The Animal House | WAMU 88.5

Cats Run Amok In The House

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:20:42 +0000

A listener wants to keep her four month-old kitten out of her bedroom and bathroom. Junior the cat breaks into cabinets to eat crunchy food. It started when Junior changed to moist food only because of bladder problems. Two newlyweds want to adopt a cat, but are concerned that their Jack Russell terrier, Nash, won’t agree. A woman asks whether feline myesthesia is common. After that, it’s “The Loh Down on Science: Sleepy Sloppy Bees.”

Music: Dr. Gary’s theme – “Coisa No.1” by Moacir Santos; “Nyan Cat- Smooth Jazz Cover” by HeartlessCorporation

Cats From Hell And Sex On Six Legs

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:45:42 +0000

Jackson Galaxy, host of Animal Planet's "My Cat From Hell" talks to Sam Litzinger about his approach to dealing with feisty felines and Marlene Zuk, a professor of biology at University of California, Riverside talk about her book, "Sex On Six Legs: Lessons on Life, Love & Language From the Insect World"

A Gecko Has A Swollen Paw

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:11:13 +0000

Host Sam Litzinger talks about his experience at an emergency veterinary hospital, where he decided to put down his beagle, Ella. A young beagle is afraid of new people and inanimate objects in and around her home. The owner of a German Sheppard worries about his dog’s aggression after the dog bit his young nephew. A leopard gecko has a swollen front right paw and hasn’t been eating as much.

North American Bat Holocaust

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 22:33:05 +0000

A deadly fungus known as White Nose Syndrome is killing millions of bats in North America and scientists aren't quite sure how to stop it from spreading. Sam Litzinger speaks with two experts about the implications.

Music: Animal House theme: "Step Up" - The Toasters; "Caribbean Blue" - Enya; "Bat Cave" (from "Batman" Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Danny Elfman

Chasing Golden Shadows

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:41:40 +0000

Birdie the Border Collie gets anxious when her owner watches sports on television. Banner the Golden Retriever constantly chases light and shadows. Dr. Gary discusses whether it could be a form of epilepsy or an obsession-compulsive behavior. A woman wants to know what more getting a hedgehog as a pet. Diego the wire-haired dachshund has lost his spunk since returning from Kenya. His owner asks whether pet jet lag exists and about strategies to help Diego adjust to his new home. After that, it’s “Bird Note: Birds in Music.”

Riding With A Zebra In The Tank; Journey’s End for Retired Chimps

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:13:18 +0000

Fauna Sanctuary is a Canadian “retirement home” and rescue facility for chimpanzees. Primatologist-turned journalist Andrew Westoll realized a dream when he spent several months living at the sanctuary and Sam Litzinger spoke to Westoll about his experiences and the book he wrote as a result, The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary. Following that, Dr.

Problems Changing A Litter Box

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:46:25 +0000

Dr. Gary discusses whether anole lizards make good pets. Bitty the cat liked her foster parent’s boyfriend at first, but is now afraid of the guest. Bella, a hound mix, has a case of ringworm that isn’t going away. Gizmo the cat won’t use the litter box for number two after his owner changed the box and litter. After that, it’s Animal House News with Karen Munson, who tells us which groundhogs saw their shadow.

Music: Dr. Gary’s theme – “Coisa No.1” by Moacir Santos; “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke

New Species In South America and New Rules For Chimpanzees

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:37:12 +0000

A Cowboy Frog, an Armored Catfish and a Crayola Katydid are among the 46 new animal species discovered recently in Suriname; Sam Litzinger speaks with the man who led the historic expedition. After that, the chief scientific officer for The Human Society of the United States explains new regulations designed to end the use of chimpanzees in biomedical research.

Dog Too Protective Of Home

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:10:19 +0000

Fred the dog is too protective of his house, barking at mail trucks, visitors, even his family. Two kittens, Somerset and Caroline, play aggressively and their owners wonder how to set limits. A listener with a pit bull wonders whether sugar is bad for dogs. Dr. Gary discusses how to deal with the loss of a pet and hospice care for animals. After that, it’s “The Loh Down on Science with Sandra Loh: Bacterial Brain Control.”

Music: Dr. Gary’s theme – “Coisa No.1” by Moacir Santos; “Wow” by Thomas Newman

Your Pet May Be Smarter Than You Think

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:39:58 +0000

Animal intelligence has been debated for centuries and the discussion continues with two university professors who have written much about the subject. Alexandra Horowitz speaks to Sam Litzinger about new information pertaining to perception and sensitivity and John Bradshaw talks to Sam about his new book “Dog Sense.”

Training A Dog To Not Jump Or Use Stairs

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:40:59 +0000

Summer, a German short-haired pointer, barks for attention when her owner is on the phone. A listener wonders why his cat puts his left front paw in his water dish while drinking. Teddy the Cockapoo can’t jump or use the stairs after a disc surgery. His owner asks how she can train him to keep all four paws on the ground now that he’s feeling better. After that, it’s Animal House News with Karen Munson, who discusses how rising carbon dioxide emissions may be affecting the central nervous systems of fish.

A Tale of Two Fish

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:21:03 +0000

A new study suggests that the popularity of some fish species, brought on by movies such as “Finding Nemo,” might lead to their extinction. Juliet Eilperin, reporter for The Washington Post and author of Demon Fish: Travels Through the Hidden World of Sharks speaks to Sam Litzinger about the possibility. After that, Sam speaks with veterinarian Greg Lewbart about his pioneering use of surgery to improve the health of pet fish.

Discouraging A Terrier From Nipping

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:52:11 +0000

A woman wants to housebreak her two beagles, Misty and Princess Fannie, but is having trouble corralling them in the house. Licorice the cat has a swollen nose. Charlie the Cairn terrier mix nips when excited or anxious. Dr. Gary talks about using positive training to discourage Charlie from mouthing around young children. After that, it’s “The Loh Down on Science with Sandra Loh: Pregnant Dolphins.”

Music: Dr. Gary’s theme – “Coisa No.1” by Moacir Santos; Wirana’s Cave from Spiritual Music of The Aboriginals

Celebrating The Dragon And The Squirrel

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:07:32 +0000

Two significant occasions on the animal calendar this month; The Chinese Year of the Dragon commences and the observance of National Squirrel Appreciation Day. We celebrate both in a separate conversations with an author who has written a new book about the dragon myth and a naturalist who is a diehard supporter of the squirrel.

Keeping Chinchillas As Pets

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:49:56 +0000

A college student wants to keep a non-traditional pet in her dorm room. Dr. Gary recommends rats and explains why they are good pets. Sassy the chinchilla lives up to her name by biting and spiting when taken out of the cage. Bodhi the cat constantly chases her tail. After that, it’s Animal House News with Steven Williams, who discusses a ban on importing and transporting some large snakes and proposed legislation to create animal abuser registries.

Music: Dr. Gary’s theme – “Coisa No.1” by Moacir Santos; “Chasing Pavements” by Adele

Dolphin Drama And Grizzly Bear Renaissance

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:56:42 +0000

For centuries, stranded dolphins have been a common albeit distressing sight in the winter waters off Cape Cod but experienced rescuers are saying this year’s strandings may be more serious than in the past. The man leading the rescue effort speaks with Sam Litzinger about the reasons why.

Carlos the Cockatiel Becomes a Carlita

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:34:55 +0000

A young listener learns that Carlos the cockatiel isn’t male after finding two eggs. Her owner asks how to prevent potential problems since they’ve lost an egg-bound cockatiel. Dr. Gary discusses how to pick the best breed of dog depending on the family. We explore why Sable the black cat is turning brown around the face. After that, it’s “Bird Note: Migration to the New World.”

Music: Dr. Gary’s theme – “Coisa No.1” by Moacir Santos; “Ella Mae” by Greg Brown

Amphibians In Danger: The Disease That May Spell Extinction

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:40:33 +0000

Sam Litzinger continues his illuminating discussion about the hotly debated issue of “captive” or “preserve” hunting with Dr. Larry Rudolph, communications director of Safari Club International. Afterwards, WAMU 88.5 Environmental Reporter Sabri Ben-Achour goes behind the scenes of a breakthrough effort by local scientists who are working on cure for a devastating disease that is driving the world’s amphibians toward extinction.

Music: “Paru River” – Uakti; “The Frog” – Sergio Mendes

Afraid of Children And Vets

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:57:32 +0000

Dr. Gary updates us on more than 100 dogs rescued from an Arkansas puppy mill. At 10 weeks, Tonks the Border Collie mix was very friendly at ten weeks, but now at ten months, she’s afraid of children and the caller’s grandfather. Dr. Gary tells us what “scooting” is and how to stop it. Juju, a seven-year old Maine Coon, is terrified of the vet and has to have anesthesia when he goes. His owner wonders whether it’s worth the risk and stress to take the indoor cat to the vet.

Animals At The Crossroads And In The Crosshairs – Pt. 1

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:20:29 +0000

For 10 years, an international group of airplane pilots and conservationists called Operation Migration has employed a novel approach to assist a rare bird species – the whooping crane – in its annual trek from Wisconsin to Florida and back. But recently the Federal Aviation Administration instituted restrictions that could have dire effects on their efforts.

How To Help Two Dogs Get Along

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:28:04 +0000

Two intact, male dogs, Wiz Bang and Scooter, are constantly fighting. We hear Dr. Gary’s advice on how to help the dogs tolerate each other. After her cats Anthony and Cleopatra got in a fight, the vet recommended Prozac. Their owner asks if Cleo will have to continue taking Prozac forever. Ringo the Standard Poodle runs and hides outside every afternoon in anticipation of the piano teacher. After that, it’s “The Loh Down on Science with Sandra Loh: Darker Shade of Owl.”

Music: Dr. Gary’s theme – “Coisa No.1” by Moacir Santos; Owl’s Song by Randy Crenshaw

Animals And Their "Amazing Grace"

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:23:21 +0000

Christine Gutleben, Senior Director of Faith Outreach at The Humane Society of The United States and Paul Flotron of Noah’s Ark Pet Ministries join Sam Litzinger to discuss the rising prominence of faith-based animal organizations. After that, Sam talks with best-selling author Jon Katz about what happens to people when their pets die.

Can Cats And Black Snakes Co-exist?

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:22:29 +0000

A listener writes in to ask whether a crow or a horse is smarter, after seeing crows befriend his horses. Two cats are now living in an old farmhouse with a family of black snakes living in the basement. A listener asks whether the black snakes and cats can coexist. A woman wonders why Timmy her Border Collie mix sneezes when he’s excited or playful. A girl is thinking about getting another guinea pig after one of the sisters passes away. After that, it’s "Animal House News" with Karen Munson, who tells us about the top animal story of 2011 as voted by citizens of Bay City, Michigan.

Horses And Owls Helping Humans

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:38:09 +0000

Darley Newman, host of the Emmy-award winning PBS TV show “Equitrekking” talks about traveling the world with the help of horses and researcher Denver Holt talks about how snowy owls can help predict climate change.

Music: The Animal House Theme; “Step Up” by The Toasters; “Back In The Saddle” - Shania Twain; “Owls” – Leo Kottke
Guests: Darley Newman, host of Equitrekking TV; Denver Holt, president, Owl Research Institute

Sending Persistent Racoons Away

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:54:31 +0000

Camille, as in the hurricane, has red skin after spending more time outdoors; One man has a persistent raccoon infestation; and Snap the cat has been acting odd after going missing for a week.

Music: Dr. Gary’s theme – “Coisa No.1” by Moacir Santos

Inside a Dophin Mind/Courthouse Dogs

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:13:15 +0000

We go inside the dolphin mind with Dr. Diana Reiss, a dolphin research scientist at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD and a professor of psychology at Hunter College in New York City. Dr. Reiss has written a new book called "The Dolphin In The Mirror: Exploring Dolphin Minds And Saving Dolphin Lives."

Dog Cowers in Front of Balloons

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:34:49 +0000

A mother and daughter ask what they can do with their border collie, Moss, if he becomes a therapy dog. A listener wonders what the next step is after finding out his young cat has a mild heart murmur. Braxton the golden doodle cowers or flees when he sees umbrellas and balloons. Plus, neighborhood cats use a woman’s yard like a litter box. After that Karen Munson hosts the "Animal House News," where we talk about stories that caught our eye this week.

Music: Dr. Gary’s theme – “Coisa No.1” by Moacir Santos; The Promise (The Dolphin Song) by Olivia Newton-John

Rights of Killer Whales?

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:08:12 +0000

The 13th Amendment of the United States Constitution was intended to abolish domestic slavery and involuntary servitude. The authors would probably be surprised to learn 146 years later that same mandate is being used to justify constitutional rights for 5 killer whales who "perform" at Sea World in San Diego, CA and Orlando, FL.

Getting Rid of Skunks

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:02:29 +0000

Two otherwise friendly cats don’t get along after visiting the vet's office; a woman asks how to get rid of skunks near her house; and one listener wants advice on home insurance carriers for large dog owners.

Music: Dr. Gary's theme - "Coisa No. 1 - Moacir Santos

Flying The "Pet-Friendly" Skies

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:32:30 +0000

Holiday flying may be a lot easier thanks to the only airline that is exclusively for pets. Aly Tognotti of Pet Airways describes this novel approach to flying the “pet friendly” skies.
Music: “Come Fly with Me” by Michael Buble