Our Latest Shows
(Shows 1-100 are found here)

Click on the titles to hear any show. Not all shows are in the RSS feed until their release dates. Right-click on same to save to your computer to listen at your leisure or on a portable device.

No. 227.5: PUPPY BOWL SPECIAL!

The big game, when fierce – and furry – athletes take to the field is upon us! We are talking about Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl, of course. Keeping the canine chaos in check along with a menagerie of other furry friends is the official referee of Puppy Bowl VI, Andrew Schechter. The Puppy Bowl airs 3-5 pm ET/PT on Sunday Feb. 7, 2010 and is rerun regularly thereafter.

Plus, Steve is in a poopy mood! Actually, he's in a great mood but he wonders about whether he should look at or away from Black and Jack when the go poop and Emily is excited that a cat named Bijoux -- see a picture here -- she knew way back when still remembers her. Also, some homework for everyone out there: Go read the New York Magazine cover on dogs. Emily's PawNation.Com piece interviewing Andrew Schechter

* * *

No. 227: Caring For Feral Cats

Feral cats in the Chicago area have a friend in Jennifer Schlueter, program manager for the Treehouse Humane Society serving Cook County, Illinois. A new law lets people who take care of feral cat colonies register with animal control and get support in trapping, spaying and releasing the cats. But the program isn’t without controversy and challenges, as Schlueter explains to the Petcast.

Emily relates the story of a beagle in her 'hood that doesn't get walked and guest host John Katsilometes recalls a cat he had that amazingly returned to an earlier house where he lived in Idaho. Thanks again to John Katsilometes for guest-hosting.

* * *

No. 226: Doing The Neighborly Thing

After reading about a horrific case of animal neglect involving a chocolate Lab named Sunbear, Wisconsin resident Anna Nirva resolved to publish a web site in the dog’s memory that would encourage people everywhere to help companion animals in distress because he did not get help. Seven years later, the Sunbear Squad helps people set up neighborhood watch groups to keep a caring eye out for animals in trouble, and offers valuable guidance on what to do when trouble arises. Nirva talks to the Petcasters about why such volunteers are needed now more than ever in light of the home foreclosure crisis.

Also, with Steve away, it's time for the return of guest host John Katsilometes, Las Vegas Sun entertainment writer and veterinarian's son. Kats talks about what's new in his pet life since his last guest stint in 2007 (!) and Emily praises the tribute he wrote to his late cat Bonnie. Read that here and check out The Kats Report, John’s blog.

Related: John's last guest-host stint, Episodes No. 131

* * *

No. 225: The short, sometimes sad life of hamsters

Hamsters can be delightful and educational pets as long as you understand how best to care for them. Journalist Tim Pratt didn’t get the memo. He bought two hamsters for his kids in November and they died within weeks because Pratt wasn’t briefed on how to live and care for hamsters.

Plus, Emily brings up a recent study from the University of Missouri about who’s a better walking companion, other people or dogs, and she relates a story of why her vet thinks someone tried to break into her house.

RELATED: Petcast No. 180: Hamster Drama

* * *

No. 224: Meet Teddy

After a lengthy process that began when Steve's widowed Aunt Susan found comfort in his dogs during a visit, Aunt Susan has finally adopted a lovely 7-year-old bichon frise. She named him Teddy after her late father's childhood dog. The Petcasters hear about Aunt Susan's experience with the ASCPA in New York City and Emily answers some questions from this first-time canine owner.

* * *

No. 223: The Animals of Neverland Ranch

Nowadays, most people think of Neverland Ranch because of the controversy surrounded Michael Jackson in the final years of his life there, but not a lot of people realize that it once boasted the largest and most impressive collection of exotic animals anywhere in the nation. Big Al Scanlon, who worked at the ranch for 15 years, joins the Petcasters to discuss the lives of those animals and the mission of the ranch in its heyday.

Plus, Steve is aggravated by some nonsensical Cesar Millan crap.

* * *

No. 222: Good SPCA, Bad SPCA

In this kibbitz session, the Petcasters first discuss the ASPCA’s tough decision to euthanize Oreo, an abused dog that physically survived being tossed off a New York apartment building but could not be rehabilitated emotionally. Then Steve tells his horror story of almost adopting a third dog from the Nevada SPCA and the drama the ensued therein. Plus, Steve and Emily follow on No. 221’s interview with Beverly Washburn by considering how “Old Yeller” would’ve been done differently today and Emily explains why she’s lost faith in her doggie dentist.

* * *

No. 221.5: The Top Pet Stories of 2009

In a New Year’s special, Emily has compiled her list of the five biggest stories of 2009. Here’s a hint at her No. 1: Steve spent much of the year promulgating conspiracy theories about this. Plus, Emily talks about the stalking cat in the video she shot and Steve talked about Pebbles, his childhood poodle who took a particular liking to one of his neighbors.

* * *

SPECIAL VIDEO: THE CAT THAT STALKS ARCHIE AND EMILY

A neighborhood cat won't leave Archie and Emily alone no matter how politely or rudely Emily asks. Hear more about this in Episode 221.5.

* * *

No. 221: Old Yeller’s Child Star

When it comes to child stars of the 1950s and 1960s, today’s guest has one of the most memorable in a key role from one of the most iconic dog movies of all time, “Old Yeller.” Today, Beverly Washburn remains a working actress as well as author of the recently released memoir, “Reel Tears.”

Plus, Emily is amused by the Snuggie-for-dogs phenomenon and explains why the foam dog stairs she bought on Overstock.Com have turned out to be a great investment.

* * *

No. 220: Delta Society Can Helpya

If you’re looking for a way to get more involved with your community with your pet at your side, one of the best ways to do so could be to find a group near you affiliated with the Bellvue, Wash.,-based Delta Society. Marketing director JoAnn Turnbull of the organization explains how pets can help people. According to the DeltaSociety.Org site, the group is “a human-services organization dedicated to improving people's health and well-being. We do this through positive interactions with animals.

Petcast guest host Dayvid Figler sits in for Steve and updates everyone on the status of his dog.

* * *

No. 219.5: Holiday Edition!

It's not just the holiday season, it’s also time for final exams for college students across the nation. In Orange, Calif., the Active Minds Club came up with a fun and furry way to alleviate some of their academic stress, they brought in puppies for students to play with in the quad area near the library and main class buildings. One of the project’s organizers, sophomore Jimbo Rozzano, explains the program, called “Furry Friends for Finals.”

Plus, Emily provides a list of very helpful tips for pet safety around holiday time and talks about her visit to the Marine Mammals Center in Sausalito, Calif. [GRAB EPISODE 41 ABOUT THE CENTER HERE.] And Steve, who brought in a pair of awful cute guests -- click here to see who! -- to the studio, is surprised that doggie life preservers and dog-sledding in Washington State exist.

* * *

No. 219: Her pal joey



What would you do if you found a baby kangaroo? If you’re Christina Cooper, you turn your sweatshirt into a pouch, pick up the joey and begin work as a surrogate mom. Cooper, co-owner of the non-profit Global Wildlife Center near New Orleans, had to after one of the resident kangaroos abandoned her offspring. She explains that and the broader work of the Global Wildlife Center.

Emily read up on medication for Archie and took Speaking For Spot’s Nancy Kaye’s advise and suggested it to her vet. The vet gave it to Emily and she filled it at Walgreens, which entertained Emily quite a bit.

* * *

No 218: The USA's Oldest Pet Cemetery

Hartsdale Pet Cemetery owner Ed Martin joins the Petcasters to discuss the oldest pet resting place in America, some of the more notable animals and how the whole business works.

Emily discusses a story she did for the Las Vegas Sun about a fundraiser for retired police dog costs and discusses that Vegas cops teach their dogs to bark-and-hold, not bite-and-hold. She also related a story of a police dog that a suspect thought was cute and tried to steal him, too. Also, we learn about the Zhu Zhu pets, the IT toy for 2009 Xmas season, and FEMA certification for gude dogs.

* * *

No. 217: Is Creative Grooming Abuse?

Is elaborate, decorative grooming of dogs some form of abuse? We don't think so, but commenters of Steve's PawNation.Com piece lodged just that accusation against Cat Opson, a California-based groomer who won $2,000 at the SuperZoo 2009 trade show. Opson joined the Petcasters to explain her craft and how much the animals usually love it.

Plus, the Petcasters discuss ways to indicate for emergency personnel that there's are pets inside and Emily explains the difference between turtles and tortoises.

* * *

No. 216: Wild Pets Unleashed in Florida

The only subtropical wilderness in the U.S., the Everglades, is being taken over by non-native former pets, in particular a variety of snakes that cause eco-system problems. Jenny Novak Tinnell of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission joins us to discuss an amnesty program and to explain where all these foreign critters came from. You can read a lengthy piece on this issue from the April 20, 2009 issue of the New Yorker Magazine, too.

Plus, Emily’s dog, Archie, had a bad reaction to a rabies vaccine and now is suffering a leg problem that could end his agility career. Also, Emily is Tweeting @ThePetcast!

* * *

SPECIAL VIDEO EP: THE PETCASTERS AT SUPERZOO 2009!

The Petcasters took on SuperZoo 2009 with video commentary, interviews and product demonstrations! See the Pet Tops, the Amazing Treat Machine, The Pink Poodle Gourmet & Designs, The Port-A-Poo, the remote-control cat toy, the crazy creative grooming competition winners and much more! Don't miss the montage of fun photos at the end, too!

Also of interest may be Steve's pieces for PawNation on SuperZoo, including one on interesting new pet products, another on the outcome of the creative grooming contest and a third on the outcome of the $20,000 grooming challenge taking place while Steve and Emily were recording this episode.

Links to products in the show:

Pet Top Portable Drinking Devices
Spotlight GPS
The Amazing Treat Machine
The Pink Poodle Gourmet & Designs
The Port-A-Poo for Dogs

* * *

No. 215: The Spaying Scribe

Today's guest is Corey Levitan, a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal who does unusual jobs for his "Fear and Loafing" pieces. This month, he assisted at Heaven Can Wait Animal Sanctuary as they spayed and neutered cats. He came in to describe the experience which touched on some controversial topics, including kitty abortions. Plus, he brought his dog, Sammy, with him to the studio and Sammy wore a digicam on his collar to shoot photos of us! (see above)

Steve is now a blogger for PawNation.Com, AOL's pet subsite, but decided -- yet again -- not to adopt a new dog to the home. Emily describes her sister's visit to Cronkite Beach near San Francisco where they saw the Sausalito Wildlife Animal Center folks push sea lions into the sea.

* * *

No. 214: Sid's Journey, Part II

As most pet owners know, a well-trained dog is usually a happier dog. But what happens when owners can't manage the training on their own? That's when today's guest takes over, providing intensive intervention at the Lockwood Canine Training Center in Frazier Park, Calif. Julie Isles, the owner, has more than 25 years experience in the field and has authored a correspondence course used by the nation's largest dog training company.

* * *

No. 213: Sid's Journey, Part I

Note: This is our first show in our new studio at the Las Vegas Sun's studio, so the audio is a bit uneven.

When 2-year-old mastiff-pitbull mix Sid started picking fights with other dogs, his owner knew there was a problem. And when conventional interventions didn't work, his owner took the unusual and expensive step of sending his dog away for training to a high-end bootcamp for wayward dogs. The owner of that center, Lockwood Canine Training Center in Frazier Park, Calif., will join us on Petcast No. 214, but first Sid's owner, Hunter Hillegas, is our guest.

Plus, Steve relates his travels in the northeast where he covered the possible closure of the nation's first racetrack-plus-casino.

* * *

No. 211: The AKC’s Big Changes

Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is the world's largest purebred dog registry with more than 5,000 licensed clubs and affiliates. But the AKC has also evolved as a strong advocate for responsible dog ownership. As the organization prepares to mark its 125th anniversary, the AKC continues to broaden its scope and reach. Joining the Petcasters is Lisa Peterson, director of club communications, who has also spend 25 years as a professional breeder and handler of Norwegian elkhounds.

Plus, Steve recalls a story about a house fire from the start of his career that had a significant pet angle and the Petcasters discuss the Bo Obama official photo.

* * *

No. 210: Mutts cartoonist Patrick McDonnell



There are comic strips about animals and then there’s the gold standard. Since 1994, Patrick McDonnell has been delighting readers with the antics and wisdom of Earl, Mooch and all their pals. The “Mutts” comic strip now appears in more than 700 newspapers and 20 countries and its creator has won his industry’s highest honor, Cartoonist of the Year.

Plus, Emily discusses some of the stranger problems with summer haircuts for pets.

* * *

No. 209: The Professor of Presidential Pets

Someone once said, "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog." And to be sure, from Fala to Millie to Buddy to Bo, The Man's best friend is often a four-legged sweetie. Joining us today is Cathy Trost, the director of exhibit development at the Newseum in Washington D.C., which has an informative and entertain
ing gallery of First Dogs. The Newseum is a museum devoted to media history.

Plus, Steve tells of giving his mom's dog gifts for Mother's Day and Emily issues a warning about how not to hold your leash in the event of emergencies.

* * *

No. 208: Pet-Loving Condo-Dwellers Unite!

Today's guest is Maida Genser, founder of Citizens for Pets in Condos Inc., a Florida-based advocacy group seeing to educate the public on the health benefits of animal companionship and about responsible pet ownership. The long-term goal is to increase acceptance of companion animals in common interest ownership communities.

Plus, Steve tells the tale of finding an elderly, blind, obese, heaving lost dog in his neighborhood. See Steve's blog entries about this at VegasHappensHere.Com.

* * *

No. 207: Geckos Are Great!

Today's guest knows his reptiles, from the Madagascar giant hissing cockroach to the fire-crested gecko. Joining us from Bourne, Texas, is herpetologist Ron Trempor, one of the nation's leading suppliers of reptilian pets.

Plus, Emily's complaint about her illogical airline pet policies and prices.

* * *

No. 206: A Little Pet Music

As loyal Petcast listeners know, we love songs about pets. So naturally when we found out about an enterprising crew of canines that had actually taken up songwriting, we knew we had to find out more. Here to enlighten us is Bob Dorman of Mabel Dog productions, and the human talent behind “Dog Tracks: Songs by Dogs.” Find him at DogTracksCD.Com.

Plus, a brief chat about PetAir, the new pet airline concept.

* * *

No. 205: One Nation Under Dog

From doggie day spas to prozac for Pekinese with separation anxiety, Americans are spending more time and money than ever making sure their canine companions live happy lives. Today’s guest, author Michael Schaffer, delved deep into the fluffy underbelly of pet industries, and our increasing fascination with, and dependence on, our four-legged friends. The result was “One Nation Under Dog,” which was recently published and is available at bookstores nationwide.

Plus, a discussion of kitten season and the joy of multiple pet ownership.

* * *

No. 204: The Foreclosed Pets Rescuers

Animal shelters nationwide are seeing an increase in surrendered pets, a sad side effect of the ongoing economic crisis. Today’s guest, Everett Croxson, is doing his part to help pets whose owners can no longer care for them because they’ve lost their homes, either to outright foreclosure or a change in financial circumstances. Visit them online at http://forecloseduponpets.org.

Plus, some tips on keeping pets safe in the summertime.

* * *

No. 203: Pets Who Want To Kill Themselves

There isn’t a person alive who doesn’t see an animal out in public wearing something silly (that's Steve's mom's dog above) or being carried in the purse of an airheaded celebrity heiress wannabe and hasn’t felt pity for the poor, tortured creature. Well, following in the great tradition of StuffOnMyCat.Com and CatsInSinks.Com, Duncan Birmingham of Los Angeles has created PetsWhoWantToKillThemselves.Com, a blog on which he posts photos of all sorts of probably-suicidal animals. Birmingham, a writer whose screenplay, Swingles, is about to become a movie starring Cameron Diaz, joins us to discuss the website.

Plus, a new CDC study shows that shows pets make people fall a lot.

* * *

No. 202: Pusses in Books

You might have heard of Dewey the library cat, the famous orange feline that became world famous just for living his life in a library in Spencer, Iowa. Well, Dewey’s life, which is now the subject of a best-selling memoir and may become a movie starring Meryl Streep – as the librarian, not the cat – is actually less unique than you might think. Our guest today, documentarian Gary Roma, traveled the nation for his 1997 award-winning film Puss in Books: Adventures of a Library Cat and found library cats all over the place. His website, IronFrog.Com, in fact, offers an interactive map that tells visitors what libraries in their states have resident felines. Gary Roma joins us from Chicago to discuss the topic.

Plus, Steve tells the tale of Renegade, the blind, obese, tumorous, heaving, shedding lost dog he found and helped.

* * *

No. 201: She Speaks For Spot

As medical advances are made and more complex treatments for animals become more commonplace, pet owners often find themselves in a quandary as they try to balance their love of their animals with their ability to balance their checkbooks. Whereas the notion of chemotherapy for pets or artificial limbs once were unthinkable, now they’re real options that can prolong and improve the life of dogs and cats, but how do you know when it’s worth it physically, emotionally and financially? With us to discuss this minefield of ethical and practical issues is Dr. Nancy Kay, of Sebastapol, Calif., author of the new book "Speaking For Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life." Dr. Kay earned her veterinary degree at Cornell and is owner of the Animal Care Center in Rohnert Park, Calif.

Plus, Steve saw the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater in Vegas.

Links to download shows with Steve's sister (#194) and Gregory Popovich (#11) are found on ThePetcast.Com.

* * *

No. 200: A Pet Vet Opens Wide

One of the most expensive issues facing owners of even generally healthy pets is their dental care. Nothing sends a shiver up the spine like the vet telling you your animal needs a serious and costly teeth-cleaning. Emily, in fact, is still paying off the $700 bill from having five of Archie’s teeth pulled and she’s since switched to a special kind of treat to maintain his oral health. So what’s the truth behind this issue? How do dogs and cats differ in terms of their dental issues? Joining us to address all of this as well as a listener’s question is Dr. Tony Woodward, a past president of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association who practices in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Plus, guest host Molly steps in and discusses her pregnancy and the potential issues she may have with her cats and Emily calls in from DC to report on the Newseum's exhibit on presidential pets.

* * *

No. 199: Pet Bloggerette Extraordinaire

Whether its tips for keeping an indoor cat happy or brokering a peace treaty at the dog park, today’s guest has the answers. Christie Keith is a blogger and a contributing writer for the San Francisco Chronicle, where she pens the “Your Whole Pet,” column. She is also a contributing editor for Universal Press Syndicate's Pet Connection, and past director of the Pet Care Forum on America Online.

Plus, who would be against banning training dogs for fighting or leaving animals outside tethered for excessive lengths of time? The AKC?

* * *

No. 198: Giving A Hoot About Owls

When it comes to owls, today’s in the one whooo knows. She is Karla Kinstler, director of the Houston Nature Center in Houston, Minn, where she oversees the Owl Hall of Fame and the International Festival of Owls. She also authors a blog with Alice, a great horned owl, who is a full time resident at the nature center.

Plus, Steve discovers -- and is repelled by -- Cesar Milan but is intrigued by Dogtown.

* * *

No. 197: The Greatness of Greyhounds

In 1987, today’s guest, Claudia Presto, met her very first greyhound, and her life would never be the same. A few years later she would give up a successful corporate career on the east coast, sell everything she owned and head west, where, it turned out, there was no shortage of greyhounds in need of her help. Today she is the leader of the Greyhound Gang in Southern Utah, which hosts an annual Greyhound Gathering in mid-may for friends and fans of these sleekly charming dogs.

Plus, Steve didn't know what these were but listeners say they're quail.

* * *

No. 196: A Presidential Dog Visit

The White House has a new First Dog, and it’s a breed that few Americans have even heard of, let alone seen. The Portuguese Water Dog came close to extinction in the 1970’s, saved by a few determined enthusiasts who cherished the breed for its temperament and talents. Joining us today is Dr. Jim Brannan, a Las Vegas dentist who has shared his home and hearth with porties for 15 years. He’s competed with them in agility and obedience trials, and has also been active in breed rescue. We invited him to join us today to talk about the this fascinating dog.

Plus: Emily and Archie triumph in agility!

* * *

No. 195: We're Ba-a-a-ck!

The studio-induced hiatus is over and the Petcasters are back with a new all-kibbitz episode. Among the topics: It's the Marble TEA, not Tease; Archie hearts Nutro Lite treats; Emily interviews Greg Louganis for the Las Vegas Sun; some foreclosed soul left behind a cocker spaniel in Emily's neighborhood; Steve digs Shivering Kittens but his cat lust has passed; the Obama girls choose their dog; Oprah’s cocker puppy dies from parvo; and many dogs die at the Iditarod.

* * *

No. 194: Walking The Walk On Animal Welfare

If you need any more proof that there is no end to the ways you can contribute to the welfare of animals, look no farther than Steve's sister, Julie Friess, who walks dogs for the Humane Society of Sedona in Arizona, where she lives. Julie explains how she got into this and why it's so rewarding.

Plus, Amy of GritsToGlitz.Com uses ice as a treat, NPR halts Calling All Pets and Steve's dog gets all gooey.

* * *

No. 193: The Dog Fosterer

Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment, and not everyone’s ready for the challenge. A good way to test the waters is through foster care, providing a temporary loving care to an animal in need while it waits for a forever home. Joining the Petcasters is Kristin Anderson, a veteran dog foster mom, who is chronicling the journey online at caninefostering.com.

Plus, Emily has another dramatic tale of pet-related intrigue in her neighborhood and Steve is baffled that anyone would NOT think that animals can get jealous. (Steve is reacting to a study reported recently.) Also, the Petcasters went back again to the PETA-sea kitten idea!

* * *

No. 192: Coping With Pet Allergies

For pet owners with allergies, nothing can be more frustrating than the sniffling, sneezing and red eyes that can come from being with the ones you love. Joining the Petcasters to shed -- har har -- some light on the issue is Dr. Robert Grubbe of Oxford, Ala., a board-certified allergist who divides his time between private practice and clinical research.

Plus, Emily discusses Archie’s improved teeth and Steve asks a trivia question and Emily knows the answer, of course!

* * *

No. 191: Beverly Hills Chihuahua Trainer Tells All

How do those Hollywood animals do it? And what happens when they're done? Mike Alexander, a longtime trainer with the company Birds & Animals Unlimited, supervised a 60-person team for the more than 200 animals who appeared in Beverly Hills Chihuahua. He also was involved in Eight Below and trained squirrels - yes, squirrels - for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Plus, Emily provides tips for caring for pets in extreme cold and Steve mocks PETA's fish-are-sea-kittens campaign.

* * *

No. 190: Bay's Got A Brand New Baby

Longtime listener and fellow podcaster Bay Loftis of east Tennessee finally got herself a new puppy after years of thinking about it. It’s a beautiful Welsh corgi called Doris. Bay joins the show to share the joy. Bay co-hosts GritstoGlitz.Com, a podcast of sisterly chitchat that's awesome, too. Plus, Israelis are taking down dog DNA to stop people who don’t pick up the poo and the Petcasters discuss the new pet of Vice President-elect Joe Biden.

Also, Emily talks about the dog left behind in her neighborhood after its owners were driven from a home because of foreclosure.

* * *

No. 189: Wacky World of Wallabies

When it comes to exotic pets, few are more exotic – or perhaps more adorable – than wallabies. The Petcasters chat up Hal Newsom of New Caney, Texas, who has been selling them as pets for 20 years and owns WallyPets.Com. Newsom explains the peculiarities of these New Zealand natives and has a terrific sense of humor about his trade. Also, Newsom discusses his airboat operations at Galveston Bay, which can be found at GalvestonBoatTours.Com. Plus, Emily and Steve discuss the fate of animals on planes that get badly delayed.

* * *

No. 188: Oodles of Poodles

A listener wrote in to say that there’s no such thing as a "royal" poodle. Turns out, we have smart listeners, according to Mary Olund, an expert poodle breeder who joins us to talk about the hot-button breed. Olund has been involved in all levels of supporting the breed from supporting rescue and disease research to volunteering her time with local dog clubs. She’s currently secretary of the Poodle Club of Central California and her husband is treasurer of the Poodle Club of America. Together they are Cabernet Standard Poodles, which has produced show ring champions and happy companions for 25 years. (That poodle above is Steve's former dog, Ozzie, who now lives with his ex.)

Plus, Steve came close again to getting a kitten and accidentally ate a little bit of doggie peanut butter spray.

* * *

No. 187: The Vegas Cat Gambit

Once a guaranteed source of controversy, mandatory spay-neuter laws for pets are becoming more common and winning over critics. With the feral cat population of Southern Nevada estimated at over 200,000, lawmakers in that region want to take action. Clark County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani joins the Petcasters to explain why she wants to “legalize” feral cats in the hopes of easing their plight and reducing the exponential growth of unwanted cat colonies. Plus, Emily and Archie have a terrific agility triumph and the Petcasters mull whether pets get colds and or suffer allergies.

* * *

No. 186: Losing Stuart

Las Vegas writer Richard Abowitz joins the Petcasters to discuss the loss in the prior week of his elderly cat, Stuart. Stuart outlived her (yes, her) cancer diagnosis by about six months.

Plus, Emily warns against listing personal information when advertising your puppies in the paper or online. Three holiday books: “Travels With Charley,” “The Story of the Pug Who Ruled My Life” “The Cat Who Came For Christmas.” Also, Steve and Emily discuss their prospective vegetarianism.

* * *

No. 185: Pocket Pets Can Be Hazardous

Pocket pets are awful cute. But they can also be dangerous to the health of your family. Dr. Nina Marano of the Centers for Disease Control calls in from her vacation in Milan, Italy, to discuss the study she co-authored about the health dangers of certain household pets.

Plus, the Petcasters mull into whether Obama has broken his promise about the dog and discuss the Shiba Imu puppies on a cam, and chatter about For Better or For Worse.

* * *

No. 184: Overmedicating Pets

Vet and author Dr. Nicholas Dodman of Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine joins us to discuss his book, “If Only They Could Speak,” which the Wall Street Journal recently named as one of the best pet books of all time. Dr. Dodman and answered questions about the overmedication for animals, how to identify a pet with a form of Alzheimer’s and whether there’s a second-hand smoke risk for animals. Also, poinsettia plants may not be toxic.

Plus, the Petcasters mull holiday-season concerns about pets and told stories of pets eating wild.

* * *

No. 183: Fixing Phoebe’s Freaky Felines

A listener's cat seems deliberately annoying, so we get an expert to advise her on what to do. Today’s guest is Dr. John Wright, a certified applied animal behaviorist and psychology professor at Mercer University in Macon, has helped people and their pets with behavior issues for more than 25 years. His is also the author of three popular books on applied animal behavior: "Ain't Misbehavin': The Groundbreaking Program for Happy, Well-behaved Pets and Their People"; "Is Your Cat Crazy?" and "The Dog Who Would Be King.”

Plus: Emily's dog "catches" a rogue cat in the hood and Steve is scolded for not recalling the elusive charm of Snuffalufagus.

* * *

No. 182: Did The Couch Kill Her Cat?

Perhaps the only thing worse than losing a beloved pet is being left with questions over whether the death could have been prevented. That’s an issue today’s guest tackled in a recent opinion piece in the Los Angeles Times, looking at the contamination death of her cat Midnight, and a possible connection to fire-retardant chemicals that manufacturers are required to use in furniture. Blum is also an accomplished mountaineer whose website is here.

Plus, Black and Jack's big road trip! (See the pictures here!)

* * *

No. 181: Cats and the Single Guy

In the Oct. 5 edition of the Sunday New York Times, writer Abby Ellin highlighted what appears to be a cultural shift – single guys opting for feline, rather than canine, companionship. While the trend is difficult to quantify, there appears to be solid anecdotal evidence that more guys are owning cats, or are at least willing to admit that they do. Ellin joins the Petcasters to talk about her story as well as some criticism of it.

Plus: A young Petcast listener calls in with a review of Beverly Hills Chihuahua and Steve accidentally speaks out about unleashed dogs in his neighborhood.

* * *

No. 180: Hamster Drama

Sometimes small pets can mean big trouble, especially when it’s your 4-year-old’s class hamster. Joining us is Emily's sister Marcy, calling from Danville, Calif., to share a tale of hamster woe and Debby Widolf, bunny house manager at Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah, to offer some thoughts.

Plus, Beverly Hills Chihuahua is out right as Steve is about to take their chihuahuas to...Beverly Hills! And Emily follows up on some of the discussion about agility from Petcast No. 179.

* * *

No. 179: Rescuing Pets of Battered Spouses

It’s a well-known scenario to workers at the nation’s domestic violence shelters – a victim refuses to leave an abusive situation because escaping would mean leaving behind a loving and loyal pet. At the Shade Tree Shelter in Las Vegas, women and children can find safe haven for themselves, and their pets. Noah’s Animal House is one of just a few such programs nationwide, and cares for about 100 pets every year. Joining us in the studio to talk about the program is the executive director of the Shade Tree, Marlene Richter.

Plus: Emily mocks a pet-massage class she's heard about, Steve freaks out his dogs and Steve's dogs went nuts when not crated one recent night. Also, Emily talks about her recent agility event.

* * *

No. 178.5: It's Animals In A Landslide!

The election was historic for lower species, too! In California, farm animals will soon be getting bigger containment and in Massachusetts, greyhounds won't be racing anymore. Plus, the Obama girls ARE getting a dog, but what kind? And the Bushes' dog Barney evidently hates the media as much as his owners. (Other videos from the official BarneyCam can be found here. and the New York Times Magazine piece on Prop 2 referred to during this episode is here.)

Joining the Petcasters to discuss all of it is Jennifer Fearing, chief economist for the Humane Society of the United States, which led the effort to pass Prop 2 in California, the farm-animal measure.

* * *

No. 178: Training Animals To Be Stars

For more than 25 years, April Morley of Animal Actors of Hollywood has served as an animal trainer and coordinator for some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, from “The Naked Gun” to “Bruce Almighty” and last summer’s “Get Smart.” She’s also worked on popular television series from Frasier to CSI, handling everything from casting to training.

Plus, Emily and guest host Dayvid discuss their favorite entertainment animals.

* * *

No. 177: Inside The Search Dog’s World

For a dozen years, today’s guest and her canine partner were deployed to some of the nation’s worst disaster sites, from New York City following the Sept. 11 attacks to Santa Barbara in the wake of the La Conchita mudslide. Whether it was an urban or wilderness emergency, the goal for Debra Tosh was the same – search for survivors before time ran out. She retired from active service in 2005 to become executive director of the Search Dog Foundation, and joins us today from Ojai, California.

Plus, Emily and Dayvid mull the dog saved by his owner from a shark.

* * *

No. 176: Doggie Sleepovers

When you have to travel and can’t take your dogs with you, dropping them off at the kennel or vet’s office for boarding is often the only option. But there’s another alternative for that may be the next-best thing to staying at home. Since 2006, Sleepover Rover has matched up canine houseguests with host families, providing TLC while their owners are away. The company currently serves canine clients in six cities, including Denver, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Joining us today is Maggie Brown, the company’s co-founder, who was also Sleepover Rover’s first client.

* * *

No. 175: Turtle Lover Comes Out Of Her Shell

If you’re a homeless reptile in the Santa Barbara area, you probably dream of Jeanie Vaughn’s backyard. Since 1994, Vaughn has provided shelter and rehabilitation to injured turtles, iguanas and dozens of other species. The region’s only reptile shelter, Turtle Dreams has taken in hurt and neglected animals from throughout California and other states as well. Vaughn made the news when she saved Bob (pictured above), so read all about that here. Vaughn doesn’t have an email or website, but you can call her at 805-969-4609 to get more information or to offer a donation.

Plus: Steve and Emily follow up on the off-leash problems in their neighborhoods.

* * *

No. 174: The Welfare of Pets in Korea

Since 1997, International Aid for Korean Animals has fought to educate the international community about the difficult conditions for dogs and cats in Korea. Earlier this year, the organization announced it was redirecting its focus to change perceptions and practices from within Korean society. That means elevating the status of companion animals, encouraging pet adoptions and shining a light on the cruelty of the dog and cat meat trade. Joining the Petcastersis Kyenan Kum, co-founder of IAKA.

Plus: Emily and Steve talk about the songs they sing to and about their pets and Steve is impacted by a new pet-food recall.

* * *

No. 173: The Victoria Stilwell Interview

In the early 1990’s, today’s guest launched a successful dog-walking business in her native England, and quickly realized her clients needed more than a stroll around the block. So Victoria Stilwell set out to learn from some of Britain’s top animal behaviorists and dog trainers, eventually relocating to Manhattan and opening her own company, specializing in helping families build healthy relationships with their pets. Today, she is an author and star of the hit series “It’s Me or the Dog,” currently airing on Animal Planet, where she offers common-sense solutions to overwhelmed pet owners. She may be most familiar to American audiences as one of the judges on the CBS reality show, “Greatest American Dog.”

* * *

No. 172: A Terrifying Pet-Toy Tale

There’s nothing worse than your pet being injured, unless it’s finding out his pain and suffering was avoidable. Today’s guest bought his dog Chai a rubber ball, never expecting it would cause traumatic and nearly fatal injuries. Read the blog post about it here. And it now appears the 10-year-old lab mix was not the first victim. Joining us today is Chai’s owner, Daniel Rechelbacher, and his attorney, Derek Smith.

Plus, Emily talks about Archie’s dental visit and how CareCredit saved the day.

* * *

No. 171: Fake Limbs For Animals

When it comes to prosthetic limbs, today’s guest is on the cutting edge. But you won’t find him at a major research hospital, and his patients include Cassidy the German Shepard, Pez the beagle and a cat named George Bailey. Dr. Denis Marcellin-Little is associate professor of orthopedics in the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University, where his groundbreaking techniques are offering promising results that could eventually mean better prosthetics for human patients, as well.

Plus, more discussion about how to deal with problems with other people’s animals.

* * *

No. 170: Pet Welfare Around the World

From Cambodian ponies to Japanese dolphins, animals around the globe depend on people like today’s guest to help protect them from harm, and to educate the public at large to their plight. The World Society for the Protection of Animals has spent the past quarter-century promoting a united global animal welfare movement, focusing on everything from the proper care of domestic pets to humane treatment of commercial livestock. Joining us today is the society’s program manager.

Plus, Steve talks about an extremely upsetting experience on his dogwalk in his neighborhood.

* * *

No. 169: The Tiger-Mothering Dog

When a white tiger rejected its three newborn cubs at the Safari Zoological
Park outside Carney, Kansas, it was golden retriever Isabella to the rescue.
Isabella, who recently had a litter of her own pups, has been successfully
nursing the orphaned cubs. It's all taking place under the watchful eye of
Isabella's owner Allie Harvey. Her husband inherited the park, and they now
run it together. The inter-species nursing has attracted international
attention, but Harvey said it's more common than many people might realize.

Plus, Emily discusses the Christian-the-Lion, waterskiing squirrels and panda sneezes videos on YouTube.

* * *

No. 168: Rescuing The Dog Next Door

How many times on your daily commute have you passed that dog chained to a
tree, barrel or fence? How many times have you thought about stopping the
car, getting out and doing something? Today's guest did exactly that,
nothing only saving the lives of several desperate dogs but launching
herself on a new path as an animal advocate. Tamira Ci Thayne is founder of
Dogs Deserve Better, a nonprofit organization that seeks to end the practice
of chaining dogs. She talks with the Petcast about the roots of her own
advocacy, as well as misconceptions people have about dogs' needs.

Plus, Emily tells of Archie’s grand recent travels, including a remarkable in-flight tale.

* * *

No. 167: Cats Get A Winn

Since 1968, the Winn Feline Foundation has been funding research to help
better understand the health challenges facing housecats, from nutritional
needs to cancer. The New Jersey-based foundation's executive director, Janet
Wolf, spoke with the Petcast about some of the most recent grants awarded by
the foundation, as well as the bias many cat researchers face when they
apply for funding. The Winn Feline Foundation has also launched a
fund-raising campaign in partnership with HomeAgain pet microchips.

Plus, more chatter on the "Greatest American Dog" and Emily sticks up for bulldogs.

* * *

No. 166: The Pulitzer-winning Pet Blogger

After 35 years in the news business and a Pulitzer for investigative reporting and coverage of such serious matters as prisons and mental institutions to education, John Woestendiek shows his personal side. The former Baltimore Sun reporter wrote the newspaper’s pet blog, Mutts, and now has one of his own since he lost his job in a round of layoffs. He can now be found at OhMiDog.com or Muttsblog.com.

Plus, an analysis of animals in the funnies.

* * *

No. 165: An Entertaining Entertainment Kibbitz

Watch CBS Videos Online

Our guest stood us up, so the Petcasters mull a wide range of animal-related pop-culture matters, from that wacky "Greatest American Dog" competition to the dog killing in Batman. Also referenced: No Country For Old Men, The Golden Compass, It’s Me Or My Dog, Meercat Manor.

* * *

No. 164: Fido’s Masseuse

The benefits of massage therapy have long been known to people, especially athletes, dancers and those lucky enough to frequent high-end spas. So it should come as no surprise that our pets could probably use a good rubdown every now and then. Joining the Petcasters this show is Patti Moran, a certified animal massage therapist from Santa Cruz, Calif.

Plus: The Obama dog is a match between poodles and Wheaten Terrier and Steve – yes, Steve – takes a shot at English bulldogs.

* * *

No. 163: The Anti-Feline Cultural Bias

They’re beautiful, agile, and often aloof. We love when they purr but hate when they scratch. And to some of us, cats are second-class animals that don’t deserve or need the same protection as our canine friends. Joining the Petcasters is Dr. Valerie Creighton, president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

Plus, what kind of dog should the Obamas get?

* * *

No. 162: The Shelter With A Fancy Boarding Center

The Animal Humane Society is the local Minneapolis-area shelter and, in what may be a first in the U.S., they’ve opened a pet hotel called Now Boarding at the MSP airport. The shelter also recently rescued over 100 rats, a dozen golden retriever puppies surrendered by an unscrupulous breeder and opened a brand-new boarding facility for local pets.
Joining the Petcasters is the society’s president and chief executive. Janelle Dixon.

Plus, pet voters on Obama v McCain.

* * *

No. 161: Size Doesn’t Matter

So, you’re in a dark alley, and there’s a strange dog coming toward you. What would make you more nervous, a dauschund or Siberian husky? If you said the husky, you might want to reconsider. Joining the Petcasters is Dr. James Serpell, director of the Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society at the University of Pennsylvania. In a new study, Dr. Serpell and his colleagues identified the least and most aggressive breeds of dogs and found that size isn’t be best measure of the potential for trouble. Evaluate your own dog here.

Plus, Guinea pigs take Hawaii, Emily apologizes to her sister and Steve flogs himself over accidentally letting Jack out.

* * *

No. 160: Pawprints of Katrina

As the floodwaters rose after Hurricane Katrina, most people were doing everything they could to flee the city of New Orleans. Journalist Cathy Scott was in her car, making her way there as quickly as possible. Horrified by the plight of stranded and abandoned pets, Scott helped with numerous rescues, and ended up covering the crisis for the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary’s magazine. The heartrending stories of survival have been captured in both word and image in Scott’s new book, “Pawprints of Katrina: Lives Saved and Lessons Learned.”

Plus, the cost of pet food is rising, why you shouldn't buy the really big bags, true tales of eating dog food and super-rats.

* * *

No. 159: Ex-Vet Insurance Man Tells All

In his nearly two decades a health insurance agent and consultant, Lee Van Kirk has acquired a wealth of knowledge. And that includes one of the fastest growing areas of the industry, pet health insurance. He has represented Veterinary Pet Insurance, one of the nation’s largest providers, as well as Pet Plan of Canada. A retired Army officer, he currently resides in Boise, Idaho.

Plus, the feral v wild question revisited and vets in Iraq aren't so keen to spay and neuter.

* * *

No. 158: The Petcast Music Spectacular

For many, the love of an animal inspires their art. That's clearly the case with two performers we chat with this show, renowned singer Roslyn Kind and amateur songwriter Carey Moore. Kind, who is Barbra Steisand's sister and a vocalist and actress who has appeared everywhere from the Ed Sullivan Show to Broadway to Carnegie Hall, is an animal-welfare advocate who has performed a song about her beloved dog, Josh. You can buy her song about Josh, "At Times Like This," here. Moore, of Nashville, Tenn., is in the ad business but a decade ago started writing writing songs, including “Dogs are Cool.” Find his music here.

* * *

No. 157: Lloving Llovely Llamas

Since 1985, Jim Krowka has been exploring and cultivating the unique relationship between people and llamas. At Lost Creek Llamas in Oregon, Jim trains these charming wooly creatures for a variety of activities, from the show ring to the trailhead. Krowka joins the Petcasters to discuss the breed. Plus, Steve has a sordid llama tale of his own to share.

* * *

No. 156: Old Dogs Need Love, Too!

When people visit the animal shelter, it’s usually the adorable puppies and kittens that get the most attention. An older pet can be a tougher sell. But there is an upside to choosing a more mature companion animal, including being able to tell right away whether your personalities will fit, and the unwavering devotion that is often a hallmark of the rescued senior pet. Las Vegas journalist Abby Goldman and her miniature poodle Lucky, who she rescued from the shelter earlier this year.

Plus, Steve tells about the dramatic rescue he attempted for an injured mockingbird on his front lawn.

* * *

No. 155: The Horse Shouter

Since 2005, New England Equine Rescues has been helping horses find sanctuary from abuse and the slaughterhouse. The nonprofit organization relies on a complex network of volunteers, foster homes and donors, all of whom are dedicated to finding a safe pasture for horses in need. Joining the Petcasters is Beth Hill-Ross of Rhode Island, the founder of the organization.

Plus, Emily shares her own horse tales, Steve observed a long-haired Chihuahua and Emily brags, sort of, about how nice it is that Archie is sociable.

* * *

No. 154: Vets Making Housecalls

For some pet owners, getting to the vet’s office isn’t as easy as loading Fluffy and Fido into the car. Today’s guest knows sometimes its better for the pet to stay home and the vet to come to you. She is Dr. Shannon Stanek, of the American Association of Housecall and Mobile Veterinarians, and she joins the Petcasters to explain.

Plus, Emily took Archie to a veterinary dentist and Steve's Mom's pet-shop dog Poppy has a double row of teeth.

* * *

No. 153: Cats Can Do Agility, Too!

We may have doubted it, but it’s all too true: There are cat agility competitions, too! Joining the Petcasters to explain how it works is Carol Osbourne, committee chairwoman of the national Cat Fanciers Association. Carol has exhibited many champions of her own. The national cat agility championship will be held in October at Madison Square Garden.

Also, Steve's sister's cat is a bookstore denizen and Emily talks about her own witnessing of a feral cat and her brood.

* * *

No. 152: Fun With Herding Dogs

If there's a heaven for border collies, it may very well be Drummond Ranch in Vincent, Calif., located less than an hour from L.A. On the 40-acre spread, dogs and their people learn the fine art of sheepherding, often strengthening their own relationship in the process. Joining the Petcasters today is Janna Duncan, co-founder of the San Fernando Valley Herding Association and a licensed herding judge for the American Kennel Club, among other organizations. Read a great AP story on Duncan here. Also, Steve discusses visiting his mom's dog, Poppy, and Mom visiting his dogs, Black and Jack.

* * *

No. 151: Mandating Spay-Neuter Laws
[Show available after May 29]

In January, the city of North Las Vegas, Nev., passed a new law aimed at addressing the enormous homeless pet population in Southern Nevada. Each year, the municipal animal shelter serving the region takes in about 50,000 unwanted animals and euthanize about half of them. That’s why the North Las Vegas City Council passed a law requiring that starting this month all domesticated dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered before reaching four months of age. (There are some exceptions.) NLV Councilwoman Stephanie Smith, who championed the ordinance, joins the Petcasters to explain it.

Plus, Steve rants against silent auctions that sell off live puppies.

* * *

No. 150: Amishew, Too!

Fifteen years ago this summer, Steve found an emaciated orange tabby outside the home he was renting in Topeka, Kan., while living there for a summer newspaper internship. The cat, Amishew, was adopted by Steve’s friend’s mother, Nilsa Leal of Indiana, after Steve graduated from college and could no longer keep him. Mrs. Leal joins the Petcasters to fill us in on what became of that cat, which continues to thrive and provide a great deal of pleasure for the family that cared for him for all these years.

Plus, Emily raises the issue of a California bill that would ban driving pets without having them buckled up. That leads Steve to recount his recent moment locking himself out of his running car with the dogs inside. Also, here’s the link to the company that makes those animal carseats that Emily referenced.

* * *

No. 149: Petsitters of the World, Unite!

One of the fastest growing areas of animal care is petsitting, which allows Fluffy and Fido to enjoy the comforts of home while their owners are away. But before you hand over the house key and leash, the Petcasters chat with Candance Labane-Godfrey, president of the National Association of Professional Petsitters, and launched her own critter care business in 1997 in Sacramento, California. Candance has suggestions as to the does and don’ts of hiring a petsitter.

Plus, Steve shares his tale about finding a feral cat and her five incredibly adorable kittens in his neighborhood and how the situation was handled.

* * *

No. 148: A CATalyst For Change

Dr. Jane Brunt, a feline vet based in the Baltimore area, joins the Petcasters to explain why she convened the CATalyst Summit earlier this year to focus the vet world on important issues related to cat care. The event followed a study by the American Veterinary Medical Association found 36.3 percent of cat-owning households receive no vet care versus 17.3 percent of canine-owning households.

Also, Emily's dog Archie had to have a couple of teeth pulled following his periodical teeth-cleaning. And Steve wants to listeners to share if their pets have had bad reactions to sprayings from the exterminator.

* * *

No. 147: Inside Petside

Whether you're looking for your Dalmatian's horoscope or a new motion-sensor water bowl for you finicky Persian, you may want to stop by a new Web site on the companion animal scene. Petside.Com is offering visitors everything from expert veterinary advice to breaking news. Guest Kim Jack Riley, executive editor of Petside.Com.

Also, the Petcasters discuss CareCredit, an extended payment program you can use at the vet and debate the truth behind that story of a dog that got "lost" and made its way home in northern Nevada. Oh, and we visit the story of Snickers, which we believe.

* * *

No. 146: Popping in on Poppy

Steve's mom returns to explain what's gone right and wrong with her new puppy, Poppy. That prompted chatter between the Petcasters about how to use treats to encourage a dog to do something. Emily also demonstrated her surprising understanding of spray-cheese products. Steve, meanwhile, wants to know how to stop Jack from constantly doing his little trick. Also, the Mandalay Bay in Vegas just got a komodo dragon for its Shark Reef attraction.

* * *

No. 145: High-Tech Pet Trackers

There's nothing scarier for a pet owner than coming home to find a front gate left open and a beloved pet missing. Dan Fost, a freelance writer basd in San Francisco, discusses his recent New York Times article on new technology to keep track of your dogs. Sorry, it doesn't really work for cats yet.

* * *

SPECIAL VIDEO EPISODE
(Read Steve's NY Times piece on this here)

Steve visited Tomi Tomek of SOS Chats in Noriaigue, Switzerland, in mid-March for a NY Times piece on the quest in Switzerland to ban the trade of cat fur.

* * *

No. 144: The Pet-Friendly College Dorm

For college students leaving home for the first time, the transition can be even tougher when it means leaving behind a beloved pet. For more than 10 years, the State University of New York at Canton has offered an unusual solution: the pet wing in the Mohawk Residence Hall. Courtney Battista, director of residence life at the school, explains how it works and why dogs and snakes are species non grata.

Plus, the Petcasters mull some things pet owners should ask when they board their animals following a fire that killed several pets at a Las Vegas veterinary office and Steve ponders his dogs' fears of him running on the treadmill.

* * *

No. 143: Are All Performing Pets Abused?

Since 1984, animal wrangler Pat Derby and her partner Ed Stewart have offered a haven for abandoned, abused and retured performing animals. The Performing Animal Welfare Society maintains three sanctuaries in California, including 2,300 acres on San Andreas. That's the new home of Maggie, until recently Alaska's only elephant, after the state's zoo agreed to let her go in September 2007.

Plus, Emily catches us up on Archie's agility triumphs and tribulations and Steve affirms his adoration for his dogs after admitting he's been feeding them big-dog food.

* * *

No. 142: Wheelchairs for Pets

\

Leslie Grinnell, co-owner with her husband Eddie of Eddie's Wheels, joins Emily and Steve by phone from Shelbourne Falls, Mass., to explain the origin of their business creating custom carts for mobility-disabled pets. The Grinnells found the company after their Doberman named Buddha lost use of her hind legs and Eddie figures out a solution.

Also, the duo is joined by Mayor Scott Mangold of Powell, Wyo., whose council passed a new law dictating the number of rabbits.

* * *

No. 141: The Problem With Importing Pets

Before you send a money order to Tasmania for that adorable yorkie you found on Craigslist, you may want to hear from today's guest, California attorney John Hoffman. In his distinguished legal career, Hoffman has done pro bono work for dog organizations, and as a result, has become an activist working to combat the problem of unscrupulous puppy importers. He and a Boston attorney, Charlotte Creeley, built a website called TheWrongPuppy.Org, where they advise the public on this trend.

Also, Steve discusses the pet-related story he worked on while in Switzerland.

* * *

No. 140: A Vet Student’s Life

The Petcasters are joined by Loren Noblitt, a second-year veterinary student at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. We speak to a lot of animal experts on this program, but we’ve never really looked into the process of veterinary education, so we wanted Loren to join us and tell us what it’s like. Loren earned a MS in veterinary pathobiology in 2003 and began veterinary school in August 2006.

Plus, guest host Amy chimes in on whether she’d have a pet funeral.

* * *

No. 139: Don’t Animals Think?

As a counterpoint to our episode No. 36 entitled "Do Animals Think?", we are joined by Eugene Linden, a widely published author and journalist whose Parade Magazine last year on new evidence about animal intelligence that caught our attention. Linden's career began in 1972 when he covered the Vietnam War, and his work, which has appeared in the Smithsonian, Time and the Atlantic, tends to focus on nature and the environment, and it was a piece in . Linden has written more than a half-dozen books including such titles as "The Octopus and the Orangutan: New Tales of Animal Intrigue, Intelligence, and Ingenuity" and "The Parrot's Lament and Other True Tales of Animal Intrigue, Intelligence, and Ingenuity."

Plus, a bizarre Swiss catnapping case and the top 10 items surgically removed from pets.

* * *

No. 138: Listener Petcast Scrum!

Amy (bulldogs Lola (left)and Leon), Lin (parrot Pollyester at center) and Malya (a springer spaniel named "Chester" Chesterfield Aliwishous Shakespeare" at right) join us to discuss life with their pets. Amy, guest host, describes how she found her newest dog, Lola, via YouTube!

* * *

No. 136: Archie Eats A What?!?

Hearing is believing this time out as Emily describes what disgusting, stretchy item Archie swallowed. Plus, on the OTHER end of the spectrum, the Petcasters go over the results of the 2008 Westminister Kennel Club Show and ponder the light-snack packets for pets.

* * *

No. 135: Lurch, The Amazing Blood-Donating Dog

We all know the importance of blood banks for patients recovering from surgery, accidents or treatment for cancer and other diseases and disorders. What you may not know is that animal blood banks regularly save the lives of companion animals facing the same kinds of health challenges. Joining the Petcasters is a surgical technician at a veterinary clinic in Fowlerville, Mich., where her English bull mastiff, Lurch, is an on-call emergency blood donor. His generous spirit earned Lurch an award earlier this week from the American Red Cross. Also, Steve takes the dogs to the vet.

* * *

No. 134: The Pet Funeral Director

Pets give us unconditional love, which is one of the reasons why saying goodbye can be so painful. For pet owners in Phoenix, Arizona, there’s a new company offering help with that final fairwell. Joining the Petcasters is Skip Knopke, founder of Fairwinds Pet Memorial Services. He has more than 35 years in the death care industry, and is a certified cemetery executive. Plus, the Petcasters ponder whether cats will prevent human strokes and heart attacks.

* * *

No. 133: Do Competition Dogs Take Performance Enhancers?

National Humane Education Society educator Maria Keith joins the Petcasters to explain the 60-year-old group, which advocates on behalf of animals, through information services, rescue and relief assistance and adoption services. Plus, Emily has yet another health scare for Archie, this time related to his eyesight, and Emily also reveals some of the tricks of the competitive-dog trade. Do they juice up?

* * *

No. 132: Springer Spaniel Rage

Lynn Brezina, a certified dog trainer in the Chicago area, joins Emily and guest-host John to answer a question from listener Malya, who asked whether the idea of 'springer rage' is real or fictional. Brezina is also an officer with the Great Lakes English Springer Spaniel Breeders Association. Plus, the Petcasters mull the amazing tale of the cat in the suitcase!

* * *

No. 131: Pet, uh, Pigeons?!?

Nichole Lucht and and Phil Poburka, a pair of Las Vegas-area pigeon enthusiasts, join Emily and guest-host John in the studio to show off some pretty pet, uh, pigeons. Yes, they can be your friends! Plus, Emily explains her alternate, canine-related Super Bowl plans. John catches us up on his three cats and how they would interact with the addition of a puppy.

* * *

No. 130: The Healing Power of Pets

Author Sharon Sakson, whose latest book is “Paws & Effect: The Healing Power of Dogs,” discusses her research and writings on the importance of animals for people who are sick. Sakson is also an AKC confirmation judge and a producer for the Westminster Dog Show.

* * *

No. 129: A Trainer to the Stars

Vickie Marx, Laguna Beach, Calif., owner of the West Coast Academy of Dog Training, offers tons of terrific tips on training dogs and opines about the growth of the animal-training biz. Her training company is at 949/360-7773 or email her at vmdogs@sbcglobal.net. Plus, Emily talks about Archie's recent sleepover and his amazing muffin-stealing incident and she and guest-host Amy ponder vitamins for animals.

* * *

No. 128: The Reptile Man

Andy Snider, director of animal care and conservation at Fresno Chaffee Zoo, shares his tales of animal research around the world (including on Armenian viper and Galapagos turtle pictured above) and also discusses issues related to having reptiles as pets. Guest-host Amy is pondering a new English bulldog puppy to add to her family so Emily offered some thoughts about how to go about it, including a long discussion of the different sorts of breeders.

* * *

No. 127: A Legal Team For Animals

Joyce Tischler, general counsel and co-founder of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, describes the work that the group does to protect the rights of animals and their owners. Their first case had to do with trying to stop Naval officers from slaying wild burros, ultimately leading to those animals being adopted.

* * *

No. 126: The Mobile CSI Unit for Pets

Animal forensic investigation pioneer Dr. Melinda Merck, who chatted with Emily and guest host John, chats with Steve at the ASCPA headquarters in mid-December about the $220,000 van is dubbed the Mobile Animal CSI unit. Steve, in NYC on family business, quizzed Dr. Merck about the first specially equipped vehicle for an investigator to take to process animal-related evidence at a crime scene. Dr. Merck will use it in her work in the Atlanta area. Also, why are Steve’s dogs afraid of the bathroom?

* * *
No. 125: Why Old Birds Lay New Eggs


Terri Jones of the Arcadia Bird Sanctuary and Educational Center in Freehold, N.J., discusses her facility’s mission and answers a question from a listener about why her old parrot, Polyester, suddenly started laying infertile eggs. Jones also takes on some listener complaints about our guest on Episode No. 116, who suggested cockatiels can be “fixed.” Also, Archie triumphed at agility last month and Steve is appalled by a friend’s insistence at feeding his poodles from the table.

* * *

No. 124: Schnauzer Mania

Schanuzer expert Jeri Muntis answers a listener question about how to keep the dog’s beard white. Her answer was a bit of a surprise to Emily. The Vegas-based Muntis, who raises champion miniature schnauzers and handles them in competitions ranging from obedience to agility, brought a schnauzer puppy and full-grown schnauzer and discussed tail-docking and ear-cropping, common for this breed. Plus, an update on the tiger attack at the San Francisco Zoo and celebrating (or not) Black and Jack’s birthdays.

* * *

No. 123: His $11,000 Newsweek Turn

Fred Lynch. a professor at Claremont McKenna College in California, wrote a Newsweek “My Turn” essay this summer about spending $11,000 on cancer treatment for his cat, Fritz. Lynch joins the Petcasters to discuss the reaction to his piece. Plus, the topic prompted the Petcasters to wonder how much we would spend to save our animals.

* * *

No. 122: Mom Gets A New Puppy

Steve’s mom, Joan Friess, calls in to consult with Steve and Emily about her new puppy, Poppy Seed, a 3-month-old silky terrier. The Petcasters also discuss Hannukah presents for their pets.

* * *

No. 121: An Iraq Vet’s Gripping Tale

Sgt. Ron Portillo, badly injured in Iraq, joins Steve and Emily in the studio discusses a program he created to provide service German shepherds for other wounded war vets. Since this conversation, Portillo decided to abandon the program because he was overwhelmed by his own recovery, but the conversation is a fascinating reminder of how important pets can be to improving the human spirit.

* * *

No. 120: ASPCA's Guide To Gifts

It’s the holiday season again, and you might be considering what sort of gifts would work for your pet-loving friends. Steve and guest-host Amy chat about some ideas is Jo Sullivan, a senior vice president at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The ASPCA has its own line of products that they sell to help fund their other activities and that page can be found here.

* * *

No. 119: The Chicken-Soup-For-Pets-Lovers Writer

Author Amy Shojai calls herself an "equal opportunity pet lover since birth" A former vet tech who became a certified animal behavior consultant and author of 22 books on pets including "Chicken Soup For the Dog Lover's Soul" and "Chicken Soup For the Cat Lover's Soul." She is past president of the international Cat Writers’ Association, of which she was a founder, as well as a contributor to numerous cat and dog magazines. Shojai joined Amy and Steve to discuss her career.

* * *

No. 118: The Skinny on Pig Rescues

Mary Schanz of the Ironwood Pig Sanctuary in Marana, Ariz., describes her fascinating 15-acre, 450+-pig refuge for unwanted porkers. Also, Emily and Dayvid ponder the question of whether to include pets in holiday cards.

* * *

No. 117: Turning Woofie Into Warhol

There were a lot of odd and interesting products at the SuperZoo trade show that Emily and I attended in September, but one that really caught our eyes was Artcasso, an art kit you can buy for your budding little Monet or Cezanne. Or, as Tammy Zaiko says, your Pup-casso or Kitty-casso. We weren’t the only ones intrigued; the kits won second place earlier this year in the gift category for Best in Show at the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association’s Global Pet Expo. Zaiko joins Emily and Dayvid to explain. Plus, Emily follows up her dog-rescue "study" with one about cats. Sort of.

* * *

No. 116: The Bird That Lays Too Much

Tennessee listener Bay Loftis had to give up a cockatiel that was laying too many eggs. It’s a serious issue because it could lead to egg binding, a fatal problem. So she gave up the bird to a bird shop in Knoxville, Tenn., called Strictly Feathers. Owner Gwen Woodward explains all of this and more for Emily and Dayvid. Plus, Emily did an informal study of stories about dogs who rescued families.

* * *

No. 115: The Puerto Rican Dog Crisis

Katie Block, the Baltimore-based founder of Island Dog Inc., joins Emily and Dayvid to discuss horrific recent reports about mass dog slaughters in Puerto Rico. Block’s organization works to improve the difficult circumstances of dogs in the American territory, where there are no animal shelters. Plus, Emily offers a checklist for how to travel by air with your pets.

* * *

No. 114: Making Pets Eco-Friendly

Al Gore's slideshow doesn't address it, but there is an environmental movement afoot in the pet world. The market-research firm Packaged Facts says U.S. retail sales of natural pet products will hit $1.3 billion this year, double from 2003 and half of what's expected by 2012. One reason is the activism and entrepreneurship of our guest, Anthony Zolezzi, a co-founder of the Pet Promise line of pet food. Zolezzi and his partners formed Pet Promise in an effort to create a market for small family-owned farms raising animals in environmentlaly friendly and cruelty-free ways. Zolezzi is co-author of "How Dog Food Saved The Earth" and he offers us ideas as to things we can do as pet owners to keep save the planet.

* * *

No. 113: Taking Heartworm To Heart

Everyone knows that heartworm is a very dangerous disease to all kinds of pets, but we don’t really know that much about what it is or how to prevent it. Here's the 411 from Dr. Sheldon Rubin, a practicing vet for nearly 40 years, author of books on dog and cat care and the current president of the American Heartworm Association. He’s also the past president of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association and was named the American Animal Hospital Association’s Practitioner of the Year in 2003. Plus, guest host Amy describes what her birds thought of a snack bar Steve brought her birds from SuperZoo and discusses bird diets a bit.

* * *

No. 112: When A Dog Bites A Child

Emily's friend Sandy Gold joins us to discuss what her options are since her dog bit one of her kids' friends on her bottom lip, resulting in stitches. Plus, an Austrian court case asks the question of whether a 26-year-old chimp named Hiasl (above) is a person.

* * *

No. 111.5: The CA Fires Crisis

The massive devastation in Southern California firestorm this month has given the nation a chance to see if disaster preparedness management has learned anything about how to deal with pets and pet owners since Hurricane Katrina. Like Katrina, hundreds of thousands of residents of an urban area have been forced out of their homes and into overcrowded public shelters sometimes with but sometimes without their animals. Joining Steve and guest-host Amy to offer sense of the crisis and to discuss the local, state and federal responses to the tragedy as it pertains to pet owners is Simran Noon, spokeswoman for the San Diego Humane Society and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Plus, Emily calls in to chat about Archie's David Beckham Halloween costume and his performance this weekend in an agility trial, and Amy's bulldog Leon also is getting dudded up for the holiday. You can view pix of David "Archie" Beckham and Leon En Tux on The Petcast blog by clicking here.

* * *

No. 111: SuperZoo Special #2

In the second part of our live SuperZoo 2007 coverage, we chat with folks from Lafeber bird products, For Dogs' Eyes Only training videos and the animal wigmaker Wiggles. Something for everyone!

* * *

Petcast Video #1

This is our first video episode, this time showing Georgia Peach trying out the Puppy Love Paw Pads. Enjoy!

* * *

No. 110: SUPERZOO SPECIAL #1
[See more pix on the blog here]

In our first out-of-studio outing, the Petcasters spent a day at the SuperZoo 2007 pet-stuff trade show. From liver biscotti to dog paw pads to the Furminator, Emily and Steve saw all kinds of interesting possibilities and products, and Emily considers making Archie a French artist for Halloween. Plus, an on-site interview with Terry Donaldson, whose wife invented a schnazzy ChokeFree dog harness.

Links to products discussed on this episode:

Upcountry.Com
Puppylovepawpads.com
Furminator.Com
Liverbiscotti.com
Chokefree.Com

* * *

No. 109: Lynn Johnston's Pet World
[Hear Steve's full chat with Johnston here and read his USAT piece here]

Cartoonist Lynn Johnston of "For Better or For Worse" spoke to Steve about weathering the controversy surrounding her 1996 decision to kill off Farley the dog and about her approach to animals in her cartoons. Plus, tragedy strikes Emily's neighborhood, why she's not eating bacon anymore after reading this story from the Las Vegas newspaper and are chihuahuas known as jumpers? Also, we discuss an odd USA Today story about a kill-it-yourself farm.

No. 108: Asking Ask Dog Lady

Monica Collins, Boston-based author of the syndicated column "Ask Dog Lady," explains how her column took off. Also, guest Petcaster Dayvid Figler wonders that existential question, "What would your dog's first statement be if he/she could speak?" Also, Dayvid asks, "Can you overpet a dog?" Happily, the Petcasters asked Ask Dog Lady the second question.

* * *

No. 107: Emily Richmond, Goldfish Slayer

Emily's sister calls in to relate a take of Emily's childhood cruelty to goldfish! Emily finally confesses and apologizes. Plus, the director of San Francisco's Animal Care and Control, Carl Friedman, discusses the remarkable success and controversy surrounding a new law requiring the neutering/spay of all pitbulls. A piece about the law, California's first breed-specific law, and its stunning results, is here.

* * *

No. 106: Picking Pets With Diane Pomerance

Author Diane Pomerance joins Emily and guest Petcaster Dayvid Figler to discuss her latest book, "Pet Parenthood: Adopting the Right Animal Companion for You." Dr. Pomerance is a founder of the Pet Grief Counseling Program for the SCPA of Texas and is author of the acclaimed children's nonfiction book on pet loss, "When Your Pet Dies." Find all of Dr. Pomerance's books here.

* * *

No. 105: Flyball Takes Off

Las Vegas couple David Pohl and Keith Brown join the Petcast with Devon, their McNab, to describe their new passion, Flyball. This being Vegas, Devon's team is the Fly N Aces and you can see their site here. Plus, David and Keith explain how they ended up adopting this once-neglected dog, a happy ending to a standard sad Petcast story.

* * *

No. 104: Itching for Itchmo

Ben Huh, founder of Itchmo.Com, joins the Petcasters to chat about what has fast become one of the most important pet-journalism sites on the Internet, getting a bit push from their work breaking stories on the pet-food recall mayhem. Also, the president of Steve's HOA writes a bit inappropriately about cats in the neighborhoods.

* * *

No. 103: Rent-A-Pet?

Marlena Cevantes, founder and owner of FlexPetz, explains her controversial dog timesharing company. Plus, Emily's co-worker adopted an abused puggle puppy and Emily is excited that she helped solve a potty problem. Also, Steve describes the visit to the vet and the potential cost of doggie teeth cleaning.

* * *

No. 102: Duck Poop and Reptiles Happen

Dayna Rich with the Colorado Reptile Humane Society discusses why people surrender their reptile pets and what people ought to know before they get one. Plus, Steve explains what sort of damage the ducks from Episode 100 did and the Petcasters discuss whether people angered by Michael Vick ought to be vegetarians.

* * *

No. 101: Moving Pets Across Country

Karen Chadwick, owner of Professional Pet Transports, explains how her company transports animals for people who are moving and don’t want to drive it or fly it. Plus, Steve rolls out some corny dog jokes from the kids’ page of the newspaper. The dog’s role in a Phoenix helicopter crash and taking your dog to work.

* * *

No. 100: A Petcast Centennial!

For our 100th show, Emily blindfolds Steve and forces him to determine what sort of animals are placed in his hands. Then they discuss these animals with Cindy Bezard of Boulder City, Nevada, who raises the critters. Plus, Steve and Emily expound upon what they’ve learned in 100 shows.