Talking Animals

Sam Litzinger signs off from his Talking Animals podcast for the last time -- and what better way to end the show than to talk to another animal lover -- Jane Goodall.

Obesity is a problem in America -- but not just among humans. Plus -- some good news for our national bird. Sam Litzinger features pieces from Don Dahler and Chip Reid on this week's Talking Animals.

What exactly does it mean to be a livestock sitter, and, why does such a job exist? Nikki Battiste went to Massachusetts to find out. Plus -- Sam Litzinger discusses obesity in household pets in "Ask a Vet." This and more on this week's Talking Animals.

Could the woolly mammoth make a comeback? Plus - Manuel Bojorquez reports on the latest efforts to save Florida's coral reef. Sam Litzinger features his piece and more on this week's Talking Animals.

The Trump administration's reversal -- then re-reversal of an elephant trophy ban has sparked a worldwide debate. Don Dahler reports. Plus -- is it normal to feel guilty when it is time to put a pet down? Psychology Today's Adam Clark joins Sam Litzinger on this week's Talking Animals. --- Tweet: https://twitter.com/CBSNewsRadio/status/939921988717629445

Officials at Yellowstone National Park have recruited grizzly bears to test the strength of garbage cans and coolers - which have been destroyed by bears looking for food. Carter Evans reports. Plus - a rare butterfly species is making a comeback in the Bay Area. John Blackstone has the story. Sam Litzinger features these pieces and more on this week's Talking Animals.

The pandas at The National Zoo might have a better health care plan than you do. Sam Litzinger features Chip Reid's piece on this week's Talking Animals.

There's a program in San Antonio, Texas that is helping pit bulls shed their bad dog image. Sam Litzinger features Omar Villafranca's piece on this week's Talking Animals.

The MGM lion is not the only wild cat in Hollywood. Carter Evans reports. Plus -- Sam Litzinger learns why it is important to spay and neutered your pets.

The feral hog population is becoming a hog-sized problem in Texas. Don Champion has the story. Plus - Sam Litzinger learns more about Happy Tails -- a program that provides the elderly with a four legged companion - for a couple of hours.

Hundreds of military dogs are deployed overseas to help the United States military. To honor their service to their country -- these canine veterans are nominated for the American Humane Lois Pope LIFE K-9 Medal of Courage. Chip Reid spends some time with one of the hero dogs. Psychology Today's Adam Clark joins Sam Litzinger to talk about the bond between humans and their pets.

Connecticut has become the first state to give a legal voice to abused animals. Plus -- there is now a site that matches you with a canine companion. Sam Litzinger learns more on this week's Talking Animals.

California has become the first state to ban the sale of dogs from puppy mills. Carter Evans reports. Plus -- Sam Litzinger learns that whales and dolphins are just as social as humans.

Sam Litzinger learns more about Washington D.C's Lights Out Program - which was launched to keep birds from flying into windows. Plus -- it is never easy to put an animal down. Psychology Today's Adam Clark weighs in on when it is most appropriate to euthanize animals.

Hundreds of military dogs are deployed overseas to help the United States military. To honor their service to their country -- these canine veterans are nominated for the American Humane Lois Pope LIFE K-9 Medal of Courage. Chip Reid spends some time with one of the hero dogs. Plus -- Sam Litzinger learns more about the Dog Parker -- which provides your dog with a comfortable and safe place when you go into a store that does not allow pets.

Sam Litzinger shares the story of a woman and her guide horse. Plus - Carter Evans learns more about the great white shark population off the coast of California.

There is an adoption page on Facebook for animals who are living in conflict zones. Plus -- learning the importance of microchipping. Here's Sam Litzinger.

Did you know prairie dogs have their own language? Sam Litzinger learns more about these rural rodents. Plus -- a look at how shelter dogs are helping kids who can't seem to stay out of trouble.

After a devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan in 2011, the region's ecosystem saw significant changes. So significant, in fact, that sea creatures native to Japan have begun washing up on shore along the west coast of the U.S. What does that mean for the animals already in the area? Plus -- an "Animal Rescue Spotlight" on the Ocean Conservancy.

What does it take to be a hero dog -- a canine companion to war veterans. Chip Reid finds out. Plus -- Sam Litzinger learns more about the Silver Muzzle Cottage -- Michigan's only hospice for aging animals.