The Petcast

Steve Friess on KNPR on 8/22/11 discussing the mass layoffs at the R-J on 8/18/11.

What is the only Nevada lake to empty into the sea? Know it? E-mail TheStripPodcast [at] aol.com or call 702-997-3300 by June 29.  If we draw your correct answer, you pick from the prize list at TheStripPodcast.Com.Twitter: @TheStripPodcastBlog: VegasHappensHere.ComVoicemail: 702-997-3300Open & Banter: Start to 24ishKen Ehrlich Part I: 24-58ishTrivia/Poll/Letters: 59-59ishKen Ehrlich Part II: 1:00-1:25ishTSTToTW: 1:25-endThis week on The Strip: It was by far the most hyped – and to our minds the best – new show to hit the Vegas Strip this year. Celine Dion has returned to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in a self-titled production that is radically different and vastly better than “…A New Day,” her groundbreaking first run in the vaunted showroom. Legendary TV producer Ken Ehrlich directed “Celine,” so we spoke to him at length about the intriguing decisions he, the singer and her husband made. Why didn’t they include the closing-number special effects when they opened in March? Was it weird to rehearse Celine’s duet with herself? What’s the story behind that French song that makes her cry every night? Why wasn’t the songstress at the United Center when Ehrlich produced two star-studded final-week shows for Oprah Winfrey last month? In Banter: Anniversaries! Wynn Politics! TV Show Tapings! Maloofs! Monorail Bashing! and more.

Every day when I walk Black, Jack and Aces, this bird comes out of the tree next door and swoops down to frighten my dogs. Birdy Bin Laden never actually pecks the dogs, but he does follow us for about a block on our walks. I have no idea why. They have nothing to do with American foreign policy regarding Israel. Heck, they're (I think legal) Mexicans. They're innocent. Visit the podcasts TheStripPodcast.Com or ThePetcast.com or read the blog VegasHappensHere.Com.

Web: ThePetcast.ComEmail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300After all these years of considering it, Steve adds a new member of his family. Hear the exciting story of how he and Miles came to rescue this 8-pound Chihuahua they've named Aces. The original Petcaster, Emily, joins Steve for this discussion, which includes some questions and answers and plenty of discussion of how Black and Jack, the original Smith-Friesses, are faring.Plus, Emily suggested we get Aces a Puppia harness and Steve reminds listeners to buy "Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat" by Hal Herzog in advance of the next interview with Herzog coming in January.

Web: ThePetcast.ComEmail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300No. 282: The Author of 2010’s Most Fascinating Book On PetsThe way we navigate our relationships with our pets and other animals has fascinated researchers for centuries. Why is one species a member of our family and another our dinner? Western Carolina University psychology professor Hal Herzog sought to answer these age-old questions in an absolutely brilliant and extremely readable new book, “Some we Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat: Why It’s So Hard To Think Straight About Animals.”Plus, Steve’s life partner Miles makes his Petcast debut as the guest host and we get new insight into Steve’s pet home life. Also, should Michael Vick get a puppy and is it news that Barack Obama picks up after Bo?

Web: ThePetcast.ComEmail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300Very often, being pet-friendly doesn’t mean being eco-friendly. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Four years ago, Barbara Savidge and Gina Quiroga formed Olive Green Goods For Modern Dogs, a company devoted to creating natural and organic products for use by animals. They’ve got 10 products so far including cookies, blankets and poop bags made from natural materials. Barbara Savidge is on the line to talk about the company and various ways people can save the earth and be good to their pets.Plus, guest host Cindi Moon Reed discusses at length her amazing long-form cover piece for Vegas Seven magazine about Bobby Berosini, who became synonymous fairly or not with animal abuse in entertainment. The case also powered the national reputation of a relatively new animal-rights group called PETA.

Email: [email protected]: 702-997-3300Site: ThePetcast.Com A few weeks ago, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported that Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control was reopening its late-night dropoff for unwanted or lost pets. It had been closed for two months because of a disease outbreak, but we were trying to understand how the whole late-night dropoff thing worked to begin with. Joining us today to explain and discuss her line of work is Dianne Sauve, director of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control. Plus, thanks to Vegas Seven editor and writer Cindi Moon Reed for co-hosting.  Cindi talks about her experiences doing Doga, or dog Yoga, and the Petcasters chat about a case of an old woman whose dog was returned thanks to a micro chip. See iTunes or ThePetcast.Com for the re-issue of show No. 72, about doga!

Reissue from 4/2007 Yoga instructor Brenda Bryan of Bellevue, Washington, explains her doggie yoga class, created for the Seattle Humane Society to encourage people to do stuff with their animals. Plus, Emily tells all about her and Archie's eventful recent three-day dog agility trial competition. Later, Emily explains how she and Archie once one a -- get this! -- dog dancing contest!Email: [email protected]: 702-997-3300Site: ThePetcast.Com

Web: www.thepetcast.com E-mail: [email protected] Voicemail: 702-997-3300 [See links to stories discussed on this show via ThePetcast.Com] Earlier this month, Missouri voters narrowly approved Prop B, a measure that puts some significant new restrictions on dog breeders in a state that has long been a puppy mill capital of the United States. It wasn’t a landslide, but it did make it through and that’s largely because of years of work by attorney Barbara Schmitz, the Missouri director of the Humane Society of the United States. She served as campaign director for Prop B, but she also helped convince voters to bar cockfighting 12 years ago.  The cause even made it onto The Daily Show. Plus, the Petcasters mull the American who stole 299 stuffed birds from a London museum, a Reno, Nev., case of animal hoarding and a claim that bird-feeding is the second most popular hobby in America.

Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300Mary O’Connor-Shaver, a businesswoman from Lima, Ohio, has made it her mission to end the wholesale auctioning of dogs bred in puppy mills in her state. She joins Steve and guest host Amy Turner to discuss her efforts to get this matter more public attention and before the voters of the Buckeye State.The Petcasters discuss a new study explaining why it is that cats drink more neatly than dogs, Las Vegas Weekly piece about casino mogul Steve Wynn’s new vegan zealotry and Shanghai’s new one-dog policy.(See links to these stories via ThePetcast.Com)

Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300We take it for granted these days that dogs, cats, birds and other animals make wonderful pets. But how did it come to be that way? How did earlier humans figure out that these creatures could be loving and loyal, good company and partners in various activities? Anthropologist Barbara J. King explains in her latest book, Being With Animals: Why We Are Obsessed With the Furry, Scaly, Feathered Creatures Who Populate Our World.  King is chancellor professor of anthropology at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. King writes the Friday Animal Blog, too.Plus, the Petcasters chat about the Missouri ballot measure regarding breeding, India urges against owls as pets, Palm Beach County has a nighttime pet drop-off and farm owners worry about the decline in vets who work on large animals.

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON APRIL 30, 2009 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. Web: ThePetcast.com Email: [email protected]

It’s not something many pet owners think much about, but if their animal ever needs surgery, they’re going to need blood transfusions. And where does that blood come from? Other pets. Dr. Beth Davidow, who oversees the Animal Critical Care Emergency Services Blood Bank in Seattle, explains how an animal blood bank works.Plus, it was National Pit Bull Awareness Day, guest host Jen Prosser is scared of spiders, Reno is home to the world’s longest cat and Missouri voters may change the law regarding dog breeders.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300

The loss of a pet can, of course, be a very traumatic experience. In 1989, the college of veterinary medicine at the University of California at Davis came up with a novel idea to help people cope, a pet-loss hotline. Cornell University’s vet school copied that model, and we have two guests here to discuss how it works, Dr. Margaret McEntee, the faculty adviser, and fourth-year vet student Ingrid Rhinehart.Plus, as it happens, guest host Jennifer Prosser and her husband lost their 19-year-old cat since our last recording.http://www.vet.cornell.edu/org/petloss/Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300

Five years ago, Americans watched with heartache and horror as thousands of companion animals were abandoned in a drowning city. Karen O'Toole was moved to do more. In her beautifully moving account, Orphans of Katrina: Inside The World’s Biggest Animal Rescue, O'Toole recounts her experiences of rescue and frustration, disillusionment and redemption in the Gulf regionPlus, Emily – remember her? – calls in to provide the update on Archie’s  recent health dramas. Amid all that, there’s a new Consumer Reports study about pet insurance. Our guest host for this episode is Jen Prosser.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300

More and more these days, pet owners are trying to figure out how to keep things natural for their pets. Scares related to tainted pet food and toys have prompted many to see out more holistic products and ideas, and that’s where our guest comes in. Stacey Turis is the co-owner of a website called PawsforPeace.Com, which provides advise and ideas for folks looking for holistic health information for their animals. They’ve also recently come out with an iPhone app Plus, guest host Jen Prosser talks all about her turtles and cat life. Desert night lizards have mates and families.   Web: www.thepetcast.com E-mail: [email protected] Voicemail: 702-997-3300  

Website: www.thepetcast.com Email: [email protected] Voicemail for pet questions, comments: 702-997-3300   Dr. Nicholas Dodman writes pet-related columns for the AKC Family Dog, Life Magazine and Martha Stewart’s Body and Soul and has written seven books including “The Dog Who Cried Too Much” and “The Cat Who Cried For Help.” His latest book, “Good Old Dog,” comes out in November, and it deals with the important issues that face people as their dogs grow old. In this interview, Dodman tells the Petcasters about new medicine and    Plus, guest host Amy Turner and Steve banter about the annual pet blessings around St. Francis of Assisi Day and, in Boston, the fire trucks now have oxygen masks for imperiled pets. Also, the U.S. Navy is bombing Guam with frozen mice stuffed with Tylenol to poison brown tree snakes. Really.  

Web: ThePetcast.com E-mail: [email protected] Twitter: @ThePetcast   REISSUE FROM DEC. 2008; DR. DODMAN WILL APPEAR ON SHOW NO. 272, WHICH WILL BE ISSUED ON MONDAY, OCT. 11.   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.

Animal welfare organizations are financially stressed enough, and every little bit helps. That’s where organizations like Linens for Animals steps in. Since 2006, Lori Birdsong and her husband have been collecting and donating more than 2 million pounds in blankets and other linens to shelters, rescue organizations and pet owners who have adopted abandoned animals. It’s another innovative way to help out.Plus, guest host Amy updates us on her pet life – including teaching Lola tricks that you can see on YouTube. Also, convicted animal killer Michael Vick is back at the helm for the Eagles and President Obama’s new Chief of Staff is a crazy cat guy.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300

From Aug. 28-Sept. 1, Emily, Archie and Steve drove 2,100 miles from Nevada to Michigan to deliver Emily and Archie to Ann Arbor for a prestigious eight-month academic fellowship in journalism at the University of Michigan. It was a wonderful trip, full of cool sights and lots of interesting pet experiences. (We didn't even mention the dog park we found in Salt Lake City!) Archie had a traumatic health week prior to the trip, so there was much nervousness. It was all amazing. Hear us recap it en route to the airport as Steve returned to Las Vegas on Sept 1. Also, keep watch on Steve's blog, VegasHappensHere.Com, for links to the Flickr set of photos. Web: ThePetcast.Com Email: [email protected]

We read about animals taking up unusual hobbies all the time, but usually those activities don’t tug at the heartstrings quite like the special skill of Ricochet. Ricochet is a SURFice dog. Yes, we said SURFice, not service. Her owner, Judy Fridono, joins the Petcasters to explain. Fridono is the founder and executive director of puppy prodigies, a non profit organization that trains service dogs for people with disabilities. Plus, Amy talks birds and Steve raises a news item in which a dog chews off a man’s diseased toe while he was passed out drunk. Also, seven puppies died in a cargo hold from Tulsa to Chicago on American Airlines.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300

Co-host Emily Richmond begins a prestigious fellowship at the University of Michigan in early September, so this is her final episode in the Petcast studio until sometime next month. She vows to call in from time to time and both Petcasters will be recording and reporting from their road trip from Vegas to deliver Emily to Michigan, but in honor of this Steve corralled a quartet of special call-in guests to wish Emily well.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300

Each year, a half-million dogs and cats wind up in shelters when their owners die without making arrangements for their pets’ care. Attorney Chris Jones of Trusted Pet Partners joins the Petcasters to provide some steps you can take to make sure your animals is protected even when you’re no longer there to do it yourself. Plus, Emily winds down in Vegas and Emily gets bossy with American Airlines over boarding with Archie.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300

Several months ago, bartering was a hot topic in the news when a candidate for the U.S. Senate suggested it was a way to reduce health care costs. That suggestion actually helped sink her candidacy, but it is actually true that people barter for all sorts of services, including veterinary care. Joining the Petcasters to explain how bartering works in the 21st century and how pet owners can take advantage is Alan Zimmelman, executive vice president for the nation’s largest bartering exchange known as Itex Plus, more chatter about Emily’s big upcoming change! Web: www.thepetcast.com E-mail: [email protected] Voicemail: 702-997-3300

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 11.1287 0 0 0 Web: www.thepetcast.com E-mail: [email protected] Voicemail: 702-997-3300

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 competition who gave the money away. And Sherry V wrote in again to show us her cats and tell us about their unusual names. Emily found a Veterinary Pet Insurance’s unusual names report.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300

(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 there. And a listener has a female dog that likes to hump. Why?!? Web: www.thepetcast.com E-mail: [email protected] Voicemail: 702-997-3300

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 channel.Steve’s experience covering World Series of Poker leads him to a pet-related poker nickname for Emily and Emily celebrated Archie’s birthday by getting nervous about the 9-year-old’s middle age. She also checked on something recently in “Speaking For Spot,” the book by Dr. Nancy Kaye, guest on Petcast No.  201.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300

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 explain. Emily follows up on the AnimalOff product that Steve referenced on No. 257.5 that they sell on late night TV and Steve questions the claims in a new Purina commercial. Also, Emily ponders what sort of seatbelts to have for our big drive across at the end of August. Web: www.thepetcast.com E-mail: [email protected] Voicemail: 702-997-3300

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: www.thepetcast.com E-mail: [email protected] Voicemail: 702-997-3300

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 Petcast feed. Plus, Steve does not confront a guy who had left his dog in a van in 100+-degree weather at an Arby’s. And Emily cites her favorite book, “The Cat Who Came For Christmas,” in a discussion of why airlines only permit two pets in coach on airplanes.     Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300  

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 rabbits. (Originally posted 4/4/08)

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 hoarding called “Confessions: Animal Hoarding, Emily gets a tranquilizer for Archie for July 4 and occasional guest host John Katsilometes is still doing the vegan thing.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300

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 make travels with Archie better and a letter writer addresses Emily’s problems with the film 8 Below.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300

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.comthepetcast@yahoo.com702-997-3300www.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 the serial deaths of pet bunnies at the hands of a family dog.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300

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 getting to keep Archie cool, calm and collected.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300

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 claim that greyhounds are the only dog referenced in the Bible and discuss an Iranian fatwa versus dogs. Also, Emily still doesn’t get snakes as pets.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300

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?Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300

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" and is co-founder and vice president for Georgia Legal Professions For Animals, an association of professionals who facilitate the education of state prosecutors, judges and law enforcement on veterinary forensics. The Hoarding Consortium, which Dr. Merck discusses, is here. Plus, guest host John Katsilometes relates childhood memories of his father's vet practice in southeastern Idaho, including an emergency call to save an owl. Normal 0 0 1 24 137 1 1 168 11.1287 0 0 0 <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Times New Roman"; panose-1:0 2 2 6 3 5 4 5 2 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Verdana; panose-1:0 2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-parent:""; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> Web: www.thepetcast.com E-mail: [email protected] Voicemail: 702-997-3300

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 announces his plan to go vegan this summer for a blog series and Emily discusses Archie’s recent weight loss. Also, there’s a guy near Emily and John’s office who scares people with a lizard. Web: www.thepetcast.com E-mail: [email protected] Voicemail: 702-997-3300

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 heat. Plus, Steve learned the difference between dog and cat food and Emily tells of a sparrow hawk with a nest outside her house that has been grabbing hair chunks from a neighbor’s dog’s mane. And the Petcasters continue to ponder the prospects of their Great American Road Trip.Site: ThePetcast.ComEmail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300Twitter: @ThePetcast  

Normal 0 0 1 85 489 4 1 600 11.1287 0 0 0 <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Times New Roman"; panose-1:0 2 2 6 3 5 4 5 2 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-parent:""; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} span.storysidebarfont {mso-style-name:story_sidebar_font;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> 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 at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.   Plus, a funny (to Steve) comic reminded Steve of our odd wallaby episode, but that has Emily remembering the interview with the guy who makes music via bunny noises.   Site: ThePetcast.Com Email: [email protected] Voicemail: 702-997-3300 Twitter: @ThePetcast

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 the importance of the dog in the last frame of Lost and whether it was the same dog. Also, Emily saw the film 8 Below and Steve noticed something about HBO’s Real Sports report on an Iditarod champ. Site: ThePetcast.Com Email: [email protected] Voicemail: 702-997-3300 Twitter: @ThePetcast

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. <span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language: EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US">Plus, Steve mocks some of the odd and silly things he read in a recent issue of Dog Fancy.​Site: ThePetcast.ComEmail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300Twitter: @ThePetcast

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: ThePetcast.ComEmail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300Twitter: @ThePetcast

Normal 0 0 1 83 475 3 1 583 11.1287 0 0 0 <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Times New Roman"; panose-1:0 2 2 6 3 5 4 5 2 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Lucida Grande"; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-parent:""; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> 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: ThePetcast.Com Email: [email protected] Voicemail: 702-997-3300 Twitter: @ThePetcast ​​

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 consider herself her pets’ owners. Site: ThePetcast.ComEmail: [email protected] Voicemail: 702-997-3300 Twitter: @ThePetcast

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 Las Vegas, describes her extensive pet family -- turtles, cats and fish, oh my! -- in her first episode substituting for Steve. And after several tries with Steve and Dayvid, Emily finally finds a sympathetic ear with Jen on her on-going complaint about JetBlue’s pet policy.  <span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Grande"; color:black">Site: ThePetcast.Com <span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Grande"; color:black">Email: [email protected] <span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Grande"; color:black">Voicemail: 702-997-3300 <span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Grande"; color:black">Twitter: @ThePetcast

It’s always difficult when a pet dies, but being prepared can make the grieving process more bearable, especially for the younger members of the family. Today’s guest, author Bill Cochran, has written a wonderful children’s book, “The Forever Dog,” on that tough topic, to help kids understand that happy memories and beloved pets are always with us. In Banter, Emily and guest host Dayvid Figler discuss some great viral pet-related videos (i.e. dog-hates-birthday-song and standing-cat) and Emily told all about a dancing-with-your-dog story that is not to be missed. Also, Emily has some, uh, thoughts about English bulldogs. Eek.  Web: ThePetcast.Com Phone: 702-997-3300 E-mail: [email protected] Twitter: @ThePetcast