One of the most fascinating topics in animal research -- and a growing field – is the relationship people develop with animals. Joining the Petcasters is Dr. Alan Beck, one of the nation’s leading experts on the subject, as well as an author, researcher and professor. Beck is the Center for the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University’s School of Veterinary Medicine.   Plus, Steve rushes Black to the vet for an eye problem and then, as usual, had a complaint.   Normal 0 0 1 11 64 1 1 78...

When it comes to pet publications, Dog Fancy magazine represents the gold standard. It’s the world’s most widely read dog magazine and today’s guest is its new editor. Ernie Slone is also an expert dog handler, pet therapy volunteer and officer with the Cairn Terrier Club of Southern California. Slone referenced Pilots N Paws, a group that transports dogs all over the country. Plus, the Petcasters bantered about an amazing story from Dog Fancy about the $1 million winner of a cutest dog...

(originally posted 8/31/2006) Mario Garza, owner of Stuffonmycat.com, talks about his hilarious site where folks pass along pictures on cats with stuff on it. Plus, Emily talks about her car crash en route to a blind date and how the first thought she had was that it was good that Archie wasn't ...

Keegan-Michael Key knows funny. He’s a comic and actor who spent six seasons on Mad TV and has also appeared on hilarious shows such as Reno 911. That makes him perfectly qualified for his current gig as host of “The Planet’s Funniest Animals” on Animal Planet. During the discussion, Emily names her favorite pet videos, the Good Night Sweetheart to Puppies and the Standing Cat. Here’s list of top animal videos on YouTube and Keegan recommended  the Fancy Catz video on Second City’s YouTube...

When it comes to the protecting the legacy of America’s Western frontier, wild horses are too often forgotten. Many herds face lives of abuse, neglect and slaughter as a result. But there was some good news recently thanks in part to Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue of Lancaster, Calif., which recently negotiated a successful deal with the U.S. government to save 169 wild horses that were scheduled to be sold at auction. Wild Horse Rescue board member Stephanie Hoefener joined the Petcasters to...

Freelance writer Jason Cochran took a novel approach to the age-old dog-v-cat debate, this time focusing entirely on which costs more money.  Cochran did his report for WalletPop.Com and is also a widely published freelancer writer and regular commentator on TV and radio Plus, Emily takes Archie in for his teeth checkup and had great news, but she also just learned what it’s like to GET advice from nosy fellow pet owners. And the photo of Black and Jack bathing in 110-degree sunlight. Web:...

There are special challenges that come with caring for a disabled pet but there can be special joys as well. Barbara Techel knows this especially well and has written extensively about her life with Frankie, a daschund partially paralyzed after a spinal injury. She’s the author of several books and runs the website JoyfulPaws.Com.  Frankie’s wheelchair, incidentally, came from Eddie’s Wheels in Shelbourne, Mass., and the owner was a guest on Petcast No. 142. That show was reissued in the...

Leslie Grinnell, co-owner with her husband Eddie of Eddie's Wheels (http://www.eddieswheels.com), 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...

Edie Jarolim is a prolific travel writer who led a dogless life until 2004 when a small terrier mix named Frankie entered her life. Clueless about dogs in general and Frankie in particular, Jarolim put her research skills to use to learn about all things canine. She lives in Tucson, Arizona, where she is the Pet Travel Correspondent for KVOA TV and blogs at http://willmydoghateme.com. She’s also the author of “Am I boring My Dog?” Plus, Animal Planet is about to air a series on animal...

For soldiers serving in our military, deploying overseas often means having to find a new home for a loyal pet. Linda Spurlin-Dominik is helping to change that, with an innovative approach that focuses on keeping companion animals safe and sound until their loved ones come home. She is founder, president and CEO of Guardian Angles for Soldier’s Pet, and joins us from her home in Texas. Plus, the Petcasters plan a cross-country drive and Emily refers to all the nifty car-related equipment to...

As the BP oil spill enters its third month, the toll on birds and sealife is mounting. Today’s guest is David Mizejewski, a naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation who has been documenting the devastation first-hand. Plus, the late-night-ad product to chase away animals and more. www.thepetcast.com [email protected] 702-997-3300 www.nwf.org

When it comes to canine IQ’s, it’s hard to find a breed that scores higher than the border collie. But with that intelligence comes a high-energy package that requires special handling. Sheepdog expert and trainer Joyce Geier, who served as an educational consultant for the new Hallmark Channel film “You Lucky Dog” starring Natasha Henstridge and Harry Hamlin, about a border collie that helps to bring together a family.
 Also, the Petcasters discuss and debate a controversial Slate piece on...

Erick Wolf is chief executive of Innolytics, which is helping to lead the way in contraceptive research that could have important implications for helping to control two key animal populations – pigeons and feral cat colonies. The company was recently awarded a prestigious challenge grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help further their work. Plus, the Petcasters ponder their big road trip at the end of August to Michigan, including some cool gizmos Emily is considering...

When it comes to solving crimes against animals, today’s guest is the sleuth you want on the case. Dr. Melinda Merck is one of the nation’s pioneering veterinarians, and senior director of veterinary forensics of the ASPCA’s anti-cruelty team. She’s an old friend of the Petcast, and we’re pleased to have her back to talk about a new innovation that uses 21st century technology including DNA testing to help investigate and prosecute dog fighting.Plus, the Petcasters confirm Christine Dorchak’s...

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...

Dr. Melinda Merck, one of the nation's pioneering forensic veterinarians, discusses the emerging field of using information about cruelty and attacks on animals to solve violent crimes. Merck, based in Atlanta, has a new book out called "Veterinary Forensics: Animal Cruelty Investigations" ...

Dog racing is losing favor in the United States, in part because of increased awareness about inherent cruelties in the sport, and mistreatment of animals at many of the nation’s tracks. Leading the way in advocacy is Greyhound 2K USA, a nonprofit coalition that recently helped to bring about an end to dog racing in Massachusetts. Christine Dorchak is president and general counsel of Greyhound 2K USA, and she joins us from her home in the Bay State. Plus, guest host John Katsilometes...

Amanda Fortino has done everything from dressing up as a cow in Washington DC to hand out soy hot chocolate at President Obama’s inauguration to stripping down to her to her underwear to protest fur. In fact, when it comes to fighting animal injustices, it seems there isn’t much she isn’t willing to do. Fortino is a campaign coordinator for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and joins us today to talk about an important new initiative to protect our furry friends from the summer...

Normal 0 0 1 85 489 4 1 600 11.1287 0 0 0 Las Vegas is known for its beautiful creatures, and we’re not just talking about its showgirls. Joining the Petcasters this episode is Robin Haeffner-Matos, the wildlife manager at the Flamingo Las Vegas where visitors can behold exotic fish, turtles and birds including, of course, pink flamingos. The attraction is free and every day there are attendants who do feedings and answer questions daily...

When it comes to planning a cross-country trip, there’s no better resource than the American Automobile Association. Making that journey with your pets can be made even easier with the AAA’s newest edition of the Pet Book. Spokesman Michael Geeser joins the Petcasters to discuss the do’s and don’ts of summer travel and to provide the story behind the nearly 800-page tome, which you can buy online or, if you’re a member, at a discount at your nearby AAA office. Plus, the Petcasters discuss...

As we celebrate our 250th episode of the Petcast, your hosts are feeling very pleased with themselves for the successful rescue effort of a cat in Emily’s neighborhood. In the studio for this big episode is none other than Caesar, formerly known as the Cat who Stalked Archie, along with his new – and smitten – owner, Las Vegas resident Dawn Christensen. Plus, Steve mocks some of the odd and silly things he read in a recent issue of Dog Fancy.​Site: ThePetcast.ComEmail:...

There’s an important network of volunteers out there who play a critical role in preparing service animals for their important work. Puppy raiser Kelly Haugh joined the Petcasters in the studio with Sully, a 5-month-old Golden Retriever/Black Labrador mix on behalf of a chapter of Canine Companions For Independence.Plus, Steve blogged some cool Vegas-themed dogs that were sold at a shelter fundraiser and Emily reveals that she’s landed a major journalistic fellowship. Site:...

Normal 0 0 1 83 475 3 1 583 11.1287 0 0 0 One of our great friends, blogger Christie Keith, just welcomed a new puppy, Wally, into her household. Keith, who also writes the Your Whole Pet column for SFGate.Com, explains why she chose a Scottish Deerhound and discusses her column about myths about puppies.   In Banter, more of the dramatic pet background – bear traps!?! -- of new guest host, Jen Prosser.   Site:...

Each spring, the nation’s already crowded animal shelters brace for the phenomenon known as kitten season, an influx of unwanted felines caused by a troubling mix of biological science and unfortunate, irresponsible human behavior. Gail Buchwald, the senior vice president of the Adoption Center for the ASCPA explains what kitten season is and why it happens. (Here’s the ASCPA’s 10 things you can do to help a stray cat.) In Banter, our new guest host, Jen Prosser, explains why she doesn’t...

When today’s guest wrote an essay for the New England Journal of Medicine about a nursing home cat’s habit of showing up when patients were nearing death, he never expected it would lead to a book tour. Dr. David Dosa is a geriatrician and an assistant professor of medicine at Brown University in Rhode Island, and he joined the Petcasters to discuss his memoir, “Making Rounds With Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of An Ordinary Cat.” Plus, Vegas journalist Jennifer Prosser, editor of Where...