Steve Dale's Pet World

Journalist, Radio Hall of Famer, and CBS News Sunday Morning contributor Scott Simon joins the show to discuss his book, Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known. Simon shares heartfelt and humorous stories about the pets that became part of his family, delivering the wit, warmth, and storytelling that have made him a beloved voice in broadcasting.

Jackie Ott Jaakola, president and CEO of the nonprofit EveryCat Health Foundation, and John Manchester of Windy City Sweets, discuss the upcoming ice cream social on June 16, benefiting cat health research and education. The first 50 attendees will receive a free scoop of ice cream of their choice! Jackie goes on to explain the impact that EveryCat Health Foundation makes in supporting feline health every day.

New drug for noise aversion and canine separation anxiety

More than half of U.S. dogs and cats are overweight or obese—but the reasons go beyond table scraps and too many treats. Dr. Ernie Ward, founder and president of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, says the issue is far more complex, and in cats, the link between obesity and diabetes has reached epidemic levels. He also discusses why GLP-1 medications for pets are likely coming and why body condition scoring remains a key tool for assessing pet health.

Are military working cats really a thing?

Runaway sheep cause supermarket stampede

Veterinary dentist Dr. Jan Bellows says when an older small dog or cat suddenly becomes picky about food, dental pain is often the real cause. He discusses new research on stomatitis — a painful condition in which a cat’s immune system attacks its own mouth — along with a new product called Yummy Combs, designed to help prevent dental issues in dogs. Dr. Bellows also explains how pet owners can tell the difference between marketing claims and products backed by real science, including what to look for from the Veterinary Oral Health Council. 

Celebrating military working dogs on Memorial Day

Actor Joey Luthman traveled from California to Maine on a one-wheel to raise money for cat health research benefiting the EveryCat Health Foundation. His one-of-a-kind journey inspired the documentary film CAT MAN, which is now appearing at film festivals across the country. 

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Animal Wellness Action and Center for a Humane Economy, led the effort to rescue what may be a record number of dogs from Ridglan Farms, a Wisconsin breeding and research facility long criticized by animal welfare advocates over the alleged treatment and overbreeding of dogs used in biomedical testing. More than 1,500 dogs were rescued, and Wayne shares the story behind the massive operation.

Laugh and your dog laughs with you.

Dr. Debra Horwitz and Dr. Amy Pike, veterinary behaviorists and co-authors of Blackwell’s Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Canine and Feline Behavior, 3rd Edition, explore topics in pet behavior. They discuss whether there is ever a justified use for shock collars—even as a last resort to protect a dog’s life—while addressing widespread misconceptions about how cats behave. They also explain why, if given the chance, they’d require larger litter boxes for cats everywhere, and how often sudden behavior changes in pets are actually rooted in pain or underlying medical issues.

Plus, new research suggests pet owners should be mindful of what they say around their dogs—some are capable of learning simply by eavesdropping.

Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Marisa Ames, Associate Professor at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and President of the American Heartworm Society, explains what heartworm disease is and why prevention is critical. She emphasizes that heartworm is completely preventable, yet still too common. In dogs, treatment can be costly and may leave lasting, permanent damage. In cats, there is no reliable treatment available. Dr. Ames also breaks down what pet owners should and shouldn’t believe about preventative products.

Plus, a lighter look at pet behavior: should there be a Betty Ford Center for dogs? And can dogs actually become “addicted” to their favorite toys?

The Buddy Foundation in Arlington Heights is an amazing animal shelter on many levels, guiding homeless pets toward loving homes while operating entirely with volunteer support. Longtime volunteer Louise Basgall shares details about their most important fundraiser, hosted by Steve Dale, happening May 28 at Chandler’s Chophouse in Schaumburg.

Darlene Duggan, president of Anti-Cruelty, highlights several key programs, including Bark, a beloved Chicago tradition and the organization’s most important fundraiser. The event takes place May 30 in Lincoln Park, south of the Farm in the Zoo and north of North Avenue. In a nod to 1926, tickets are just $10 this year, meaning a strong turnout is essential to make a real impact. Emcees include WLS-TV’s Tracy Butler and Hosea Sanders, as well as Steve Dale.

Plus, a look at a new study examining the risks of dog bites involving children.

Legendary researcher Dr. Niels Pedersen, Professor Emeritus of Medicine & Epidemiology at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, is most known for playing a pivotal role in finding a treatment for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). He tells the FIP story and how, with EveryCat Health Foundation, the disease, which was previously considered fatal, is now treatable, and with products compounded in the U.S. He also talks about his role in identifying ways to minimize extreme brachycephalism in dogs, as so many of those breeds, like French bulldogs and pugs, have increased in popularity. 

The new CATalyst Council State of the Cat report offers good news, that’s if we can get them to the veterinarian. 

Boarded Surgeon Dr. Aaron Jackson of Midwest Veterinary Surgical Services on dealing with the cost issue for non-vital surgeries, and that there may be other options instead of the knife to dispel myths regarding anesthesia. Dr. Jackson is so prolific that countless Chicago-area families have met him. 

Joe Roetheli calls dental disease in dogs an “epidemic.” The result of dental disease is bacteria coursing through the body, potentially causing other issues, not to mention painful gums, tooth loss, and more. Roetheli created Greenies, and now Yummy Combs.

‘Tis the season for more coyote sightings – but that’s nothing to worry about as long as your dog is not left unsupervised in the backyard. 

 A “sit-down” discussion about Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) with the newly named Executive Director, Sue Cappello. Discussed are the realities and challenges of running any city’s municipal animal shelter, as well as why so many people are currently relinquishing animals. CACC is always seeking new volunteers. And there are various other new programs which Cappello discusses. 

Steve talks about the passing of his friend, the great primatologist Dr. Birute Galdikas. Her final interview aired on WGN with Steve.