Four Paws, Two Wheels

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 ...

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!

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?

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 ...

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

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

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.