Animal Radio Highlights

Brian Barczyk loves reptiles. He has over 30,000 snakes. Brian breeds them and sends them all over the globe to his snake-lovin' brethren. He's been bit 100,000 times he estimates and his colorful life is ripe for a TV reality series. Are you listening NatGeo? Oh, and no, he's not single. In fact, the chicks dig it. While Brian tells people he breeds snakes, he actually says he cleans snake poop for a living! He runs one of the world's largest snake breeding facilities, and hatches over 30,000 baby snakes a year! They sell to the beginner hobbyist all the way to the advanced collector. They have snakes as cheap as $25 all the way up to $125,000 a piece. While Brian doesn't name all of his snakes; he does have two mascots that he has named. One is called Satan and the other is Sunshine. He says they couldn't be more of polar opposites, both good and evil.

Pet ONLY Apartments Octogenarian and Landlord Judy Guth only allows tenants with pets in her apartment complex. Is this discrimination? Judy doesn't care. And if one of her tenants loses their pet, she'll even take them out to dinner and then the shelter to find another roommate.

Cowboy Poet Veterinarian The incredibly talented and hilarious Baxter Black is a former veterinarian turned poet, entertainer and philosopher. You will be thoroughly entertained by this odd character and his Turkey tribute. He explains why he gave up doctoring animals for a life of literary virtue.

Cindy Brady Spills It Susan Olsen (Cindy Brady on The Brady Bunch) is one of the few child actors that DIDN'T cross to the dark side. And in fact, she's a model citizen, animal advocate and foster parent. She seems like a normal gal until she tells you about her hobby making candy-poop with her hands. She'll also divulge behind-the-scenes stories about The Brady Bunch.

Rachel Fuller tells us about her new album and her dogs. Her latest release, Animal Requiem celebrates the life of our furry-friends. Rachel explains how her husband, Pete Townshend called on Paul McCartney to help finish this incredible album.

Can you imagine someone devoting their life to entertaining pets, chaperoning them on dates, and performing marriages and Bark-Mitzvahs for the four-legged. Bring your pets around the radio….Lee Day is gonna sing to them.

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'll get very emotional when the animals find homes.

Join us for a special celebration of America's favorite and longest-running pet show. Animal Radio looks back at the last 20 years with guest appearances by Actor Ed Asner, Dog Wig Maker Ruth Regina, The Monkees' Davy Jones, Comedian Paul Reiser, Actor Dick Van Patten, Singer Donny Osmond, and a final bow from Vladae The World Famous Russian Dog Wizard, Dog Trainer Alan Kabel, News Director Lori Brooks, Executive Producer Judy Francis, Groomer Joey Villani, Veterinarian Dr. Debbie and your host Hal Abrams.

Zoologist Lucy Cooke says humans aren't doing animals any favors when we moralize their behavior. Humans have gone to the Moon and split the atom, but when it comes to understanding animals, we've still got a long way to go. So you've probably never considered if moose get drunk, penguins cheat on their mates, or worker ants lay about. They do - and that's just for starters.

CBD's, or Cannabidiols are derived from the hemp plant and there's anecdotal evidence that it may help pets suffering from many problems, including, and certainly not limited to, anxiety, allergies, seizures, hot spots and so much more. The landscape is confusing though. Many retailers are hopping on the bandwagon. While there are honest merchants, there are also many that rely on the lack of certification to sell their CBD products. Medical Cannabis Expert Angela Ardolino will help you parse through the misinformation and select a product that can help your pet live a healthier and happier life.

Actress and singer Doris Day died recently. Doris was a huge animal rights activist and also co-owned one of the most pet friendly hotels on the planet. In 1978, she founded her own organization, the Doris Day Animal Foundation and later started the Doris Day Animal League, which has since become part of the Humane Society. She also founded the Duffy Day Lifesaving Program, which focuses on older dogs who need medical attention in order to maintain a healthy life. Doris Day was a guest on Animal Radio and we take a moment to reflect and listen to her guest spot.

Last year, a majority of Americans reported experiencing stresses "during a lot of the day," according to Gallup's recently released Global Emotions Report. Sadly, we're global leaders in feeling agitated - there are only three countries in the world that are more stressed out than the United States. But according to American Humane CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert there's scientific evidence of an antidote - a healthy dose of pet love. To remedy some of the anxiety plaguing America, individuals should cultivate and nurture bonds with animals.

Usually humping is associated with male dogs, but humping is also very common amongst female dogs. Some girls will hump toys or other objects, some hump air, others hump other dogs or even people. We talk with Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Chair of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers Nick Hof, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, KPA-CTP, CSAT, to answer some of your most commonly asked questions about female dogs and humping.

New research highlights potential risks in being over-affectionate with our pets by increasing the risk of catching drug-resistant illnesses. While experts acknowledge and even encourage the bond between a pet parent and their fur kids, some are now recommending limits on physical interaction. The danger is posed by the transfer of antibiotic-resistant bugs and carries a risk for humans and animals alike.

Ok, I know what you are thinking. If they are pets they are certainly legal. Well, that's not necessarily the case depending on the state or city that you live in. There can be legal issues for having common pets that exist in different states or cities. Let's start with Ferrets. In several states and large cities (Including California, Hawaii, New York City and Dallas to name a few), ferrets are illegal and if caught, you could face fines up to $200K or even prison time. That's right, ferrets; the court jesters of the animal world, filled with curiosity and enough cuteness to power any world are illegal in certain places. Some states allow you to have them as pets, but require additional filings and you must meet certain requirements. Next up is Gerbils. If you are in California, you may be surprised to know that your state does not allow gerbils as a pet as they are deemed to pose a threat to the eco system. These tiny palm-sized pets are common household pets in many areas of the U.S. as they are easy to care for and handle, while also being social creatures. Next is the Hedgehog - No, I'm not talking about the video game version but the super cute, albeit very spiny hedgehog. These fascinating and easy to care for animals have very simple needs and are quite adaptable. They are interactive, yet, if handled improperly can use their quills to get their point across. Yes, I went there. The bigger concern is that there are certain states and municipalities who deem them illegal as pets and/or have severe restrictions including California, Georgia, Hawaii, Pennsylvania and more. Let's not forget that there are number of fish and snakes that are also illegal to own in various states through the United States. It is remarkable the variety of these species that are found legally in the homes of people in some states, while not allowed in the homes in other states. Finally, I would be remiss, to not bring up the troubling movement to ban certain breeds of dogs and cats in cities and states across the country. From Bengal Cats to Pit Bull Dogs, traditional pets are increasingly under the scrutiny of the legal system. While this list could go on for many days, I bring it up as a reminder that while you have rights, states and cities have laws. I'm not saying these laws or regulations are right or wrong. I am saying consider this when you are looking at adopting a new animal family member and remember that you are responsible to know the laws where you live in regards to your animal family members. Don't make the mistake of assuming anything or you may find yourself in big trouble and your pet confiscated or worse.

Dr. Stanley Coren is back on Animal Radio to give us specific and detailed instructions on how to make our dog laugh. Don't be a skeptic until you've heard about the research. Some breeds are more likely to laugh than others. Dr. Coren will share the science behind dog laughter and other body signs.

If you don't kiss your dog, but your significant other has a beard, heads up! A new study finds men with beards carry more germs in their beards than dogs with their normal germs. Swiss researchers tested the facial hair of men and dog fur from various breeds and found a significantly higher bacterial load in the men's beards compared with the dogs' fur.

Scientists estimate as many as 97% of seniors suffer from behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. That's why Tom Stevens teamed up with Jim Henson's Creature Shop to create an affordable robotic puppy to provide companionship for seniors. Tom explains why this is so personal and how it's making a difference.

A lawsuit has been filed in a California court saying Bark Adoptions masquerades as a non-profit animal rescue organization passing off puppy mill dogs as rescued animals and selling them for a profit. California has banned the sale of puppy mill dogs and it is believed multiple fictitious rescues are circumventing the law. Deborah Howard, founder of the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) explains how her organization is trying to raise awareness on the issue.

Dogs are capable of laughing, and they typically do so when they are playing. Canine laughter begins with the doggy equivalent of smiling but also includes a sound that is much like panting. Animal behaviorist Patricia Simonet recorded those sounds while dogs played. On analyzing the recordings, she found that they involved a broader range of frequencies than regular dog panting. So, what makes a dog laugh? What can we do to make them laugh? Are they already laughing about us behind our back? We'll try to figure out what tickles their funny bone.

Steve Munt wants to send the cremains of his beloved cat into space. While dog lovers have been memorializing their dogs this way for years, Steve's cat will be the first feline remains shot into space in a satellite that will circle the earth in perpetuity. Steve is our guest and he'll explain why he wants to do this.

The extremely talented and very funny author, Dave Barry is our guest. He'll tell us about the lessons he has learned from his dog, Lucy. He says Lucy taught him to effectively deal with road rage. Dave also explains why he's not much of a cat fan.

Kelly Matthews has granted her first interview to Animal Radio to talk about breaking-up dog theft rings. Her business, CritterCops.net locates stolen and lost pets. Up until now, she's feared going public because of retribution from thieves she's exposed. She'll tell us what it's like tracking down stolen dogs.

Are our dogs trained to show affection in order to get food and treats? Do they really unconditionally love you, or would they "kick you to the curb" for bacon? Animal Researcher Marc Bekoff answers these burning questions and more. He says we can 'unleash our dogs,' metaphorically speaking, by allowing them to roll in dead worms.

Photojournalist Ross Taylor's latest project captures the last moments between humans and their pets prior to euthanasia. Admittedly a difficult subject, he explains his mission as a guide to assist those going through this process.

Michelle Gaylord tells us how she organically grew her business into a celebration of the lives of pets. From the simple pendant that contains cremains to wine glasses made with your pet's ashes, she'll talk about some of the more unique ways people have chosen to memorialize their pets.

Rover.com and the WAG app have come under a lot of criticism lately for their transparency about several pet deaths. We speak to attorney Robert Tauler who is currently suing former Baywatch actress Angelica Bridges and Rover.com for negligence. Apparently the actress was the pet sitter during an incident with the plaintiff's dog.

Born with Muscular Dystrophy, Tabitha Bell was told she would need a wheel chair by the time she was 12. Instead, she got a balance & brace service dog. The human/dog partnership was so successful that she decided to start her own non-profit to help match service dogs with those that may not be able to afford the $10,000 entry level. Tabitha tells us that she's working on matching a 6-year old diabetic with a dog that can alert someone when blood sugar spikes.

Emmy Nominated TV host Rocky Kanaka is on a mission to find hard-to-adopt rescue dogs their forever home - all while creating a day of fun doggie activities most could only dream of. He chronicles his adventures in a You Tube series called 'Dog's Day Out.'

Have you ever considered quitting your stupid job to become a pet-sitter? Laura Vorreyer shares stories about her bustling Los Angeles dog-walking business. She'll share some strange pet-sitting stories and dole out advice for the aspiring pet-sitter.

Allan Dixon won the best job in the world. He gets paid to take pictures with animals. Allan has an uncanny ability to 'talk' animals into posing for a selfie with him. This might sound like the most privileged, millennial job in the world, but Dixon worked for this role. He'll explain to Animal Radio listeners.

From Caped Crusader to Canine Crusader Actor Burt Ward was the original 'Robin' on the hit series Batman. Now he’s devoted to giant breed dogs and runs the Gentle Giant Rescue. He tells Animal Radio that as many as 25 Great Danes share his bed with him and his wife Tracy.

Apiculturist Dr. Norman Gary has devoted his 83 years to bees. He's even trained them for TV and Movies. Dr. Gary holds two Guinness World Records for bee stunts. Oh, and he plays the clarinet... covered in bees.

Gideon Kidd has a goal to pet a million dogs for his pet project. So far, the 10-year-old boy has pet more than 750 dogs. He's chronicled his journey on Twitter, garnering over 160,000 followers. He'll tell us how it's going since we last spoke to him in June.

Shortly after Rosemary Marchetto's Shih Tzu was dropped at a chain store groomer she was informed that her dog had died. She feels the groomer was negligent and that the profession needs regulation. Bijou's Bill, named after Rosemary's dog, is being spearheaded by New Jersey Senator Valerie Huttle. The law would require pet groomers to be licensed, at least 18 years old, and tested by the State Board of Veterinary Examiners. Rosemary joins us this week to tell her story. Animal Radio's Joey Villani is also on the forefront of this groundbreaking legislation and he says there is some push-back from many groomers.

It's not uncommon to see dogs or cats being used at major airports as a de-stressor. When you step off a plane in New Orleans, you'll meet an alligator. While these alligators aren't necessarily intended to provide emotional support, they are ready to take a selfie and be petted. Director of Communications at the airport, Erin Burns joins us to explain this unique partnership with the Audubon society.

When someone you love is terminally ill, you may do whatever you can to make the little time left count. Attleboro Massachusetts Mayor Paul Heroux took his dying dog Mura on a cross-country bucket-list trip. He says "Filling up my gas tank: $40. Staying at a sketchy hotel: $60. The look on Mura's face after she just ate a nasty freeway gas station hot dog: Priceless." The animal friendly politician has also gone to far lengths to make his government workplace a pet-friendly environment.

'Katfish,' the 200-pound PET alligator that was forcibly removed from his home, is now being represented in court by Tristen Woods and Lauren Sierra. The alligator's owner, Sean Casey fed Katfish a diet of chicken nuggets from Wendy's. Tristen and Lauren explain the situation and what the future holds for the reptilian.

Denise James loves animals. She also loves talking about them.... a lot! Her love for dogs was not soured when she was bit in the face by a pit-bull. She'll tell us what went wrong and how to avoid being a dog treat.

Opossum guardian and advocate Lea Murray is mother to several opossums, including Kricket, the Fruit Loop eating marsupial in this viral video. Lea is outraged about a recent Inside Edition broadcast that painted Opossums as a typhus vehicle. She says the much maligned and misunderstood critter is actually good for humankind.

Leanne Lauricella gave up her NYC corporate job, traded in her Mercedes for a pickup truck, and decided to care for handicapped goats. She'll never look back! She says it was the best decision ever. She has taken-it-up a level by integrating her love for goats throughout social media. The Goats' newfound online fame landed them on Rachael Ray. Leanne has even published 6 books.

Postdoctoral Scholar Dr. Sarrah Dunham-Cheatham randomly sampled 100 pet foods. 16 of those samples had mercury concentrations that were well above the maximum tolerable limit. That's not the only thing she found.

Front man for the band Bad Company, Free and The Firm, singer, songwriter Paul Rodgers is an extreme supporter of our four-legged friends. Aside from the 6 cats and a dog at home, he sponsors moose, bears, coyotes, foxes, a lynx, a bobcat and raccoons. "Supporting animals, in any way that one can, restores the soul," say Rodgers. His wife and obvious muse, Cynthia joins Paul for this interview.

From the author of Does It Fart?, comes the latest from Nick Caruso, True or Poo? The Definitive Field Guide to Filthy Animal Facts and Falsehoods. This interview is not for the faint hearted. You'll find out just how many spiders you eat in your sleep, if beaver butt is an ingredient in vanilla ice cream, and which animal may die from constipation.

In a world where we barely have time to prepare our own meals, Dr. Judy Morgan says we should be cooking for our pets. The store bought pet foods contain diseased and euthanized animals as well as high levels of heavy metals. She'll have some time-saving tips to create your own pet food.

World Renown Anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall tells us about her experience growing up around chickens and chimps. Even today she still lectures, with over 300 speaking engagements a year. Dr. Goodall also has her hands in the deodorant business, lending her name to environmentally friendly, cruelty-free and sustainable products.

Microbiologist and TV Host Jennifer Gardy has been collecting cat poop as part of a biome-mapping project. Viral sensation Lil Bub even donated a sample that led to the discovery of 22 new microorganisms. Jennifer will explain what that means to you and me.

Singer, songwriter and actress Sheena Easton provides one of the most memorable celebrity interviews on Animal Radio. Sheena is cra-cra about her kitties, no holds barred when she divulges how she spoils her cats and dogs.

The Senior Veterinary Toxicologist at the Pet Poison Helpline wants you to know what household toxins can fatally sicken your pets. Dr. Ahna Brutlag warns that pesticides and bait traps can kill more than bugs and mice. She also says even pet safe anti-freeze can be harmful.

Brian Jones is a self-proclaimed audio-psychic. He tapes animals, including dogs and cats, and slows the tape down to reveal words. He believes the animals are trying to talk to us and we need to listen. We'll let you be the judge.

In 2012, Bart Jansen's cat was unfortunately struck and killed by a car. Instead of cremating or burying "Orville" (named after the Wright Brothers), he turned him into a drone. Despite outrage from cat-owners, he defends the action as a tribute to his furry-friend. Many other pet owners have asked for his services since. Now he plans to turn a cow into a helicopter.