What's that you say?

Who's a better listener? Your partner or your dog?

According to a survey by Purina, 31 percent of New Zealand female dog owners think their pets are better listeners than their partners.

Read the story in USA Today.

Two-hundred-fifty dog owners and 250 cat owners were interviewed.

The survey also found that nearly 50 percent of female cat owners share their problems with their pets.

Well, all I can say is Kate doesn't listen to me.

Stay out of my food bowl

File this under gross.

Your pet's food bowl could be making your children sick.

Here's an article in USA Today.

Dry pet food and cross-contamination after feeding a pet in the kitchen is responsible for salmonellosis outbreak in 21 eastern U.S. states between 2006 and 2008. The outbreak sickened 79 people, with almost 48 percent of the cases occurring among children under age 2, according to Casey Barton Behravesh, CDC veterinary epidemiologist and study's coauthor.

"This investigation resulted in identification of the first documented outbreak of human salmonellosis linked to the use of dry dog and cat food," Behravesh wrote.

The story also has links to the recall of several pet foods last week as well as what to look for if you suspect contamination.

Bad economy bad for pets

A stagnant economy is affecting pets, too.

It's not a new story. The economy falters, companies downsize. Employees lose their jobs, can't pay bills and are forced to move out of their homes.

That can be difficult enough. But for some victims of the economy who find themselves in tight financial situations, there's another difficult issue to tackle:

What do I do with my pet?

Read the entire article by Abbey Roy in the Newark (Ohio) Advocate.

Increasing cases of animal abandonment and shelter overcrowding indicate that pets aren't immune from the economy's toll on the nation. As pet owners continue to tighten their budgets to make ends meet, many are turning to shelters or abandoning their animals simply because they can't afford to keep them.

The Licking County Humane Society works with people who feel they have to give up their pets, asking if they are doing so because they can't afford to feed them.

If that is the case, there are places where food can be obtained such as a pet food pantry in Newark.

People are also cutting back on preventive care, such as heartworm prevention and fecal checks.

Sad to say, I am sure people are cutting back on their own care as well.

Terrifying sounds from above

With summer and the warmer weather, pet owners have to careful to make sure their charges have plenty of fresh water and somewhere to get out of the sun.

But also, this time of year brings the dreaded fireworks — something that can lead to stray and lost pets.

Read this article from the Orange County Register written by Samantha Gowen.

This weekend KatyDog will spend hours inside her favorite soundproof bunker: the bedroom closet.

July Fourth and all of its hissing, popping, thundering fireworks is enough to send the family dog and cat running from the sheer terror of it all.

The summer holiday is one of the most dangerous for unsecured pets. Animal control reports more stray and lost pets on July Fourth than any other single day of the year.

Gowan gives recommendations provided by the Animal Assistance League:

• Keep the pet inside
• Use a radio or television to drown out the booming sounds
• For unusually nervous pets, consult a veterinarian about tranquilizers
• Make certain ID tags and licenses are current

Kate, at her advanced age, doesn't seem to be bothered by fireworks or thunder as much as when she was younger. It's probably due to a loss of hearing.

The first summer I had her, when we were living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, I made the mistake of taking her out for a walk at the time the New York Philharmonic was playing the "1812 Overture" in Central Park, two blocks from where we were.

When the accompanying fireworks were set off, Kate just about crawled over a car to get away from them, then under a car.

Thankfully, we weren't too far from the apartment buildings front door, and I managed to drag her safely inside.

Change the letters around, pets becomes pest

Some say they are pets, but others call them pests.

East Anchorage, Alaska, residents have a rabbit problem.

Read the story by Rosemary Shinohara in the Anchorage Daily News here.

Some of the residents near Cheney Lake are at war with rabbits. Rabbits that shear off broccoli plants in their gardens. Rabbits that devour lilies in the flower beds. Rabbits that destroy perennials bought for $7 apiece.

Retired schoolteacher Collin Smith has posted a lime green sign in her driveway on Sherwood Avenue: "Rabbits have ruined my flower beds, eaten plants and flowers! Now what?" with a double underline on the "what."

Some say maybe 100 or more rabbits are on the loose in East Anchorage devouring gardens and some flowers.

"This was cabbage and broccoli," [Amber] Reichardt said, pointing to a space where plants had been eaten away from raised beds in the backyard. "I replanted all of it. Two hours later they ate it again."

She and her husband have since tried to rabbit-proof their yard with chicken wire under the gate and a barricade where the fence meets the house. As of Friday, the line of defense was holding. "It's been 13 days, a little bit shy of two weeks. We're doing well."

Not everyone hates the rabbits.

Paul Rotkis, who lives on Yorkshire Lane, across the creek from Otter Street and rabbit central, says he's only seen a few different ones around Yorkshire. "They're not a nuisance," he said. "Almost everybody likes them on Yorkshire."

He said he's been feeding two black ones for more than a year.

Can't go to class ... have to walk my dog

College can be tough on students. For many, it's the first time you've been away from family for extended periods. Then there are the classes, new friends, new challenges.

How about throwing a dog into the mix?

Would that help or hinder?

A recent New York Times article by Jacques Steinberg talks about Stephens College in Columbia, Mo.

That institution welcomes students and their pet pooches. So much so that they've renovated a dormitory — called Pet Central — with a kennel on the first floor staffed by work-study students.

With these efforts, Stephens is hoping to smooth the transition of some students who may be so anxious about leaving home or adjusting to college life that a stuffed animal will not be of sufficient comfort. They want the real thing.

Stephens joins a growing number of colleges putting out a welcome mat for pets. They include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the State University of New York at Canton, which allow cats in some dorm rooms; and Eckerd College in South Florida and Washington & Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, which set aside rooms for students with dogs or cats and others who love animals so much they just want to live near them.

Dianne Lynch, the president of Stephens, predicted more colleges will embrace the concept.

“Colleges will begin to recognize that this is important to students,” she said, adding that in an increasingly competitive recruiting market for top students, becoming known as pet-friendly is another way for a college to differentiate itself.

Stephens, the article said, began allowing dogs and cats in specific dorms in 2003.

Some, though, think there is a down side to allowing pets in college dorms.

The article quotes Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz, a psychiatrist, who worries that allowing a student to have a pet might slow the transition from child to adult and could mask serious problems such as depression.

And here is Maureen O'Connor's take on the article from Gawker.

Kitten on the keys?

This one is for those of us who spend most of our days in front of computers.

Animals using computers.

Woo-hoo!

High Falls pets have their day

HIGH FALLS — The annual High Falls Pet Show will be Saturday, May 15. There will be all pets of all kinds participating.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be held in the Community Church of High Falls yard on Second Street off Route 213.

Here's a link to Google Maps.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. For pets who plan to compete in contests, there is a $4 fee. All proceeds will benefit the High Falls Civic Association.

General pet judging will takes place from 10 a.m to 11 a.m. All pets will be evaluated for good breeding, friendly behavior and photogenic qualities.

Special judging categories start at 11 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m.

Prizes will be given in several categories, including pet-owner look-alike, vocal talent, best all-American mutt, most unusual pet and mature and distinguished pets.

Vendors will be on hand selling pet-related toys and food. Animal rescue and adoption information will be available.

There is no admission fee to attend the show.

Owners are urged to bring adequate food and water for the safety and comfort of their animal companions.

To your health

The Buffalo Rising blog has an interesting piece by a veterinarian about a pet's weight being reflected in how heavy its owner is.

Timm Otterson writes that as a vet he sees overweight pets daily and frequently discusses weight control.

As with people, overweight pets are at higher risk of diabetes mellitus and arthritis, and pets can even have coat problems if they are so fat they become unable to groom themselves. Limiting calories can be easier for pets (especially if you only have one pet) as you can feed a set amount of food every day, and pets can't snack on that bag of chips your colleague left in the lunch room.

He said the difficult part of weight loss — for both humans and pets — is getting enough exercise.

So get out for walks, go to dog parks and, for cats, how about cat nip and laser pointers.

Get moving, people. And pets.

Are rabbits good pets?

Sure, they are cute and cuddly, but rabbits may not be the best pet for everyone.

So says Eric Parry, writing in the North Andover, Mass., Eagle-Tribune.

Valorie Hayes of the Salem Animal Rescue League said stuffed or chocolate rabbits are a better option.

"Hopefully, they understand the responsibility and commitment it takes," Hayes said.

She said she always refers people who want to give up a rabbit to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals shelter in Methuen. The shelter takes in an average of 350 rabbits each year, according to Kelly Ornell, a volunteer with the MSPCA.

The article said rabbits live 8 to 12 years, and need at least three hours of out-of-cage socialization and exercise.

So if you want a rabbit, hop to it.

You paid what for what?

My colleague Irwin Goldberg alerted me to an article in HV Biz magazine (unfortunately, I couldn't find a link to it) about Pet Acoustics' My Pet Speaker.

The $249.50 unit plays music composed with pets in mind and, according to the manufacturer's Web site, was "designed to support the hearing sensitivities of dogs, cats and horses."

OK.

A review by Helin Jung of PeoplePets.com found the speaker aesthetically pleasing (that's good), but said, "My Pet Speaker definitely didn't disturb her (the reviewer's dog Ethel)."

That's good, too.

Researchers quoted in the HV Biz article said some tones on commercial radio or TV station can be disturbing to animals' hearing.

Remember Law & Order (Chung-chung)?

The My Pet Speaker works with any music device, including mp3 players, iPhones and iPods. For $1.99 you can download from iTunes the Pet Acoustics Application which has relaxation music for animals.

For me, I think I will continue to leave the radio tuned to Symphony Hall on SiriusXM. Or sometimes classic country, though some of Randy Travis's low notes are too extreme for Kate.

Newsy bits

From WIBW-TV in Topeka, Kansas, comes this veterinarian's warning about plants that might be toxic to your cat.

Of particular concern, with Easter coming, are lilies. Seems they are a no-no for cats.

Read the story here.
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Next, I'll just repeat the headline from the Chicago Tribune: Blog has the scoop on South Loop dog poop.

Read the story here.
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New book on a holistic diet for your dog.

Read the press release from PR Newswire here.
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Are rats the perfect companion pet?

Some people think so.

Read about it here in an article by the Associated Press's Sue Manning via ABC News.

Pets vs. the environment

What impact does your pet have on the environment?

The first thing that comes to mind is the amount of waste, for lack of a better word, pets produce every day. Think litter box. Think pooper scooper.

I've been using biodegradable bags to collect Kate's droppings for a couple of years now, even though I know all the trash collect in the city where I live goes to a dump.

It's a small thing, but at least I'm not using plastic baggies that will never degrade.

Nina Shen Rastogi, writing the Green Lantern column for the Washington Post, asks whether pets' food consumption has an environmental impact.

Read the entire article here.

You're right that the carnivorous diets of cats and dogs are likely to be worse for the environment than the diets of, say, birds and guinea pigs. But the meat we feed to our pets isn't quite the same as the stuff we eat ourselves. Most commercial dog and cat food is made from the parts we humans don't eat, such as organs, scraps, and rendered bones and tissues. Looked at one way, then, pet food is a kind of recycling operation: It takes waste products and finds a use for them.

Rastogi even brings up a debate as to whether dogs or cars are worse for the environment.

Does that mean you should ditch your Alsatian for the sake of the planet? No. The Lantern understands that pets are important members of many families and that suggesting that readers get rid of them -- no matter how big of a paw print they may have -- is a bit like suggesting you kill yourself to spare the Earth (a recommendation that appears with some frequency in the Lantern's inbox).

Pretty interesting stuff to think about. Read the article and follow the links Rastogi supplies. You'll see some thought-provoking things.

Pets help owners cope

A survey of 400 Americans conducted by Catalyst Direct, a digital direct marketing firm based in Rochester, N.Y., found that pets help their owners deal with the tough economic climate.

Reported by UPI.com, the study said a majority "stated their pets' emotional support and non-judgmental attitude are key to helping them survive challenging times."

While 73 percent of those questioned said they were more worried about finances, 89 percent said their pets help them deal with stress, 83 percent said their pets provided a steadiness in an uncertain economy and 86 percent valued their pets' appreciation.

From Catalyst Direct:

When asked about spending cuts, pet owners stated that they would be willing to compromise on personal purchases before cutting back on purchases for their dogs and cats: 79% would reduce spending on vacations; 77% on clothing; 49% on certain personal/family food items; 41% Internet/cable and 41% on gas.

The company said its study was unique in that it looked specifically at benefits pets provide their owners in dealing with economy-related personal pressures.

Say it ain't so

Sez you!

That is my response to an article in the Daily Telegraph by Matthew Moore that said cat owners are more intelligent than dog owners.

Those of you who can read can see the entire article here.

Researchers at the University of Bristol say that the superior intelligence of cat owners is unlikely to be caused by their exposure to the famously cunning and selfish pets.

Rather, more educated people tend to work longer hours and choose a pet to fit their lifestyles. Unlike dogs, cats require no walking and can manage with little human company.

The study, in which 2,980 Britons were interviewed about pet ownership, was published in the Veterinary Record.

The popular myth of cat intelligence was dented last year with the publication of a study showing that they did worse than dogs at a simple reasoning task. Cats presented with two pieces of string, only one of which was attached to a food reward, could not tell which one to pull for their treat.

I'm sure cat owners with their "superior intelligence" would reply that the cats just chose not to be rewarded.

Is there a Hallmark card for Pet Dental Health Month?

According to veterinarian Marty Becker, an aspect of caring for dogs and cats that is the one of the most overlooked is dental health.

See the article and video from ABC News here. The segment was promoting February as National Pet Dental Health Month.

Becker said bad dental health can cause serious health problems and can shorten the pet's life.

Fortunately, it's easy to change your pet's dental destiny. Veterinarians now recommend brushing your pet's teeth daily to prevent problems. It's not difficult to teach pets to accept this daily regimen, as long as you start slowly and use positive reinforcement as your pet learns to accept first your handling of his mouth, the introduction of brush and paste and finally a full daily brushing.

Becker also recommends feeding a dental diet along with a paste called OraVet Plaque Prevention Gel that is rubbed on the pet's teeth once a week.

But brushing isn't enough: Your pet also needs your veterinarian's help to keep teeth and gums healthy. That means a complete oral examination on at least an annual basis -- twice a year is even better -- which may include dental X-rays to locate problems just as it does with your own dentist.

Becker said to be wary of some groomers who offer "anesthesia-free" teeth cleaning. He calls them cosmetic procedures that may make your pet's dental problem worse in the long run.

Watch the video. Becker demonstrates how to brush a dog's teeth on a real dog that belongs to guest anchor Jeremy Hubbard.

For the love of pets

Are pets recession proof?

That's the premise of an Albany Times Union article by Christen Gowan.

The owners of Paw Lickers Bakery and Boutique, located in Greenfield Center, N.Y., just outside of Saratoga Springs, think so, too.

At Paw Lickers Bakery and Boutique in Greenfield Center, business had been so steady that co-owners David and Marianne Gage were able to expand into new space in the Stewart's Shops plaza on Route 9N.

The mother-and-son duo bake the doggie delectables sold in the Saratoga County store and also market them to other stores. "It's been fantastic," David Gage said of the recent expansion. "Seventy-five to 80 percent of the business is online through the Web site."

Gage goes back to the not-so-old saw that the dog isn't just a dog, but a member of the family.

"People still want to get the best things for their pets," Gage said, regardless of the economy. "We take comfort in our pets. The last thing we want to do is cut them off."

The American Pet Products Association, a Greenwich, Conn., nonprofit, estimates 61 percent of American household have pets and their owners will spend about $45.4 billion on them this year. Most of that will be for food and supplies.

Smart pooch

When I saw the tout to this video from the Arizona Republic, I was a bit skeptical. But, Sandy proved me wrong.
In addition to putting mail in the mailbox and letting the postman know it's there, she can do math.
Watch Sandy the dog add numbers.
My dog, Ace, isn't that advanced, but he does understand the command, "turnaround" and "lets go downstairs."
How smart is your dog?

Love and care at the end in Denver

USA Today had an extremely moving article by Sharon L. Peters about a hospice program for pets.

Located in Denver, MaxFund, a no-kill shelter fosters out pets who are at the end of their lives.

Cooper, a lab/shepherd mix, went home with Tami Tanoue and Roger McKenzie. The pooch had inoperable prostate cancer.

And for two sunny months he lived the life he deserved. He settled in with the couple's other pets, adapting quickly to the various rhythms and routines of the household. His big tail was a constant-motion metronome, thrubbing against the wall whenever a human approached, flinging everything at big-dog height to the nether reaches of the room (his nickname became Slappy because of all that tail action). He took long walks around the neighborhood and snacked on grilled steak.

And then Copper died.

Tanoue and McKenzie's home is one of about 15 foster homes the shelter uses for terminally ill animals abandoned by their owners.

Copper got a final summer of happiness. He took long walks, ate boiled chicken and lay on Tanoue's feet every night while the rest of the pets clustered around. When he died it was at the place he'd known as home, with the people who loved him holding his head and telling him so.

Here's my thanks, as inconsequential as it is, to Tanoue and McKenzie and all the others in Denver.

Do any of you know of other programs like this around the country?

A loss is a loss

They're not called companion animals for no reason.

The BBC News Magazine has an article by Finlo Rohrer that looks at the mourning process when a pet dies.

Rohrer writes about Labor leader Roy Hattersley losing his dog Buster, who had lived with him for 15 years.

"I sat in the first floor room in which I work, watching my neighbours go about their lives, amazed and furious that they were behaving as if it was a normal day," wrote Hattersley. "Stop all the clocks. Buster was dead."

Margot Clarke, manager of the Pet Bereavement Support Service, said many people who contact her are surprised and disappointed at the reactions of others to their loss.

"They often trivialise that loss and don't recognise it as being special and unique," says Ms Clarke. "A lot of people say 'just get another pet'. But the time has to be right."

And then there's the issue of euthanasia, with the accompanying guilt that brings when making a really tough decision.

I have lately been thinking about what to do if Kate's renal failure gets worse. Thank goodness, she seems to still be OK, but there will likely come a time when that choice will have to be made.