Oh rats! It’s a real dog sport, and now available in Evanston from City Sniffers. Megan Renner is a Certified Canine Sports Training Professional and Certified Canine Training & Behavior Specialist. Currently she is a judge for Happy Ratters and Rat Games. What the heck is that all about?

Who will win the Windy City Sweets cookie contest, which benefits Anti Cruelty? Anti Cruelty President Darlene Duggan offers her odds as to whether Steve Dale or WGN-TV’s Paul Lisnek will crumble and become Chicago’s biggest fool on April 1. Also, why are animals being relinquished to animal shelters in 2025? And how Anti Cruelty’s free behavior hotline plays a significant role to prevent pets to be given up. Also, an exciting podcast announcement from Anti Cruelty.

The top dog names of 2025.

Funny lady JoAnne Worley from TV’s Laugh In and countless TV shows and stage work also happens to be President of Actors and Others for Animals. She talks about the mission and work of the non-profit, including a continued focus on spay/neuter and supporting the wildfire’s animal victims. The big question? Will she gift Steve Dale and WGN listeners with her iconic laugh?

Certified dog trainer Kathy Callahan offers unexpected advice to new puppy parents. She ought to know as she has had countless dozens of puppies in her home as a foster mom, and also is the author of Welcoming Your Puppy from Planet Dog: How to Go Beyond Training and Raise Your Best Friend.

WGN Radio’s pet expert and host of Steve Dale’s Pet World and Steve Dale’s Other World joins Wendy Snyder, in for John Landecker, to discuss what you can do if your dog will not stop eating its own waste.

Dr. Sally Haddock, Board President of the North American Veterinary Community discusses the massive continuing education available to veterinarians and how this all trickles down to pet parents. Discussed is how intense the human animal bond is today, compared to how it was years ago. Though affording veterinary medicine is more challenging than ever, which is also discussed. 

Arwinder Kaur, author of Living While Human talks about her award-winning book which describes what’s happening in real time to our environment. She also describes how her dog has detected cancer in one of her friends and has also learned to eliminate in her stand-up shower.

Also, information on upcoming symposium on heart disease in cats.

He admits he has a problem. Dr. Matthew McGlasson says, “I’m obsessed with cats.” As a result he’s authored How to Rate a Cat. Discussed are serious misconceptions many have about cats, topics such as declaw and why he’s opposed, and more. 

A secret way to communicate with your cat – blink.

They are the underdogs of veterinary medicine, and at the same time the backbone of the profession – they are veterinary technicians. A conversation with Beckie Mossor, president of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. Also, she a founder of the non-profit Veterinary Industry Giving Tree.

Drew Lynch is arguably one of the hottest stand-up comedians around. America’s Got Talent launched his career, and so did his Vizsla. He explains the difference his dog, who was a self-trained service dog, made to change his life. 

Results of a new study demonstrate that seniors who walk their dogs are less likely to be a fall risk. 

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.