The Petcast

Two of Las Vegas' top journalists interview animal experts, talk about the week's pet-related news and answer your questions about dogs, cats, birds, fish, pigs, snakes and more. Emily Richmond is a dog fanatic with a long history of writing about animal

SPECIAL: Steve on KNPR Discussing R-J Layoffs 08/22/2011

SPECIAL: Steve on KNPR Discussing R-J Layoffs Steve Friess on KNPR on 8/22/11 discussing the mass layoffs at the R-J on 8/18/11. /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1692986

He's Got Celine's Back 06/24/2011

He's Got Celine's Back What is the only Nevada lake to empty into the sea? Know it? E-mail TheStripPodcast [at] aol.com or call 702-997-3300 by June 29. If we draw your correct answer, you pick from the prize list at TheStripPodcast.Com.Twitter: @TheStripPodcastBlog: VegasHappensHere.ComVoicemail: 702-997-3300Open & Banter: Start to 24ishKen Ehrlich Part I: 24-58ishTrivia/Poll/Letters: 59-59ishKen Ehrlich Part II: 1:00-1:25ishTSTToTW: 1:25-endThis week on The Strip: It was by far the most hyped – and to our minds the best – new show to hit the Vegas Strip this year. Celine Dion has returned to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in a self-titled production that is radically different and vastly better than “…A New Day,” her groundbreaking first run in the vaunted showroom. Legendary TV producer Ken Ehrlich directed “Celine,” so we spoke to him at length about the intriguing decisions he, the singer and her husband made. Why didn’t they include the closing-number special effects when they opened in March? Was it weird to rehearse Celine’s duet with herself? What’s the story behind that French song that makes her cry every night? Why wasn’t the songstress at the United Center when Ehrlich produced two star-studded final-week shows for Oprah Winfrey last month? In Banter: Anniversaries! Wynn Politics! TV Show Tapings! Maloofs! Monorail Bashing! and more. /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1648924

No. 284: The Bird That Terrorizes My Dogs 05/18/2011

No. 284: The Bird That Terrorizes My Dogs Every day when I walk Black, Jack and Aces, this bird comes out of the tree next door and swoops down to frighten my dogs. Birdy Bin Laden never actually pecks the dogs, but he does follow us for about a block on our walks. I have no idea why. They have nothing to do with American foreign policy regarding Israel. Heck, they're (I think legal) Mexicans. They're innocent. Visit the podcasts TheStripPodcast.Com or ThePetcast.com or read the blog VegasHappensHere.Com. /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1594837

No. 283: NEW PUPPY SPECIAL EDITION! 12/27/2010

No. 283: NEW PUPPY SPECIAL EDITION! Web: ThePetcast.ComEmail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300After all these years of considering it, Steve adds a new member of his family. Hear the exciting story of how he and Miles came to rescue this 8-pound Chihuahua they've named Aces. The original Petcaster, Emily, joins Steve for this discussion, which includes some questions and answers and plenty of discussion of how Black and Jack, the original Smith-Friesses, are faring.Plus, Emily suggested we get Aces a Puppia harness and Steve reminds listeners to buy "Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat" by Hal Herzog in advance of the next interview with Herzog coming in January. /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1438590

No. 282: The Author of 2010's Most Fascinating Book On Pets 12/20/2010

No. 282: The Author of 2010's Most Fascinating Book On Pets Web: ThePetcast.ComEmail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300No. 282: The Author of 2010’s Most Fascinating Book On PetsThe way we navigate our relationships with our pets and other animals has fascinated researchers for centuries. Why is one species a member of our family and another our dinner? Western Carolina University psychology professor Hal Herzog sought to answer these age-old questions in an absolutely brilliant and extremely readable new book, “Some we Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat: Why It’s So Hard To Think Straight About Animals.”Plus, Steve’s life partner Miles makes his Petcast debut as the guest host and we get new insight into Steve’s pet home life. Also, should Michael Vick get a puppy and is it news that Barack Obama picks up after Bo? /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1428176

No. 281: Being Eco-Friendly Can Be Pet-Friendly 12/06/2010

No. 281: Being Eco-Friendly Can Be Pet-Friendly Web: ThePetcast.ComEmail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300Very often, being pet-friendly doesn’t mean being eco-friendly. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Four years ago, Barbara Savidge and Gina Quiroga formed Olive Green Goods For Modern Dogs, a company devoted to creating natural and organic products for use by animals. They’ve got 10 products so far including cookies, blankets and poop bags made from natural materials. Barbara Savidge is on the line to talk about the company and various ways people can save the earth and be good to their pets.Plus, guest host Cindi Moon Reed discusses at length her amazing long-form cover piece for Vegas Seven magazine about Bobby Berosini, who became synonymous fairly or not with animal abuse in entertainment. The case also powered the national reputation of a relatively new animal-rights group called PETA. /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1397057

No. 280: The Life and Times Of An Animal Control Officer 11/30/2010

No. 280: The Life and Times Of An Animal Control Officer Email: [email protected]: 702-997-3300Site: ThePetcast.Com /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1396999

REISSUE! No. 72: Dog + Yoga = Doga! (4/2007) 11/30/2010

REISSUE! No. 72: Dog + Yoga = Doga! (4/2007) Reissue from 4/2007 /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1396992

No. 279: Puppies Win The Election 11/22/2010

No. 279: Puppies Win The Election Web: www.thepetcast.com /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1357716

No. 278: Banning Dog Auctions 11/19/2010

No. 278: Banning Dog Auctions Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300Mary O’Connor-Shaver, a businesswoman from Lima, Ohio, has made it her mission to end the wholesale auctioning of dogs bred in puppy mills in her state. She joins Steve and guest host Amy Turner to discuss her efforts to get this matter more public attention and before the voters of the Buckeye State.The Petcasters discuss a new study explaining why it is that cats drink more neatly than dogs, Las Vegas Weekly piece about casino mogul Steve Wynn’s new vegan zealotry and Shanghai’s new one-dog policy.(See links to these stories via ThePetcast.Com) /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1357687

No. 277: How Pets Became Domesticated 11/15/2010

No. 277: How Pets Became Domesticated Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300We take it for granted these days that dogs, cats, birds and other animals make wonderful pets. But how did it come to be that way? How did earlier humans figure out that these creatures could be loving and loyal, good company and partners in various activities? Anthropologist Barbara J. King explains in her latest book, Being With Animals: Why We Are Obsessed With the Furry, Scaly, Feathered Creatures Who Populate Our World. King is chancellor professor of anthropology at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. King writes the Friday Animal Blog, too.Plus, the Petcasters chat about the Missouri ballot measure regarding breeding, India urges against owls as pets, Palm Beach County has a nighttime pet drop-off and farm owners worry about the decline in vets who work on large animals. /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1332207

REISSUE: Giving a Hoot About Owls! (No. 198) 11/12/2010

REISSUE: Giving a Hoot About Owls! (No. 198) ORIGINALLY POSTED ON APRIL 30, 2009 /episode/index/show/petcast/id/603703

No. 276: There Also Are Blood Banks For Animals 11/08/2010

No. 276: There Also Are Blood Banks For Animals It’s not something many pet owners think much about, but if their animal ever needs surgery, they’re going to need blood transfusions. And where does that blood come from? Other pets. Dr. Beth Davidow, who oversees the Animal Critical Care Emergency Services Blood Bank in Seattle, explains how an animal blood bank works.Plus, it was National Pit Bull Awareness Day, guest host Jen Prosser is scared of spiders, Reno is home to the world’s longest cat and Missouri voters may change the law regarding dog breeders.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300 /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1311830

No. 275: Hotlines To Counsel Grieving Pet Owners 11/01/2010

No. 275: Hotlines To Counsel Grieving Pet Owners The loss of a pet can, of course, be a very traumatic experience. In 1989, the college of veterinary medicine at the University of California at Davis came up with a novel idea to help people cope, a pet-loss hotline. Cornell University’s vet school copied that model, and we have two guests here to discuss how it works, Dr. Margaret McEntee, the faculty adviser, and fourth-year vet student Ingrid Rhinehart.Plus, as it happens, guest host Jennifer Prosser and her husband lost their 19-year-old cat since our last recording.http://www.vet.cornell.edu/org/petloss/Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300 /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1311774

No. 274: A Katrina Pet Rescue Hero 10/25/2010

No. 274: A Katrina Pet Rescue Hero Five years ago, Americans watched with heartache and horror as thousands of companion animals were abandoned in a drowning city. Karen O'Toole was moved to do more. In her beautifully moving account, Orphans of Katrina: Inside The World’s Biggest Animal Rescue, O'Toole recounts her experiences of rescue and frustration, disillusionment and redemption in the Gulf regionPlus, Emily – remember her? – calls in to provide the update on Archie’s recent health dramas. Amid all that, there’s a new Consumer Reports study about pet insurance. Our guest host for this episode is Jen Prosser.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300 /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1265368

No. 273: There’s An App For Pet Holistics 10/19/2010

No. 273: There’s An App For Pet Holistics More and more these days, pet owners are trying to figure out how to keep things natural for their pets. Scares related to tainted pet food and toys have prompted many to see out more holistic products and ideas, and that’s where our guest comes in. Stacey Turis is the co-owner of a website called PawsforPeace.Com, which provides advise and ideas for folks looking for holistic health information for their animals. They’ve also recently come out with an iPhone app /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1265315

No. 272: Myths About and Meds For Senior Pets 10/11/2010

No. 272: Myths About and Meds For Senior Pets /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1220431

REISSUE: No. 184: Overmedicating Pets 10/08/2010

REISSUE: No. 184: Overmedicating Pets /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1220433

No. 271: Linens For Fido & Fluffy 10/03/2010

No. 271: Linens For Fido & Fluffy Animal welfare organizations are financially stressed enough, and every little bit helps. That’s where organizations like Linens for Animals steps in. Since 2006, Lori Birdsong and her husband have been collecting and donating more than 2 million pounds in blankets and other linens to shelters, rescue organizations and pet owners who have adopted abandoned animals. It’s another innovative way to help out.Plus, guest host Amy updates us on her pet life – including teaching Lola tricks that you can see on YouTube. Also, convicted animal killer Michael Vick is back at the helm for the Eagles and President Obama’s new Chief of Staff is a crazy cat guy.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300 /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1196237

No. 270: The Great Petcast Road Trip! 09/01/2010

No. 270: The Great Petcast Road Trip! From Aug. 28-Sept. 1, Emily, Archie and Steve drove 2,100 miles from Nevada to Michigan to deliver Emily and Archie to Ann Arbor for a prestigious eight-month academic fellowship in journalism at the University of Michigan. It was a wonderful trip, full of cool sights and lots of interesting pet experiences. (We didn't even mention the dog park we found in Salt Lake City!) Archie had a traumatic health week prior to the trip, so there was much nervousness. It was all amazing. Hear us recap it en route to the airport as Steve returned to Las Vegas on Sept 1. /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1110523

No. 269: The Surfing Dog’s Good Deeds 08/30/2010

No. 269: The Surfing Dog’s Good Deeds We read about animals taking up unusual hobbies all the time, but usually those activities don’t tug at the heartstrings quite like the special skill of Ricochet. Ricochet is a SURFice dog. Yes, we said SURFice, not service. Her owner, Judy Fridono, joins the Petcasters to explain. Fridono is the founder and executive director of puppy prodigies, a non profit organization that trains service dogs for people with disabilities. Plus, Amy talks birds and Steve raises a news item in which a dog chews off a man’s diseased toe while he was passed out drunk. Also, seven puppies died in a cargo hold from Tulsa to Chicago on American Airlines.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300 /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1073900

No. 268: Emily's Farewell - For Now! 08/27/2010

No. 268: Emily's Farewell - For Now! Co-host Emily Richmond begins a prestigious fellowship at the University of Michigan in early September, so this is her final episode in the Petcast studio until sometime next month. She vows to call in from time to time and both Petcasters will be recording and reporting from their road trip from Vegas to deliver Emily to Michigan, but in honor of this Steve corralled a quartet of special call-in guests to wish Emily well.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300 /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1073896

No. 267: Why Trusts For Pets Matter 08/23/2010

No. 267: Why Trusts For Pets Matter Each year, a half-million dogs and cats wind up in shelters when their owners die without making arrangements for their pets’ care. Attorney Chris Jones of Trusted Pet Partners joins the Petcasters to provide some steps you can take to make sure your animals is protected even when you’re no longer there to do it yourself. Plus, Emily winds down in Vegas and Emily gets bossy with American Airlines over boarding with Archie.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300 /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1073892

No. 266: Bartering for Vet Care 08/19/2010

No. 266: Bartering for Vet Care Several months ago, bartering was a hot topic in the news when a candidate for the U.S. Senate suggested it was a way to reduce health care costs. That suggestion actually helped sink her candidacy, but it is actually true that people barter for all sorts of services, including veterinary care. Joining the Petcasters to explain how bartering works in the 21st century and how pet owners can take advantage is Alan Zimmelman, executive vice president for the nation’s largest bartering exchange known as Itex /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1051238

No. 265: Researching the Human-Animal Bond 08/12/2010

No. 265: Researching the Human-Animal Bond /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1050617

No. 264: The Editor of Dog Fancy Magazine 08/10/2010

No. 264: The Editor of Dog Fancy Magazine When it comes to pet publications, Dog Fancy magazine represents the gold standard. It’s the world’s most widely read dog magazine and today’s guest is its new editor. Ernie Slone is also an expert dog handler, pet therapy volunteer and officer with the Cairn Terrier Club of Southern California. Slone referenced Pilots N Paws, a group that transports dogs all over the country.Plus, the Petcasters bantered about an amazing story from Dog Fancy about the $1 million winner of a cutest dog competition who gave the money away. And Sherry V wrote in again to show us her cats and tell us about their unusual names. Emily found a Veterinary Pet Insurance’s unusual names report.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300 /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1004035

REISSUE: Stuff + Cat = Funny (No. 20) 08/06/2010

REISSUE: Stuff + Cat = Funny (No. 20) (originally posted 8/31/2006) /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1004010

No. 263: The Planet's Funniest Person 08/06/2010

No. 263: The Planet's Funniest Person Keegan-Michael Key knows funny. He’s a comic and actor who spent six seasons on Mad TV and has also appeared on hilarious shows such as Reno 911. That makes him perfectly qualified for his current gig as host of “The Planet’s Funniest Animals” on Animal Planet. During the discussion, Emily names her favorite pet videos, the Good Night Sweetheart to Puppies and the Standing Cat. Here’s list of top animal videos on YouTube and Keegan recommended the Fancy Catz video on Second City’s YouTube channel.Steve’s experience covering World Series of Poker leads him to a pet-related poker nickname for Emily and Emily celebrated Archie’s birthday by getting nervous about the 9-year-old’s middle age. She also checked on something recently in “Speaking For Spot,” the book by Dr. Nancy Kaye, guest on Petcast No. 201.Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: [email protected]: 702-997-3300 /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1004016

No. 262: A Heroic Rescue of 172 Horses 08/02/2010

No. 262: A Heroic Rescue of 172 Horses When it comes to the protecting the legacy of America’s Western frontier, wild horses are too often forgotten. Many herds face lives of abuse, neglect and slaughter as a result. But there was some good news recently thanks in part to Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue of Lancaster, Calif., which recently negotiated a successful deal with the U.S. government to save 169 wild horses that were scheduled to be sold at auction. Wild Horse Rescue board member Stephanie Hoefener joined the Petcasters to explain. /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1004001

No. 261: Dogs v Cats, A Duel Of Dollars 07/29/2010

No. 261: Dogs v Cats, A Duel Of Dollars Freelance writer Jason Cochran took a novel approach to the age-old dog-v-cat debate, this time focusing entirely on which costs more money. Cochran did his report for WalletPop.Com and is also a widely published freelancer writer and regular commentator on TV and radio /episode/index/show/petcast/id/1003993

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