On today’s show, do dogs understand time and what is behind their internal clock? Then we take time out to celebrate the canine stars of the big screen with author and film journalist Wendy Mitchell. Can dogs tell the time? If you ever get the feeling your dog knows what time it is, you’re not alone. But without telling the time in the literal sense, how do they seemingly know when it’s time to eat, time to sleep or time to play fetch? The answer isn’t straight forward, in fact there’s more than...
Sep 07, 2021•25 min•Ep. 34
To mark international dog day, we are celebrating the tireless life-saving work so many animal lovers do across the globe, with ‘Doobert’ aka Uber for dogs and the pilot-turned-orthopaedic-surgeon-turned-dog-shelter-rescuer. Doobert: Free Uber for dogs By day Chris Roy is an IT professional and by night and weekends, he’s an avid animal rescuer, pilot and superhero who loves to dream up new ways that technology can help people help animals. Chris Roy started flying animal rescues, transporting s...
Aug 31, 2021•25 min•Ep. 33
There is more than one way to lose a dog. In this episode we cross the rainbow bridge with James Jacobson’s Maltese Roo and meet a pet detective who has a nose for sniffing out missing pups. Grieving the loss of a dog Saying goodbye to a dog is never easy, in fact it is probably one of the hardest things a dog lover must do. James Jacobson marks the loss of his beloved Roo, with some insightful moments from Lori Levine, who knows what it is to grieve for dogs, all too well. Do you remember love ...
Aug 24, 2021•32 min•Ep. 32
In a case of CSI Israel, how one council plans to clean up its sidewalks from wayward poop. The truth behind why dogs sleep on their backs and why our furry friends are the ultimate drying machines. How dog poo could land dog owners in the proverbial! Almost every suburb in every city around the world has the same problem. Recalcitrant dog owners who don’t pick up after their pups. But an Israeli city council is making moves to change that, with plans to add every pet dog’s DNA to a database, so...
Aug 17, 2021•25 min•Ep. 31
The growing band of politicians posing with their pups on social media has sparked a study into just how important dogs are in getting elected. And noses to the ground, going underground with some truffle hunting dogs for that elusive delicacy. Can dogs help politicians get elected? If a politician poses with their pooch or they post about their pup on social media, what influence might it have on you and your perception of them? Might it affect how you vote? Could political dogo’s be the pawfec...
Aug 10, 2021•29 min•Ep. 30
It is all about the licks. Whether it is Ben & Jerry’s doggie desserts or a human face – what is it with all that licking? The many meanings behind dog licks and a tasty frozen dessert to keep dogs and humans happy during the hot weather. What is with the tongue? What is in a dog’s lick? Whether it is a long, slurpy lick, those little licks at the mouth, or the sneaky lick of the leg after a person has exercised, the truth is, they all mean something different. From being an affection gestur...
Aug 03, 2021•26 min•Ep. 29
Many dog owners like to think their dog is smart, but a new study has wrapped some fascinating data around just how intelligent some dogs really are – or are not! Also, how saying yes after a chance encounter started a love story CBS Reporter Martha Teichner could never have imagined. Einstein dogs not that common It may shock some dog owners to know that their pooch is not as smart as they think. A new study of gifted and talented dogs has revealed that canine Mozart’s or Einstein’s are likely ...
Jul 27, 2021•27 min•Ep. 28
After years living with a new family, Sgt. Pepper who was thought stolen, is found. While a test of endurance for an ultramarathoner and a homeless pup ends in a match made in heaven for Gobi the Desert Dog and Dion Leonard. The Desert Dog I Couldn’t Desert Ultramarathons are a grueling test of endurance, and those who run them tend to be masters of focus. So, when a scruffy little homeless dog joined Dion Leonard's Gobi Desert run, he tried to ignore her... and failed (miserably). Dion named th...
Jul 20, 2021•36 min•Ep. 27
An image may be worth a thousand words, but in this case an image is worth a thousand smiles. How hundreds of pooches have made getting a Covid swab up the nose, more than bearable for owners and health workers. Also, matching dogs with temporary caregivers for military servicemembers on deployment. Swabdogs of Instagram Lining up for a COVID-19 swab can be unpleasant, daunting and often mundane for everyone involved, but bringing a four-legged friend along for company makes it bearable. To shar...
Jul 13, 2021•25 min•Ep. 26
Do dogs help humans or do humans help dogs? Well actually it is both when you are talking tech. Enter robot guide dogs for people with visual impairments and Tesla’s Dog Mode for temperature regulated pups in parked cars. Robot Guide Dogs for the Blind A blindfolded researcher gripping a leash, is led by a guide dog through a maze of obstacles. The guide dog pauses, readjusts, then pulls on the leash to guide the person to safety. But this is no ordinary guide dog. This is a robot guide dog and ...
Jul 06, 2021•28 min•Ep. 25
The Maremma guardian dog has been guarding livestock for centuries in the Old World ... and now protects Little Penguins on an Australian island. And as America prepares for the 245th Fourth of July celebration, we should also prepare our dogs. The Penguin Protectors The Little Penguin is the tiniest of flightless swimmers ... just a foot tall, and a beautiful fairy blue. On Middle Island, just off the coast of Australia, the local foxes terrorize the teensy birds during breeding season ... at l...
Jun 29, 2021•30 min•Ep. 24
A massive research study aims to answer the question of why golden retrievers are most susceptible to cancer. Then, we explore what it means to have intentional interactions with your dog. A Golden Opportunity to Beat Cancer Hero dogs and their owners get a chance to catch up and chat about The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study with Jim. Participation in the study takes a big commitment, but it’s worth it if the data collected can help us understand risk factors for cancer and other diseases in do...
Jun 22, 2021•29 min•Ep. 23
Creative genius Dean Koontz talks about his muse: Trixie, his Golden Retriever. Then, we follow our noses to meet some special pooches who can sniff out Coronavirus. Dean Koontz: How dogs changed my life Dean Koontz writes international suspense bestsellers by habit ... and his massive body of work is bristling with furry faces and friendly wags. Why? Koontz joins us to share how dogs -- particularly a Golden Retriever named Trixie -- inspire him. Whether a major or minor character in life or fi...
Jun 15, 2021•30 min•Ep. 22
The emotional, physical and mental toll that comes with hoarding dogs for both rescuers and ‘animal collectors’ is immense, but little is known about the complexities of the issue. Also, when it comes to pain sensitivity in dogs, are all breeds created equal? Hollywood Pet Hotel turns Rescue Retreat Animal hoarding is a complex problem encompassing public health, mental health, and animal cruelty. Words like unimaginable and disgusting may come to mind at the thought, while the people who hoard ...
Jun 08, 2021•29 min•Ep. 21
Dogs have shown consideration for our feelings over thousands of years. Have we reciprocated? The UK is, when it comes to legal matters … and an art museum in NYC is when it comes to art. Dogs Get Legal Rights in the UK Be warned, Cruella! Rates of illegal puppy theft and smuggling. skyrocketed in the last year, and the UK is cracking down. New animal welfare plans are in place ... lawmakers must now consider the wellbeing of dogs and other animals when making laws. AKC Museum of the Dog Pam vis...
Jun 01, 2021•28 min•Ep. 20
How many of us dream about having a dog-friendly workplace where every day is bring-your-dog-to-work day? Social media and the rise of niche pet businesses is making that dream a reality for many. Pet Influencers Your dog might have what it takes to be a social media star. The real question is, do you? Creating and running a pet influencer account is a time-consuming endeavor but the payout and chance to work with your dog may be worth it. And like many human celebrities, having a talent agent m...
May 25, 2021•32 min•Ep. 19
Humans sang before we created language, some linguists say. Is our first language the best way to communicate with dogs? Can Music Calm an Anxious Dog? Babies who fuss and cry all night are not resting well ... and neither are their parents. Heartbeat Lullabies, a hit recording from hit music producer Terry Woodford, helped. Everyone from NICU nurses to parents sent gratitude ... and then the Honolulu Zoo, animal shelters, and exhausted dog moms. Turns out, what works for babies works for animal...
May 18, 2021•33 min•Ep. 18
For those who pay close attention, dogs are fantastic teachers. Today, a story about a man whose dog saved his life … and a woman whose dog can teach us all good boundaries. London Calling: Urban Dogs Pampered Chef/owner Barry Karacostas’ wife handed him an ultimatum: get your life together and stop partying. She also handed him their dog’s leash. Forced to come home to feed and walk Leo, their Rottweiler, Barry’s priorities shifted. The pair started running in the park off lead. Both became mor...
May 11, 2021•26 min•Ep. 17
Who carries who, dogs or humans? It depends on where you live. Mushing Dogs in Alaska Robert Forto dreams of running his sled dogs in the Iditarod … a thousand-mile race. But it’s not as simple as training for a long race. It’s about building a pack one dog at a time and learning to mush one mile at a time. His dream takes determination, grit, athleticism, and sacrifice … including spending summers in Alaska, training with his pack. Maxine the Fluffy Corgi New Yorkers love their fast and inexpen...
May 04, 2021•26 min•Ep. 16
Whether you are a senior human or a senior dog, you're at risk for loneliness. Today, two stories about how folks are building fun into the lives of the lonely. Zooming With Dogs Therapy dogs carry a license to visit folks in nursing homes and medical facilities ... but the pandemic put a stop to that. That left an opening for Unlicensed dogs to step in! Jennifer Bashford of Pets Together explains how her nonprofit connects dogs to seniors. It turns out that dogs are excellent virtual chatters! ...
Apr 27, 2021•26 min•Ep. 15
If dogs represent the best of human qualities … and we assert they do … how, and when, do we need to become more human? A Dog’s Story of Survival For years Frankie lived on a hill above a suburban elementary school. All by himself, he survived by garbage picking after the last lunch bell rang. His scrounging paid off, but neighbors in the San Francisco suburb were worried about Frankie’s health. He evaded their attempts to catch him for a week, but eventually, was captured. At his veterinary app...
Apr 20, 2021•37 min•Ep. 14
The pandemic has short-circuited our social lives and (perhaps) intensified our dog obsession. Today, we speak with folks who can help us cope. But first ... Steve Dale – Certified Animal Behavior Consultant Major Biden has bitten again! What’s going on here? Is President Biden's rescue German Shepherd just a "bad dog?" To find out, we check in with Steve Dale for some insight. As fans of his long-time syndicated radio show know, he always has great advice. The TV host and Certified Animal Behav...
Apr 13, 2021•26 min•Ep. 13
Human families and dog families come together on today’s episode to bring you tales of fine cuisine and unexepected reunions. The Alexander Valley Truffle Company Truffles are a delicacy prized by chefs and foodies around the world. These finicky fungi are hard to find. It helps to have a family of Lagotto Romagnolo, or truffle hunting dogs to do the dirty work. Join the Angerer Family at their truffle orchard as they take us on a hunt for these elusive and valuable fairy apples! Marvin, Murry, ...
Apr 06, 2021•30 min•Ep. 12
Want to hear something surprising, unusual, or downright weird? This week’s show has all three of those covered. Jamie Katz – Licensed Pet Detective When a beloved dog goes missing, we tend to panic. We assume the worst: dognapping! We tend to not think clearly about how to best begin a search. That’s where a licensed Private Investigator can be of help. Jamie Katz is just such a professional ... who exclusively works to get pets back home. This real-life, bonafide Pet Detective offers tips and ...
Mar 30, 2021•31 min•Ep. 11
Sometimes it's hard to find the right balance ... but dogs can help. If your pup is looking for a fresh lap to snuggle, a new dating app can help you find one. And Harlso, the surprise dog with a surprising talent, models poise and equanimity. Must Love Dogs Have you ever broken up with someone because they didn't get how great your dog is? You're not alone ... and Leigh Isaacson, CEO of Dig, has an app for that. Her new dating service skips the middle man to negotiate with the real decision-mak...
Mar 23, 2021•22 min•Ep. 10
Life-changing chance encounters happen every day. Is it fate, coincidence, or the mysterious guiding hand of the Universe? Martha Teichner – When Harry Met Minnie The Union Square Greenmarket is the beating heart of the romance of New York City. A chance encounter there led to Martha Teichner meeting Harry the Bull Terrier. He turned out to be a love match for her Bullie, Minnie ... and his mother, Carol Fertig, dying from liver cancer, turned out to be a remarkable friend for Martha. Their stor...
Mar 16, 2021•30 min•Ep. 9
We’re not the only ones obsessed with our dogs. Thieves, engineers, and behaviorists are, too. Dognappers Target French Bulldogs The brutal attack on Lady Gaga's dog walker during a dognapping caught our attention. Dognappings are on the rise as the pandemic stretches ... and French Bulldogs are a common target. Why? And how can we keep our dogs -- Frenchies and non-Frenchies -- safe? The founder of Short Noses Only Rescue Team (SNORT), Tara Bruno, joins us. A specialist in the needs of snuffler...
Mar 09, 2021•28 min•Ep. 8
Dogs, work, life – it's all a balancing act. Meet some creative people who have found a way to blend it all together seamlessly. Rob Sayegh Jr. Author and Children's Book Illustrator Rob Sayegh Jr. plays as a way of life. He entertains his San Francisco neighbors with life-size window cartoons. He designs dog toys. He attracts parents of shelter dogs with his #AdoptADoodleProject dog portraits. And his new picture book, Love Tails, illustrates what's involved in dog greetings. (Hint: every dog h...
Mar 02, 2021•23 min•Ep. 7
Dogs and military servicemembers put loyalty first, so this week, we explore how to repay them. Dogs on Deployment matches pets with caregivers for overseas servicemembers. Then, the original Dog Whisperer trains us humans with patience and kindness. Alisa Johnson, Founder of Dogs on Deployment Alisa Johnson has a novel way for every American who loves animals to serve their country. Her nonprofit, Dogs on Deployment, places pets in temporary care for servicemembers. The KC-130J transport pilot ...
Feb 23, 2021•18 min•Ep. 6
If your dog worries when you cry during tearjerkers, comfort him with his own pint of Ben & Jerry's. Mark Bomback, Screenwriter, The Art of Racing in the Rain Screenwriter Mark Bomback translated the book The Art of Racing in the Rain to the big screen. How'd he take Garth Stein's bestselling novel and make our eyes all red and puffy? He explains his methods ... and also introduces us to the exceptional Mongolian dog breed called Bankhar. Lindsay Bumps, Global Marketing Specialist, Ben and J...
Feb 16, 2021•24 min•Ep. 5
