Steve Friess on KNPR on 8/22/11 discussing the mass layoffs at the R-J on 8/18/11.

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: 24-58ishTrivi…

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) Mexic…

Web: ThePetcast.ComEmail: ThePetcast@yahoo.comVoicemail: 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 a…

Web: ThePetcast.ComEmail: ThePetcast@yahoo.comPhone: 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…

Web: ThePetcast.ComEmail: ThePetcast@yahoo.comPhone: 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 1…

Email: ThePetcast@yahoo.comPhone: 702-997-3300Site: ThePetcast.Com A few weeks ago, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported that Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control was reopening its late-night dropoff for unwanted or lost pets. It had been closed for two months because of a disease outbreak, but we were trying to understand how the whole lat…

Reissue from 4/2007 Yoga instructor Brenda Bryan of Bellevue, Washington, explains her doggie yoga class, created for the Seattle Humane Society to encourage people to do stuff with their animals. Plus, Emily tells all about her and Archie's eventful recent three-day dog agility trial competition. Later, Emily explains how she and Archie once one a…

Web: www.thepetcast.com E-mail: thepetcast@yahoo.com Voicemail: 702-997-3300 [See links to stories discussed on this show via ThePetcast.Com] Earlier this month, Missouri voters narrowly approved Prop B, a measure that puts some significant new restrictions on dog breeders in a state that has long been a puppy mill capital of the United States. It …

Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: thepetcast@yahoo.comVoicemail: 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 vo…

Web: www.thepetcast.comE-mail: thepetcast@yahoo.comVoicemail: 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? Anthropologis…

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON APRIL 30, 2009 When it comes to owls, today’s in the one whooo knows. She is Karla Kinstler, director of the Houston Nature Center in Houston, Minn, where she oversees the Owl Hall of Fame and the International Festival of Owls. She also authors a blog with Alice, a great horned owl, who is a full time resident at the nature ce…

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 Bu…

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 fa…

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 redempti…

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 f…

Website: www.thepetcast.com Email: thepetcast@yahoo.com Voicemail for pet questions, comments: 702-997-3300 Dr. Nicholas Dodman writes pet-related columns for the AKC Family Dog, Life Magazine and Martha Stewart’s Body and Soul and has written seven books including “The Dog Who Cried Too Much” and “The Cat Who Cried For Help.” His latest book, “Goo…

Web: ThePetcast.com E-mail: ThePetcast@yahoo.com Twitter: @ThePetcast REISSUE FROM DEC. 2008; DR. DODMAN WILL APPEAR ON SHOW NO. 272, WHICH WILL BE ISSUED ON MONDAY, OCT. 11. Vet and author Dr. Nicholas Dodman of Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine joins us to discuss his book, “If Only They Could Speak,” which the Wall Street Journal recently name…

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 a…

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 …

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…

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…

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 …

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 …

One of the most fascinating topics in animal research -- and a growing field – is the relationship people develop with animals. Joining the Petcasters is Dr. Alan Beck, one of the nation’s leading experts on the subject, as well as an author, researcher and professor. Beck is the Center for the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University’s School of Vet…

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 transpor…

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…

(originally posted 8/31/2006) Mario Garza, owner of Stuffonmycat.com, talks about his hilarious site where folks pass along pictures on cats with stuff on it. Plus, Emily talks about her car crash en route to a blind date and how the first thought she had was that it was good that Archie wasn't there. And a listener has a female dog that likes to h…

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. governm…

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 Plus, Emily takes Archie in for his teeth checkup and had great news, but she a…

There are special challenges that come with caring for a disabled pet but there can be special joys as well. Barbara Techel knows this especially well and has written extensively about her life with Frankie, a daschund partially paralyzed after a spinal injury. She’s the author of several books and runs the website JoyfulPaws.Com. Frankie’s wheelch…

Leslie Grinnell, co-owner with her husband Eddie of Eddie's Wheels (http://www.eddieswheels.com), joins Emily and Steve by phone from Shelbourne Falls, Mass., to explain the origin of their business creating custom carts for mobility-disabled pets. The Grinnells found the company after their Doberman named Buddha lost use of her hind legs and Eddie…

Edie Jarolim is a prolific travel writer who led a dogless life until 2004 when a small terrier mix named Frankie entered her life. Clueless about dogs in general and Frankie in particular, Jarolim put her research skills to use to learn about all things canine. She lives in Tucson, Arizona, where she is the Pet Travel Correspondent for KVOA TV and…

For soldiers serving in our military, deploying overseas often means having to find a new home for a loyal pet. Linda Spurlin-Dominik is helping to change that, with an innovative approach that focuses on keeping companion animals safe and sound until their loved ones come home. She is founder, president and CEO of Guardian Angles for Soldier’s Pet…

As the BP oil spill enters its third month, the toll on birds and sealife is mounting. Today’s guest is David Mizejewski, a naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation who has been documenting the devastation first-hand.Plus, the late-night-ad product to chase away animals and more.www.thepetcast.comthepetcast@yahoo.com702-997-3300www.nwf.org…

When it comes to canine IQ’s, it’s hard to find a breed that scores higher than the border collie. But with that intelligence comes a high-energy package that requires special handling. Sheepdog expert and trainer Joyce Geier, who served as an educational consultant for the new Hallmark Channel film “You Lucky Dog” starring Natasha Henstridge and H…

Erick Wolf is chief executive of Innolytics, which is helping to lead the way in contraceptive research that could have important implications for helping to control two key animal populations – pigeons and feral cat colonies. The company was recently awarded a prestigious challenge grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help further the…

When it comes to solving crimes against animals, today’s guest is the sleuth you want on the case. Dr. Melinda Merck is one of the nation’s pioneering veterinarians, and senior director of veterinary forensics of the ASPCA’s anti-cruelty team. She’s an old friend of the Petcast, and we’re pleased to have her back to talk about a new innovation that…

Animal forensic investigation pioneer Dr. Melinda Merck, who chatted with Emily and guest host John, chats with Steve at the ASCPA headquarters in mid-December about the $220,000 van is dubbed the Mobile Animal CSI unit. Steve, in NYC on family business, quizzed Dr. Merck about the first specially equipped vehicle for an investigator to take to pro…

Dr. Melinda Merck, one of the nation's pioneering forensic veterinarians, discusses the emerging field of using information about cruelty and attacks on animals to solve violent crimes. Merck, based in Atlanta, has a new book out called "Veterinary Forensics: Animal Cruelty Investigations" and is co-founder and vice president for Georgia Legal Prof…

Dog racing is losing favor in the United States, in partbecause of increased awareness about inherent cruelties in the sport, andmistreatment of animals at many of the nation’s tracks. Leading the way inadvocacy is Greyhound 2K USA, a nonprofit coalition that recently helped tobring about an end to dog racing in Massachusetts. Christine Dorchak isp…

Amanda Fortino has done everything from dressing up as a cowin Washington DC to hand out soy hot chocolate at President Obama’sinauguration to stripping down to her to her underwear to protest fur. In fact,when it comes to fighting animal injustices, it seems there isn’t much sheisn’t willing to do. Fortino is a campaign coordinator for the People …

Las Vegas is known for its beautiful creatures, and we’renot just talking about its showgirls. Joining the Petcasters this episode isRobin Haeffner-Matos, the wildlife managerat the Flamingo Las Vegas where visitors can behold exotic fish, turtles andbirds including, of course, pink flamingos. The attraction is free and everyday there are attendant…

When it comes to planning a cross-country trip, there’s nobetter resource than the American Automobile Association. Making that journeywith your pets can be made even easier with the AAA’s newest edition of the PetBook. Spokesman Michael Geeser joins the Petcasters to discuss the do’s anddon’ts of summer travel and to provide the story behind the n…

As we celebrate our 250th episode of the Petcast,your hosts are feeling very pleased with themselves for the successful rescueeffort of a cat in Emily’s neighborhood. In the studio for this big episode isnone other than Caesar, formerly known as the Cat who Stalked Archie, alongwith his new – and smitten – owner, Las Vegas resident Dawn Christensen…

There’s an important network of volunteers out there who play a critical role in preparing service animals for their important work. Puppy raiser Kelly Haugh joined the Petcasters in the studio with Sully, a 5-month-old Golden Retriever/Black Labrador mix on behalf of a chapter of Canine Companions For Independence.Plus, Steve blogged some cool Veg…

One of our great friends, blogger Christie Keith, justwelcomed a new puppy, Wally, into her household. Keith, who also writes theYour Whole Pet column for SFGate.Com, explains why she chose a ScottishDeerhound and discusses her column about myths about puppies. In Banter, more of the dramatic pet background – beartraps!?! -- of new guest host, Jen …

Each spring, the nation’s already crowded animal sheltersbrace for the phenomenon known as kitten season, an influx of unwanted felinescaused by a troubling mix of biological science and unfortunate, irresponsiblehuman behavior. Gail Buchwald, the senior vice president of the Adoption Centerfor the ASCPA explains what kitten season is and why it ha…

When today’s guest wrote an essay for the New EnglandJournal of Medicine about a nursing home cat’s habit of showing up whenpatients were nearing death, he never expected it would lead to a book tour.Dr. David Dosa is a geriatrician and an assistant professor of medicine atBrown University in Rhode Island, and he joined the Petcasters to discuss hi…

It’s always difficult when a pet dies, but being preparedcan make the grieving process more bearable, especially for the younger membersof the family. Today’s guest, author Bill Cochran, has written a wonderfulchildren’s book, “The Forever Dog,” on that tough topic, to help kidsunderstand that happy memories and beloved pets are always with us. In …