Veterinary technician Mary Ann Minnick talks about how she’s making her dream come true with All Pets Wellness Centers, Aurora, IL.  This is a lifestyle center for pets and people who love them. So much is offered, including inviting seniors in to interact with dogs. This is a large enough space for special events, which can be anything from a fundraiser to a dog-friendly wedding or even a bark mitzvah. There’s also dog daycare, an indoor dog park and also grooming. 

Animal Assisted Intervention Specialist Kelly Lewis is an Assessor and Subject Matter Expert at the Association of Animal Assisted Intervention Professionals of Pet Partners. She talks about how medical professionals partner with animals to accomplish goals, harnessing the power of animals in therapeutic settings. Once you had to convince people, these animals support care, today there aren’t enough animals to fulfill the need. 

Update on the CATalyst Council state of the cat.

Rehab veterinarian Dr. Kelly Fishman says this is her busiest time of year due to injuries related to cold, snow and ice. Before any outside running to chase a ball, she says stretching is as important for dogs as it is for people to avoid injuries, and she explain how. She also explains that more often than you might think a dog may be pain, and you may not immediately know it. 

Sandy De Lisle is the Head of Development and Community Engagement at Orphans of the Storm in Riverwoods. She announces this important shelter needing a new building as the antiquated existing structure is crumbling.  On February 7, 10:30 am at Hathorn Mall, Steve will be at Puppy Paws and Story Time. Sandy and Steve will be reading his new children’s book, Ask the Dog to puppies and children. Steve will also sign copies of the book. On April 10, he will be hosting Whiskers and Wishes at the Marriott Lincolnshire, their most important fundraiser. And Sandy also happens to be a screenwriter and producer of a film called You’re Out, where I play an animal loving Barney Fife. 

Too darn cold for your dog? How do you know?

Can dogs suffer seasonal affective disorder?

Dog trainer Will Bangura has authored a book like none other, Sniff to Soothe: Rewiring Neurobehavioral Patterns of Aggression, Anxiety and Reactivity Through Structed Scent Work. The dog’s nose is a pathway to normalize many problem behaviors, prevent some behavior problems and inhibit or delay the onset of cognitive decline – yes, all of this by allowing dogs to be dogs with full choice and to use their noses. Bangura explains the jackpot of neurotransmitters which blast off when dogs are allowed to search and find things. 

Sweeden and the Netherlands are among the nations training crows to place errant cigarette butts into the trash.

Newly elected official in India makes a monkey of himself.

Most furriers in the U.S. are no longer in business anyway, but Wayne Pacelle President and CEO of Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action explains that all mink farms in the U.S. should be closed down, and aside from ethical animal welfare issues, it has to do with human health. Pacelle was a force behind how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is now in the process of minimizing animal testing, and he explains how this will save consumers money. 

Dr. Derrik Landini of HEAL Veterinary talks about keeping pets safe in the winter. When dogs should wear coats or jackets and what about those booties? Do dogs and cats really get frost bite? And why you might want to knock three times on your car hood in the morning. 

Tom Brady and done it, would you have a pet cloned?

Dr. Kurt Venator, Chief Veterinary Officer at Purina, notes how veterinarians play a critical role in the lives of pets and pet owners, serving as trusted partners for their pets’ well-being. Dr. Venator announces significant donations to five top veterinary schools to support veterinary education and advancements in pet health. The collaborations supports research and scientific developments in pivotal areas of need regarding pet health, including nutrition, dermatology, cognition, and canine performance. This includes the support of personalized nutrition for pets! 

Consider thinking a new way about animal shelters.

What happens when you read children’s books to pets. like Steve’s own Ask the Dog.

An encore performance by Dr. Patricia McConnell, ethologist and certified applied animal behaviorist and is the author of two of the most influential books ever on dog behavior, The Other End of the Leash and For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in Your and Your Best Friend. Among topics discussed is the choice for positive reinforcement dog training as the only choice, which means no shock collars. 

International Human Animal Bond Day.

New study on how early experiences make a difference as puppies.

From The International Cat Association, Steve talks with the President Vicki Jo Harrison about the Great American Cat Show, January 2  to 4 at the Tinley Park Convention Center. She talks about the unique personalities of various pedigreed cat breeds and describes what goes on at a cat show. She also notes that Steve will be speaking at this show on January 3, offering updates on feline infectious peritonitis and also the most common heart disease in cats – and it’s all good news from the EveryCat Health Foundation. 

Scott Pfiel, president of  the International Kennel Club of Chicago describes the various activities going on January 2 to 4 at the Great American Dog Show at the Tinley Park Convention Center (with free parking). Discussed are many of the kid friendly events; the various novel products for dogs you likely won’t find elsewhere; the Windy City Grooming show (a show within a show); a puppy show (another show within a show) with some new dog breeds who will be there too. And Steve will be signing copies of his book, Ask the Dogon January 3.

Steve talks about a sad highlight of 2025, the loss Dr. Jane Goodall. 

Dog trainer Jeff Millman is back, and talks about his second book Triggers and Reactions: A Guide to Fixing Dog Behavior Problems: Volume Two: Jumping, Barking and Biting. We don’t cover everything in the book but we do discuss jumping and barking. Also, he explains when clicker training may be helpful, and how to do it. 

Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research by Melanie D.G. Kaplan, as her unique book is part memoir, part investigative reportage and part sleuth – and the sleuth is her Beagle Hammy. She reveals the reality of animal research. 

Steve offers 12 tips safety tips for the howlidays. And you’ll hear the Steve Dale howliday tradition, A Pet’s Night Before Christmas, a very dramatic reading. 

Rachel Geller, cat behavior & retention specialist is the author of this easy to read yet complete guide to help to solve various cat behavior problems, All Cats All the Time: More of What I Know About Cats. She says that the top of the list are litter box issue, which are discussed in detail. But also how to prepare for a new baby in the house and the necessity of interactive play – and there is a right way to do this – and providing cats with environmental needs in homes. 

International Human Animal Bond Day

Best cities for dog training

Your congenial program host Steve Dale interviews Steve Dale about his latest book, Ask the Dog. This is a book is mostly for kids. The idea is that we need to always ask dogs before petting them. It is true for dogs we do know and love, and most certainly for dogs we don’t know. And yes, dogs “talk;” they tell us all the time whether they want to interact or not. Tips about how to understand what dogs are telling us.

This notion is all new and totally fascinating. Dr. Leilani Avarez, director of the Tina Santi Flaherty Rehabilitation & Fitness Service and head of our Integrative and Rehabilitative Medicine Department at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City, explains that going into surgery people with positive attitudes have better outcomes. How can this translate to pets? Many pets entering surgery have endured chronic pain. When this happens to people, depression is likely. What about pets?

Court agrees, shock collars are not safe or harmless.