurses around.

Love, Henry jm

Dear Henry:

My Mom found me in the woods of North Carolina ohyears and years ago. I had all four legs, but was really starving. Mom and I grew old together. She gives me thyroid medicine every day.

When she picks me up, I still wrap my paws softly around her face. It was love at first sight. And still is.

Rhett Butler

Dear Rhett:

I am glad to meet you. Mom Cathy says she has to take thyroid medicine every day. I don't know what it is. I take medicine now so my wound won't get infected.

I love my Moms at first sight, too. They would not have taken me if I hadn't had my accident. I guess accidents can be a good thing. Thanks for writing to me.

Henry jm

Dear Henry:

Mom says she uses the "chicken test" when one of us cats is sick. If we won't eat the chicken, then she knows we are really sick. I've never been too sick to eat chicken, even when my leg was all mangled and Mom was trying to save it. I had a fever and had to take medicine.

I hope I never get too sick to eat chicken. Take good care.

- Love, Punkie

Dear Punkie:

After you wrote, I asked Mom for some chicken. I ate a little of that, which was really good. You are right about a lot of stuff.

Take care of yourself so neither of us has to go to that guy with the white coat. He is definitely not on my list of uncles.

Love, Henry jm

Groups and individuals interested in selling copies of Henry's books and using the profits for causes can write to Henry c/o Breakthrough Press, PO Box 135, La Jolla, CA 92038, e-mail him at henry@breakthroughpress.org or visit his Web site: www.henrysworld.org.

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 a dozen books on dogs and cats. Her next book, The Dog Behavior Answer Book, releases in November 2006. To order this book or reach Arden, please visit her Web site: http://www.ArdenMoore.com

This newsletter has coincidentally had a lot of information on Puppy Mills. This is one of the reasons Animal Radio® was created. We designed Animal Radio® to educate guardians about the hazards of Puppy Mills. There is a rally coming up on October 14th in Lancaster PA. - We have a lot affiliates in Pennsylvania ...you must love your animals! Please take a moment to visit United Against Puppy Mills at http://www.UnitedAgainstPuppyMills.org if you wish to learn more about this rally.

Thanks for subscribing. We love to hear from you. Please email us at yourvoice@AnimalRadio.com. Until next month, we'll hear you on-air on Animal Radio Network™

-Hal Abrams, Co-host Animal Radio®