The Petcast Blog

Wonder if Michael Vick will read this story?

2009-12-16T12:03:00.000-08:00

Let's hope someone shows it to him. And we wish "Turtle" a speedy recovery.

Four Paws Up! Paralyzed Doxie walks again!

2009-10-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

A truly uplifting, good news story about advancements in spinal cord injury treatments.

Tales Wag a Sigh of Relief!

2009-10-12T16:59:00.000-07:00

The Governator signs bill banning tail docking in California. Could ear cropping be next on the chopping block?

Could we ask the Obamas to rethink this for a second?

2009-03-02T11:43:00.001-08:00

A Portuguese water dog? Seriously? Challenging to train, high-energy dogs that need something to do every minute of the day, PWD's are not for novices. Yes, there will be plenty of professional White House staff to help tire the dog out, but is that really the point? Mischief might breed's middle name, and favorite hobby. Not that they can't be wonderful pets, but it takes tremendous effort to curb their instincts, without crushing their spirit. A standard poodle is a perfect fit for the First Family, we just wish someone would help them realize it.

Yes, We'll Miss the Barney Cam!

2008-11-14T11:02:00.000-08:00

The White House just won't be the same ...

Meet Howser. Doggie Howser. Get it?

2008-09-23T14:58:00.000-07:00

He's an adorable soft-coated wheaten terrier, one of the new students in the puppy kindergarten class at Smarty Paws. Trainer MaryKay Grahn has moved into her fantastic new indoor location in northwest Las Vegas. There's room for agility (we had our first class of the season Monday night) and obedience classes to take place at the same time. We enjoyed watching the younger pupils go through the basics.

Good TV or Doggie Abuse?

2008-09-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

Squirting a dog in the face with lemon juice? To try and teach him to look angry on command? Seriously?!
Apparently, we weren't the only ones with mixed feelings about the television show "Greatest American Dog." In fact, we gave up watching just a few episode in, uncomfortable with some of the actions of the owners. It turns out we missed a particularly disturbing episode. Read more about it in the San Francisco Chronicle's excellent Your Whole Pet column.

Kittens Welcome at MIT!

2008-09-09T07:59:00.000-07:00

In Episode #144 of The Petcast, we talked about a pet-friendly dorm in upstate New York. Turns out, Massachusetts Institute of Technology has also opened its doors to students' pets. Take minute for this terrific Boston Globe piece, and don't skip the video!

THE SWISS CAT CONTROVERSY

2008-04-01T06:50:00.000-07:00

(Post By Steve)

In prepping for the March 8 set of "Petcast" episodes, I stumbled across a piece in the Telegraph in London about a movement to get the Swiss government to outlaw the import, export and trade of cat fur and garments. As it happened, Miles and I were en route to Switzerland for vacation the following week.

It seemed like a perfect piece for the New York Times. And it is! My piece on this odd matter runs in the April 1 editions of both the Times and the International Herald Tribune. And yes, this does make my vacation largely tax deductible. Yay.

In addition to that, I put together a 12-minute video interview as a special edition of The Petcast from our trip to SOS Chats, a 260-cat refuge in the far western mountains of Switzerland where we met Tomi Tomek. She operates the refuge, which is also her home, and has led the movement to get cat fur banned in Switzerland. On the video, Tomi shows us her place, explains the stories behind some of the cats and shows the cat furs she has purchased to prove to the media and politicians that such a trade actually exists.

You can view the video here:

(Sorry, it's too long, evidently, for YouTube. Boo.)

Here are some photos that Miles took while we were up there at the refuge. This is Tomi of SOS Chats...

They have a huge spread for the cats to frolick in...

And the cats have free reign over the outside and the inside...

This is probably my favorite shot. Yes, there's a dog. One dog. And 260 cats. Can you count how many cats are in this photo?

Tomi says she knows the names of each of them and their stories. Here she's being kissed by one as she sits in front of the well-organized medical records for the refuge.

Surprisingly, the place was NOT a stinking mess. It was very sanitary and orderly, probably because they use a LOT of this...

And to give you some idea of where this place was, look at the charming little train depot...

And this is the artsy shot of the village that I took...

In the process of this piece, I also got a tour of the Swiss Parliament in Bern from a prominent lawmaker. Still, there were limits and unauthorized persons, including journalists, can't enter the actual floor of the House chambers. But you can shoot a nice photo through the glass...

Or you can be escorted by a prominent lawmaker into the gallery where you can shoot a photo like this one...

As many readers know, I have a thing for capitals. Mostly state capitals, but I'm starting a national capital collection, too. Bern was the 14th capital I've been to so far. (Others are Sydney, Washington DC, Beijing, Taipei, Bangkok, Singapore, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Seoul.)

So, without further ado, here's the obligatory mug of me outside the capital building...

Peace out. And give a little something while you're at it to SOS Chats. They're performing miracles up there in the Swiss mountainside.

Four Paws, Two Wheels

2008-03-25T15:57:00.000-07:00

There's good news for disabled dogs -- wheelchairs for pets are becoming more common, and affordable. Euthanasia is no longer the automatic answer for dogs who lose the use of their back legs, as spunky Max (see photo) demonstrates. One manufacturer, Eddie's Wheels of Shelbourne, Mass., has made custom carts for everything from a rabbit to a great dane. So, roll on, Max!

There are times when robotic pets almost make sense ...

2008-03-03T14:23:00.000-08:00

Like when your dog wakes up in the middle of the night. Right before he throws up. In your bed. But we're not quite ready to trade up to the T-1000 version just yet, although it looks like an interesting and useful alternative for some seniors.

Beagle is Numero Uno!

2008-02-14T10:16:00.000-08:00

Whoever Uno's press agent is, he's worth his weight in solid-gold dog biscuits. Even before the seven group winners took the ring at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, all eyes were on "big beagle" Uno. He really is a perfect specimin, and we can't wait to talk all about it with Westminster announcer Michael LaFave. He'll be on "The Petcast" Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. PST. So, how did Uno celebrate becoming the first beagle ever to win Best in Show at the hallowed Madison Square Garden? By trying to eat a reporter's notebook.

Who says Kats don't like birds?

2008-01-28T11:22:00.000-08:00

Guest host John Katsilometes proves them all wrong on Episode 131 of "The Petcast," which will soon be online. Our new friends Phil and Nicole stopped by the LV Rocks Studio with some feathered friends, including "Big Girl" (pictured right). Who knew these birds could be so charming? Big Girl was rescued from the street after becoming ill, and Phil kindly nursed her back to health. There's plenty of information online for people interested in owning pigeons as pets, and we encourage you to pause and take a closer look the next time you pass one in an urban settting.

Turn off "Idol" and break out the Kitty Dancer ...

2008-01-22T11:40:00.000-08:00

So, what was most shocking about this terrific article on portly house cats? Perhaps the research showing as few as six extra pieces of kibble can turn kitty from tiger to tubby.

The Healing Power of Dogs

2008-01-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

On Petcast Episode No. 130, which will be posted online soon, author Sharon Saxson talked about her new book "Paws and Effect: The Healing Power of Dogs." An interesting article about Saxon in the New York Times serves as a perfect intro to the upcoming show.

Leon 1, Archie 0

2008-01-16T14:41:00.000-08:00

According to the American Kennel Club, bulldogs were more popular than miniature schnauzers in 2007. The bullies galumped their way into the Top 10 for the first time in decades, squeezing out the perennial favorite mini schnauzer. Far from complaining, Archie actually thinks this is good news for his breed. Less popular means less demand for puppies, and thus fewer puppy mill litters languishing pet stores and newspaper classifieds. Guest host Amy would probably agree that being popular isn't the greatest news for bulldogs, who already suffer a host of health problems that are only exacerbated by over-breeding. But we'll let her dog Leon enjoy his moment of triumph, anyway.

Dog = Fire Alarm

2008-01-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

Maybe they should start stocking dogs in the fire prevention aisle at Home Depot? Once again, a dog alerted its owners to a house fire, saving at least one life. It's getting to be almost a routine story, as Emily and guest host Dayvid discussed in Episode No. 116. Laney (the black lab pictured right being hugged by a grateful owner) is our Heroic Pet of the Day.

Farewell, Tatiana

2008-01-07T13:24:00.000-08:00

Following the fatal mauling of a 17-year-old visitor and the serious wounding of two of his friends, the San Francisco Zoo has construction teams working 'round the clock checking the enclosures of all its large animal exhibits. It turns out the 4-foot wall protecting the public from the polar bears was deemed to low by experts. The zoo also has allowed visitors to pay their respects to Tatiana, (pictured right) the 350-pound Siberian tiger shot and killed by police after the attack. The thought of someone being attacked by a polar bear in the middle of San Francisco would have been, at one time, an absurd scenario. But then who could have envisioned what took place Christmas Eve? Incidentally, we're hopeful additional witnesses will come forward to either support or disprove one woman's account that the young men may have been taunting the tiger.

Miss Congeniality!

2008-01-04T10:21:00.000-08:00

Lovely little Gracie certainly earned the title during her recent visit to the Petcast Studio. Our friend Jeri Muntis, a local schnauzer owner and professional handler, joined us for Episode No. 124, which will be available online soon at www.thepetcast.com. While older sister Katie charmed Steve (and kept his lap warm), 9-week old Gracie showed us the beauty of natural, uncropped ears. Jeri's dogs have earned top honors in conformation, obedience and agility. Her oldest dog Steeler is Archie's half-brother.

The Fat Chihuahua

2007-11-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

Lin in NJ sent this pic, taken at the Jersey Shore, with this note: "Saw this poor little fellow while I was at the Jersey Shore for a beach cleanup today. He was a very chubby chihuahua, and quite chatty too. His owner was no prize bag either."

A Petcast Halloween Starring Archie + Leon!

2007-10-28T22:14:00.000-07:00

As you probably heard on Episode 111.5, Emily dudded up Archie as David Beckham for Saturday's party and Amy dressed Leon in a tux for their event on Sunday. Neither one took high honors -- hear the show to learn what very Vegasy pet owner did take all.

Here's a shot of Archie with his new schnauzer friend Pele. No, really. That's his name. Below that is a pic of Archie with Petcast guest-host and Vegas legal sensation Dayvid Figler. It's unclear what Dayvid is dressed as. Tee hee.

And here below is Leon, first chowing down and then with his papa, Paul. Wroth guest co-host Amy: "We crammed him into the tux, and this is the only in focus picture we got before he got back out of it again. The second picture shows him with just the smushed top hat, so we called his costume 'Drunk Vegas tourist who lost his suit.' They approved of the description, but he didn't win. He has a blast with the other dogs, though!

And finally, if Miles and I were that sort of gays -- and thank goodness we're not -- this is what might've become of Black and Jack on Halloween. Emily reports this is Giselle, which makes us feel a little better than this adorable creature is not being forced to crossdress as a butterfly. Oh, sorry. Papillon.

Send us your costume pix!!!

THE PETCAST AT SUPERZOO, PART I

2007-10-21T20:15:00.001-07:00

We attended the SuperZoo 2007 trade show in September at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Episodes 110 and 111 of the program deal with our thoughts and impressions of the experience. Here's some random pictures of products and animals around the show.

More to come once we post Episode 111!

Here's a good substitute ...

2007-09-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

for that puppy your landlord/boyfriend/girlfriend/parents won't let you get. Try the latest addition to the online world of adorable animals. This may be the most entertaining propaganda for heartworm pills we've ever seen.

Archie has new nieces!

2007-08-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

Meet Journey and Cassie, black-and-silver miniature schnauzers who are just six weeks old in this photograph. Their mom is Katie, who is the sister of Archie's half-brother Steeler. Cassie (near right) has a potential future ahead of her as a show dog, and Journey is likely headed for life as an agility and obedience contender and pet. We'd take them both, but Archie rather likes being "top dog."

JUST DUCKY!

2007-08-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

Actually, these are baby geese, just four weeks old. And unlike the kittens who recently visited our studio, these goslings couldn't get enough of Steve. The visited us in the studio along with Cindy Bezard, who is a member of the Boulder City Horsemen's Association. She also has turkey named Tom, pygmie goats, dogs, cats, pigs and horses. While our guests were adorable, they did wreak havoc with Steve's keyboard. Thank goodness for warranties.

Buddy and Owen Go For A Swim!

2007-07-01T17:48:00.001-07:00

Listener Rob Ryan and his partner, Mike, took their boys on a swim at Lake Tahoe! They must really love swimming since the lake is usually very, very cold!

Dogs, Cats and Rattlesnakes, OH MY!

2007-06-08T13:01:00.000-07:00

We have an impressive lineup for tomorrow's episodes of "The Petcast." Be sure to join us from 9 to 11 a.m. PST at LV Rocks. We'll discuss tips on introducing your new baby (human) to your original babies (dog and cat); hear about a close encounter with a venomous reptile; learn about the fascinating science of veterinary forensics; and talk to a journalist-turned-stolen pet sleuth.

Every Day is Dog Day in Portland!

2007-06-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

When we first met Roxie this weekend (see photo right) she was sprawled out, sound asleep, in the middle of the sidewalk on NW 23rd Ave. in downtown Portland, Ore. Rather than ask her owner to relocate Roxie, one pedestrian after another carefully tiptoed around her. One strapping fellow actually got off his bike, lifting it up and stepping over the dozing dog.

We also couldn't help but notice the signs (above left) in the windows of dozens of stores, and the bowls of cold water left outside the front entrances.

Somehow Portland didn't make the Top Ten list for visiting dogs last year, but we're putting in our vote for 2007!

Here's a mystery ...

2007-05-31T14:26:00.000-07:00

Why is it

completely hilarious to us when people put stuff on their cats, but only moderately entertaining when it's mutts? Are we the only ones who feel this way? One theory: the cats all seem to have been caught off-guard looking ridiculous, while the dogs appear to be playing along. We talked to Mario, the founder of stuffonmycat.com and stuffonmymutt.com in Episode No. 20 of the The Petcast. You've been meaning to catch up on some earlier shows, now's your chance!

Please Don't Pet the Whales!

2007-05-30T09:21:00.000-07:00

After 15 days of meandering from the Port of Sacramento to the San Francisco Bay, two lost humpback whales appear to be on their way to the open ocean. Marine biologists tried a variety of tactics to show them the proper route to back to the Pacific, including an underwater concert of whale songs, thrumming massive boat engines and even banging pipes.

Many whales, including this wayward pair, already know that Boats Are Not Friends. The mother and calf have deep wounds, apparently caused when they were run over by propellers. Their health also faltered after they ventured into the less-salty waters of the river delta.

We vowed to never again go whale watching after one dreadful trip near Cape Cod.
Her tour guide explained that whales typically dive below the surface for up to 15 minutes. But when the tour boats are in the area, the whales will stay under for nearly twice as long, almost suffocating themselves in an effort to avoid the crowds. Needless to say, that little factoid quelled any joy at seeing the mighty mammals in the wild.

While most of the Northern California whale fans wisely stayed on shore and admired the wanderers from afar, the Coast Guard reports it fished out several yahoos who attempted to swim out for a more up-close and personal experience. That prompts today's reminder from the your Friendly Petcasters:

"Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" was just a movie -- and not a particularly good one, at that. Safe journey, cetaceans!

Poodle + Doggles = Poogles? Doodles?

2007-05-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

Our friend Duke, a standard poodle with impeccable taste in eyewear, loves to cruise the town in his family's convertible. His "Doggles" protect his eyes from wind, sun and dust. Got a great shot of your pet accessorizing? Send it along to ThePetcast [at] yahoo.com.

CiCi, Buddy, Sophie and Corky

2007-05-29T14:53:00.001-07:00

This adorable brood is the family of listener Tammy Sablack of Willowick, Ohio. CiCi (upper left) is the newest addition, a MinPin mix that the Sablacks fostered for a local rescue group and then kept; Buddy (lower left) is a beagle-dalmatian mix; Sophie (lower right) is a pomeranian-chihuahua mix and Corky (upper right) is a basenji.

Of Ci-Ci, Tammy wrote: "Our puppy Ci-Ci was one of our fosters. She had kennel cough for about two months and she now has mange. She has demodectic mange which is not contagious or itchy. She has no clue that she is as bald as she is. The doc said it could take 3-8 months to cure it....Gah!! I cringe when I think of what would have become of her if we wouldn't have adopted her."

Well, Wendy, please keep us up to date on Ci-Ci's progress!

Chester

2007-05-29T14:47:00.001-07:00

Listener Malya from Las Vegas wanted us to show off her 5-year-old English springer spaniel, Chester! Chester is currently living with Malya's family in Detroit until she can bring him out to Vegas.

Send us yours!

Welcome to the Petcast blog!

2007-05-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

Hey! We're starting a blog! YAY!