After reading about a horrific case of animal neglect involving a chocolate Lab named Sunbear,  Wisconsin resident Anna Nirva resolved to publish a web site in the dog’s memory that would encourage people everywhere to help companion animals in distress because he did not get help. Seven years later, the Sunbear Squad (SunbearSquad.org) helps people set up neighborhood watch groups to keep a caring eye out for animals in trouble, and offers valuable guidance on what to do when trouble arises. Nirva talks to the Petcasters about why such volunteers are needed now more than ever in light of the home foreclosure crisis.Also, with Steve away, it's time for the return of guest host John Katsilometes, Las Vegas Sun entertainment writer and veterinarian's son. Kats talks about what's new in his pet life since his last guest stint in 2007 (!) and Emily praises the tribute he wrote to his late cat Bonnie. Read that here.Web: ThePetcast.ComEmail: [email protected]: @ThePetcast

On Jan. 19, Steve Friess (@TheStripPodcast) of Sphere.Com and

VegasHappensHere.Com was the first journalist to go inside the glass

box with dozens of venomous snakes across the street from Caesars

Palace on the Las Vegas Strip where herpetologist Donald Schultz, star

of Animal Planet's WILD RECON, is living from Jan 16-26. This is a

short version of the video assembled from that visit. Go to

VegasHappensHere.Com and search "SNAKES" to find a link to the

Sphere.Com piece. The stunt is for a two-hour Animal Planet show called

"Venom in Vegas," a special of the Wild Recon series.

Hamsters can be delightful and educational pets as long as you understand how best to care for them. Journalist Tim Pratt didn’t get the memo. He bought two hamsters for his kids in November and they died within weeks because Pratt wasn’t briefed on how to live and care for hamsters.Plus, Emily brings up a recent study from the University of Missouri about who’s a better walking companion, other people or dogs, and she relates a story of why her vet thinks someone tried to break into her house.Web: ThePetcast.ComTwitter: @ThePetcast.comEmail: [email protected]

After a lengthy process that began when Steve's widowed Aunt Susan found comfort in his dogs during a visit, Aunt Susan has finally adopted a lovely 7-year-old bichon frise. She named him Teddy after her late father's childhood dog. The Petcasters hear about Aunt Susan's experience with the ASCPA in New York City and Emily answers some questions from this first-time canine owner.Web: ThePetcast.ComE-mail: [email protected]: @ThePetcast

Nowadays, most people think of Neverland Ranch because of the controversy surrounded Michael Jackson in the final years of his life there, but not a lot of people realize that it once boasted the largest and most impressive collection of exotic animals anywhere in the nation. Big Al Scanlon, who worked at the ranch for 15 years, joins the Petcasters to discuss the lives of those animals and the mission of the ranch in its heyday.Plus, Steve is aggravated by some nonsensical Cesar Millan crap.Web: ThePetcast.ComE-mail: [email protected]: @ThePetcast

In this kibbitz session, the Petcasters first discuss the ASPCA’s tough decision to euthanize Oreo, an abused dog that physically survived being tossed off a New York apartment building but could not be rehabilitated emotionally. Then Steve tells his horror story of almost adopting a third dog from the Nevada SPCA and the drama the ensued therein. Plus, Steve and Emily follow on No. 221’s interview with Beverly Washburn by considering how “Old Yeller” would’ve been done differently today and Emily explains why she’s lost faith in her doggie dentist.Web: ThePetcast.ComE-mail: [email protected]: @ThePetcast

In a New Year’s special, Emily has compiled her list of the five biggest stories of 2009. Here’s a hint at her No. 1: Steve spent much of the year promulgating conspiracy theories about this. Plus, Emily talks about the stalking cat in the video she shot and Steve talked about Pebbles, his childhood poodle who took a particular liking to one of his neighbors.Web: ThePetcast.ComE-mail: [email protected]: @ThePetcast

A neighborhood cat won't leave Archie and Emily alone no matter how politely or rudely Emily asks.Web: ThePetcast.ComE-mail: [email protected]: @ThePetcast

When it comes to child stars of the 1950s and 1960s, today’s guest has one of the most memorable in a key role from one of the most iconic dog movies of all time, “Old Yeller.” Today, Beverly Washburn remains a working actress as well as author of the recently released memoir, “Reel Tears.”Plus, Emily is amused by the Snuggie-for-dogs phenomenon and explains why the foam dog stairs she bought on Overstock.Com have turned out to be a great investment.Web: ThePetcast.ComE-mail: [email protected]: @ThePetcast

If you’re looking for a way to get more involved with your community with your pet at your side, one of the best ways to do so could be to find a group near you affiliated with the Bellvue, Wash.,-based Delta Society. Marketing director JoAnn Turnbull of the organization explains how pets can help people. According to the DeltaSociety.Org site, the group is “a human-services organization dedicated to improving people's health and well-being.  We do this through positive interactions with animals.Petcast guest host Dayvid Figler sits in for Steve and updates everyone on the status of his dog.Web: ThePetcast.ComE-mail: [email protected]: @ThePetcast