The Petcast

So, you’re in a dark alley, and there’s a strange dog coming toward you. What would make you more nervous, a Chihuahua or Siberian husky? If you said the husky, you might want to reconsider. Joining the Petcasters is Dr. James Serpell, director of the Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society at the University of Pennsylvania. In a new study, Dr. Serpell and his colleagues identified the least and most aggressive breeds of dogs and found that size isn’t be best measure of the potential for trouble.

Plus, Guinea pigs take Hawaii, Emily apologizes to her sister and Steve flogs himself over accidentally letting Jack out.

Website: www.thepetcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Phone number: 206-203-1010

As the floodwaters rose after Hurricane Katrina, most people were doing everything they could to flee the city of New Orleans. Journalist Cathy Scott was in her car, making her way there as quickly as possible. Horrified by the plight of stranded and abandoned pets, Scott helped with numerous rescues, and ended up covering the crisis for the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary’s magazine. The heartrending stories of survival have been captured in both word and image in Scott’s new book, “Pawprints of Katrina: Lives Saved and Lessons Learned.”

Plus, the cost of pet food is rising, why you shouldn't buy the really big bags, true tales of eating dog food and super-rats.

Website: www.thepetcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Phone number: 206-203-1010

In his nearly two decades a health insurance agent and consultant, Lee Van Kirk has acquired a wealth of knowledge. And that includes one of the fastest growing areas of the industry, pet health insurance. He has represented Veterinary Pet Insurance, one of the nation’s largest providers, as well as Pet Plan of Canada. A retired Army officer, he currently resides in Boise, Idaho.

Plus, the feral v wild question revisited and vets in Iraq aren't so keen to spay and neuter.

Website: www.thepetcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Phone number: 206-203-1010

For many, the love of an animal inspires their art. That's clearl the case with two songwriters we chat with this show, renowned performer Roslyn Kind and amateur songwriter Carey Moore. Kind, who is Barbra Steisand's sister and a vocalist and actress who has appeared everywhere from the Ed Sullivan Show to Broadway to Carnegie Hall, is an animal-welfare advocate who has written a song about her beloved dog, Josh. Moore, of Nashville, Tenn., is in the ad business but a decade ago started writing writing songs, including “Dogs are Cool.”

Website: www.thepetcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Phone number: 206-203-1010

Since 1985, Jim Krowka has been exploring and cultivating the unique relationship between people and llamas. At Lost Creek Llamas in Oregon, Jim trains these charming wooly creatures for a variety of activities, from the show ring to the trailhead. Krowka joins the Petcasters to discuss the breed. Plus, Steve has a sordid llama tale of his own to share.

Website: www.thepetcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Phone number: 206-203-1010

When people visit the animal shelter, it’s usually the adorable puppies and kittens that get the most attention. An older pet can be a tougher sell. But there is an upside to choosing a more mature companion animal, including being able to tell right away whether your personalities will fit, and the unwavering devotion that is often a hallmark of the rescued senior pet. Las Vegas journalist Abby Goldman and her miniature poodle Lucky, who she rescued from the shelter earlier this year, joined the Petcasters in their studio.

Plus, Steve tells about the dramatic rescue he attempted for an injured mockingbird on his front lawn. Also, revisiting the question of what's feral and what's wild.

Website: www.thepetcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Phone number: 206-203-1010

Since 2005, New England Equine Rescues has been helping horses find sanctuary from abuse and the slaughterhouse. The nonprofit organization relies on a complex network of volunteers, foster homes and donors, all of whom are dedicated to finding a safe pasture for horses in need. Joining the Petcasters is Beth Hill-Ross of Rhode Island, the founder of the organization.

Plus, Emily shares her own horse tales, Steve observed a long-haired Chihuahua and Emily brags, sort of, about how nice it is that Archie is sociable.

Website: www.thepetcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Phone number: 206-203-1010

For some pet owners, getting to the vet’s office isn’t as easy as loading Fluffy and Fido into the car. Today’s guest knows sometimes its better for the pet to stay home and the vet to come to you. She is Dr. Shannon Stanek, of the American Association of Housecall and Mobile Veterinarians (http://www.housecallvets.org), and she joins the Petcasters to explain.

Plus, Emily took Archie to a veterinary dentist and Steve's Mom's pet-shop dog Poppy has a double row of teeth.

Website: www.thepetcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Phone number: 206-203-1010

We may have doubted it, but it’s all too true: There are cat agility competitions, too! Joining the Petcasters to explain how it works is Carol Osbourne, committee chairwoman of the national Cat Fanciers Association. Carol has exhibited many champions of her own. The national cat agility championship will be held in October at Madison Square Garden.

Also, Steve's sister's cat is a bookstore denizen and Emily talks about her own witnessing of a feral cat and her brood.

Website: www.thepetcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Phone number: 206-203-1010

If there's a heaven for border collies, it may very well be Drummond Ranch in Vincent, Calif., located less than an hour from L.A. On the 40-acre spread, dogs and their people learn the fine art of sheepherding, often strengthening their own relationship in the process. Joining the Petcasters today is Janna Duncan, co-founder of the San Fernando Valley Herding Association and a licensed herding judge for the American Kennel Club, among other organizations. Also, Steve discusses visiting his mom's dog, Poppy, and Mom visiting his dogs, Black and Jack.

E-mail us at [email protected] or call us at 206-203-1010.