KSCO Pet Radio: Recent Episodes
David Coursey and Laura Pakis
KSCO Pet Radio's mission is to improve the lives of animals and the people who care about them. We support companion animals, but also work to end the abuse and suffering of all members of the animal kingdom. We promote and honor the human-animal bond in its many forms and recognize that animals have feelings, preferences, and emotions that humans should respect. We believe all animals should be cherished. Streaming live Sundays 12-2 PM PT at ksco.com.
What Cindie provides involves communication with animals and therapeutic modalities we may not fully understand. Yet, if you feel a deep connection with animals, none of it seems too far-fetched.
Pets fireworks fear can be magnified by their humans' reaction to the fireworks. Thus, our over-the-top concern for frightened dogs and cats can actually frighten them even more on top of the explosives themselves.
Chip bags and other food packaging pose serious risks to our dogs and cats. Too many animals, especially dogs, have died from suffocating in chip bags, cereal boxes, snack bags, treat bag liners, and cat/dog food bags.
Anticoagulant rodenticides, specifically, brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, difenacoum, diphacinone and chlorophacinone, pose a serious threat to wildlife and ecosystems.
I want you to be able to tell people that you heard Abby's owner describe this poor animal's horrible, frightening death. Maybe if we tell people that we know the person and dog this happened to, we can convince people to take the needs of animals seriously.
The podcast is a mere 11-minutes long and the ideas are good anytime you want or need to take your animal to the office, regardless of the occasion. Some of the preparations might best be made well in advance.
Sabrina Ashjian, California State Director of the Humane Society of the United States, was on the June 21, 2020, KSCO Pet Radio program to talk about AB 2152, the anti-puppy mills legislation now before the California Senate.
PODCAST: Most immediately useful is her testing of easy dog treat recipes for the Insider. Plus, she investigated a breed of Southern scent-hound called the Cur.
UnChained teaches at-risk youth how to train homeless dogs in basic skills, manners, and socialization, helping the dogs be adopted into permanent homes. The young people gain unconditional love and acceptance.
Nancy is a great guest and if animal welfare matters to you -- if not, why are you here? -- please listen to both AWI podcasts.
PODCAST -- CEO Brandine Strand sold me on the concept of raw feeding -- I had many questions and concerns before our chat. I have also researched the company, and Brandine answered questions thoroughly and completely.
Mutual Rescue is a national initiative that highlights the connection between people and pets in order to inspire and support life-saving efforts in communities across the nation and world.
PODCAST -- Melanie, who is the SNIP Bus founder, updated us on its work in Monterey County on our 5/17/20 program. The good news is the work continues.
PODCAST -- HSUS their annual "Horrible Hundred" report on puppy mills. USDA released proposed changes to the Animal Welfare Act. And HSUS released an 11-point plan to prevent future animal-related pandemics.
Dawn Wolfe is a talent agent for animals and a "wrangler" for Pawsitively Famous, a company that helps place the animals you see into movies and television.
PODCAST: Talking about "Me Too" dogs that, like most people, at least initially don't like random touching without a proper introduction.
PODCAST -- I spoke with Meredith, who is a very fine writer, about the DAWGS book, her other projects, but also about the business and economics of writing about animals in the internet era.
I have had excellent results using the classic and hemp RestoraPet formulations, each used once-a-day. The classic is primarily an antioxidant and the hemp is anti-inflammatory.
PODCAST -- Taking your pets to visit their veterinarian during shelter-in-place can be a troublesome and perplexing event -- even for an experienced vet tech!
PODCAST (21:25) -- Dr. Kelly Diehl of Morris Animal Foundation explains how research into Feline Infectious Perontinitis may lead to a COVID-19 vaccine for humans. (But there's more about cat cancer, too)
We talk about feline behavioral issues while we are all staying home. Why you should not use a laser pointer as a cat toy. Demystified the danger cats pose to pregnant women.
On this podcast, vet tech and blogger Christy Caplan discusses important home grooming tasks that your dog requires, COVID or not. They are trimming toenails and ear cleaning, both of which she describes in detail.
PODCAST (19:57) -- On our 3/19/2020 program, Laura discussed avoiding infections and COVID-19 with Technical Veterinary Advisor with Ogena Solutions', Dr. Lucas Pantaleon.
PODCAST (21:34) -- "When the time comes" is something most pet owners should spend more time thinking about. On the 4/5/20 program, we discussed home euthanasia with a local vet for whom caring for hospice pets has become a specialty.
PODCAST (20:27) -- Author Marc Benevenga is often asked whether his Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, named Arya, is well, a wolf or a dog?
PODCAST (8:19) -- Resources for pet owners during COVID-19 with Sabrina Ashjian of HSUS California.
PODCAST (25:57) -- Dr. Jim Ha's book, Dog Behavior: Modern Science and Our Canine Companions is a bit of a mind-bender, bringing hard science against what we think we know about our canine friends.
PODCAST (14:09) -- PAHS has a number of interesting, well-proven, and repeatable programs that can be adopted by other animal advocacy and welfare groups and even individuals.
PODCAST (22:07) -- Amanda Wight is Wildlife Protection Manager at the Humane Society of the United States. This was a return visit as her first appearance -- on a terribly windy Sunday -- was repeatedly interrupted by weather and traffic updates.
She discussed trophy hunting, wolves, bobcats, subsistence hunting, rattlesnake round-ups, and so on, and the HSUS position on hunting more generally.
I apologize to Amanda for being so ADD during our chat (on 3/29/20). She is great but there are so many topics that this was not my best interview.
Amanda was very patient, however, and did great. She's a hero and this is the kind of issue that separates HSUS from dog-and-cat-only humane groups. You need to hear these topics and support humane care for all animals.
PODCAST (11:26) -- If your cat suddenly loses control of its hind legs and is in severe pain, get her to the vet immediately. It's probably Feline Aortic Thromboembolism.
PODCAST (19:46) -- The first-time seizure in a dog or cat is a true medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Why? Because seizures originate either inside the brain or someplace else in the body. Neither Is good and both can kill your pet.
PODCAST (23:52) -- SNIP Bus founder says low-cost spay/neuter continues despite COVID-19.
PODCAST (21:15) -- ODIE Pet Insurance is a small, family-run business that offers a variety of pet insurance products. I had a nice chat with Miles Thorson, managing partner of the firm, on the 3/15/20 edition of Pet Radio.
Our discussion was low-hype and I learned about pet insurance from the buyer and seller points of view. Pet insurance is becoming increasingly common and even necessary as the level (and expense) of care available to our pets continues to increase.
If you are even vaguely considering pet insurance -- and especially if it's not yet on your radar -- this is a good place to start.
PODCAST (22:51) -- We can all make a difference. Elementary-school teacher Diane Trull’s life-defining moment happened when her fourth-grade reading class saw a photo of a cardboard box overflowing with homeless puppies.
Trull was no stranger to rescuing abandoned animals. She and her husband Mark had made it their mission to find permanent homes for stray dogs and cats.
Now her young students were determined to save these lost pups and others like them. And at that moment, the Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary—known as DAWGS—was born.
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This podcast interview with Trull was taken from our 3/15/20 program.
How Trull and her fourth-graders started their own animal shelter is a story of dedication, commitment, and perseverance. In this eye-opening, deeply personal book, Trull describes the challenges they faced, from rescuing and caring for the animals to teaching children about compassion and responsibility, to facing local authorities determined to shut them down.
She shares inspiring stories about animals and animal lovers of all ages in this moving story of hope and compassion. DAWGS is a testament to how love and a strong measure of determination can offer second chances—one animal, one child, and one day at a time.
Reviews:
"Inspiring and passionate, this heart-stopping story tells how a teacher and her fourth-grade students became a force for good—one dog at a time. Every town needs a hero like Diane Trull and a sanctuary like DAWGS. This book is a reminder that, regardless of age, we all have the power to enhance the lives of animals and make the world a better place. Diane Trull and her class of nine-year-olds put the humane back in humanity."— Helen Brown, New York Times bestselling author of CLEO, BONO, and JONAH
"To read DAWGS is to have witnessed all that is best in humanity and much of what is pretty awful. From its inception, this rescue organization pitted children and their desire to save the city’s homeless dogs against the questionable ethics of a cynical and hidebound adult society that viewed these animals as so much trash. The children prevailed. Thousands of dogs were rescued. It is a testament to the courage of their teacher, Diane Trull, and her extraordinary family that, despite unbelievable challenges and outright hostility, she and her students persevered, and continue to do so. Read this story with tissues near at hand. Read this story and know that there is yet hope in hopeless places."— Susan Wilson, New York Times bestselling author of One Good Dog
"I loved DAWGS! Shining from every page is the kindness of Diane Trull and the dedication of her fourth-grade students. If only the whole world could be like those remarkable people. They will inspire you and warm your hearts."— Kristen von Kreisler, bestselling author of A Healing Justice
"Get ready to feel a lot. When you realize DAWGS is the only animal sanctuary in America that has been started and run by elementary school children, because they understood that the animals needed their help, it's pretty astonishing. The generous love Diane Trull, her husband Mark, and the children and staff at DAWGS have for these animals is so moving—and they do it out of pure love. Dogs needed to be saved and these special people took it upon themselves to do it. This book is so inspiring all along the way."— Bernadette Peters, actress and animal lover
PODCAST (25:37) -- Jamie Whittaker anwers our questions on the overpopulation of birds. She discusses the roles that everyone plays in the world of aviculture. Breeders, Bird stores, Pet owners, Rescues, Sanctuaries, Avian veterinarians, Behaviorists… Key consideration: Many birds will outlive their owners. We also discuss conservation of macaws and other exotic species. This is an interesting podcast from the 3/8/20 edition of KSCO Pet Radio.
PODCAST (36:20) - Dr. Martin Goldstein: The new documentary film, The Dog Doc, discusses alternatives for those pets whose vets have given up on them.
Calmer Canine restores lasting calm to your anxious dog. It utilizes a specifically tuned micro-current signal, targeted at the anxiety-center in your dog’s brain.
Sabrina Ashjian, California State Director for the Humane Society of the United States shares CA legislative priorities for 2020.
Animal Cruelty: Fear about what happens to family pets can be an important reason abused spouses don't leave their abusers.
PODCAST (19:51) -- Steven Feldman was a great guest on the 2/23/20 program talking about pets and human loneliness. The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) has done great work promoting the value pets bring to our lives.
The good news is pets and their owners have little to fear so far from the novel coronavirus COVID-19, says Dr. Kelly Diehl of Morris Animal Foundation.
I hope we made a new friend today, because Patti Strand, president of the National Animal Interest Alliance, was certainly educational and well-spoken on a wide range of companion animal and shelter issues.
A quick discussion and comparison of the Fi Smart Dog Collar and the Whistler GO Rover collar.
Dr. Alice Villalobos Veterinary oncologist Dr. Alice Villalobos has prepared two pet Quality of Life Scales (below) to give pet parents and professionals an objective way to assess the effects of cancer, aging, and other diseases upon an animal's life. This information can be used in making euthanasia decisions in the animal's best interest. During this podcast, she talks through the canine scale and mentions particular feline issues from that scale. This podcast is from February 9, 2020. Here previous podcast about cancer warning signs is posted here.
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Sharon Lohman, founder and president of New Beginnings for Merced County Animals has been in prison this week and couldn't be happier. Sharon recorded this podcast with us before her three-day visit this week to the Lancaster State Prison in support of the Paws for Life Prison Program, in which prisoners help train service dogs for PTSD veterans, firehouses, and some Canine Good Citizen public adoptions. (Please follow the link to a really interesting page). She has been involved in the widely acclaimed life-changing program -- for both people and dogs -- and New Beginnings supplies some of the dogs that become part of the program. This podcast will brighten your day!
Becky Robinson and Friend On this podcast, Becky Robinson, founder and president of Alley Cat Allies, talks about improving the status of feral or "community cats." She founded the organization 30 years ago and, during that time, is has become the leading cat advocacy organization. During the 27-minute interview, we discuss a variety of subjects including:
Trap-Neuter-Return programs for felines Shelters becoming more "pro-cat" Issues surrounding "orphan" kittens How to guestimate the ages of kittens How to properly bottle-feed kittens Why not to grab every kitten you find without its mom How to help cats in your community -- it only takes one or two advocates to make a difference Where to turn for help
This was an interesting interview and we are already working to schedule Ms. Robinson in the near future.
PODCAST -- The best thing you can do for your canine today -- after the obvious "feed" and "protect" and "let out to potty" -- is walk your dog. I bet that most owners, including myself, who should be walking their canines are not. I'm fortunate because my lovely wife, Elionora, enjoys taking the dogs for a 1-to-3-mile stroll around the neighborhood most evenings. She especially enjoys how soundly the dogs sleep after their walks. Dogs need exercise and it is absolutely true that "a tired dog is a happy dog." And walking is as good for people as it is for canines. But not everyone who would like to walk their dog has enough time or the inclination to do so. Into that void -- and representing the "dogs are family" type of owners -- come professional dogwalkers. For $25-a-hour (plus/minus) they will make your pup happy while building their own aerobic endurance. You can even hire a runner for your dog, as well as dogsitting, and other services. KSCO's Josh Stephens is one such pro dogwalker. He works for Wag (an online dogwalking reservation service) and is also the technical director for our weekly program. Because of his canine experience, Josh is the newest regular cast member of KSCO Pet Radio. Laura and I invited him on this week to talk about what a dogwalking pro knows that many owners do not. When the interview ended, we all realized how much we hadn't covered but promise to discuss during one or two future dogwalking segments. If you'd like to contact/hire Josh, and get a free discount coupon, please email him: josh@ksco.com.
Dr. Kelly Diehl, Morris Animal Foundation After a hot and sometimes fatal start 20 years ago, Canine Influenza (aka "Dog Flu") has been getting renewed attention lately. While a vaccine is now available, it can be confusing for owners to decide if their dog(s) need or would benefit from vaccination. The good news is canine influenza doesn't tend to be as serious/fatal as it was in the past. The bad news is owners find the "flu-like" symptoms their dogs suffer hard to specifically diagnose. Veterinary internest Dr. Kelly Diehl, senior director of science and communications at Morris Animal Foundation, and I recorded this podcast to explain pretty much everything owners need to know about canine influenza/dog flu -- in less than 20-minutes.
Rescue Express is a non-profit rescue tranport service that every two weeks hauls up to 400 homeless pets from Southern California and the Central Valley to rescues and shelters in the Pacific Northwest that have more adopters available than animals available for adoption. Donate to Rescue Express They also transport from Texas to Minnesota and plan to expand to the East Coast.
Continued emphasis on spaying/neutering pets and new emphasis on transport programs, such as Rescue Express, have the potential to turn the U.S. into a no-kill nation.
Since 2015, Rescue Express has saved more than 20,000 homeless pets. In 2018, the volunteer group transported 8,600 animals, mostly canines. Here's how the group describes itself:
"Rescue Express, a DBA of MGM Animal foundation, is a free- of-charge shelter animal transporter for over 300 shelters, rescue organization, and individuals. We operate every weekend, travelling from San Diego, CA to Burnlington, WA. We operate buses with 100 carriers aboard and a tractor trailer with a 300 carrier capacity. The animals are picked up from shelters between San Diego and Redding, CA. and are received by non-kill shelters and rescue groups between Eugene, OR and Burlington, WA." If you drive Interstate 5 on the weekend, you are almost certain to eventually see the Rescue Express tractor-trailer rig. They start in San Diego early Saturday and finish in Washington state early Sunday. Since its founding in 2015 by software entrepreneur Mike McCarthy, Rescue Express has faced challenges. Mostly money challenges. In this podcast, McCarthy says each transport run costs about $4,000. At one time, the group charged for transporting animals with the sending organizations paying. I would think the receivers -- who eventually charge adoption fees -- would be better able to pay. Donate to Rescue Express Sure spot in heaven: Rescue Express Founder Mike McCarthy I must be wrong, though, and Rescue Express now operates as a free service, counting on donations to cover their bills. That's tough sledding because infrastructure non-profits are generally invisible to the large donor community and miss out on badly-needed money. Continued emphasis on spay/neuter and new emphasis on transport programs, such as Rescue Express, have the potential to turn the U.S. into a no-kill nation. Transport is critical and Mike McCarthy's desire to do right by animals has saved thousands of lives and promises to save many thousands more. Please listen to the podcast and support Mike and Rescue Express. It is a very important project.
This is a classic example of several things done wrong, the end result of which may very likely be euthanasia for two senior dogs. They were not properly socialized and received no training. And then a new adopter got them. This is a podcast from the December 15, 2019 edition of KSCO Pet Radio. It covers a lot of ground and much of what we discuss is tragic. And avoidable. Backstory KSCO's Jack Stine has been given the task of finding a new home for two dogs another KSCO person adopted but has since given up on. Multiple issues at work here, including the myth that no-kill shelters exist to solve the senior canine homeless problem. Co-host Laura Pakis calls upon her decades of training experience to offer a number of suggestions to make the dogs more friendly and better behaved. She is hopeful that, if some of these ideas are implemented, that the dogs will have a happy future. It would be easy to cast hard judgment on much of this story. Please don't. We are trying to save these dog's lives, not trying to score cheap points against well-intended mistakes. It is not clear what the outcome will be. But if you are involved in rescue, adoptions, training, or just care about senior dogs in trouble, please listen. (About 24-minutes long)
Easy Pet Fence sells install-it-yourself specialized fencing intended to keep dogs, cats, chickens, and other animals where they are supposed to be.
Dr. Alice Villabos, a 1972 graduate of the UC Davis School of Veterniary Medicine, has spent her career battling cancer in companion animals.
Sabrina Ashjian is the newly-appointed California state director for the Humane Society of the United States. Prior to that she served as the Chairperson for the Cannabis Control Appeals Panel, after being appointed by Governor Brown in 2018. She was a consumer fraud & environmental crimes prosecutor, pursuing cases against companies for predatory practices and environmental harms. While in this role she handled cases of illegal hunting and poaching and was the recipient of the “Prosecutor of the Year” award from the California Department of Fish & Wildlife. She began her career as a public defender, serving in juvenile and adult courts as well as restorative programs. Sabrina received a Presidential Academic Scholarship to attend George Washington University, graduating cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a secondary field in English. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Journalism and a JD/MBA from Pepperdine University. She is admitted to practice law in California, New York, and in the United States Supreme Court. She serves on the statewide non-profit boards of National Women’s Political Caucus of California, California Women Lawyers, Emerge California, and California Lawyers Association Environmental Section Executive Committee. In addition to this statewide work, she is on the regional non-profit boards of Central California Legal Services, Inc., Philanthropy Inspired by the Needs of our Community (PINC), the Fresno County Bar Association, and Fresno County Women Lawyers. She is co-chair of California Women Lawyers Gender Equity Task Force and participates on Emerge California’s Central Valley Advisory Team. She is a member of the Armenian Bar Association and Environmental Law Institute. She lives in Fresno with her husband, Sean Brunton, and their rescue dog, Remington (Remy).
The deaths of two Southern California Mountain Lions made news last week, as apex predators and other wildlife continue to die after consuming dead prey that was killed by powerful anti-coagulant rodenticides. This means the animals died from internal bleeding. Rebecca Dmytryk, wildlife rescuer, and provider of environmentally-friendly pest control services, is very upset about these deaths and how legislation to better regulate these poisons has stalled in Sacramento. During this podcast, co-hosted by Laura Pakis, Rebecca talks about these deadly poisons and non-lethal alternatives. She also, on behalf of her non-profit wildlife rescue group, seeks $1,500 to fund testing 10 small animals, rodents mostly, to see whether rodenticide killed them. Rebecca also describes her sadness at finding dead and dying bobcats, who have just received protection from trophy hunting but appear to be frequent victims of rodent killing chemicals. Wildlife Emergency Services is the not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charity. If you would like to contribute to help get animals tested for rodenticide exposure, click here. Humane Wildlife Control is Rebecca's for-profit pest control business. Don't Take the Bait is a Facebook page that works to ban these poisons. We thank Rebecca for her support of KSCO Pet Radio. The program, in turn, is on the side of banning these rodent-killers and protecting wildlife.
Calling animal control seeking a welfare check and perhaps enforcement in the case of suspected neglect or cruelty rarely seems to get the desired result.
Diane Robinson of the Humane Society of the United States talks about disaster preparedness for pet owners. The handout includes links to information about horses abnd farm animals in disaster. [pdf-embedder url="https://kscopetradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Disaster-Preparedness-Checklist_TheHSUS.pdf" title="Disaster Preparedness Checklist_TheHSUS"]
On this podcast, I'd like for everyone to meet Lisa Brown, a rescuer whose senior chihuahua literally died from stress caused by 4th of July fireworks. I want everyone to hear the story of how this 14-year-old old female Chi died from her heart condition because of having to listen to the loud explosions on the evening of July 4, 2018. I want you to be able to tell people that you heard Abby's owner describe this poor animal's horrible, frightening death. Maybe if we tell people that we actually know the person and the dog this happened to, we can convince people to take the needs of animals seriously. We also talk about respect for vets suffering from PTSD.
This is a reposting for the 2019 fireworks season.
Lisa Brown announces that her Chihuahua Abby died from fireworks-caused anxiety
Here is our popular Mothers' Day program about how we can support butterfly and other pollinators. Thanks to Rona from Pollinator Posse on Facebook and the web and Martha from Natural Bridges State Beach for joining me. Big learn: DO NOT PLANT MILKWEED (MONARCH HOST PLANT) WITHIN FIVE MILES OF THE OCEAN TO AVOID SCREWING UP THEIR MIGRATION. REALLY.
This podcasts features Siberian Husky expert Sandy Ettinger of Aptos and our trainer/expert Laura Pakis helping owners with advice for managing high-energy canines so that they don't end up in shelters. Here is the background and information about an April 6th workshop for owners.
Subject: Local animal shelters co-host a Husky and other high-energy dog breed workshop in hopes of reducing shelter intake
Animal shelters in Monterey County are seeing an increase in stray and owner-surrendered high-energy dogs, such as huskies, shepherds and pit bulls, and are co-hosting a workshop to help current and prospective new owners share their life with such breeds. On Saturday, April 6th, the public is invited to attend “High Energy Dogs 101” from 1-3pm at 160 Hitchcock Road in Salinas. The goal is to better educate pet owners of these breeds to reduce their chance of ending up in the shelter.
Of specific concern is the increase in husky and similar breeds in the last several years. Monterey County Animal Services, Salinas Animal Services and the SPCA for Monterey County have each seen an increase in the breed since 2015. For example, in 2015, Salinas Animal Services received 58 dogs classified as being as Alaskan or Siberian Husky. In 2018, they saw 113. The SPCA for Monterey County and Monterey County Animal Services have also seen about a 200% increase from 2015 numbers. (These numbers do not include dogs that are considered mixes).
In many cases, people are drawn to a particular breed's looks but don't fully understand the temperament, drive or exercise needs. “Huskies, while beautiful dogs, are a unique breed that you should do your research on before you adopt or buy. They are not for everyone, “said Cindy Burnham, Animal Services Administrator for Monterey County and Salinas Animal Services.
There is some speculation that the popular television show, Game of Thrones, has influenced the popularity of such breeds with the dire wolf “characters”. And as seen in the past with movies like 101 Dalmatians or the Beverly Hills Chihuahua, popularity in the movie breeds typically result in an increase in those breeds at local animal shelters. With a new season of Game of Thrones due out soon, there is concern that the popularity of huskies and similar breeds will continue the increase that animal shelters are currently seeing.
In addition to the husky breeds, this workshop will talk about other high-energy dogs that end up in local shelters including shepherds and pit bulls. These dogs require a lot of attention and if their temperament, drive and energy needs are not understood, it can lead to a difficult relationship for their owners and family.
This workshop also includes local rescue group representatives and local behavior professionals. Family Dog Rescue, based out of San Francisco, often rescues these breeds from shelters. From the Heart Dog Training in Salinas is often called to assess dogs in local shelters.
For more information on this workshop, please call Monterey County Animal Services at 831-769-8850. This workshop is for current owners, prospective owners and other members of the public interested in high-energy dog breeds. No dogs required for this event. Humans only please.
Participating Agencies & Partners:Monterey County Animal Services160 Hitchcock Road, Salinas, CA 93908 831-769-8850 http://www.co.monterey.ca.us
SPCA for Monterey County1001 Monterey-Salinas HighwaySalinas, CA 93908www.spcamc.org831-373-2631
Salinas Animal Services 144 Hitchcock Road, Salinas, CA 93908 831-758-7285 www.salinasanimals.com
Family Dog Rescue2253 Shafter Ave.San Francisco, CA 94124www.ilovefamilydog.org From the Heart Dog Training 561 Brunken Ave #I, Salinas, CA 93901 831-783-0818 www.fromtheheart.info
Dr. Merrianne Burtch, Birchbark Foundation and Pacific Veterinary Specialists
Because of last week's technical problems, this segment did not run at 1:30 as scheduled. We've given the equipment a stern look and have been assured everything will be fine this week.
Dr. Merrianne Burtch discusses feline heart disease, a very serious if uncommon condition in pet cats.
Note the new location for Pacific Veterinary Specialists + Emergency Service: 2585 Soquel Drive, Capitola CA.
Dr. Burtch received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis in 1993. She completed an internship at Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital in 1994. In 1996 she completed an ACVIM SAIM approved residency in internal medicine at the same facility, which included out-rotations at UC Davis. She became board certified in internal medicine in 1999. Dr. Burtch’s special interests include diabetes mellitus, gastroenterology and liver disease.
She is also founder of Birchbark Foundation which provides emergency financial support for pets in need.
Soquel Drive
Trainer Laura Pakis of ACME Canine was accredited media at the Westminster Dog Show at Madison Square Garden and will report on what's shes saw, including the new Museum of the Dog.
John Goodwin, HSUS and Jupiter
Today, a return visit from John Goodwin, anti-puppy mill campaigner from the Humane Society of the United States. Here's the email that prompted this interview, as well as information and a link to last year's interview with John.
On February 6th, a group of U.S. Representatives introduced a bill to crack down on puppy mill cruelty by closing loopholes in the law that allow problem breeders with severe and multiple Animal Welfare Act violations to continue doing business as usual. The Welfare of Our Friends (WOOF) Act, reintroduced by U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., Charlie Crist, D-Fla., Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., and Jim McGovern, D-Mass, has the potential to improve the welfare of thousands of dogs and puppies bred and sold each year by federally licensed commercial breeders.
In today's blog post, Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, and Sara Amundson, president of Humane Society Legislative Fund, explain what this means for animals and our fight to stop puppy mills:
Currently, the USDA, tasked with licensing and inspecting certain businesses that use animals, routinely relicenses puppy breeders with dozens of severe violations on their records, including dead and dying animals who didn’t receive adequate veterinary care, underweight animals and animals kept in filthy and unsafe conditions. Problem dealers whose licenses have been suspended or revoked can also essentially obtain a new license under the name of a family member while owning the same animals on the same property.
For years, we have exposed this disregard for the law and the need to close these loopholes in our annual Horrible Hundred reports on problem puppy mills in the United States, which we compile from USDA and state inspection data.
Here is the earlier post and podcast:
This is a great interview with John Goodwin about Puppy Mills and the Humane Society of the United States' campaign to put them out of business. We touch on what the HSUS is and other issues, but mostly puppy mills. I'm glad we have smart, compassionate people, such as John, pushing our case.
John Goodwin is the Senior Director of the Stop Puppy Mills campaign at The Humane Society of the United States. John joined The HSUS in 2000 as the grassroots outreach coordinator in the Government Affairs department and went on to spend over a decade spearheading the efforts to combat animal fighting in the Animal Cruelty and Fighting Campaign. Most recently John spent time lobbying for the organization on Capitol Hill in his role as the political director for The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the political affiliate of HSUS. In January 2016 John joined Stop Puppy Mills campaign.
John has testified before numerous state legislatures, acted as an expert witness in criminal animal fighting trials and has been featured in coverage from Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, NPR, national news programs for ABC, NBC and ABC, Court TV, ESPN, Al Jazeera, the Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times and Men’s Journal magazine. John has appeared on Larry King Live, The O’Reilly Factor, Inside Edition and has debated on several national cable talk shows while giving over one thousand interviews to local media outlets.
Here is the HSUS Stop Puppy Mills page.
Dr. Merrianne Burch, Pacific Veterinary Specialists and Birchbark Foundation
(Originally aired 1/13/19)
Dr. Merrianne Burtch discusses the medical needs of new puppies, especially vaccinations, and how owners deal with the threat of deadly parvovirus. Interesting discussing for anyone who has (or would like to) add a young canine into their family.
On the 12/6/18 program, trainer/blogger Laura and I helped called Ken from Santa Cruz to troubleshoot -- "if anything can go wrong it will" -- the transfer of an Akita from Northern California to Washington state. But what happens if it doesn't work out?
Trainer Laura Pakis of ACME Canine and I do our usual "Ask Us Anything" segment at 12:30 and we will be taking calls from listeners. Please join us and tell your friends.
It turns out there is an Akita breed rescue in Northern California that may be able to help.
Rhonda Somerton, Volunteer Cruelty Investigator
This is a podcast from the 12/6/18 program, featuring Rhonda Somerton, a volunteer with the Humane Farming Association. She gathered information on the Salinas "River of Death," as a TV station called it.
Here is how she tells the story:
I was working with the Humane Farming Association, which is based in San Rafael, CA, on another matter. In October, a concerned citizen tipped me off to the fact that multiple dead dogs and goats were being dumped off of a bridge in south Monterey County and into the Salinas riverbed.
They felt that there were public records regarding the case and I sent a public records request for any records regarding the dog dumping at the Elm Avenue bridge, near Metz, outside of Greenfield.
The records revealed that “multiple dog bodies” were being dumped at the site and a necropsy performed on one of the dogs found that it was a suspicious death due to one missing eyeball and a deep, severe puncture wound to its throat.
Myself and other volunteers visited that site and another we had been told about in San Lucas, south of Greenfield, also at the Salinas River. Over the next two months we found multiple mutilated animals, including beheaded goats and chickens, many with signs of ritualistic sacrifice like flowers and candles.
We also found at least three badly decomposing dogs and one young domestic dog skeleton. We documented the findings with photos and video. The county records indicated that the county knew about the dog dumping since 2016. We understand from a few sources that there were good people at county that wanted to help these and other animals, but the management at the Monterey County Health Department would not allow an investigation.
The Humane Farming Association is offering a $2,500 reward for any information that leads to a conviction for animal cruelty in this case and plans to arrange a meeting with local Monterey County officials to discuss a multi-agency approach to this case and to share any tips received.
Send tips here: montereycountyanimaltips@hfa.org
A broad discussion of canine heart disease with veterinary internist Dr. Merrianne Burtch of Pacific Veterinary Specialists and BirchBark Foundation, which provides emergency care for low-income pets and their owners.
Dr Merrianne Burtch, Pacific Veterinary Specialists & BirchBark Foundation
A half-hour interview with our favorite veterinary internist on a condition most owners -- dog or cat -- hope they never become too experienced with.
This has been a perplexing disease for me, but after recording this interview, I feel much more equipped to deal with it, or better yet, avoid it in the first place.
Kelly Diehl, Morris Animal Foundation
Dr. Kelly Diehl of the Morris Animal Foundation visits with us about once-a-month. She is a vet and scientist who helps decide what animal medical studies receive funding.
Topics include:
Vegetarian dog food "is becoming a big problem." We talk about how alternative diets can hurt dogs -- including heart disease and grain-free diets. Taurine discussion and the importance of the amino acid that saves animals' lives.
How changes in the biome -- gut bacteria -- can hurt or benefit health.
Long discussion of issues related to CDB and to types of pet studies the foundation is seeking to fund.
A fascinating history of the Morris Animal Foundation -- which is related to the Hill's prescription diet that founder Dr. Mark Morris invented.
Worth a listen!
Teddy and his foster mom, Jules Beer
For this "Ask Us Anything" with ACME Canine trainer Laura Pakis we have an in-studio canine guest -- Teddy the Pomeranian -- and her foster, Jules Beer. Teddy has shown some aggression toward people, but has calmed down considerably, especially when treats are provided. Jules and Laura develop a plan to better socialize this dog and get him into an adoptive home.
This emphasizes the importance of getting animals out of shelters -- Teddy had been in one for weeks -- where they are incredibly stressed and become reactive. In a foster home, Teddy has calmed considerably and will, over time, become someone's good companion animal.
The truck driver who killed the dog and almost his owners was later identified (thanks to tips) and turned himself in to police.
More talk on the Camp Fire and the North Valley Animal Disaster Group.
The end of the 1 PM news is included in this podcast.
Crystal Moreland, HSUS
Crystal Moreland helped establish the long-term shelter for pets displaced (but identified by owners) from the 2018 Camp Fire in Butte County, CA. She is California State Director for the Humane Society of the United States. This podcast is an excerpt from the November 26, 2018 edition of KSCO Pet Radio.
Josh Balk, Humane Society of the US
Josh will be back on Sunday 10/29 (he was not heard on the 22nd due to the power failure we suffered) to discuss the Prevent Cruelty California campaign that has put a referendum item on the November ballot to make illegal the extreme crowding of layer hens, veal calves, and breeder pigs. If passed in November, California will again be the nation's leader in protecting animals at factory farms. And because all eggs and meat brought into California would have to meet the new standard, farms across the US would have to comply. (Or skip selling in the world's sixth-largest economy).
More than 660,000 signatures were collected and we are now YesOn12CA.com. Josh talks about the status of the campaign, the forces in opposition, why the issue matters, how to sell the issue to non-animal people, and what must happen to win in November.
Balk has led efforts to enact animal welfare policies with many of the world’s largest companies, including Walmart, Wendy’s, Kroger, Denny’s and dozens more. These policies have helped shift the food industry’s reliance on veal crates, gestation crates, battery cages, and cruel methods of raising chickens in the meat industry. He's also been a leader in creating and supporting start-up animal-friendly companies, including co-founding JUST, and guiding investment firms and high net worth individuals to invest in this space.
Balk also led discussions with the largest food service companies in creating the world’s first partnerships on shifting their focus to plant-based foods. On legislative priorities, he was a leader on successful campaigns passing laws for farm animals, including in California, Massachusetts, and Maine. Prior to coming to HSUS, Balk worked at Compassion Over Killing (COK) where he conducted investigations into factory farm operations slaughterhouses, and launched one of our nation’s first advertising campaigns on farm animals.
Balk’s work has been covered by the Associated Press, Fortune, CNN, New York Times, Washington Post and dozens of other outlets. He was inducted into the Animal Rights Hall of Fame in 2015.
Meg Harrison, Black Wing FarmsUse KSCO20 as a code at checkout to get a 20-percent discount on your purchase.
This is probably what will become the first of several appearances (over months) by Meg Harrison, founder of Black Wing Farms and an expert on using flower essences to solve behavioral problems in animals. If you have ever used Bach Rescue Remedy for yourself or a pet, you've used a flower essence.
When Brittany first appeared at our home, she suffered from severe separation anxiety and ended up having to be near me all the time and go everywhere I went over a period of months. At that time, I tried one of Meg's flower essences and could never tell how much it helped. Didn't hurt, but was Brittany actually less anxious? Hard to tell. (Today I'd start an anxious dog on CBD oil and go from there).
I have two thoughts about what Meg sells: 1) It works and 2) It doesn't work. I don't think she makes up her many success stories, but where I saw Brittany's rear legs improve within hours of her first CBD dose, I am not sure what flower essences did for her. But I have an open -- even hopeful -- mind about their efficacy. Something I don't really have for homeopathy.
If flower essences can live up to the claims, I'd use them in all my transport situations. And rescues. I haven't done extensive testing and I'd like to find a tester with no preconceived expectations about flower essences if I can do a trial.
Brittany, by the way, lost her separation anxiety over a period of months and is now comfortable being alone for hours at the time.
From her website:
44 years ago, Meg Harrison, founder and owner, was using flower essences for the treatment of alcoholic teens. Then she had a revelation in the aftermath of a horrible horseback riding accident when the horse's owner used flower essences on Meg and her horse to great effect. Since that time 25 years ago, Meg has created a wide range of products to help with the mental, physical, and emotional needs of animals.
Uses of these products were well proven in the wake of the Southern California wildfires of 2003 where her products helped to calm and stabilize traumatized pets and farm animals who were lost, injured, or abandoned during the fast-moving blazes. At this time Meg decided to market her products and became BlackWing Farms.
In 2005, Meg then went to Louisiana and volunteered (eventually to be hired by the Humane Society of the United States) to help care for the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina (and while there also weathered Hurricane Rita). Again the value of her flower essences was proven as time and again they effectively helped to calm and treat the animals in the care of the Humane Society of the United States and the Louisiana SPCA.
Since then the products of BlackWing Farms have been requested by various distributors including Jeffers Pet Catalog, as well as the animal rescue organizations, Best Friends Animal Society, ASPCA in NYC, Animal Farm Foundation, the Humane Society of the US, The Gentle Barn in their rescues and longterm care of slaughterhouse animals.
Within the last 10 years, we also began to market a line of sprays for use by people to affect mood. This product is a direct descendant of the flower essence concept used by Meg 40+ years ago and are formulated using flower essences and essential oils.
Here is the bio Meg provided:
Meg Harrison, author and flower essence expert specializing in animal behavior, has successfully helped thousands of behaviorally-challenged animals using proprietary formulas blending essences, carefully chosen essential oils, and homeopathic remedies. Working with trainers, health care practitioners, rescuers, and shelters nationwide; she is able to facilitate positive change in the vast majority (93%) of cases, no matter how difficult or emotionally damaged.
Experience includes: rehabilitating rescues from puppy mills, hoarding cases, court-ordered seizures, research labs, captured Mustangs, feral cats,
Dr Merrianne Burtch, Pacific Veterinary Specialists & BirchBark Foundation
This is a report to correct the audio not being properly attached!
Addison's Disease is a fairly common condition in dogs and horses that results from a lack of steroids being produced by the body. It is the same disease in people and is the opposite of the more common (in dogs) Cushing's Disease, where too many steroids are produced by the animal. This is an almost 14-minute discussion of Addison's with Dr. Merrianne Burtch of Pacific Veterinary Specialists in Capitola and is part of our regular series of discussions of animal health issues.
Bob Frost is a longtime German Shepherd breeder and trainer based in Ohio. It's fair to call him one of the custodians of the breed and he is expert on all things German Shepherd Dog. I've invited him to talk about the breed, both purebred and shelter dogs. I am hoping to help people better understand these wonderful animals and somehow reduce the numbers that end up unwanted and in shelters and, sometimes, killed for lack of a home.
Because of a technical issue on our last program, this interview will run (I hope) this week.
Kristen Lynch from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association spends a half-hour answering questions about a subject that can perplex pet owners but is something most of us should be taking more seriously.
After doing this interview -- and thinking about having raised thousands of dollars to help pay for emergency care for uninsured pets -- I think one of the hallmarks of responsible pet ownership is becoming/has become having insurance to cover your pets. (I will admit that I do not, yet...)
Insurance can be expensive, especially for low-income families and those with multiple pets and/or fixed incomes. Not every family who would benefit from pet insurance will be able to afford it.
Still, every owner should at least be exposed to the existence of the range of policies available, so this segment/podcast is a quick way to accomplish that.
BTW -- Largest claims paid out during 2017 include a $53,000 feline and an almost $48,000 dog!
Links:
American Veterinary Medical Association "Guidelines on Pet Insurance for Pet Owners"
NAPHIA link to all North American pet insurance providers. Be aware of sites that claim to offer reviews and comparisons of pet insurance policies and providers that get paid for referring new customers. They may provide useful information, but I would the actual purchase from the links provided by the NAPHIA site above.
ALDF Attorney Lindsay Larris
The Animal Legal Defense Fund has joined in a coalition of organizations to support the grassroots campaign to end the cruelty of greyhound racing in Florida. Voters will have a historic opportunity to help thousands of greyhounds this November 2018 by voting “ Yes on 13” for this humane amendment. Here is their page on the topic.
For this program, I interviewed ALDF attorney Lindsay Larris. Here is her bio:
Lindsay Larris oversees the Legislative Affairs Program in the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Los Angeles office, working at the state and local levels to advance legislation and policy initiatives that would promote or protect the lives and interests of animals and opposing legislation that would be detrimental to animals’ well-being. Lindsay frequently collaborates with other non-profit organizations in order to accomplish these goals as well as relies upon the legal expertise of other staff attorneys to advise on important civil and criminal legislative issues. Prior to this role, Lindsay spent 2.5 years as the Regional Director for the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Los Angeles office, building its presence in the region, planning and implementing three symposia, liaising with pro bono attorneys, students and local members, and creating the first annual Animal Legal Defense Fund Cruise for a Cause event in November 2016.
Lindsay has been passionate about animal rescue and animal protection issues since she helped her father build a home for feral kittens as a child. Prior to joining the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Lindsay spent seven years practicing civil litigation in the Los Angeles area, working on environmental litigation, trust and estate litigation and international arbitration.
As part of the Animal Legal Defense Fund she is proud to have played a part in persuading the California Coastal Commission to ban future breeding of orcas at SeaWorld San Diego, leading to SeaWorld’s voluntary declaration that it would end all orca breeding. Lindsay has also coordinated a new series of Animal Law Symposiums in Los Angeles.
Lindsay graduated from University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2007 after graduating cum laude from New York University in 2003 with a degree in political science. While a law student, Lindsay co-founded the Journal of Animal Law and Ethics, helped bring an animal law clinic to Penn Law and served as president of her student ALDF chapter (SALDF).
As a lawyer, Lindsay learned how much power the law has in creating widespread, lasting change. So when she left private practice in search of a way to help more animals, she came to the Animal Legal Defense Fund knowing we are the only organization using the law with an exclusive focus on improving life for animals.
Outside of the office you’re most likely to find Lindsay testing out a new vegan recipe or playing pub trivia tournaments. She lives in Los Angeles with her mixed flame-point Siamese cat Leo (aliases include “Mr. Lee,” “Precious Honeyface” and “Dr. Leo Lee”) and her true mutt of a dog Willow.
Kristen Lynch from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association spends a half-hour answering questions about a subject that can perplex pet owners but is something most of us should be taking more seriously.
After doing this interview -- and thinking about having raised thousands of dollars to help pay for emergency care for uninsured pets -- I think one of the hallmarks of responsible pet ownership is becoming/has become having insurance to cover your pets. (I will admit that I do not, yet...)
Insurance can be expensive, especially for low-income families and those with multiple pets and/or fixed incomes. Not every family who would benefit from pet insurance will be able to afford it.
Still, every owner should at least be exposed to the existence of the range of policies available, so this segment/podcast is a quick way to accomplish that.
BTW -- Largest claims paid out during 2017 include a $53,000 feline and an almost $48,000 dog!
Links:
American Veterinary Medical Association "Guidelines on Pet Insurance for Pet Owners"
NAPHIA link to all North American pet insurance providers. Be aware of sites that claim to offer reviews and comparisons of pet insurance policies and providers that get paid for referring new customers. They may provide useful information, but I would the actual purchase from the links provided by the NAPHIA site above.
This is a reposting to fix the empty (no audio) file posted earlier in error. My apologies.
Dr Merrianne Burtch, Pacific Veterinary Specialists & BirchBark Foundation
Addison's Disease is a fairly common condition in dogs and horses that results from a lack of steroids being produced by the body. It is the same disease in people and is the opposite of the more common (in dogs) Cushing's Disease, where too many steroids are produced by the animal. This is an almost 14-minute discussion of Addison's with Dr. Merrianne Burtch of Pacific Veterinary Specialists in Capitola and is part of our regular series of discussions of animal health issues.
An Indonesian boy shows his bite wounds from a dog attack.
Friday was World Rabies Day, held annually to improve global awareness of the fatal disease and a plan to eradicate canine rabies, the main cause of human deaths, by 2030. This will be done through assertive canine vaccination programs and immediate care for humans that have suffered dog bites.
One of the great public health successes is that people in rich nations rarely worry about dying from rabies. Many don't even worry about vaccinating their pets against the disease, although that is the foundation upon which our success against rabies is based.
This paw'd cast is a 4-minute excerpt from our KSCO program "Good Morning, Monterey Bay" from Friday. Sept. 28, the actual World Rabies Day. It features Dr. Pete Keesling, a San Martin veterinarian, and co-host Rosemary Chalmers. I would like to make two slight adjustments and one addition to their comments:
Because rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, it can be caught from licks, scratches, or any physical contact with the animal. Touching a bat is reason enough to get vaccinated. If vaccinated within 4 days of exposure, the rabies vaccine is 100 percent effective on protecting humans. The vaccination process is much easier and simpler than it used to be. I received four injections -- spread over two weeks -- on my arm (always above the bite) and two larger injections in my hip. Hard to explain that as it was the top of my hipbone and injected from the side (not in my butt). The Kaiser injection clinic nurses are absolute pros and the injections were merely uncomfortable, not painful. The vaccinations can be expensive, but the alternative could be death. Every animal bite should be reported and discussed with your doctor. (Kaiser provides all vaccines for free, including my boosters and titer tests).
People in other parts of the world die horrible deaths from the universally fatal neurological disease. There are 55,000 rabies deaths recorded each year, largely in Africa and Asia. In many of these countries, feral dogs are the major vector and every bite occasions a trip to a rabies bite clinic -- provided one is available. Once symptoms appear, the disease is always fatal. But it is also 100 percent preventable, even after exposure, if treated immediately.
In the Philippines, there are 500 animal bite centers for the treatment of people bitten by animals, yet the country still records 250 rabies deaths each year!
Here is an educational video from the Philippines:
I am not linking to another video that shows a man who has been placed in what looks like a jail cell to prevent him from spreading rabies that is killing him. He is getting palliative treatment, but the main goal is preventing other humans from being exposed. This video is on YouTube and after seeing it I was very troubled so I will not share it as a link.
We talk about why there is a need to rescue retired greyhounds, how the rescues -- some from Mexico -- take place, how the greyhounds become pets, and why/how you might adopt a retired racing greyhound. This is another "rescued or dead" situation, in many cases.
They are also, in case you've never met a greyhound, really sweet dogs and well worth the effort that people put into saving and caring for them.
Our guest, Michele Czaja is on the board of directors of Greyhound Friends for Life and has been involved in greyhound rescue for more than 25 years. She will be in the studio.
Rich Crino, HSUS
Rich Crino the Humane Society of the United States spends 10 minutes with us discussing his work with animals impacted by Hurricane Florence in Horry County, SC.
Here is a video, from Myrtle Beach Online, of a woman who owns 12 cats, and is one of the people who have been assisted by the Humane Society of the United States.
Dr Merrianne Burtch, Pacific Veterinary Specialists & BirchBark Foundation
A half-hour interview with our favorite veterinary internist on a condition most owners -- dog or cat -- hope they never become too experienced with.
This has been a perplexing disease for me, but after recording this interview, I feel much more equipped to deal with it, or better yet, avoid it in the first place.
Nathan J. Winograd and friend
This is a fascinating and wide-ranging history of the no-kill shelter movement in America, told by a man who helped create much of that history. The number of animal lives that Nathan's work and influence have saved over the past two decades is certainly in the millions.
I would not be doing this program -- or rescuing animals -- if I had never met Nathan Winograd, who will be on this week to talk about the progress that has been made during the 14 years since he founded the No Kill Advocacy Center. Here is where we will start and work backward: Sheltering in the United States at a Glance:*
About 6 million animals enter shelters every year. Approximately two million animals are killed. Roughly 30 million acquire a new companion animal every year. Only 1% of shelter animals are irremediably suffering. Over one million people live in communities saving between 98% and 99% of dogs and cats in their shelters (over two million saving at least 98% of dogs). Over 10 million people live in communities saving between 90% and 99% of dogs and cats in their shelters. Over 50 million people live in communities saving at least 80% of dogs and cats in their shelters.
- courtesy of the No Kill Advocacy Center.
Nathan J. Winograd is a graduate of Stanford Law School, a former criminal prosecutor and corporate attorney, has spoken nationally and internationally on animal sheltering issues, has written animal protection legislation at the state and national level, has created successful No Kill programs in both urban and rural communities, and has consulted with a wide range of animal protection groups including some of the largest and best known in the nation.
His work has been featured widely in such publications as Newsweek, Reader’s Digest, USA Today, and newspapers from all over the country. He has appeared on Fox News, CNN, ABC, and other radio and television affiliates around the country. His creation of the country’s first No Kill community was named one of the Top 100 achievements in the nation by Metropolitan Home in its “Best of the Best” issue. And The Bark magazine calls him “the voice of America’s displaced pets and the conscience of the animal sheltering industry.” His book, Redemption, is the most critically acclaimed book on the topic in the United States and the winner of five national book awards.
As a nationally recognized speaker, Nathan has spoken at national animal welfare conferences from coast to coast. He has spoken internationally as well, in Canada, in Australia, and New Zealand, and has been invited to speak all over the world, including Ireland and the Czech Republic. He has also lectured on animal sheltering ethics to students at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the nation’s number one ranked veterinary school, and has lectured at the U.C.L.A. School of Law on animal law issues.
In various leadership positions, including Director of Operations, for the San Francisco SPCA, Nathan was instrumental in advancing some of the most progressive shelter programs in the nation, and helped push the lifesaving rate to over three times the national average for an urban community and at the time, the best in the nation. As Executive Director for the Tompkins County (NY) SPCA, he managed the full range of animal control and adoption services in a rural community, including construction of a new Pet Adoption Center achieving unprecedented results. Nathan is currently the Executive Director of the national No Kill Advocacy Center and the author of five books.
Redemption won five book awards and redefined the animal shelter industry nationwide. Irreconcilable Differences, his second book, is an Indie gold medal winner for Best Book (Animals/Pets). His third book, All American Vegan, co-written with his wife Jennifer, was named Best Cookbook (Alternative/Health) by USA Book News in 2011 and was given a five-star review by San F...
Dr Merrianne Burtch, Pacific Veterinary Specialists & BirchBark Foundation
When must you take your pet to the emergency vet? Dr. Merrianne Burtch of the BirchBark Foundation and Pacific Veterinary Specialists in Capitola was here for a 5/20 recorded segment. She answers that question, offers a warning about the artificial sweetener xylitol that can kill dogs, as well as snakebite and other emergencies. Here is her blog post on life-threatening substances.
Here is the substance of her ER visits post:
Here are some pretty clear guidelines for when you should take your pet to emergency
Fever: Dog and cats have a normal body temperature ranging from 99 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If your pet is feeling poorly and has a fever over 103 then a visit to the vet or emergency is indicated. Pets with a temperature of 106 or greater will start to suffer brain damage and need to be cooled with fluids or other therapy Vomiting repeatedly and unable to hold down water is another time when you should take action. An animal with severe gastroenteritis or an obstruction in the intestines will become dehydrated and start to have organ dysfunction within about 12 hours of not being able to hydrate. Weakness and a fast heart rate further indicate a visit to emergency is needed. Seizures particularly when a series or cluster of seizures occurs, unless your pet is a known epileptic and you have been guided otherwise. A seizure can be the result of a single event from changes in the brain chemistry, the first sign of a seizure disorder or an indication of metabolic abnormalities such as low blood sugar, low blood calcium or other electrolyte disorders. It can also be from ingestion of certain toxins. Because the brain can suffer permanent damage from repeated seizures making sure an underlying cause is not present is essential and checking for a treatable cause can save a life. Toxin exposure. If your pet has consumed prescription medication then the best start is poison control. You can call yourself and talk to someone at the ASPCA poison control (888) 426-4435 . There is a charge in the $60 range and they can help you decide whether to go the emergency or monitor at home. They can also tell you what to look for. Some of the other toxins of concern include chocolate which you can check to see whether your dog got a toxic amount here. Other toxins that might demand a visit are xylitol (causes severe low sugar and is life-threatening), poisonous mushrooms (some emergency rooms can help you determine if your pet consumed a poison mushroom especially if you bring it with you or have a picture to identify it), and antifreeze which may cause your pet to seem drunk and causes life-threatening kidney failure. Snail bait in the Spring is a common toxin that causes tremors and seizures and requires a visit to the veterinarian. Collapse and inability to move can be from heart disease, orthopedic disease or neurologic damage to the brain or spinal cord. Ideally, your pet should be seen if this occurs because correction of neurologic disease is time sensitive and can make the difference between saving their ability to walk or not. Heart rhythm abnormalities can be life-threatening if not addressed. Trauma to the body (hit by car), dogfights with resulting puncture wounds to the chest or abdomen and trauma to the eye can have underlying hidden damage that might be life compromising or vision compromising so the safest option is to have your pet evaluated if they experience such trauma.
Here is a link to the ASPCA's chocolate hazards post. Here is a paw'd cast interview with ASPCA poison control chief Dr. Tina Wismer. Here is the ASPCA poison control app and chocolate toxicity calculator.
ALDF seeks justice for an abused horse
On this week's program, we'll talk about the #NotProperty movement in animal welfare, focusing on a lawsuit filed on behalf of an abused horse.
In most (all?) states animals are treated as property, not as sentient creatures with feelings, emotions, and the ability to communicate. That limits humans' ability to protect animals and seek redress for the horrible things that are sometimes done to them.
But what if animals could sue their abusers in court?
ALDF Attorney Sarah Hanneken
That's what the Animal Legal Defense Fund is doing.
My guest this Sunday at 1:08 PM PT will be Sarah Hanneken ALDF litigation fellow. She has an impressive record working to defend animals and it will be interesting to hear about this case and others, including efforts to improve the legal standing of all animals.
Here's the background: Hillsboro, Oregon – Justice, an eight-year-old horse, is a party to a lawsuit filed today against his former abuser to recover the costs of his ongoing medical care and his pain and suffering. Justice is represented by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the nation’s preeminent legal advocacy organization for animals. If successful, this groundbreaking lawsuit would be the first to establish that animals have a legal right to sue their abusers in court.
“Horses, like Justice, are intelligent animals with the capacity for rich emotional lives,” says Animal Legal Defense Fund Executive Director Stephen Wells. “Oregon law already recognizes Justice’s right to be free from cruelty – this lawsuit simply expands the remedies available when abusers violate animals’ legal rights.”
Click the image to donate and support ALDF's #NotProperty campaign.
Justice was cruelly neglected for months and endured tremendous pain and suffering. At the time of his rescue, he was emaciated and suffered from frostbite, lice, and rain rot. As a result of his neglect, Justice endured permanent physical and psychological injuries that will require specialized medical care for the rest of his life.
Justice’s abuser pled guilty to criminal animal neglect in 2017. In the criminal plea agreement, she agreed to pay restitution only for the cost of Justice’s care prior to July 6, 2017. The lawsuit seeks damages for Justice’s care since this date and going forward. Any funds awarded to Justice through the lawsuit would be placed in a legal trust established to pay for his care.
Justice was relinquished to Sound Equine Options, an Oregon nonprofit horse rescue and rehabilitation organization. His complicated medical needs are a barrier to finding a permanent home for him, a problem exacerbated by the significant costs of his care.
The Oregon legislature and courts have been a leader in recognizing that animals are sentient beings that occupy a unique position in the law. The Oregon Supreme Court, for example, has already recognized that animals should be considered individual “victims” in criminal animal cruelty cases. However, existing laws still lag far behind our current understanding of animal sentience by classifying animals as property.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund thanks the law firm Lane Powell and the Law Office of Matt Hamity for their assistance on this case.
The complaint is available upon request.
Counterintuitively, it's dog lovers and their dogs -- separately and together -- that cause the greatest challenges for service dogs and their owners. When I asked for topic suggestions, a woman who uses a service dog for PTSD support responded about problems caused her and her dog by well-meaning people and/or their dogs.
Here's an email I received from Stephanie Fontana, who proposed the topic based on a bad experience she and her service dog recently had in a Costco store, thanks to an inconsiderate dog owner.
"My name is Stephanie and I am a resident of Watsonville Ca, here on the central coast. My Service Dog is Iris Mae, a Queensland Heeler mix. She's in her first year of training with Operation Freedom Paws, located in San Martin Ca.
Stephanie Fontana and Iris Mae
"Iris and I have a close relationship as service dog and handler. Every week I train her, I learn something new about us as we work together towards becoming more independent and getting back to a regularly scheduled life :)"
During the podcast, Stephanie talks about the bad experience and the negative impact it had on both her and her dog.
My other guest, Mary Cortani, is the founder and CEO of Operation Freedom Paws. Founded in 2010 when a former Marine approached her in seeking assistance in acquiring a service dog to help him overcome an anxiety disorder caused by combat hyper-vigilance. Please read more about Mary and becoming how she became a CNN Heroes recipient in 2012.
What does Operation Freedom Paws Do?
Mary Cortani, Operation Freedom Paws
Founded in January 2010, Operation Freedom Paws is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that matches dogs with individuals who have Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), Complex-Post Traumatic Stress (CPTS) and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) symptoms, or other physical, neurological, psychological or mobility needs.
We train the individual to train their own dog, and then certify them together as a service dog team. It's been an incredible learning journey and outlet for myself this past year as I felt with the challenges of also caring for a sick family member.
Please check out their website for more information
Brett Hodges, founder of RightPet was our guest this Sunday, August 12, 2018.
The big thing I learned -- since I knew rats are great pets -- was to get your pet as a young rat from a breeder!
RightPet Study Finds Children Enjoy Pet Rats Over Cats and Dogs
Eight-year international pet ownership study also sets the record straight with surprising personality and gender differences between cat and dog people
SANTA BARBARA (AUGUST 1, 2018) - RightPet, a top online resource for pet owners to access a wealth of information and expert advice on pet health, wellness and behavioral concerns, today announced the findings of its eight-year pet ownership study. Most notably, the study discovered surprising personality and gender differences between cat and dog people and that children between the ages of 10 and 17 years old say they get more satisfaction owning pet rats than cats or dogs.
Brett Hodges of RightPet.com
The RightPet study surveyed nearly 17,000 pet owners across 113 nations, who shared detailed reviews of the specific breeds and species of animals they currently own, previously owned or have worked with. The survey also included a scientifically-validated personality quiz, which measured the participant’s personality traits, using the Big Five (or Five-Factor) model of personality dimensions.
“Today’s data-loving pet owners and future pet parents can use RightPet to find what pet best matches their experience, lifestyle, preferences and personality. More importantly, we use RightPet's growing data to help pet owners make evidence-based health, behavior and wellness choices for their new best friend each step of the way as they grow together." said Brett Hodges, founder of RightPet.
Key findings include:
Children and Teens Enjoy Owning Rats More than any other Pet: Adults who previously owned, and children who own or have owned, animals between the ages of 10 and 17 years old rated satisfaction with pet rats higher than any other type of pet, including dogs and cats. Women vs. Men on the “Dogs vs. Cats” Debate: Women like cats more than dogs. In contrast, men like cats and dogs the same. Dog Owners Are Generally Happier with Large Dogs: Women and men are both more satisfied with larger dog breeds than small breeds. This is especially true for men, who are happiest with large and giant dog breeds. For People Open to New Experiences: Pet owners who score high in the personality trait of "openness" tend to be more satisfied with dogs than cats. Moody and Anxious Men Don’t Care Much for Cats: Men who experience a lot of negative emotions tend to be less satisfied with cats than more emotionally-stable men (i.e., ones who experience fewer negative emotions). In contrast, moody and anxious women tend to enjoy cats just as much as their more emotionally-stable peers. The Least Favorite Pets to Own: Based on 32 types of pet and livestock animals included in the survey, geese and scorpions are the least satisfying animals to own.
"Many people view their pets as family members. But pets are family members that we get to choose. The RightPet study was designed to understand the extent to which individual differences - such as personality, gender, and age - predict how satisfied people are with different types and breeds of animals as pets."
Nathan W. Hudson Ph.D.
Additional Resources
Take the RightPet Match quiz at www.rightpet.com/match-me to determine which pet or animal is the best match for your personality, lifestyle and preferences. Visit RightPet’s Health & Wellness tool at www.rightpet.com/health-and-wellness or the RightPet Behavior & Training tool at www.rightpet.com/behavior-and-training for quick access to the most relevant expert insights and consumer reviews, specific to your pet and animals’ needs.
About RightPet
RightPet is the world’s largest online pet healthcare rating and recommendation site. With over 1 million breed / species specific reviews by vets,
Dr. Elinor Karlsson
Here are the links mentioned in the podcast: muttmix.org where you can now take a "Pup Test" that measures your ability to determine the various mixed breeds that are part of 31 example dogs. The answers are now displayed immediately and you can see how well the original Muttmix study participants did. I stopped even guessing after about six animals.
Their citizen science site is darwinsark.org
Animal behaviorist Marjie Alonso CDBC, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP and geneticist Dr. Elinor Karlsson, who managed the MuttMix Project for the International Association of Animal Behavioral Consultants tell trainer Laura Pakis that almost everything I think I know about the links between breed, genetics, and behavior is wrong. A very fun segment!
Marjie was a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant and owner of City Dog Training in Somerville, MA. for decades, during which time she also served as Training Director, and then behavioral consultant for the New England Dog Training Club, the oldest AKC club in the US, and as a member of the America Humane Association's Advisory Board for Companion Animal Behavior and Training.
Marjie is the co-founder of the Somerville Foundation for Animals, which hosts the Somerville Dog Festival each year. Marjie is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants; a Certified Training Partner of Karen Pryor Academy; a Certified Pet Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers; an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator, and a Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
Elinor is the director of the Vertebrate Genomics Group at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. She is also an assistant professor in bioinformatics and integrative biology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. She is excited by the potential for using our own evolutionary history to understand how the human genome works, and in how that knowledge can lead to advances in healthcare.
Karlsson’s current projects include the 200 Mammals Genome Project, an international effort led by the Vertebrate Genomics group at the Broad to compare hundreds of different mammalian genomes and identify critically important segments of DNA. She is also studying recent human evolution to find the genetic variation that makes some people resistant to ancient infectious diseases, like cholera. Karlsson has a special interest in diseases shared between humans and dogs. She recently launched the citizen science-driven Darwin’s Dogs project, which invites all dog owners to participate directly in research exploring the genetic basis of dog behavior, as well as diseases such as OCD and cancer.
Karlsson received her B.A. in biochemistry/cell biology from Rice University, and earned her Ph.D. in bioinformatics from Boston University. She was a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University before starting her own research group at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 2014.
Dr. Elinor Karlsson
Animal behavioralist Marjie Alonso CDBC, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP and geneticist Dr. Elinor Karlsson, who managed the MuttMix Project for the International Association of Animal Behavioral Consultants will be here this week to discuss whether those home DNA tests can really identify the breed of your dog. And what is the impact of genetics on behavior? Expert trainer Laura Pakis and I will do the interview in the "Ask Us Anything" format (please call!) for the entire first hour of the program, 12:08-1pm PT. Please tell your friends! Marjie was a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant and owner of City Dog Training in Somerville, MA. for decades, during which time she also served as Training Director, and then behavioral consultant for the New England Dog Training Club, the oldest AKC club in the US, and as a member of the America Humane Association's Advisory Board for Companion Animal Behavior and Training. Marjie is the co-founder of the Somerville Foundation for Animals, which hosts the Somerville Dog Festival each year. Marjie is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants; a Certified Training Partner of Karen Pryor Academy; a Certified Pet Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers; an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator, and a Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) Elinor is the director of the Vertebrate Genomics Group at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. She is also an assistant professor in bioinformatics and integrative biology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. She is excited by the potential for using our own evolutionary history to understand how the human genome works, and in how that knowledge can lead to advances in healthcare. Karlsson’s current projects include the 200 Mammals Genome Project, an international effort led by the Vertebrate Genomics group at the Broad to compare hundreds of different mammalian genomes and identify critically important segments of DNA. She is also studying recent human evolution to find the genetic variation that makes some people resistant to ancient infectious diseases, like cholera. Karlsson has a special interest in diseases shared between humans and dogs. She recently launched the citizen science-driven Darwin’s Dogs project, which invites all dog owners to participate directly in research exploring the genetic basis of dog behavior, as well as diseases such as OCD and cancer. Karlsson received her B.A. in biochemistry/cell biology from Rice University, and earned her Ph.D. in bioinformatics from Boston University. She was a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University before starting her own research group at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 2014.
This is a wide-ranging interview with veterinary internist Dr. Merrianne Burtch of Pacific Veterinary Specialists in Capitola (across from the mall, also an emergency clinic) discussing canine digestion, with emphasis on diet, fiber, food choice, cancer, parasites and other factors affecting our dogs.
Dr Merrianne Burtch, Pacific Veterinary Specialists & BirchBark Foundation
Meanwhile, the BirchBark Foundation's three-lecture series on pet health continues Saturday, September 8, in Carmel Valley. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about eye health for pets.
Lectures will be held at The Raw Connection in Carmel Valley (26200 Carmel Rancho Blvd) and will be approximately 30 minutes long followed by Q&A.
Light snacks and beverages will be provided. $20 donation to BirchBarkFoundation suggested.
Saturday September 8th at 2 PMKeeping Pets Eyes Healthy by Dr. Elizabeth Curto, DVM, DACVO
Bonnie Harlan, PreventPetSuffocation.com
This is a 12-minute podcast taken from the 7/15/2018 program. Here is some information from the preventpetsuffocation.com website:
Chip bags and other food packaging pose serious suffocation risks to our pets. Too many pets, especially dogs, have died from suffocating in chip bags, cereal boxes, snack bags, pet treat bag liners, and pet food bags. A lot of these bags are made from a strong mylar-like material (like a balloon) which helps keep snacks fresher. When a curious dog puts his head into the bag looking for leftover crumbs, the bag creates a vacuum-like seal around the dog’s neck. As he tries to breathe, the bag tightens around his neck, cutting off the oxygen. When a dog cannot remove the bag from his head, he will usually start to panic, desperately running around until he collapses and dies from asphyxiation, often losing his bowels, as well. This happens within minutes.
We can reduce the number of accidental pet deaths by educating the public about the dangers of these types of bags. Most people do not know that these mylar bags are a suffocation hazard to their animals, and they often do not find out until it happens to their pet. Many a pet owner has arrived home or walked into another room of the house and found their dog lying motionless with a chip bag or other type of bag on his head. The more people are aware of this risk, the more pet owners can do to ensure their pet is safe. Awareness is our best defense against pet suffocation! Please read on the “Information” page what you can do to prevent this from happening to your beloved pet.
I really admire the work of the Morris Animal Foundation. Dr. Bron will be on the show Sunday. I want to expand the discussion to cover vaccine baiting for other diseases such as canine distemper and rabies. I love this science stuff.
We also talk about other oral vaccines, such as those for rabies and other illnesses. The rabies vaccine is used here in the US. We talk about the need for a distempter vaccine to protect coyotes. This is more fascinating than I'd have imagined.
Plague Vaccine Bait – Look Who’s Coming to Dinner
New study shows bait safe for uninvited dinner guests; will help endangered black-footed ferret recovery efforts
DENVER/July 19, 2018 - Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers suspected and have now confirmed that plague vaccine bait, designed to protect prairie dogs and assist with recovery efforts of the black-footed ferret, is readily consumed by thousands of small rodents each year but with no apparent ill effect. Results were recently published in the journal EcoHealth.
“Plague has an enormous impact on prairie dog populations, killing thousands of animals annually. An outbreak can decimate upwards of 90 percent of a prairie dog colony and have a ripple effect on the remaining wildlife,” said Dr. Bieneke Bron, University of Wisconsin, one of the researchers on the project and a Morris Animal Foundation Fellowship Training Grant recipient. “Plague also is a major impediment to the recovery of the endangered black-footed ferret, that prey nearly exclusively on prairie dogs and also are quite susceptible to the disease.”
As part of a multi-state field trial of a newly developed oral sylvatic plague vaccine, the team found the vaccine was safe for unintended dinner guests, including myriads of mice – an important finding for the long-term success of a sustainable plague vaccine program.
More than 100 species benefit from the burrow communities built by prairie dogs, either for shelter or for protection from predators. Other animals, like the ferret, prey on prairie dogs as a major food source. Finding new and innovative ways to curb plague in prairie dogs will ultimately benefit wild prairie habitats and animals that live there. This pivotal work assures researchers that the newly developed plague vaccine is safe and does not harm critical prairie ecosystems.
Before the design of a viable vaccine, researchers combatted plague by dusting prairie dog burrows with an insecticide to eliminate fleas, one of the main vectors of the plague. These prevention methods, although moderately successful, were expensive and labor intensive and did not ultimately prevent the spread and occurrence of periodic plague outbreaks. A better prevention method was desperately needed.
The new trial vaccine is working well in prairie dogs but researchers needed to know if the vaccine bait was being consumed by other animals or negatively impacting the ecosystem. As expected, there was high consumption of the bait by several mice species. During 34,900 trap nights and more than 10,000 trap days, Dr. Bron and her team caught 7,763 animals; 3,480 individuals of 15 different species, including deer, canyon, and Western harvest mice. Northern grasshopper mice had the highest bait uptake in the study areas.
The team hoped these rodents also would benefit from consuming the vaccine bait, making them less likely to contribute to the plague cycle. Data indicated this hypothesis was unlikely; blood test data and abundance data revealed no negative or positive effects from the oral vaccine baits in these smaller, non-target species. What the team did find is the plague bait vaccine was safe for these small animals and did not appear to harm the ecosystem.
“Mice and other rodents play a highly significant role in the plague cycle in Western states,” said Dr. Bron. “While we would have liked to see these small animals benefit in some way from the vaccine as prairie dogs do, it is important to know that they suffer no adverse ...
JoshJosh Balk, Humane Society of the US
Josh will be back on Sunday 7/22 to discuss the Prevent Cruelty California campaign that has put a referendum item on the November ballot to make illegal the extreme crowding of layer hens, veal calves, and breeder pigs. If passed in November, California will again be the nation's leader in protecting animals at factory farms. And because all eggs and meat brought into California would have to meet the new standard, farms across the US would have to comply. (Or skip selling in the world's sixth-largest economy).
More than 660,000 signatures were collected and we are now YesOn12CA.com. Josh talks about the initiative measure, the success of the signature drive, why the issue matters, how to sell the issue to non-animal people, and what must happen to win in November.
Balk has led efforts to enact animal welfare policies with many of the world’s largest companies, including Walmart, Wendy’s, Kroger, Denny’s and dozens more. These policies have helped shift the food industry’s reliance on veal crates, gestation crates, battery cages, and cruel methods of raising chickens in the meat industry. He's also been a leader in creating and supporting start-up animal-friendly companies, including co-founding JUST, and guiding investment firms and high net worth individuals to invest in this space.
Balk also led discussions with the largest food service companies in creating the world’s first partnerships on shifting their focus to plant-based foods. On legislative priorities, he was a leader on successful campaigns passing laws for farm animals, including in California, Massachusetts, and Maine. Prior to coming to HSUS, Balk worked at Compassion Over Killing (COK) where he conducted investigations into factory farm operations slaughterhouses, and launched one of our nation’s first advertising campaigns on farm animals.
Balk’s work has been covered by the Associated Press, Fortune, CNN, New York Times, Washington Post and dozens of other outlets. He was inducted into the Animal Rights Hall of Fame in 2015.
Dr. Merrianne Burtch, Pacific Veterinary Specialists & BirchBark Foundation
This is a wide-ranging interview with veterinary internist Dr. Merrianne Burtch of Pacific Veterinary Specialists in Capitola (across from the mall, also an emergency clinic) discussing diabetes in companion animals.
Meanwhile, the BirchBark Foundation's three-lecture series on pet health continues Saturday, September 8, in Carmel Valley. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about eye health for pets.
Lectures will be held at The Raw Connection in Carmel Valley (26200 Carmel Rancho Blvd) and will be approximately 30 minutes long followed by Q&A.
Light snacks and beverages will be provided. $20 donation to BirchBarkFoundation suggested.
Saturday September 8th at 2 PM Keeping Pets Eyes Healthy by Dr. Elizabeth Curto, DVM, DACVO
On this podcast, I'd like for everyone to meet Lisa Brown, a rescuer whose senior chihuahua literally died from stress caused by 4th of July fireworks. I want everyone to hear the story of how this 14-year-old old female Chi died from her heart condition because of having to listen to the loud explosions on the evening of July 4, 2018. I want you to be able to tell people that you heard Abby's owner describe this poor animal's horrible, frightening death. Maybe if we tell people that we actually know the person and the dog this happened to, we can convince people to take the needs of animals seriously. We also talk about respect for vets suffering from PTSD.
Lisa Brown announces that her Chihuahua Abby died from fireworks-caused anxiety
Dr. Merrianne Burtch, Pacific Veterinary Specialists & BirchBark Foundation
Like in people, cancer is a disease that generally only kills pets that live long enough to catch the disease. So, as we have extended animals' lives through better nutrition and veterinary care, more live long enough to eventually succumb to cancer. Again, as in people, exciting developments are helping us treat cancer in companion animals more effectively and catch it earlier. Studies and drugs that help people often extend pets' lives as well -- and vice versa.
This is a wide-ranging interview with veterinary internist Dr. Merrianne Burtch of Pacific Veterinary Specialists in Capitola (across from the mall, also an emergency clinic) discussing cancer in companion animals.
Meanwhile, the BirchBark Foundation's three-lecture series on pet health continues Saturday, July 14, in Carmel Valley. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about intestinal health, cancer, and eye health for pets.
Lectures will be held at The Raw Connection in Carmel Valley (26200 Carmel Rancho Blvd) and will be approximately 30 minutes long followed by Q&A.
Light snacks and beverages will be provided. $20 donation to BirchBarkFoundation suggested.
Saturday July 14th at 2 PM Cancer in Pets by Dr. Teresa Arteaga, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
Saturday September 8th at 2 PM Keeping Pets Eyes Healthy by Dr. Elizabeth Curto, DVM, DACVO
UPDATED PODCAST (16:39) -- I'd like for everyone to meet Lisa Brown, a rescuer whose senior chihuahua literally died from stress caused by 4th of July fireworks. I want everyone to hear the story of how this old female Chi died from her heart condition because of having to listen to the loud explosions on the evening of July 4, 2018.
I want you to be able to tell people that you heard Abby's owner describe this poor animal's horrible, frightening death. Maybe if we tell people that we know the person and dog this happened to, we can convince people to take the needs of animals seriously.
Also on the program: A Siberian Husky rescue and breed profile, a new local cat and kitten rescue, Dr. Burtch on cancer in pets, and Laura and I discuss interesting dog and cat news stories of the week. Please tell your friends.
Lisa Brown announces that her Chihuahua Abby died from fireworks-caused anxiety
Laura Pakis doing her 6/24 segment from her car while vacationing in Nipomo, CA.
This is a new weekly segment featuring trainer/blogger Laura Pakis in conversation with host David Coursey. Laura is an experienced Certified Professional Trainer and owner/founder of Acme Canine.
This is an expansion of her "Dog-Training-By-Radio" segments that discuss specific training techniques and goals. Want Dog-Training-By-Radio handouts? Click here. Having trained over 5,000 dogs and run a boarding and daycare facility for the past 13 years, Laura focuses her blog, Spike’s Dog Blog by Acme Canine, on training knowledge and the care and understanding of dogs.
A member of the Dog Writer’s Association, Blog Paws, Women in the Pet Industry and the IACP, Laura shares her experience through a variety of social media and national and local magazines.
Well known throughout the canine community for quality training, high standards, and professionalism, Laura was nominated for the Woman of the Year in the Pet Industry, the BBB’s Integrity Award and Worthington, Ohio Chamber’s Small Business Person of the Year. Acme Canine received The Silver award for the 2014 Pet Age Boarding Facility of the year.
Laura is certified in many areas of pet care and training. She is an industry expert to the media and assists dog trainers worldwide with improving their training techniques, people skills, and business knowledge.
This is a podcast of the June 24, 2018 segment with Laura and David.
This chihuahua puppy was rescued from a drug house where it was being tormented by children. It has since been adopted into a loving family.
Jules Beer and Jennifer Colletto are two of the volunteers that my wife Elionora and I work with helping to transport rescued animals around Northern California. These missions typically start with a shelter, rescuer, or foster parent and take the animal sometimes several hundred miles to veterinary care and/or a rescue group that will work with the animal and, eventually, adopt it into a new home.
In this podcast, we discuss the why and how of rescue and share some recent rescue experience. If you would like to become involved in helping to transport homeless animals to safety and new homes, please contact me using the form below and I will point you to the proper contact in your area.
Rescue transport does not take a lot of time, is not a long-term commitment to an animal, but is critical to saving the lives of homeless pets.
Merrianne Burtch, Pacific Veterinary Specialists & BirchBark Foundation
Dr. Merrianne Burtch of Pacific Veterinary Specialists and Birchbark Foundation recently told me about two charts that together describe all the major dog and cat products for flea and tick control. The information is so important, interesting, and comprehensive that I am sharing it before we air the podcast with Dr. Burtch.
Oops, there is a link to the podcast below. Enjoy it two or three weeks before we broadcast the interview. Her is a link to her blog post on the subject.
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Dr. Merrianne Burtch of Pacific Veterinary Specialists and her Birchbark Foundation having an in-depth discussion of heartworm disease with PetRadio's David Coursey.
While the disease is not common in Santa Cruz County, a hot-spot of persistent cases has been discovered in the Boulder Creek/Zayante area of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Dogs living in that area should be tested for heartworms and then treated or placed on heartworm preventive medication, as recommended by your vet. The outbreak is not large enough to show up on this progressive heartworm incidence map.
This is why we don't want our animals to become infected.
Dr. Burtch uses a heartworm preventative monthly with her dog. All dog owners should consider it, if only because prevention iHeartworms found after the death of the animal. See why prevention and treatment matter? s so much less expensive than curing the heartworm disease. Ask your vet.
Link to the American Heartworm Society as referred to by Dr. Burtch.
Heartworm Prevention for Dogs
Heartworm Medicine for Dogs
Scruffy Coursey, Sound-Effects Engineer
The barking dog heard on the podcast (several times) is my mixed-breed friend, Scruffy.
This is a paw'd cast interview with Diane Balkin, staff attorney at the Animal Legal Defense Fund. It's runs 20-minutes and is a very complete discussion of heat-related problems that dogs may face, including California law allowing a bystander to break into a car to save an animal in distress. Here's the background:
As summer approaches and temperatures rise, so does the danger of dogs dying in hot cars, left to overheat by negligent owners.
Even on a day when it’s 70 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can hit 90 degrees in just 10 minutes. On a hot day, the temperature inside a closed car can shoot as high as 116 degrees in the same amount of time.
What can you do to keep dogs safe this summer? The Animal Legal Defense Fund, the nation’s preeminent legal advocacy organization for animals, has some tips.
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Never leave a dog in a hot car.Leaving an animal in a car for any amount of time is dangerous. Cracking a window doesn’t eliminate the risk of heatstroke or death, and in some states negligent owners can face up to one year imprisonment.If you have your dog with you:Plan to visit animal-friendly restaurants and shops.Bring a friend who can stay with your dog while you run into a store.Leave your dog at home where he is safe and comfortable in the air conditioning!
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If you see an animal in distress, call 911. Calling 911 is the first step to saving that animal’s life. Most states allow a public safety officer to break into the car and rescue an animal if his life is threatened.
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Know your rights.Social media posts have circulated across the country urging people to break a window if they see a dog trapped inside a hot car, but you should know your local laws.
Only 12 states — Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Florida, Ohio, Vermont, Oregon and Tennessee — allow “good Samaritans” to break a car window to save an animal. Almost all of those states require “good Samaritans” to contact law enforcement before breaking into the car.
In 14 states, only public officials such as law enforcement and humane officers can legally break into a car to rescue an animal (Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia and Washington). In New Jersey and West Virginia, although it is illegal to confine an animal in a hot car, no one has the statutory authority to break into a vehicle to save the animal, not even law enforcement.
- Let people know it’s not okay to leave an animal unattended in a car. If you see someone leave their animal in a parked car, consider politely approaching them and letting them know that even if it’s a pleasant day outside, the temperature inside the car can skyrocket fast. The Animal Legal Defense Fund has created a printable flyer you can download at aldf.org/hotcars.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s sunshades also remind drivers of the risks of leaving animals unattended in a car. The sunshades feature the message, “Warning: Don’t leave dogs in hot cars,” in lettering large enough to be readable from across a parking lot. It also urges people to call 911 if they find animals locked in a car and in distress. The sunshades are available at aldf.org/hotcars and all proceeds benefit the Animal Legal Defense Fund.For more information on keeping dogs safe this summer visit aldf.org/hotcars.
Source: How to Keep Dogs Safe This Summer | Animal Legal Defense Fund
Tools for cracking car windows in a hurry:
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Dr Merrianne Burtch, Pacific Veterinary Specialists & BirchBark Foundation
When must you take your pet to the emergency vet? Dr. Merrianne Burtch of the BirchBark Foundation and Pacific Veterinary Specialists in Capitola was here for a 5/20 recorded segment. She answers that question, offers a warning about the artificial sweetener xylitol that can kill dogs, as well as snakebite and other emergencies. Here is her blog post on life-threatening substances.
Here is the substance of her ER visits post:
Here are some pretty clear guidelines for when you should take your pet to emergency
Fever: Dog and cats have a normal body temperature ranging from 99 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If your pet is feeling poorly and has a fever over 103 then a visit to the vet or emergency is indicated. Pets with a temperature of 106 or greater will start to suffer brain damage and need to be cooled with fluids or other therapy Vomiting repeatedly and unable to hold down water is another time when you should take action. An animal with severe gastroenteritis or an obstruction in the intestines will become dehydrated and start to have organ dysfunction within about 12 hours of not being able to hydrate. Weakness and a fast heart rate further indicate a visit to emergency is needed. Seizures particularly when a series or cluster of seizures occurs, unless your pet is a known epileptic and you have been guided otherwise. A seizure can be the result of a single event from changes in the brain chemistry, the first sign of a seizure disorder or an indication of metabolic abnormalities such as low blood sugar, low blood calcium or other electrolyte disorders. It can also be from ingestion of certain toxins. Because the brain can suffer permanent damage from repeated seizures making sure an underlying cause is not present is essential and checking for a treatable cause can save a life. Toxin exposure. If your pet has consumed prescription medication then the best start is poison control. You can call yourself and talk to someone at the ASPCA poison control (888) 426-4435 . There is a charge in the $60 range and they can help you decide whether to go the emergency or monitor at home. They can also tell you what to look for. Some of the other toxins of concern include chocolate which you can check to see whether your dog got a toxic amount here. Other toxins that might demand a visit are xylitol (causes severe low sugar and is life-threatening), poisonous mushrooms (some emergency rooms can help you determine if your pet consumed a poison mushroom especially if you bring it with you or have a picture to identify it), and antifreeze which may cause your pet to seem drunk and causes life-threatening kidney failure. Snail bait in the Spring is a common toxin that causes tremors and seizures and requires a visit to the veterinarian. Collapse and inability to move can be from heart disease, orthopedic disease or neurologic damage to the brain or spinal cord. Ideally, your pet should be seen if this occurs because correction of neurologic disease is time sensitive and can make the difference between saving their ability to walk or not. Heart rhythm abnormalities can be life-threatening if not addressed. Trauma to the body (hit by car), dogfights with resulting puncture wounds to the chest or abdomen and trauma to the eye can have underlying hidden damage that might be life compromising or vision compromising so the safest option is to have your pet evaluated if they experience such trauma.
Here is a link to the ASPCA's chocolate hazards post. Here is a paw'd cast interview with ASPCA poison control chief Dr. Tina Wismer. Here is the ASPCA poison control app and chocolate toxicity calculator.
I was excited to have Nathan Winograd, of the No Kill Advocacy Center, on the May 5 program to talk about his proposal protecting healthy or treatable companion animals from being killed in shelters or vet's offices. This is the obvious expansion of no-kill, which Nathan played a huge role in making happen nationally.
We still have a long way getting to No-Kill America and Do No Harm is controversial, in part because of the need for money to pay for all the treatment that will be required to save injured/sick animals.
Listen to the paw'd cast and tell me what you think.
The following is from Nathan's announcement of the proposal:
Killing a healthy or treatable dog, cat, rabbit, or other animal companion should be illegal, regardless of whether the animal is at a shelter or taken to a veterinarian.
Not only is it unethical to kill healthy and treatable animals, but a recent study found that “over one-third (36.9%) of dogs originally brought in by their owners for euthanasia could, upon further evaluation by staff and discussion with owners, be made available for adoption…”
It further found that, after assessment, these animals “had medical or behavioral concerns that were amenable to resolution, as opposed to all having terminal health conditions or intractable behavior problems.”
Download the FREE guide and model legislation by clicking here.
To get it introduced and passed in your community, click here.
Of course, the No Kill Advocacy Center stands ready to help YOU achieve No Kill success in your community.
And, if you can, please help us continue our pioneering and lifesaving work. To donate to the No Kill Advocacy Center, click here.
JoshJosh Balk, Humane Society of the US
Josh will be on Sunday 5/6 to discuss the Prevent Cruelty California campaign that has put a referendum item on the November ballot to make illegal the extreme crowding of layer hens, veal calves, and breeder pigs. If passed in November, California will again be the nation's leader in protecting animals at factory farms. And because all eggs and meat brought into California would have to meet the new standard, farms across the US would have to comply. (Or skip selling in the world's sixth-largest economy).
More than 660,000 signatures were collected. Josh talks about the initiative measure, the success of the signature drive, why the issue matters, how to sell the issue to non-animal people, and what must happen to win in November.
Balk has led efforts to enact animal welfare policies with many of the world’s largest companies, including Walmart, Wendy’s, Kroger, Denny’s and dozens more. These policies have helped shift the food industry’s reliance on veal crates, gestation crates, battery cages, and cruel methods of raising chickens in the meat industry. He's also been a leader in creating and supporting start-up animal-friendly companies, including co-founding JUST, and guiding investment firms and high net worth individuals to invest in this space.
Balk also led discussions with the largest food service companies in creating the world’s first partnerships on shifting their focus to plant-based foods. On legislative priorities, he was a leader on successful campaigns passing laws for farm animals, including in California, Massachusetts, and Maine. Prior to coming to HSUS, Balk worked at Compassion Over Killing (COK) where he conducted investigations into factory farm operations slaughterhouses, and launched one of our nation’s first advertising campaigns on farm animals.
Balk’s work has been covered by the Associated Press, Fortune, CNN, New York Times, Washington Post and dozens of other outlets. He was inducted into the Animal Rights Hall of Fame in 2015.
Lynea Lattanzio, Founder, Cat House on the Kings
This is monologue and two short interviews I recorded Saturday (5/5/2018) at the Cat House on the Kings Spring Open House. The first part of my description of the Cat House, a long talk with (perhaps) a minor fact error included. The one I know is the fall open house is in early November (not October, as I thought I remembered).
This segment will be broadcast on Sunday, May 6, 2018, and is being posted the night before.
The second segment is an interview with Cat House founder Lynea Lattanzio, who talks about the future of the 12-acre sanctuary, the peacocks and egrets and herons that also live there, and how coyotes are kept out, cats are kept in, and only the occasional raccoon climbs the fence.
Marmalady Lemieux
Third is an interview with Laura Lemieux who is mom to one of the most famous cats ever adopted from the Cat House, an orange female named Marmalady. This is her preadoption story -- how she became a tripod cat. Here is a link to her Facebook page, liked by more than 11,000 fans.
This is the information CEO and Founder Carmen Rustenback of the IBPSA referred to during her appearance on April 29. We will have her back on before July 4th! This Paw'd Cast does into much more detail than this post.
Whether a pet sitter or pet boarding facility, make sure you know who is caring for your family member. Enclosed you’ll find a series of questions to ask when interviewing a potential pet care provider. Are there quite a few questions? You bet! But better to have asked too many rather than too few when it comes to your pet’s safety. The questions are also available as a handy downloadable PDF which can be printed and distributed as a trifold for sharing – perfect for concerned citizen groups and for shelter adoption packets.
What Questions Should You Ask When Choosing a Pet Care Provider?
Is the pet care services provider a member of a professional trade association like IBPSA? How long has the provider been in business? If the provider is “away care”, that is a service not in your home such as a pet boarding or day care facility, pet salon, or a pet sitter’s own home, have you toured the premises to see if it is clean, sanitary, and secure? What types of cleaning products does the provider use and are they pet safe? If the provider is a pet care boarding or daycare facility, are there security fences around the boarding area? Does the provider have an evacuation plan for both on-site and off-site evacuations? Does the provider have a fire safety or abatement program? And, if so, how often is it checked? If a pet boarding or daycare facility, does the provider have someone on-site at all times? If the provider is “away care” are the premises climate controlled with air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter? What type of animal care education and training does the provider and, if applicable, the provider’s staff receive? What is the provider-to-pet ratio. For example, how many pets will a pet sitter be caring for at one time or how many pets per employee does a boarding or daycare facility staff for? If “away care”, does your cat have its own condo? Is the cat area away from dog activity and barking? If “away care”, does your dog have its own run or suite, or will your pet be housed in a crate? If housed in a crate, how frequently are the dogs let out for exercise and elimination? If in a run, do the dogs have an indoor and outdoor portion? Will your dog be with other dogs not related to your pet, and how much contact will there be with other dogs? If dogs will be with other dogs, does your provider temperament test the dogs being put together? Does the provider separate dogs being put together such as in daycare into groups by size, age, and temperament? If you are not supplying food, what type of food will your pet receive? Does the provider monitor how much your pet eats and if your pet’s eliminations are normal? What if your pet requires medication while with the provider, how will those be administered? What other services does the provider offer? Can your pets go for a nature walk, play Frisbee or ball, and get a bath? If your dog requires grooming, what options does the provider offer? Does the provider have a dedicated grooming area for the pets to reduce stress during the process?
For a print version of these questions to have with you when interviewing a pet care facility download the PDF (above).
This is a short interview with Christopher Carr, host of KSCO's Cannabis Connection program (Fridays 8-9 p.m.) about cannabidiol or CBD oil for pets. The substance, derived from marijuana and/or industrial hemp plants, is controversial and illegal under federal law. In states where marijuana is legal, however, it is fairly widely available as a liquid in dropper bottles.
Even Bark, known for its BarkBox monthly goody-plans for dogs, recently began selling CDB-laced treats as well as the oil itself. They put out a press release, but after initially accepting an invitation to be on the program, they reneged after a discussion around the office. That attitude, sadly, only enhances the notion that CDB is a dodgy substance.
Christopher was kind enough to give me about 2 oz. of CBD oil that he manufactures here in Santa Cruz. I am giving this to my 15-year-old Brittany as an anti-inflammatory and will report on the results.
The Preventive Vet website has an interesting post that discussions what we know about CDB (not much) and don't know (mostly) and well as the pro's (speculative) and con's (don't seem so bad) of using the substance as a treatment for canines. What conditions does CBD treat in Dogs? From the Preventive Vet site: In humans, THC and/or CBD have been reported to treat things such as: • Anxiety • Pain • Noise phobia • Nausea • Loss of appetite • Epilepsy • Inflammation It’s not hard to find stories of pet owners who report similar effects after giving their dogs CBD oil or treats. However, the lack of published double-blind study for animals makes it hard to pull out real facts from the purely anecdotal evidence.
Here's my take on CBD Oil CBD Oil and treats frim Bark -- This stuff ain't cheap!
I am encouraged that CDB oil, even that which Includes small amounts of psychoactive THC seems to have no serious side-effects or contraindications in canines. Of course, it also lacks known dosing and double-blind studies for efficacy and safety. Promoters say the same thing about CDB that were used to sell medical marijuana. Those benefits were attributed to THC, but now CBD oil, containing little if any THC, benefits from the same claimed benefits.
My recommendation is to read the Preventive Vet story linked above and decide for yourself. I'd love to hear your thinking and will report back on what I decide for my dog.
Laura Pakis, our Dog-Training-By-Radio expert, and I had an interesting chat about dog etiquette, about as broadly stated as possible. We talked about helping dogs get along better, but spent a lot of time talking about how we behave as owners.
Needless to say, we talked about the downsides of allowing dogs to be off leash in areas where they cannot be easily controlled -- and enough help is available to solve any problems that arise.
I don't do justice to the conversation in these descriptions -- relying on memory as I do. It was a good chat, but what did we actually say? Take a listen and find out.
This is a really great interview, from the end of April 2018. Listen to her speak and it is easy to understand what a great writer and vet she is. I look forward to her return to the program over the summer. Highly-recommended reading.
Dr. Suzy Fincham-Gray is a San Diego-area vet, originally from England, has written a wonderful and very readable book about the practice of veterinary medicine. From the promotional material:
My Patients and Other Animals is a moving memoir of a life spent in the company of animals—a veterinarian sheds light on the universal experience of loving, healing, and losing our beloved pets, and the many ways they change our lives. Suzy Fincham-Gray dreamed of becoming a vet since she was a young girl. In 2000, she graduated, with honors from the Royal Veterinary College in London. Her journey in veterinary medicine has taken her from the English-Welsh border to an inner city Philadelphia ER to the U.S. West Coast, with thousands of stories collected along the way.
In this unforgettable and profound literary debut, we are taken into the heart of the relationship we share with the animals in our lives, and the decisions we must make when a loved one becomes sick. We meet Grayling, an Irish Wolfhound in need of intensive care. With Ned, a rescue dog from Mexico, we experience the joy of saving an animal from disease. And the story of Sweetie explores the lengths doctors will go to save a patient. Fincham-Gray is a rare breed—a clinician with an elegant literary style. She affords a view few can obtain and writes with the same tenderness she brings to her patients, whose needs she must meet with her mind, her hands and her heart. Rich in warmth and humor, My Patients and Other Animals is a memorable story of compassion, healing and hope.
Reading this wonderful book reminded me of my interview with Dr. Burtch of the Birchbark Foundation. Another really smart and compassionate vet.
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America's No-Kill cities and towns
This is a wide-ranging and very pleasant interview with Best Friend's Animal Society Pacific Regional Director José Ocaño. We talk about the history and mission of Best Friends, perhaps the least-known of the "big three" US animal charities (with the Humane Society of the United States and the ASPCA). We talk about the ascent of no-kill shelters and how Best Friends plans to reach its goal of a no-kill America in 2025. Listen to the interview and hear how I've become a believer. Interesting interview. Good guest. Please listen.
Imagine a dog whistle that never stops!
Few of us would put up with a TV that emits an annoying whine or a light bulb that flickers, but for our pets, that may the world around them, editor-at-large Brian Cooley says on this paw'd cast as well as in the latest CNET Magazine (link below).
Pets' senses are tuned differently than our own and may detect a cacophony of noise and strobe effects that we don't, particularly as we fill our homes with technology. You can fix a beeping smoke detector quickly by changing the battery, but it might also be emitting a constant high-pitched noise that only your dog can perceive. Have we built them an unintended hell?
Dr. Sheila Carrera-Justiz, assistant professor of neurology at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, says that our pets' sense of hearing makes the world a far different place for them than for you and me. They hear everything we do, plus much more. "I recently got a new dishwasher and it's really quiet -- my dogs don't react to it at all," she says. "But [the sound of] the garbage truck going by? That's a different story."
Read the rest of Bryan's story here. The paw'd cast us from the 4/15/18 edition of KSCO Pet Radio.
Steve Walter, Nitro K-9
Steve Walter hates head halters -- the Gentle Leader and it ilk -- as he writes in this blog post and discusses on this podcast. Steve also doesn't believe in using toys or food. He does believe in prong collars for training, but says they are used in very specific ways. Steve trains all sorts of dogs, but also sees aggressive animals other trainers have given up on. Did I mention Steve can be controversial and thinks many trainers are misguided?
You really need to visit his website and look around. But first, meet Steve on this 9-minute podcast, recorded April 8, 2018. He will be back with us again soon.
Josh Balk, Humane Society of the US
Josh Balk is a leader in the campaign to stop the extreme overcrowding of laying hens, veal calves, and breeder pigs in California's factory farms. I don't normally post interviews a week before they will air, but this is an important exception.
We urgently need signatures to get a referendum on the November ballot to stop the inhumane treatment of these animals. This would be a follow-up to 2008's Proposition 2, which helped make "cage-free" a term we all know. But that law did not go far enough to protect farm animals. This proposal, if it gets on the ballot, is an opportunity to do better for them.
Josh is an inspirational leader in the humane movement and I am proud to personally endorse this measure in the hope listeners and readers will help collect signatures. They must be mailed April 16. Volunteer on the preventcrueltyca.com site. I will have petitions available at the station during the program. Feel free to stop by.
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Interview with veterinarian Dr. Kelly Diehl of the Morris Animal Foundation on cancer in pets and wildlife. Here is a link to the four-page PDF handout that we discussing during this wide-ranging interview.
Morris Animal Foundation Launches Unite to Fight Animal Cancer Campaign March 26 Funds raised support cancer research for animals around the world
DENVER/March 21, 2018 – Morris Animal Foundation, the leader in advancing animal health, will launch its fifth annual Unite to Fight Animal Cancer campaign on Monday, March 26. The two-month campaign, which ends May 31, raises funds for research that will lead to new understandings about how to prevent, diagnose earlier and treat animal cancers. Gifts can be made and more information can be found at Unite to Fight Animal Cancer.
Cancer is a disease that impacts animals everywhere. In dogs and cats, cancer accounts for nearly half of all disease-related deaths each year, with approximately 11 million new diagnoses made annually. Since 1948, Morris Animal Foundation has funded more than 300 cancer studies, investing nearly $40 million, and continues to make strides against the disease, thanks to generous donor support.
“We are asking people to not only join us in our fight, but imagine a world where all cancers are treatable and more cures possible,” said Tiffany Grunert, Acting President/CEO of Morris Animal Foundation. “This is a vicious disease that is seen in the pets we love and the wild animals we admire and with the help of our supporters we can change that.”
With almost 70 years of cancer research to date, Morris Animal Foundation funding has led to numerous breakthroughs and advancements in cancer care, including:
Improved cancer surgery imaging for complete surgical removal of tumors in cats and dogs, improving both treatment decisions and decreasing incidence of tumor recurrence Testing of a canine melanoma vaccine, now confirmed safe and effective in horses with melanoma, providing an effective treatment for a devastating cancer in horses Clinical trials for promising treatments for osteosarcoma, a devastating cancer in dogs, that give hope for improving outcomes for patients Advances in the understanding of viral cancers in domestic cats and wildlife that have helped in the development of prevention protocols and treatments, including vaccine development for feline leukemia virus
The Blue Buffalo Foundation is once again partnering with Morris Animal Foundation in the fight against cancer, with a dollar-for-dollar gift match, up to $75,000, until the end of the campaign on May 31.
In addition to raising funds for cancer research, Morris Animal Foundation will provide pet owners and animal lovers free downloadable cancer prevention checklists. The Foundation also will share stories of donors who lost their pets to the disease and learn why those owners support the Foundation and the Unite to Fight Animal Cancer campaign.
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded by a veterinarian in 1948, we fund and conduct critical health studies for the benefit of all animals. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org
Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero, which marches into theaters everywhere April 13, is based on the incredible true story of the unbreakable bond between a young Soldier and a stray dog who, for his valorous feats, was the first dog promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the U.S. Army, remains the most decorated dog in U.S. Armed Forces history and is widely considered the forerunner to the Army's working dog program.
From Fun Academy Motion Pictures, Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero, opening in theaters nationwide on April 13, is based on the incredible true story of the unbreakable bond between a young Soldier and a stray dog who, for his valorous feats, is still recognized today as the first dog promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the U.S. Army and the most decorated dog in American history. Based on the real-life story of America's first and most decorated war dog in history, Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero, opening on April 13 nationwide, is a heartwarming 'tail' for the entire family!
Beyond his extraordinary military exploits – well documented in history books, but largely forgotten until now – Stubby's status as an adopted stray is earning him recognition by animal rescues and welfare organizations. As part of that celebration of this four-legged hero, Fun Academy Motion Pictures announces a partnership with the Humane Society of the United States and approximately 90 other regional and national animal organizations in all 50 states. Partners will support the release of the film through social media, contests, movie screenings and more to promote rescue and adoption by shining a light on the special bond between people and their pets and the amazing things animals can do when given a chance. "For all who appreciate the service of dogs in war and the ties of loyalty that unite them with soldiers and veterans, this film's a treat. There are few stories in the history of the human-animal bond to match the stirring tale of a special dog and a special soldier who met on the training ground and served together on the field of battle during World War I. Stubby's legacy as a doughboy mascot and a post-war ambassador for animal adoption and the kindness cause makes his story one for the ages -- all ages!," commented Bernard Unti, Ph.D., Senior Policy Advisor, The Humane Society of the United States. Said award-winning filmmaker Richard Lanni, producer-director of Sgt. Stubby, "While Sgt. Stubby is entertainment for the entire family, it also shares an important, life-altering message about animal adoption with kids and is a fun way to interest them in the history of our country. When you adopt a pet, you get back as much as you give, and we are excited to share Stubby's amazing, true story, which continues to change lives today, a century later." Coinciding with the year-long 100th commemoration of the United States' role in the "War to End All Wars," this animated "tail" stars Logan Lerman (Fury, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Percy Jackson & The Olympians), Helena Bonham Carter (the upcoming Ocean's 8, the Harry Potter films, The King's Speech, Sweeney Todd) and Gérard Depardieu (Life of Pi, Cyrano De Bergerac, The Man in the Iron Mask, Green Card) and features an original score by Patrick Doyle (Brave, Thor, Cinderella, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire). About the Real-Life Stubby … Before he was a hero, Stubby was homeless, unwanted, unwashed and unloved, scrounging for scraps on the streets of New Haven, Conn. in 1917—Until he was taken in by Private First Class Robert Conroy of the 102nd Infantry Regiment, 26th "Yankee" Division. In France, Stubby saw frontline action in four offensives and 17 battles. He found wounded Soldiers, saved an entire company by alerting the men to don gas masks and even caught a German spy. After the recapture of Château-Thierry, the women of the town made him an embroidered jacket that would serve as Stubby's uniform and display his numerous awards throughout the rest of his career.
This is an interview with experts on the topic of making airline travel safe for pets, to the extent that is possible. They offer free telephone help and support for KSCO Pet Radio listeners. We also talk about the problems that face pets which become lost at airports, and strategies for recovering them.
Fascinating discussion with Dr. Tina Wismer of the ASPCA animal poison control hotline (888-426-4435) about potentially deadly pet poisons, how to avoid them, and when to go to the vet. Mentions free ASPCA iOS and Android poison control apps.
John Goodwin, HSUS and Jupiter
This is a great interview with John Goodwin about Puppy Mills and the Humane Society of the United States' campaign to put them out of business. We touch on what the HSUS is and other issues, but mostly puppy mills. I'm glad we have smart, compassionate people, such as John, pushing our case.
John Goodwin is the Senior Director of the Stop Puppy Mills campaign at The Humane Society of the United States. John joined The HSUS in 2000 as the grassroots outreach coordinator in the Government Affairs department and went on to spend over a decade spearheading the efforts to combat animal fighting in the Animal Cruelty and Fighting Campaign. Most recently John spent time lobbying for the organization on Capitol Hill in his role as the political director for The Humane Society Legislative Fund, the political affiliate of HSUS. In January 2016 John joined Stop Puppy Mills campaign.
John has testified before numerous state legislatures, acted as an expert witness in criminal animal fighting trials and has been featured in coverage from Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, NPR, national news programs for ABC, NBC and ABC, Court TV, ESPN, Al Jazeera, the Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times and Men’s Journal magazine. John has appeared on Larry King Live, The O’Reilly Factor, Inside Edition and has debated on several national cable talk shows while giving over one thousand interviews to local media outlets.
Here is the HSUS Stop Puppy Mills page.
Ron Levy, Founder, DogTV
I don't usually post segments we haven't broadcast, but here is one. An interesting interview with the founder of DogTV, Ron Levy. DOGTV provides television for dogs as a 24/7 digital TV channel with dog – friendly programing scientifically developed to provide the right company for dogs when left alone. Through years of research with some of the world’s top pet experts, special content was created to meet specific attributes of a dog’s sense of vision and hearing and supports their natural behavior patterns. The result: a confident, happy dog, who’s less likely to develop stress, separation anxiety or other related problems. DOGTV and The Humane Society of the United States are proud to work together to keep dogs happy and in their homes for a lifetime. That’s why DOGTV supports The HSUS’s Pets for Life program, aimed at providing assistance to pets and people in underserved communities. Every time your dog enjoys DOGTV, know that you’re helping support The HSUS’s Pets for Life program.
Paw'd Cast with ACME Canine's Laura Pakis
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Silvie Bordeaux, Muffins Halo
Interview with inventor Silvie Bordeaux.
A Proven Transitional Solution. Muffin’s Halo Guide For Blind Dogs ® is a custom designed product to guide blind/visually impaired dogs and safeguard them from bumping into walls and objects. This NEW patented device is a great aid to help them become familiar with existing or new surroundings quickly. Blindness can be caused by several factors such as: glaucoma, corneal problems, cancer, trauma, retinal diseases, diabetes, cataracts and/or genetics. The most common reasons include cataracts, glaucoma and diabetes. While any breed can be affected, the following pure breeds are more prevalent than mixed breeds to genetically be inclined to develop cataracts: Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, Siberian husky, Schnauzer, Old English sheepdog, Samoyed, Golden Retriever, Maltese, Boston terrier and Yorkshire terrier. For glaucoma; Shih Tzu, Siberian husky and Bouvier des Flandres.
Type II Diabetes is a rapidly growing problem among pets in the U.S, often due to pet obesity. It affects nearly a million and a half dogs with 75% of them developing cataracts and blindness in both eyes, within one year of diagnosis. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), there is a 50-50 chance your pet is among the 33 million dogs that are overweight or obese. As pet obesity rates increase, so will the incidence of diabetes.
Muffin’s Halo Guide For Blind Dogs ® was invented out of the love and devotion for MUFFIN BORDEAUX, a 12 year old Toy Poodle, who lost his sight due to cataracts. Muffin began bumping into walls, falling down the stairs and becoming depressed and immobile, as he attempted to transition. His mother/owner Silvie Bordeaux was heartbroken and determined to find a solution for her beloved dog. After doing extensive research, Silvie realized there is the great need for products to assist blind dogs, creating Muffin’s Halo ® – Guide for Blind Dogs for her beloved dog, Muffin.
Muffin’s Halo Guide for Blind Dogs ® is a lightweight, comfortable and stylish solution with an easy fit with adjustable Velcro strips. Its soft angel wings sit on the dog’s neck to protect their head and shoulder area, while the decorative halo is designed to safeguard them from bumping into walls and other objects. This device does not hinder a dog’s normal daily activity and makes them look like a precious angel.
“This product is a revolutionary invention that will change and save the lives of many dogs that have lost their vision! It’s a brilliant solution that provides safety and comfort for blind/visually impaired dogs to enjoy their lives and live as normal as possible, without their sight. Muffin’s Halo is heaven sent for dog owners dealing with this widespread issue,” said Laura Ballegeer, owner of blind dogs.
For more information, please visit www.muffinshalo.com or contact: Silvie Bordeaux at Muffinshalo@gmail.com or call 818.943.9673
Dr. Erika Sullenberger, Animal Rehabilitation Center of Santa Cruz
Dr. Erica Sullenberger was a guest on the 2/25/18 program, talking about her animal rehabilitation practice, including some home therapy for older dogs. We talked about various rehab treatments, the cost of extensive vet care, how pet parents help rehab their animals, common injuries and surgeries. We covered a lot of ground. Animal Rehabilitation Center of Santa Cruz
Our Paw'dCast is now delivered as two one-hour programs.
Here is the lineup from Sunday Feb 11 KSCO Pet Radio
Hour 2:
Trevor Coates is a board member of Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue. Just as you can adopt a needy cat or dog from a rescue, Mickaboo provides homes for and then adopts out birds in new of new places to perch. Adoption fair coming up later this month.
Cindy Reskovic is a cofounder of Golden Oldies Cat Rescue, founded to assist cats over age six that need help.
Dr. Gabrielle Ravina is a mobile vet, based in Santa Cruz, who provides hospice care for animals in the final stage of their lives. She will be taking your questions.
Next Week
Lynea Lattanzio, founder Cat House on the Kings, cat sanctuary. Over 25 years ago, Lynea Lattanzio dedicated her home, her property, her finances and her entire life to create The Cat House on the Kings, a no-kill, nonprofit sanctuary, rescue, and adoption center for cats. Lynea has rescued tens of thousands of animals from shelters, abusive homes, and abandonment... and has helped get thousands more spayed and neutered.
Carie Broecker, Peace of Mind Dog Rescue. Free Pet Trust seminar. Pet Trusts are set up by caring individuals who want to make sure their non-human family members are taken care of in the event of their own death or disability. Estate attorney, Margaret Clark, will answer your questions about setting up a pet trust for your special four-legged friends. Also, learn more about Peace of Mind Dog Rescue's Perpetual Care Program. Email to reserve your space. Space is limited.
When: Saturday February 24, 10 AM to Noon. Where: POMDR Patricia J. Bauer Center, located at 615 Forest Avenue in Pacific Grove.
Laurren Darr, Pet Fashion Expert. What's new for the Year of the Dog?
Ask-a-Vet: Dr. Merrianne Burtch, co-founder, Pacific Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Service, and founder, BirchBark Foundation. Answering questions about emergency care and making vet care available to animals from low-income families.
On a recent program, Jen Walker was kind enough to explain how people should go about selecting a trainer for their dog. The clip runs about 6 minutes.
I should mention that Jen is, herself, an excellent and busy dog trainer. Her business is called First Friends and I recommend her without reservation. Her advice does not promote her own business.
The podcast is now delivered in two pieces, one for each hour.
Here is the lineup for Sunday Feb 11's KSCO Pet Radio
Hour 1:
Stacie Grissom is the head of content at BarkBox, the company building a next-generation brand for dogs and dog people. Stacie leads the team behind the BarkBox’s interactive, humor-driven content strategy and is a co-author of the New York Times bestseller, Dogs and Their People.
Jen Walker, when not working at the Santa Cruz shelter, is a dog trainer with a private practice. Contact her here.
Tracie Hotchner is the founder of the NY Dog and Cat Film Festivals, coming to Monterey's Oslo Theater on Sunday, February 18 (cats) and Monday, February 19. Cats: Program #1 "Nobody Owns a Cat" 10:00 AM - Tickets Here and Program #2 "Little Works of Art" 12:00 PM - Tickets Here. Dogs: Program #1 "Outdoor Adventures with Dogs" 10:00 AM - Tickets Here and Program #2 "Who Rescued Whom?" 12:00 PM - Tickets Here Dogs are welcome to attend.
Next Week
Lynea Lattanzio, founder Cat House on the Kings, cat sanctuary. Over 25 years ago, Lynea Lattanzio dedicated her home, her property, her finances and her entire life to create The Cat House on the Kings, a no-kill, nonprofit sanctuary, rescue, and adoption center for cats. Lynea has rescued tens of thousands of animals from shelters, abusive homes, and abandonment... and has helped get thousands more spayed and neutered.
Carie Broecker, Peace of Mind Dog Rescue. Free Pet Trust seminar. Pet Trusts are set up by caring individuals who want to make sure their non-human family members are taken care of in the event of their own death or disability. Estate attorney, Margaret Clark, will answer your questions about setting up a pet trust for your special four-legged friends. Also, learn more about Peace of Mind Dog Rescue's Perpetual Care Program. Email to reserve your space. Space is limited.
When: Saturday February 24, 10 AM to Noon. Where: POMDR Patricia J. Bauer Center, located at 615 Forest Avenue in Pacific Grove.
Laurren Darr, Pet Fashion Expert. What's new for the Year of the Dog?
Ask-a-Vet: Dr. Merrianne Burtch, co-founder, Pacific Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Service, and founder, BirchBark Foundation. Answering questions about emergency care and making vet care available to animals from low-income families.
This is the program that aired on Sunday, February 4, 2018:
Carie Broecker is Executive Director of Peace of Mind Dog Rescue in Pacific Grove, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in October 2009.
Our mission is to be a resource and advocate for senior dogs and senior people on California’s Central Coast. We find loving homes for dogs whose guardians can no longer care for them and for senior dogs in shelters. We also provide volunteer and financial assistance so seniors can keep their pets with them as long as possible. In addition, we make pre-arrangements to take in dogs should their guardians become unable to care for them.
We have a lifetime commitment to all the dogs who come into our care. They will either be adopted into a wonderful, permanent home or will live out their lives in one of our foster homes. (Sometimes when we bring a senior dog into our care, it becomes clear that he or she should not have to endure one more move or life change.)
We help senior citizens pay for veterinary care for their dogs if they are unable to afford medical expenses. We also provide temporary foster care for people who are hospitalized and dog walking for people who are no longer able to walk their dogs.
POMDR is led by a dedicated board and an incredible staff. POMDR is also supported by a network of over 600 volunteers who help with foster care, adoption events, transportation, office work, fundraising, and other tasks as they come up. We pride ourselves on adhering to the POMDR culture.
Our vision is to model lifetime care for dogs and all companion animals to help bring about a positive change in the way society thinks about and treats senior dogs, and to create better lives for them through rescue, foster, adoption, hospice, and education.
Our offices and headquarters are located at the POMDR Patricia J Bauer Center at 615 Forest Avenue in Pacific Grove.
Jen Walker, besides being education director for the Santa Cruz shelter, she is also an accomplished dog training. This week and next, she will be handling Dog-Training-By-Radio, as Laura Pakis is out of the country. Jen has spent over a dozen years working in animal shelters, with strong emphases on humane education, community outreach, and companion animal behavior.
She has a Certificate in Training and Counseling from the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers and is a Certified Humane Education Specialist through the Humane Society of the United States.
Jen is a Program Trainer with UnChained and has apprenticed with Mardi Richmond of Good Dog Santa Cruz.
She has attended (and sometimes presented at) numerous conferences, workshops and seminars, and is deeply committed to continuing education for herself and others, including unpaid roles on several nonprofit director and advisory boards.
Jen has written for magazines such as Growing Up in Santa Cruz, Coastal Canine Magazine, and Spot. She is a licensed presenter of Family Paws(an international program assisting expectant parents and families with children with their pet-related challenges) and a longtime member of Delta Pet Partners (animal-assisted therapy). She also has done extensive public speaking before large public groups and on radio and television.
Doug Hexter, CEO, WoofTrax, whose company publishes a smartphone app, "Walk for a Dog," which allows humans to walk their dogs and earn money for local shelters and rescues.
Janel Fishpaw, Dogs Finding Dogs, is originally from California, growing up in the Silicon Valley and going to college at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB).
While in college at CSUMB Janel adopted a dog from Monterey County Animal Services. Janel moved to Maryland in 2007 from California because of a job opportunity in the environmental field. In late 2008, Janel found a dog trainer that worked with competition level dogs in obedience and tracking.
After a few tracking classes, Janel met Anne Wills who had a small company called Dogs Finding Dogs. Eventually,
Here's who was on our fourth program, January 28, 2018:
Hour 1:
Julie Linford and Kathy Anderson, Outcast Cat Help -- This is the group that has been reuniting cats lost during California wildfires with their owners. It's a high-tech mission using special online wildlife cameras.
Kristin Leydig Bryant, author, "Honey, Have You Squeezed the Dachshund?" -- IVDD is a genetic disease of dachshunds and other long/low dogs, including Bassett hounds. Talk about the disease, treatment, and doggie wheelchairs.
Julie Dorsey-Oskerka, A Sound Beginning Program -- A training program for newly-adopted dogs and special music designed to calm all dogs. Here is the book she authored and I recommend, complete with music CD.
Hour 2:
Laura Pakis, ACME Canine -- Half-an-hour of Dog Training by Radio. Yes, you can ask questions.
Dr. Adam Christman, Ask a Vet premieres this week. Dr. Christman operates a seven-vet practice in Brick, NJ and is a podcaster and author. He'll take your questions!
This was a really fun show! The Project Purr ladies were on in both hours.
Hour 1:
Lynne Achterberg, Project Purr -- Cat rescue, spay and neuter (free) and other services. This is a really great group that has been saving lives for more than 30 years. Lynne is a co-founder.
Christy Caplan, Mylifewithdogspdx.com -- Talking about senior dogs and answering questions about caring for our older friends. Except we talked about other things, too.
Kathleen Wood, Animal Legal Defense Fund -- California becomes America's #3 state for animal welfare laws. Illinois #21 and Kentucky last.
Laura Pakis, Acme Canine, Dog-Training-By-Radio -- We teach the "sit" command and why it matters.
Hour 2:
Ian Hallett, VP Central Texas, Emancipet -- Emancipet is a nonprofit on a mission to make high-quality spay/neuter and veterinary care affordable and accessible to all pet owners. We manage an expanding national network of high-quality, low-cost clinics; offer customized training and consulting programs to animal welfare organizations nationwide, and advocate for strategies and public policy that improve the lives of pets in underserved communities.
Jen Walker, Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter -- When she was here on 1/7 we never really talked about the shelter. So we will this time. Covered lots of ground and we love Jen.
Pet Detective Kat Albrecht is again offering her 8-week online course for missing animal responders. The course includes weekly webinars and a tremendous amount of course material to go over each week -- about six hours' worth.
Register: https://www.missinganimalresponse.com/
In this interview, we talk about that rescuers will learn in the course. I'll be taking it this time after having to postpone earlier. I apologize for the quality of the recording. I am still getting used to using Facetime to record interviews and ended up using my Mac's built-in microphone rather than the headset mic. Doesn't sound too bad, except for a few small coughs.
The course starts Monday, 1/22, but will be offered again in March.
Here is her description of the course:
Missing Animal Response - Lost Pet Recovery Training - Pet Detective Kat Albrecht offers 8-week on-line missing animal response (MAR) or lost pet recovery training courses for animal control officers, animal industry professionals, volunteer dog and/or cat rescuers, and a 10-week pet detective training/certification webinar course designed primarily for individuals interested in offering professional lost pet recovery services as a fee-based service, including the use of K9 pet detectives.