Petco Love President Susanne Kogut talks how the non-profit significantly supported pets and families around Los Angeles, and how Petco Love Lost reunites lost pets with their people. Steve and Susanne also discuss why so many animal shelters today remain filled to the max, and what’s being done to relieve the pressure.

And why do dogs love to chew on shoes?

You’ve never been to a cat show? Lincoln State Cat Show Manager Jeremy Basterash describes the fun you’ll miss by not attending, and how cats are judged. The Lincoln State Show is February 22-23, Kane County Fairgrounds 525 S, Randall Rd. St Charles.

Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is likely the number one cause of death in adult cats who aren’t yet seniors, and veterinary cardiologist North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Josh Stern explains what’s finally coming – and it’s an effective treatment. More will be revealed April 26-27, at a symposium at NC State in Raleigh, NC or virtually, Health Breakthroughs for Every Cat: Focusing on Future Therapies for Heart Disease and Beyond.

Steve feels honored to interview Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Christine Calder, co-editor (with Pat Koven) of Dr. Sophia Yin’s Low Stress Handling and Behavior Modification of Dogs and Cats (second edition). Dr. Yin was a friend, and frequent guest, not to mention training pioneer. Steve talks about cooperative care, having pets participate by their own consent to veterinary procedures, or handling at home, such as for nail trims. Teaching cues like targeting are key, and the entire idea is all about force-free. 

Also, what about the long-time war that dogs and vacuums have waged?

Nancy Kubillus, Waukegan, IL-based author of My Broken Dog:  Living with a Handicapped Pet, tells her emotional story of how she cared for an English Springer Spaniel named Kaylee. 

Tod Miner of Arfit Canine Rehab Fitness in Chicago talks about how handicapped dogs and cats are today often brought back to their potential with various rehab modalities, and to extend qualify of life for geriatric pets. Also, how canine athletes go to rehab for pretty much identical reasons as people do with the same benefits. 

Steve talks about the passing of legendary trainer Karen Pryor.

Dr. Dana Varble, chief veterinary officer North American Veterinary Community, talks about the giant VMX veterinary conference and takes pet parents behind the curtain. What’s new for pets in 2025? Mostly, the latest and greatest will fall into two buckets, individualized medicine and AI, and we go deep talking about each.

Laura Monaco Torelli is the owner and founder of Animal Behavior Training Concepts and she is an internationally celebrated dog trainer, and based in Chicago where an awful event occurred. If the two dogs were leashed the attack would never have occurred. Her new passion is to advocate for adhering to leash laws. She also talks about something called cooperative care, as your dog doesn’t need to be stressed about nail trims, bath time, veterinary visits or anything else. 

Check out the WGN Radio Steve Dale Petcasts.

Dr. Adam Christman, chief medical officer DVM360, whips out his crystal ball offering his predictions for what you will all experience regarding pet care for 2025. At the start of this list is artificial intelligence, it’s here from helping diagnostics to smart collars to training tools to new ways to discover pain recognition.  How veterinarians continue to work with pet parents will continue to transition to both being a team for pet care, it’s no longer solely up to veterinary professionals. Other topics include pet food innovations to ways to listen to you cat or dog’s heart . You can find Dr. Christman, who speaks with pet parents regularly, on TikTok, dr.adamchristman52.

So, what do behavior consultants do and how do they differ from “ordinary” dog trainers? Dot Bailey is the Executive Director of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and she explains. What’s more, there are certified cat, bird and equine behavior consultants.

David Kerpel is proving that dreams can come true. He is the founder of the Furever Home Dog Sanctuary in Richmond, IL.  This will be the only facility of its kind located anywhere near Chicago. Steve will speak at a fundraiser called Barks and Brews at Norton’s, 1905 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, February 19, 6 p.m. I will talk about why Furever Homes is forever critically important, and a new way to think about dog bites. There is no admission.  

And would most dog owners risk their life for their dog?

Baby, it’s getting cold and getting colder out. Dr. Katherine Leahy of Heal Veterinary Clinic on keeping pets safe in frigid temperatures. What about booties? And at which temperature do which dogs need a coat or a sweater? Also, warnings about even lapping up a taste of antifreeze.

Erika Wyatt, co-owner International Kennel Club of Chicago on today’s Great American Dog Show at the Tinley Park Convention Center, and all those family-friendly activities, including a celebration of puppies.

Leptospirosis is now a core vaccine for dogs.

Jon Provost who was Timmy in Lassie sincerely – even all these years later (he’s now 74-years old) – has a love for dogs  as much as he did when he played Timmy. Steve reminisces and Jon tells all sorts of stories. And did he ever really fall into a well? What was the craziest peril Lassie saved him from?

How spay/neuter is realistically associated with overweight and obese dogs, a conversation with Dr. Ernie Ward, founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

In veterinary medicine, telehealth can be a great idea – but only with these caveats.