Richard Christian reports on a study that says you can get your dog to yawn by yawning yourself. But Fido knows when you’re faking it. He won’t fall for the faux yawn. What does it all mean? What is our dog thinking when they yawn? Don’t get paranoid. He’s not necessarily bored. Also, an embarrassing leak foiled one man’s recent smuggling attempt in New Zealand. The Vietnamese national attempted to smuggle live tropical fish from Australia to Auckland, hiding them in plastic bags and stuffing them into his pockets. However, airport officials grew suspicious when they noticed water seeping from his pants. Also, a couple in Freeport, Pennsylvania, is giving aspiring chicken farmers a chance to take a test run with the animals. Phil Thompkins and his wife, Jenn, have recently started a business called “Rent The Chicken,” which allows people to care for chickens. For $350, a renter gets two hens, a wheeled coop, feed, and a water dish. Also, Animal Radio® Veterinary Correspondent Dr. Marty Becker reports on veterinary practices that go out of their way to be extra cat-friendly. He’ll also have tips for taking your cat to the vet without all the stress and strain. Also, Claire Lennon says her pet chicken Sarah snatched the $450 piece of jewelry while she was perched on her shoulder. Veterinarians determined the earring was trapped in the chicken’s stomach. And while they said they could remove it with a risky surgery, Lennon quickly ruled that out and intends to wait until Sarah grows old and passes away from natural causes.

World-renowned communicator Sonya Fitzpatrick is our guest. She’ll be answering the questions pet owners have after their pets have passed on. Alan is skeptical, but that may change before the end of the show. Also, Anna Jane Grossman, who runs School for the Dogs with dog training partner Kate Senisi, trained her own dog, Amos, on her iPad, and has since segued into teaching budding canine techies how to use the popular Apple device. Also, the “Who’s Your Daddy” Doggy DNA Test Contest continues as we reveal results about “Pixel,” the Animal Radio Studio Stunt Dog. Animal Radio is giving away a Doggy DNA test to listeners eager to learn their dog’s breed. Not only will you uncover your dog’s heritage, but you’ll also learn about their health predispositions and the identities of their siblings. Additionally, one of the first signs of ear problems is the unpleasant, yeasty smell. Dogfather Joey Villani knows this is common among certain breeds, and he has a solution using products you likely already have in your kitchen.

Who’s Your Daddy? Have you ever wondered what kind of breed your dog is? We wondered what breed “Pixel”, the Animal Radio Studio Stunt Dog, is. Vet Geneticist Dr. Jenna Dockweiller explains how Doggy DNA tests work, and why some litters have multiple dads. And with her help, we’re doing an Embark DNA Breed and Health Test to learn more about Pixel’s heritage and health flags. Animal Radio is giving away a free Embark DNA Breed Test. Just email yourvoice@animalradio.com and tell us why you should win the free test, valued at $139. Also, tune in for mystery author David Rosenfelt’s hilarious account of a cross-country move from California to Maine with twenty-five dogs. It turned out to be a bigger ordeal than he anticipated, despite the 3 RVs, the extra kibble, volunteers (including a few readers), and camping equipment. Also, Mark “Coonrippy” Brown’s YouTube videos have gone viral. He gained fame for a video that featured him and his pet raccoon, “Gunshow,” dancing to Aretha Franklin. But the increased scrutiny on his lifestyle caused the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to step in and confiscate his newest pet ‘coon, Rebekah. Also, the owners of an actual cat burglar are trying to bring an end to their feline companion’s “life of petty crime.” Richard Windsor and his wife Sophie say their two-year-old tabby Norris has been building quite the collection of stolen goods from their neighbors’ homes. Norris supposedly started small by nabbing the occasional dishcloth, but now he’s begun swiping bras. Also, an act of Kangaroo censorship has left some people hopping mad. The Mirror says Tourism Australia posted a photo of a Kangaroo named Big Baz on their Facebook page. But since Big Baz was sprawled out on his back in the pic, they chose to keep it PG by pixelating the animal’s private parts. The folks at Tourism Australia explained that they were only having a bit of fun, but not everyone thought it was very funny.

Fido is now being used to stop bullying. Rachel McPherson is introducing canines to both the bully victim as well as the bully-er. The transformation is astonishing. Find out what the Good Dog Foundation has planned. Also, Animal Radio is getting more and more calls from pet guardians whose furry friends are suffering from Summer allergies. It’s essential to identify the type of allergy, whether it’s food-related, environmental, or caused by a pest. For some pets, it may be a Miliary Flea Dermatitis - an acute reaction to fleas, pollen in the air, or simply a food allergy. Your vet has the tools to decipher and treat. Also, former prosecutor Ellen O’Neill-Stephens thinks dogs can be extremely helpful to those testifying in a courtroom. And, in fact, she may be right. Over 30 dogs are currently tucked away next to the defendant as they deliver their sworn statements. It’s all part of a program of the Courthouse Dogs Foundation. And while most people think this is a fine idea, it does have its detractors. Also, a pair of seeing-eye dogs is getting credit for leading their owners to love.  Claire Johnson and Mark Gaffey first met at a course for their guide dogs, Rodd and Venice, last year in Shrewsbury, England. Apparently, the guide dogs were inseparable and seemed to be falling in love. Their visually impaired owners soon followed suit. Also, Dr. Debbie is prepared to answer all of your questions about almost every kind of animal. That’s why she’s at the top of her game. Today, it’s all about Chinchillas. And that’s because more and more pet guardians are choosing this furry critter over a cat or dog. Also, we found a dairy farmer who’s pampering his cows in order to produce more milk. Farmer Smith is using waterbeds for his cows to lounge in while they watch a giant flat-screen TV. And believe it or not, the cows seem to be reacting by making more milk than those moo-cows without TV privileges.

Animal Radio Veterinary Correspondent Dr. Marty Becker has solutions to beat the high costs associated with being a pet parent. New veterinary procedures can be expensive. But the simplest way to avoid costs is to keep your pet at its ideal weight. Additionally, while the Animal Radio Dream Team has differing opinions on pet insurance, the facts remain strong. Yes, you may need to come up with $30,000 for some of today’s procedures. But if you’re covered, you won’t be up the creek without the proverbial paddle. Also, Graham Anley and his wife Cheryl were on a sailing trip. It was just the two of them and their nine-year-old Jack Russell terrier Rosie for three months. But they hit rough water and their yacht capsized. And as Graham swam to shore, he decided to rescue the dog before his wife. Also, if you’ve ever wanted to run the risk of being trampled by a bull but can’t afford the trip to Spain, you could always go to Virginia. More than 5000 people have already signed up for the Great Bull Run, a Pamplona-inspired event to be held at a Richmond drag strip. Also, Lindbergh Field in San Diego has installed what could be called the country’s first airport “pooch potties.” Officials included four fancy “Pet Relief” stations as part of their billion-dollar expansion. The 75-foot square spaces feature fake grass, a fire hydrant, deodorizers, a hand-washing station, and complimentary bags for cleanup.

You’ve seen them. Hanging on telephone poles and posted on supermarket bulletin boards. It says “Lost Cat” with a picture of someone’s furry friend. Dr. Nancy Davidson interviewed the people behind the signs and tells their stories. Also, John Polimeno gave up his job as a construction worker to engineer a face-recognition, or should we say “muzzle” recognition app, to help find lost animals across the country. So far, his company and app have reunited 7 pets with their owners. John explains the technology and how we can add it to the arsenal of tools. Also, Shannon Broder had an idea you wish you thought of. She takes pictures of your pet and makes a pillow. She’s even had a few strange requests. Find out how this “happy-hour” idea became big business. We’ll have giveaways. Also, a listener needs to know about FurFast, a diet aid for your pet. Is it healthy? Does it work? Dr. Debbie has the low-down on tackling pet obesity…and sometimes it calls for supplements… and of course, the Animal Radio Dream Team is answering your pet questions.

Yes, she is the wife of Howard Stern. But more importantly, Beth Ostrosky-Stern is an avid animal advocate. She’s fostering a bunch of animals at home. She says Howard is really into her pets, and sometimes he gets very emotional when the animals find homes. Also, Con Slobodchikoff is studying animal linguistics. He’s noticing patterns that indicate language among cats and even prairie dogs. He even says that someday we may have an App that will translate our conversations with animals. Also, new research from the Center for Pet Safety reveals that the pet restraints tested have a 100% failure rate. Does this mean you shouldn’t use them when traveling with your pet? Absolutely not. However, Lindsey Wolko has the lowdown on what works and what doesn’t when it comes to keeping your pets safe in the car. Also, acclaimed European chef David Faure isn’t worried about his diners finding a bug in their meals. In fact, he’s started intentionally adding a variety of creepy crawlies to the dishes he serves at his restaurant. He says the biggest obstacle in his quest is finding a reliable local supplier of edible insects. Also, not a week goes by without a listener calling to ask why their dog is eating other dogs’ feces. While there are many theories as to why this happens, Dr. Debbie gets to the bottom of it and sheds light on the very common problem.

An American Airlines flight attendant is taking legal action to clear her name after being accused of hiding rats in her underwear and sneaking them onto a plane. Louann Giambattista has filed a lawsuit seeking unspecified damages, claiming the accusations have left her with “debilitating anxiety.” Giambattista’s problems began last year when one of her American Airlines co-workers allegedly noticed an unusual bulge in the admitted animal lover’s pocket. Also, that’s the lesson for a Canadian teenager who was mauled by a lion in South Africa. Lauren Fagen was attempting to kiss the fur of a caged male lion at a wildlife rehabilitation center. Fagen says she’s lucky to be alive.  She’ll be out of the hospital next week. Also, according to the latest American Pets Poll, 52% prefer pups as pets, while just 21% would rather have a cat. But few people believe in the stereotypical “crazy cat” lady or man. Just 23% think “cat owners are weirder than dog owners.” Also, Dr. Debbie becomes concerned when a listener calls in with 11 dogs. By all outward appearances, this pet lover is out-of-control and unable to care for so many animals. For some, this crosses the line from animal care to animal abuse and into the world of mental and psychiatric problems. Also, after many dog maulings and attacks, the owner always says they never expected their dog to be so aggressive. “He’s the nicest, friendliest dog I’ve ever known - I don’t understand what happened.” Alan Kabel understands a dog’s mind, and he’ll tell you why Fido gets mad.

Dr. Ernie Ward aimed to raise awareness about the extreme heat a car can reach and the potential dangers it poses to dogs. So he “shvitzed it out” inside his Coupe, all the while videotaping it for posterity. He shares his experience with us. Pets and their owners do tend to look alike after a while, but are some pet owners going to extremes to prove the point? Animal expert Kim Baker says we’re seeing more and more pet owners taking their pets in for cosmetic surgery. Also, pets are being rewarded for loyalty not just by their owners, but by airlines, as part of a growing number of pet frequent flier programs. Dogs and cats that travel on a Virgin Australia domestic flight can now collect points for their owners that can then be used to obtain discounts on future flights. Also, can you give your pet Aspirin? Do our pets have the same blood as humans? How does Clicker Training work? Should there be a Cat Leash Law? Dr. Debbie, dog trainer Alan Kabel, and Britt Savage tackle these curiosities. Where else will you learn this stuff? Also, what are you willing to do or pay to keep your pet healthy? More and more of us are pawning our wedding rings just to afford the more expensive surgeries to heal our pets. Is $3000 too much to pay to fix Fido’s torn ACL? Also, British celebrity chef Simon Rimmer believes he’s come up with the world’s most luxurious cat food. He worked closely with animal experts to create a “once-in-nine-lifetimes” food experience featuring roasted duck, lobster sushi rolls, and Beluga caviar.

Pets Cause 3-Billion-Dollars Damage A new study reveals that American pets have bitten, chewed, licked, drooled on, and otherwise damaged more than eight million devices, resulting in repair and replacement costs exceeding $3 billion. The most commonly damaged device is the smartphone. Sandy Robbins shares the study’s amazing results. Leaves of three, let it be. A good tip to avoid Poison Ivy, unless your dog gets it and gives it to you when you pet him. It’s more common than you think. Joey Villani, the Dogfather, has Poison Ivy this week. He got it while grooming a dog. He has tips and cures for the itches. Also, what happens when an Animal Radio® listener’s boyfriend is bothered by a cat when he’s in the mood for love? Bottom line, your pet should not be in the same room when you’re making love. Not only is it a “mood-spoiler,” but according to Dr. Debbie, somebody could get hurt. Also, man’s best friend now has a place to go if they need a couple of days away from their two-legged companions. The new Paw Seasons canine holiday resort in Long Ashton, England, offers dogs a luxurious vacation that comes complete with spa and grooming sessions. The actual owners, however, are not allowed to stay at the resort. The two-week package costs more than $72,000.

Guitarist for the Steve Miller Band, Kenny Lee Lewis, kicks off their Summer tour with a stop at Animal Radio. Kenny shares his Central California home with Sophie, a dog he fell in love with after he promised his daughter a pup if she got good grades. We’ll also have tickets to check out the Steve Miller Band for select cities. Also, Dr. Gerald Post is back with basic things you can do to reduce the odds against your pet. If Cancer is detected and treated early, many of our pets have a great chance at a healthy outcome. Dr. Post has the lowdown on pesticides and your pet. Also, when a patient brought a deformed pig into Dr. Len Lucero to be euthanized, the doctor couldn’t do it. He ended up adopting Chris P. Bacon and creating a wheelchair out of a child’s Erector toys. Now the pig is styling with his new wheels and inspiring Facebook followers worldwide. Also, there is no doubt that this tick season is more populated than ever. With typical spot-on chemical treatments losing their efficacy, we’re turning to alternatives for fighting those little buggers. WAHL’s Pat Kopischkie has great ideas when it comes to tick control. Additionally, without even realizing it, we can inadvertently train our dog to be aggressive. The tool that we rely on to restrain our dog may actually be at the root of problems. Dr. Debbie has a cure for pulling and growling issues. “It’s all about thinking like a dog.”

Bay Area NBC Investigative Journalist Elyce Kirchner reports on why the airlines are getting away with murder, literally. There is an incredibly high number of pets that don’t come out alive after flying in the cargo compartment. We’ll have the list of the top airlines and the worst. Also, they’re sooo ugly, they’re cute. Vicki DeArmon has been the brainchild behind the wildly popular Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair. Now she’s taken the photos from these contests and printed them into a coffee-table book perfect for ogling. Also, puppy lovers have ‘fessed up, they have “pet dreams” when they leave their four-legged friends behind on holidays. A new survey shows that eighty per cent of pet owners would cancel or change their travel plans if they could not trust someone to mind their pet. One in six pet owners would chat to their pet on Zoom while away on holidays. And one in seven confessed to having “pet dreams’’ about their animal companions. Also, the ASPCA announced the launch of a new Internet tool that allows consumers to link pet stores that sell puppies with USDA licensed commercial dog breeders. Consumers are able to search the database by pet store name, USDA license number, name of the breeding facility, or by zip code and specific breeds. They are hoping that this new tool will allow consumers to make informed decisions and refrain from buying puppies at pet stores. Also, vet Dr. Karen Halligan fills in for the vacationing Dr. Debbie. She’ll be answering your questions alongside Groomer Joey “Dogfather” Villani, Trainer Alan Kabel, and Communicator Joy Turner.

Not only is she an outstanding comedian, Jo Anne Worley (Laugh-In) spends much of her time caring for the animals. She’s the sitting President of Actors and Others for Animals. This is her second time visiting the Animal Radio Dream Team. Also, Dr. Debbie finally puts an end to the vaccination confusion. How often do your pets really need Distemper, FLV, and Rabies shots and boosters? Diseases like Parvo can be fatal and avoided with a simple shot. Also, Lee Day’s business card says “Pet Entertainer.” We had no idea what this really meant. So we decided to get her on the show to entertain your pets. Grab Fluffy and Fido and bring them around the radio for today’s show. They may be quite entertained. Also, if your otherwise well-behaved dog barks at the postman, the reason could well be in its feet. Scientists have found that ‘left-pawed’ canines are more aggressive towards strangers than their ‘right-pawed’ counterparts. They tested dozens of pets with a special toy to find out which side they favored and then analyzed their behavior. Also, Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld says he’d marry his cat if it were legal. Lagerfeld recently announced he’s “fallen in love” with his pampered feline named Choupette. In the past, he’s been known to buy her an iPad and a silken pillow to sleep on. In an interview on CNN, he said he never thought he’d fall in love like this with a cat.

He’s using his star power to create a better life for animals. Cory Joyce is working closely with the Humane Society of The United States as well as a local shelter in his North Carolina hometown. Also, Vinnie Penn believes that naming your pet is the single most important thing you will do. He has tips for avoiding embarrassing naming mistakes. And please, don’t name your Chihuahua “Thor.” Also, Obie, a Dachshund, has lost so much weight that he had to have skin removed so it wouldn’t drag on the ground. His guardian, Nora Vanatta tells us the entire story, including the bitter custody battles with Obie’s former owners. Also, a technology used by the military is now available to civilian police departments. The Massachusetts Plymouth County Sheriff is using a camera mounted on a dog wearing a bullet-proof vest. While the camera may be helpful, who is going to go through hours of video featuring butt-smelling? also, frozen yogurt makers in Germany are hoping their salmon and beef-flavored concoctions will be a hit. Twin brothers Roman and Raoul Krohn say they first got the idea when they were kids. Their grandma told them that feeding dogs regular ice cream could be deadly, so they eventually came up with a lactose-free formula that is perfect for pooches. Also, veterinarians are optimistic that a 17-year-old tiger will fully recover after having surgery to remove a gigantic hairball. The tiger named Ty hadn’t eaten for two weeks, and that’s when owner Vernon Yates got concerned. Vets examined the 400-pound feline and realized it had a hairball the size of a basketball in its body. The hairball weighed four pounds.

Obesity troublingly affects about three out of five pets. This week, we’re conquering this problem with stories, tips, and tricks to ensure your pet’s health and happiness. You’ll hear about the kitty that ate McDonald’s every day, an inventor who created a cat treadmill, and a 77-lb. Dachshund. Also, Separation Anxiety not only tops the list of dog behavior problems, but the dog’s owner or guardian most often brings it on without knowing it. Alan Kabel has sure-fire ways to teach an old dog new tricks. Also, dogs go postal in Los Angeles more than any other U.S. city. The U.S. Postal Service released its rankings of the best and worst cities for dog attacks on mail carriers. Los Angeles recorded 69 incidents last year. San Antonio and Seattle round out the top three worst cities. Wichita, Kansas, is the safest city with just 20 attacks. Almost six thousand postal workers were attacked by dogs in 2012. Also, with Mosquito season comes an increase in parasitic worms that could ultimately be fatal. Joey Villani tells you how to keep the skeeters away, and Dr. Joel Ehrenzweig tells listeners about over-the-counter products that are safe for your pets, but put a damper on any worm’s day. Also, the American Heart Association (AHA) has declared that pets, especially dogs, are good for a person’s heart. Further proof that dogs are among the best friends a person could have. Dr. Glenn N. Levine, director of Baylor University’s cardiac care unit, says, “Pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, is probably associated with a decreased risk of heart disease.”

Comedian Brian Donnelly has taken on a new job- as a dog owner. His MSPCA rescue pet named BT will soon be showing off his acting chops on the comedian’s new web series called “StepFriendz.” Also, Rodolfo Almira and three friends have begun to build a replica of Noah’s Ark. Almira was inspired by images of animals in need following hurricane season. Following measurements laid out in the Bible, Almira and his three buddies set out to make the ark a reality. But the project hasn’t been without its setbacks. Almira has been slapped with building code violations. Also, Los Angeles International Airport launched the PUP program (Pets Un-stressing Passengers) a new customer service initiative designed to un-stress passengers. Spokesperson Heidi Huebner says the program revolves around passenger encounters with one of several dogs throughout LAX boarding gates, baggage claim, and ticketing lobbies. Also, veterinarians are warning Colorado dog owners about the possibility of their animals overdosing on marijuana edibles. Health officials say they’ve seen a steady rise in marijuana toxicity cases as the drug becomes more readily available.

Do Chickens make good pets? Lauren Scheuer thinks so. She got several chickens with plans of eventually eating them….until she named them. Now they’re her pets, and she shares her house with them and a dog. Also, a Florida man gets criticized for his quick thinking after a caged dog bit his eleven-year-old’s finger off. According to police, the boy stuck his left hand through slots in the cage, trying to pet the dog. The animal bit him, completely severing his pinky finger. The boy’s father immediately pulled the dog from the cage and shot it, then cut into the dog’s stomach, retrieving the finger. Also, police in Pennsylvania say a dog that was left in an unattended vehicle knocked it into gear, and the car struck a pedestrian. The pedestrian was found lying in the street. Police say the car had been left running when the dog inside pushed it into drive, causing it to start moving slowly. Also, these days, dating has gone to the dogs. At least, it did one night at the Cumberland County SPCA’s first-ever Pet Speed Dating event. The shelter created the event to provide the pet-loving public an easy way to get up close and personal with many dogs and cats available for adoption.

Dog Behaviorist Victoria Stilwell is back and debating the two schools of dog training. Do you really have to be mean to your pup to get him to do what you want? There’s a change in the way we’re getting our dogs to behave. Also, shoppers may not be getting what they bargained for. Vendors at a market are trying to pass off bulked-up ferrets as toy poodles. The move has reportedly tricked several people into shelling out $150 for the rodents. Also, what do you do with a dog that’s afraid of everything from lawn sprinklers to rain showers? Alan Kabel explains the process of de-sensitizing your dog and re-training him to be a more confident animal. Also, Dr. Ron Hines used to answer medical questions on his website—that is, until the state of Texas shut him down. Now, he’s part of a lawsuit to restore his First Amendment rights. This litigation will set the tone for those who give advice, from Dr. Oz to Dr. Debbie. Also, Dogfather Joey Villani has five great reasons why you should bring your dog to the groomer regularly….even if your dog doesn’t need a haircut.

Self-proclaimed Cat Whisperer Mieshelle Nagelschneider shares her secrets to training cats. Yes, training cats! Believe it or not, Mieshelle says you can get a cat to do what you want. Also, did you know some breeds of dogs are predisposed to getting cancer? Dr. Gerald Post, founder of the Veterinary Cancer Center, is back on the air with a list of breeds with a better chance of getting certain cancers. Also, a New York woman says she was beyond upset after discovering that her dog made an unplanned trip to Ireland. It happened as Edith Lombardo-Albach was moving to Phoenix. She put “Hendrix,” the six-year-old English Springer Spaniel, on a United Airlines flight. But just seven minutes before Hendrix’s flight was scheduled to land, Lombardo-Albach got a call saying the dog had accidentally been sent to Ireland instead. Also, obesity isn’t just a problem for Americans; it’s a problem for American pets. According to the latest National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over half of dogs and cats in the U.S. are overweight.

Don’t want to honor your dearly departed pet by burying him in the backyard or putting her into an urn? How about freeze-drying your furry friend in their favorite position? That’s the job of Anthony Eddy. He’ll tell us how he got into the business of preserving pets. Also, yes, there’s an App for that! Train your dog to stop barking using Phillip Angert’s new iPad application. When your dog barks, the iPad reacts with your pre-recorded video scolding him. If Fido is good, the app will reward him with a treat. Also, Animal Radio Dog Trainer Alan Kabel shares the truth behind submissive urination. How can a listener stop their dog from rolling over and peeing whenever they come home from work? Re-training your dog can be a long process, especially if you’re not training them correctly. Also, some smaller dogs are predisposed to spinal nerve problems that could cause your dog to limp or lift his leg. In this case, a listener’s Dachshund hops around for no apparent reason. Dr. Debbie explains how a small injury could have big results. Also, as Spring is Springing, we may notice our cats and dogs are starting to shed more. This is a natural process. However, Joey Villani details how you can make this year’s shedding not so hairy. Also, the Dodge Journey is at the top of a list of the best pet-safe vehicles for under $45,000. The car-shopping website Edmunds.com says the Journey features an in-dash cooler to store Fido’s food and water. The Jeep Liberty is in the top five due to specialized pet travel gear such as crates and carriers.