Not Sci-fi. A Device That Translates Woofs and Meows Into Words

Dr. Con Slobodchikoff (Professor Emeritus NAU) believes we are close to developing a gadget that will translate what your dog or cat is saying into English words. While several novelty items are currently on the market, his work is based in science. Slobodchikoff says “So many people would dearly love to talk with their dog. With cats, I’m not sure what they’d have to say. A lot of times it might just be ‘you idiot, just feed me.’”

What’s Really Behind The Smucker’s Pet Food Contamination

What appears to be the biggest recall to date this year, Smucker’s (yes, the jelly people) is pulling some of the market’s lowest-grade food for pets. Names you’ve known forever, like Gravy Train, Kibbles ’n Bits, Ol’ Roy and Skippy have been found to have the euthanasia drug pentobarbital in low but illegal doses. This is indicative of problems with the food supply. Probably euthanized animals have been used as proteins. But if you think that’s the worst stuff in this food, you should see how it’s made.

Catastrophic Year for United Airlines Pet Passengers

Last year, 24 animals transported as cargo by U.S. airlines were found to have died in-flight and another 15 were injured, according to a new report by the Department of Transportation. The deaths and injuries were only a small percentage of the nearly 507,000 animals transported by 17 airlines. The biggest air carrier at Newark, United Airlines, accounted for most of the deaths and injuries nationwide. A spokesman for the company said United saw a significant increase in the number of pets it transported last year, which may have accounted for the rise in transported pet deaths.

Counting Cats

Because most everyone has their own opinion on whether cats or dogs are smarter, a new study has created quite a stir when it suggested that dogs might have an intelligence edge over cats. On the other hand, a few other studies have shown that cats have a greater mathematical ability than dogs. Meanwhile, other less traditionally “smart” animals like fish and frogs, according to new research, are able to count.

Dating Advice For Pet Parents

Things can get complicated if you are in a relationship that progresses to the point where you are thinking about moving in together. And if the other person is also bringing a pet to the new household then you have a lot to consider. Animal Radio News Director Lori Brooks has some good advice for pet parents who want to combine households.