Steve Dale's Pet World

Inez Rose, membership chairperson for Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy, shares how the organization’s therapy dog teams make a difference throughout the Chicago area. With more than 100 programs serving hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, libraries, senior living communities, and other facilities, Rainbow’s volunteers provide comfort, companionship, and support to people of all ages. Rose recounts firsthand stories of lives changed and, in some cases, even saved through these meaningful interactions. She also explains why the demand for therapy dog teams continues to grow, what qualities make a good therapy dog, and the process for becoming a Rainbow volunteer team dedicated to helping others.

Diabetes in cats is rampant, and the EveryCat Health Foundation seeks to make a difference with its newly created O’Malley Fund. 

New American Veterinary Medical Association President Dr. Jennifer Quammen tackles some of the biggest issues facing pet owners and veterinary professionals today, including why veterinary care costs continue to rise and whether corporate ownership and Wall Street are reshaping the profession.

A former veterinary technician, Dr. Quammen also discusses how credentialed vet techs can be utilized more effectively and whether veterinary medicine could benefit from a mid-level practitioner role. She also shares an important warning about the growing threat of toxic algal blooms and what pet owners need to know to keep their animals safe.

Therapy dogs aren’t merely tail-wagging miracles; science demonstrates how they are effective at changing and even saving lives.

Michael Schneider combined his love of dogs and passion for flying to found the nonprofit Pilots to the Rescue 10 years ago. Since then, volunteer pilots have helped save more than 9,000 animals by transporting them across the country. The organization’s missions extend beyond cats and dogs, with pilots also helping relocate endangered wildlife, including sea turtles, giving countless animals a second chance at life.

PAWS Chicago has broken ground on its new Rescue Ranch in Hawthorn Woods. Celene Mielcarek, Chief Program Officer, discusses the vision for the ranch and its impact on animal rescue. She also highlights the PAWS Chicago diversion program at Chicago Animal Care & Control, which helps keep pets with their families by connecting owners with resources and support.

A new early diagnosis for chronic kidney disease in cats may come from a surprising place.

Lost dog found at sea – yes, at sea and returned to family.

Everyone at the Buddy Foundation in Arlington Heights is a volunteer—there is no paid staff. That means donations go directly toward caring for the homeless pets they serve. Louise Basgall, Buddy Foundation’s community events planner, joins Steve to discuss the organization’s work and upcoming events.

Steve also previews his presentation, “Why Are Dog Bites on the Rise?” taking place on August 15 at 1 p.m. at the Friendship Park Conservatory, 395 W. Algonquin Road in Des Plaines. The discussion will explore factors behind the increase in dog bites and what pet owners can do to help prevent them. Register HERE.

Later, Darlene Duggan, president of Anti-Cruelty, talks about the organization’s new Pet Resource Center in Roseland on Chicago’s South Side and its expanded focus on providing low-cost spay/neuter services. She also previews the Petterino’s Restaurant Dog Party on August 8, where Steve will serve as emcee and Anti-Cruelty will feature dogs available for adoption.

Housing crisis includes dogs too.

Beware – dogs are still dying in hot cars – needlessly.

Cat behavior and retention specialist Rachel Geller, author of All Cats All the Time: More of What I Know About Cats, joins us to discuss some of the most common challenges facing cat owners today. Geller explains why litter box issues remain the leading behavioral concern and shares practical strategies for addressing them. She also offers advice on preparing cats for the arrival of a new baby, explains the importance of interactive play, and how to create a home environment that meets cats’ physical and behavioral needs.

It’s a reality for many reasons; the price of veterinary medicine continues to climb faster than inflation.

The story of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) has been filled with unexpected setbacks and breakthroughs. Dr. Brian Holub of the nonprofit EveryCat Health Foundation explains how this once poorly understood and often fatal disease evolved into one that is now treatable. He traces the major developments in the FIP journey, recognizes the researchers and veterinarians who helped make progress possible, and discusses how timely diagnosis and access to compounded medications have transformed treatment options for many cats today.

Plus, learn what you can do to help protect your cat from kidney disease or potentially delay its onset.

This week, Dr. Nancy Kay, author of A Dog Named 647, joins the show to discuss her inspiring novel for middle-school readers and older audiences. Through the story of Mia and a rescued dog named 647, the book encourages young people to think carefully about where pets come from and how they can make a difference.

The conversation continues with Marc Ayers, Illinois Director of Humane World for Animals, who explains how a loophole in state law is allowing some pet stores to continue selling dogs and cats despite efforts to crack down on puppy mills. He also discusses additional animal welfare legislation currently awaiting the governor’s signature.

Plus, Congressman Ted Lieu shares details about the Keeping Pets and Families Together Act, legislation that would create a USDA grant program to help shelters microchip dogs and cats, improving the chances of lost pets being reunited with their families.

Wayne Pacelle, CEO and president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, discusses several major animal welfare stories that have received little national attention. He explains why the USDA has resumed using poison-loaded devices to kill predators—including more than 100,000 coyotes, along with bears, wolves, and other wildlife—and the risks these devices pose to pets and people. Pacelle also shares the story behind Ridglan Farms near Madison, Wisconsin, relinquishing all of its research beagles following negotiations he helped lead, and why advances in science are reducing the need for dogs, primates, and other animals in medical research while potentially lowering drug development costs. Plus, he discusses how the New World screwworm outbreak has temporarily halted the horse slaughter meat trade with Mexico.

Can pets suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder syndrome following the trauma of hearing fireworks over the Fourth of July?

Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Chris Brennan offers the 4-1-1 on heart disease in dogs and in cats, and the latest on new treatments. 

Dog trainer Zak George wonders out loud how and why the American Kennel Club (AKC) appears to support puppy mills by fighting bipartisan legislation known as the Puppy Mill Protection Act. That’s not to mention that the AKC does not require breeding standards aimed at reducing serious inherited health problems, including Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, and for failing to take a stronger position against punishment-based training methods and the use of shock collars.

Plus, I share the inspiration behind my latest book, Ask the Dog, and why I felt it was important to write it.

Dr. Leilani Alvarez serves as Director of the Tina Santi Flaherty Rehabilitation & Fitness Service and leads the Integrative and Rehabilitative Medicine Department at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City. One of only a select group of veterinarians worldwide board-certified in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Alvarez is also the author of the newly released Handbook of Canine Exercise Therapy.

Dr. Alvarez discusses the importance of exercise for dogs and explains that, just like people stretch before a workout, dogs can too. She also explores the use of acupuncture and targeted pulsed electromagnetic therapy (PEMF) therapy, explaining how each treatment works and when they may be appropriate. Plus, we talk about why swimming can be both an excellent form of exercise and an effective rehabilitation tool for the right dogs.

New pet spending report from the American Pet Products Association