Author Sharon Sakson, whose latest book is “Paws & Effect: The Healing Power of Dogs,” discusses her research and writings on the importance of animals for people who are sick. Sakson is also an AKC confirmation judge and a producer for the Westminister Dog Show.

Vickie Marx, Laguna Beach, Calif., owner of the West Coast Academy of Dog Training, offers tons of terrific tips on training dogs and opines about the growth of the animal-training biz. Her training company is at 949/360-7773 or email her at [email protected]. Plus, Emily talks about Archie's recent sleepover and his amazing muffin-stealing incident and she and guest-host Amy ponder vitamins for animals.

Andy Snider, director of animal care and conservation at Fresno Chaffee Zoo, shares his tales of animal research around the world (including on Armenian viper and Galapagos turtle) and also discusses issues related to having reptiles as pets. Guest-host Amy is pondering a new English bulldog puppy to add to her family so Emily offered some thoughts about how to go about it, including a long discussion of the different sorts of breeders.

Joyce Tischler, general counsel and co-founder of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, describes the work that the group does to protect the rights of animals and their owners. Their first case had to do with trying to stop Naval officers from slaying wild burros, ultimately leading to those animals being adopted.

Call us at 206-338-3946, e-mail [email protected], visit the site at thepetcast.com     

Animal forensic investigation pioneer Dr. Melinda Merck, who chatted with Emily and guest host John, chats with Steve at the ASCPA headquarters in mid-December about the $220,000 van is dubbed the Mobile Animal CSI unit. Steve, in NYC on family business, quizzed Dr. Merck about the first specially equipped vehicle for an investigator to take to process animal-related evidence at a crime scene. Dr. Merck will use it in her work in the Atlanta area. Also, why are Steve’s dogs afraid of the bathroom? E-mail [email protected], call 206-338-3946 or visit our site at thepetcast.com.

Terri Jones of the Arcadia Bird Sanctuary and Educational Center in Freehold, N.J., discusses her facility’s mission and answers a question from a listener about why her old parrot, Polyester, suddenly started laying infertile eggs. Jones also takes on some listener complaints about our guest on Episode No. 116, who suggested cockatiels can be “fixed.” Also, Archie triumphed at agility last month and Steve is appalled by a friend’s insistence at feeding his poodles from the table. E-mail [email protected], call 206-338-3946 or visit our site at thepetcast.com.

Schanuzer expert Jeri Muntis answers a listener question about how to keep the dog’s beard white. Her answer was a bit of a surprise to Emily. The Vegas-based Muntis, who raises champion miniature schnauzers and handles them in competitions ranging from obedience to agility, brought a schnauzer puppy and full-grown schnauzer and discussed tail-docking and ear-cropping, common for this breed.  Plus, an update on the tiger attack at the San Francisco Zoo and celebrating (or not) Black and Jack’s birthdays. E-mail [email protected], call 206-338-3946 or visit our site at thepetcast.com.

Fred Lynch. a professor at Claremont McKenna College in California, wrote a Newsweek “My Turn” essay this summer about spending $11,000 on cancer treatment for his cat, Fritz. Lynch joins the Petcasters to discuss the reaction to his piece. Plus, the topic prompted the Petcasters to wonder how much we would spend to save our animals. E-mail [email protected], call 206-338-3946 or visit our site at thepetcast.com.

Steve’s mom, Joan Friess, calls in to consult with Steve and Emily about her new puppy, Poppy Seed, a 3-month-old silky terrier. The Petcasters also discuss Hannukah presents for their pets. E-mail [email protected], call 206-338-3946 or visit our site at thepetcast.com.

E-mail [email protected], call 206-338-3946 or visit our site at thepetcast.com.

Sgt. Ron Portillo, badly injured in Iraq, joins Steve and Emily in the studio discusses a program he created to provide service German shepherds for other wounded war vets. Since this conversation, Portillo decided to abandon the program because he was overwhelmed by his own recovery, but the conversation is a fascinating reminder of how important pets can be to improving the human spirit.