The Animal House | WAMU 88.5

My Pet Is Active, But Is Agility Training A Good Thing?

Sat, 25 May 2013 17:19:00 +0000

A Virginia woman wants to know if agility training is available for cats. A San Diego man wants to know more about the implications of feral cat populations in his city.
Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “The Swan” by Claude Debussy

FIP: A Death Sentence For Felines

Sat, 25 May 2013 17:17:20 +0000

FIP: three letters with fatal implications for cats that contract the incurable virus (pictured). Why? We asked the world’s foremost authority on FIP, Dr. Niels Pedersen, director of the veterinary genetics laboratory and center for companion animal health at the University of California at Davis. We also asked shelter pet expert Dr. Ruth MacPete of Pet Health Network to compile a checklist of tests to perform to before you bring a new pet home.

Are There Ways To Intellectually Stimulate My Turtle?

Sat, 25 May 2013 17:15:19 +0000

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society guides a woman from the “Terrapin” state of Maryland through the processes of creating a more engaging environment for her turtle. In Virginia, the companion of a finicky poodle needs help with meal time. We also feature BirdNote, our weekly review of avian species Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy

Nature Wars

Sat, 25 May 2013 17:12:04 +0000

Fatal auto accidents involving wildlife and humans happen thousands of times a day. Tens of thousands of fish and marine mammals die every year in areas of public recreation. Are we in the midst of a cohabitation crisis? Acclaimed journalist Jim Sterba relays a slightly less than apocalyptic view of the colliding interests of humans and wildlife, which is also the thesis of his new book, "Nature Wars: The Incredible Story of How Wildlife Comebacks Have Turned Backyards Into Battlegrounds." We also speak with John Gary of Oklahoma City Animal Welfare about the efforts to care for pets and wildlife in the aftermath of the devastating tornado that hit his state.

Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James; “Slipstream” – Bela Fleck

Why Is My Parakeet So Unfriendly?

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:54:23 +0000

Dr. Gary Weitzman speaks with a Maryland woman who wants to make her parakeet more “sociable." In Washington, D.C., a woman is looking for ways to change her two cats’ aggressive behavior toward strangers. A Tennessee man has a cat that was diagnosed with feline leukemia and he wants advice.

Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “Glory Days” (from “Racing Stripes” original soundtrack) by Mark Isham

Putting A Public Face On The Private Life Of Wolves

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:51:57 +0000

Jim and Jamie Dutcher are National Geographic explorers, award-winning filmmakers, authors and the first family of wolf conservation. For two decades, the study of wolves has been their life’s work. Between 1990 and 1996, the Dutchers did what many considered impossible -- actually living with a pack of wolves in Idaho’s Sawtooth Wilderness. Sam Litzinger speaks to the Dutchers about their personal experiences with the often misunderstood canine species. After that, it’s The Loh Down on Science with Sandra Loh.

Is It Ok To Leave My Dogs Outside?

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:56:24 +0000

A San Diego woman is having difficulty keeping her dogs indoors and seeks the advice of Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society. A Florida man needs help with his poodle’s peculiar lack of discipline. In Chicago, a 2-year-old Corgi injures a leg, and its caretaker wants to know if surgery is an option. We also feature BirdNote, our weekly review of avian species.

Horse Controversy Reaches Halls Of Congress

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:58:51 +0000

The effort to ban horse slaughter in the U.S. gained new momentum recently when four powerful members of Congress introduced a bill known as the SAFE act in a Capitol Hill press conference. We were there to speak with several influential figures in the animal welfare community who were also in attendance. Sam Litzinger speaks with Dr. Rindy Anderson of Duke University about how and why she and a team researchers created a new, robotic avian species affectionately called "Robosparrow."

Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James

Are Colonoscopies Performed On Cats?

Sun, 12 May 2013 15:54:47 +0000

A cat and its colon health is the primary concern of a Maryland woman, and Dr. Gary Weitzman enlists the input of author and veterinary critical care specialist Dr. Justine Lee in an attempt to offer the best advice. A San Diego man wants to know more about the possibility of chiropractic treatments for his Chihuahua. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; ““Mother Nature’s Son” by Enzo Pietropaoli

Isabella Rossellini’s Animal Mammas

Sun, 12 May 2013 16:41:43 +0000

Actress, author and filmmaker Isabella Rossellini unveils her new series of short films about motherhood in the animal kingdom, "Mammas," which airs on the Sundance Channel. See excerpts from the series. We travel to New Orleans for a chat with Ken Foster, founder of renowned pit bull rescue organization The Sula Foundation. Ken recently published a book about his affection for and commitment to the loyal and loving but often unappreciated breed, called "I’m A Good Dog."

Music: “Home” by Pat Metheny; “Your Mother Should Know” by The Beatles

Does My Cat Have Acne?

Sun, 12 May 2013 15:52:58 +0000

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society encounters a woman seeking to diagnose the cause of bumps resembling "zits" on her cat’s chin. An elderly Dalmatian in Virginia has started pacing inexplicably and its caretaker is seeking advice. A Maryland woman wants to curb her Lhasa Apso’s curious appetite for stuffed animals and underwear. We also feature BirdNote, a weekly review of avian species.

Stinging Asian Ant Species Invades North America

Sun, 12 May 2013 15:49:04 +0000

For years, the Argentine ant has been known as the most aggressive and widespread invasive ant species in the United States. But researchers at North Carolina State University have confirmed that the insect is challenged by a new and more ambitious rival for territory in urban areas, the Asian Needle Ant, a species that is harmful to people. Entomologist Eleanor Spicer Rice is primarily responsible for this stinging revelation, and she shares her findings with us. Sam Litzinger also speaks with author Amy Stewart about her book "Wicked Bugs: The Louse That Conquered Napoleon’s Army & Other Diabolical Insects."

A Dog That's Afraid Of The Dark?

Sun, 05 May 2013 12:10:31 +0000

Dr. Gary Weitzman counsels a Washington, D.C., woman who is concerned about her dog’s severe, nighttime anxiety. A Tennessee woman seeks relief for her 11-year-old Westie, who is suffering from unusual stomach problems. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “I Am the Walrus” by The Beatles and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

The End Of A Love Affair

Sun, 05 May 2013 12:13:30 +0000

Smooshi is a 900-pound female walrus that resides at Marineland Niagara Falls, Canada. In 2004, she and trainer Phil Demers became celebrities after developing an unusually close attachment. Last year Demers quit his job at Marineland after complaining about poor treatment of animals at the facility. Marineland fired back with a $1.5 million lawsuit against the trainer, accusing him of plotting to “kidnap” the marine mammal. Sam Litzinger speaks to Demers, who gives his side of this love story gone bad.

Finding A New Home For Beloved Pet

Sun, 05 May 2013 12:15:20 +0000

A Maryland woman has a Staffordshire terrier (pictured) she can’t keep. Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society connects her with Maureen Sosa of the Washington Animal Rescue League, who offers to help find the canine a new home. The human companion of an 11-year-old cat wants to know if the pet is too old for its first vaccination. A Labrador Retriever’s caretaker thinks the dog has strabismus -- a.k.a. crossed eyes -- and seeks confirmation. We also feature BirdNote, a weekly review of avian species. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy

Frightening News About Animals And Air Travel & Favorable Discoveries About Your Dog’s IQ

Sun, 05 May 2013 12:08:00 +0000

A recent investigation by NBC News revealed a disturbing trend: since 2007, more than 300 pets have died while travelling on commercial airlines. NBC Bay Area Investigative Unit reporter Elyce Kirchner spent six months on the story and she shares her findings with us. We also have information about a new website which promises to make you smarter about your dog’s intelligence. Dognition is the brainchild of Dr. Brian Hare, a Duke University professor and director of the Duke Canine Cognition Center. He speaks to us about his work and his new book, "The Genius of Dogs."

Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James

'My Cat Can’t Keep Its Meals And My Vet Doesn't Have A Clue'

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:59:32 +0000

Dr. Gary Weitzman offers counsel to a Maryland woman whose cat is regurgitating its food. Reports of dog bites are rising and a woman in San Diego, Calif., wants to know more about the statistics and ways to avoid incident.

Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “Wild Horses” – Norah Jones and Tim Ries

An Insect’s Command Performance, 17 Years In The Making

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:51:34 +0000

John Lill, associate professor of biology at George Washington University shares his considerable knowledge of the singing insect species known as Magicicada, in anticipation of their arrival this spring after 17 years underground. Cori Menkin of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or ASPCA, talks about the organization’s campaign to expose the mistreatment of animals in large-scale commercial dog breeding operations known as puppy mills.

Music: “La Cigarra (The Cicada)” by Linda Ronstadt

Guinea Pig Fever

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:39:04 +0000

A Virginia woman’s guinea pig has developed an unusual condition and Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society offers advice. In Washington, D.C., a rescued pit bull is showing signs of separation anxiety and its caretaker wants to know if drug therapy is the right course of action.

Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy

Pigs And Ponies In The Wild

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:29:45 +0000

Although species decline and habitat loss is widespread throughout the animal kingdom, the feral pig is in the midst of a dramatic population increase and territory expansion. Once considered a regional phenomenon, the destructive mammal is becoming commonplace across much of the nation, leaving billions of dollars of damage in its wake. There are an estimated 5 million wild hogs in the United States, and more than half of them can be found in Texas, where Dr. Billy Higginbotham, a wildlife specialist at Texas A&M University is a key figure among scientists working to control the animal in the state. Higginbotham tells us about this herculean effort. Meanwhile, wild ponies have become a popular attraction at a state park in southwest Virginia and we find out why from Beverley Amsler of Radio IQ.

How To Stop A Feline’s Post-Op Over Grooming

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 16:09:30 +0000

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society devises a plan to curb a cat’s compulsive over grooming of an area that has recently undergone surgery. The companion of a Labrador Retriever in the nation’s capital is worried about the canine’s persistent limp. A 6-year-old Lhasa Apso in Georgia has an aversion to using a “litter pad” and the dog’s caretaker seeks an alternative. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; Igor Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite” by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Mexico’s Bat Man & Arizona's Cat Man

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 16:06:50 +0000

Ari Daniel Shapiro of NOVA and PRI’s The World travels to Mexico to profile a biologist in who is trying to convince his countrymen to protect bats. He is training a new generation of researchers to look after the animals. Arizona based filmmaker Justin Willis talks about his short movie, "Catnip," a prize winner at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

A Doberman Delivers Unwanted Affection

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 15:41:38 +0000

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society helps a concerned Washington, D.C., mom whose Doberman Pinscher has taken a liking to licking her newborn son. Then, a Virginia man seeks a way to stop a neighbor’s cat from relieving itself on his front lawn.

Bedbugs Beware

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 15:31:57 +0000

Researchers at University of California, Irvine may have uncovered a new method for controlling the dreaded insect, inspired by a successful remedy used in Europe centuries ago. Catherine Loudon is leading the team responsible for this breakthrough and she shares the details. Actress, model and animal advocate Beth Stern gives a preview of her new TV program "Spoiled Rotten Pets," which airs on the NatGeo Wild cable network.

Cat Destruction And A Dog That's Afraid Of Men

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 17:38:46 +0000

In Washington, D.C., a newly-adopted dog from Iran is exhibiting an uncomfortable lack of affection for men and Dr. Gary Weitzman offers the canine's companion useful advice. A New York woman is considering the “unthinkable” – declawing her cat – in the wake of serious damage to the contents of her home.

Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “Bee School” by Mark Isham

Changing The World By Connecting With Wildlife

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 17:31:10 +0000

Journey North is a novel approach to “citizen science." It involves nearly 1 million students and educators in a continental effort to track the seasonal migratory patterns of North American wildlife. Program founder and director Elizabeth Howard relays the inspiring details. Click here for a selection of migration maps. WAMU 88.5 producer Michael Martinez traveled to Maryland’s Eastern Shore to learn more about the Harris Creek Habitat Restoration Project, the largest effort of its kind on the East Coast, with the goal of putting tens of millions of oysters back into Chesapeake Bay over the next decade.

Music: “The Green Hour” by Bob James

Converting An Outdoor Pet To Life Indoors

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 17:05:31 +0000

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society encounters a Missouri woman who is acclimating a Border Collie to living in her home -- with messy results. A woman from San Diego has noticed a unique interaction between two pets and she wants to be certain that it’s harmless. We also feature BirdNote, the weekly exploration of avian species.

Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy

Honeybee Catastrophe

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 16:51:34 +0000

When you eat a vegetable or piece of fruit, chances are there is a honeybee to thank for the opportunity. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 25 percent of our diet is the result of pollination by the insect. The recent discovery of a rapid and widespread decline of America’s honeybee populations has scientists and beekeepers mystified and very concerned. We get a sense of the severity from Bret Adee, co-owner of Adee Honey Farms, the nation’s largest honey farm, and from Jeff Pettis, head of the USDA’s bee research lab.

Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James; “Flight of the Bumblebee” by Wynton Marsalis and Eastman Wind Ensemble

Deciding When It's Time To Say Goodbye To A Beloved Pet

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:32:42 +0000

Dr. Gary Weitzman speaks to a conflicted man who is not sure what to do about his 12-year-old Springer Spaniel, who seems to be near the end of life. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “Glory Days” by Mark Isham

The Children Of Dr. Dolittle

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 17:22:27 +0000

John Dolittle was a fictional character with a slightly unbelievable ability to talk with animals in Hugh Lofting’s series of children’s books of the 1920s. In 2013, scientists are discovering real world evidence of sophisticated communication and even language among a vast array of wildlife species, which greatly expands the possibilities of actual human to non-human discourse. We have a conversation with an assistant professor at Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Daniel Wesson, who recently discovered that rodents talk to each other via sniffing. Also, Dr.