The Animal House from WAMU 88.5

Birdie the Border Collie gets anxious when her owner watches sports on television. Banner the Golden Retriever constantly chases light and shadows. Dr. Gary discusses whether it could be a form of epilepsy or an obsession-compulsive behavior. A woman wants to know more about getting a hedgehog as a pet. Diego the wire-haired dachshund has lost his spunk since returning from Kenya. His owner asks whether pet jet lag exists and about strategies to help Diego adjust to his new home. After that, it’s “Bird Note: Birds in Music.”

Dr. Gary updates us on more than 100 dogs rescued from an Arkansas puppy mill. At 10 weeks, Tonks the Border Collie mix was very friendly at ten weeks, but now at ten months, she’s afraid of children and the caller’s grandfather. Dr. Gary tells us what “scooting” is and how to stop it. Juju, a seven-year old Maine Coon, is terrified of the vet and has to have anesthesia when he goes. His owner wonders whether it’s worth the risk and stress to take the indoor cat to the vet.

A listener writes in to ask whether a crow or a horse is smarter, after seeing crows befriend his horses. Two cats are now living in an old farmhouse with a family of black snakes living in the basement. A listener asks whether the black snakes and cats can coexist. A woman wonders why Timmy her Border Collie mix sneezes when he’s excited or playful. A girl is thinking about getting another guinea pig after one of the sisters passes away. After that, it’s "Animal House News" with Karen Munson, who tells us about the top animal story of 2011 as voted by citizens of Bay City, Michigan.

A mother and daughter ask what they can do with their border collie, Moss, if he becomes a therapy dog. A listener wonders what the next step is after finding out his young cat has a mild heart murmur. Braxton the golden doodle cowers or flees when he sees umbrellas and balloons. Plus, neighborhood cats use a woman’s yard like a litter box. After that Karen Munson hosts the "Animal House News," where we talk about stories that caught our eye this week.

Music: Dr. Gary’s theme – “Coisa No.1” by Moacir Santos; The Promise (The Dolphin Song) by Olivia Newton-John

We get an update on Stranahan the cat, who likes to play with his water dish. Amber the Golden Retriever is afraid of thunderstorms and she runs around the house, looking for places to hide. A male cat is bullying three female cats. And Loki the Border Collie will only take walks with two or more people. In addition, it’s Animal House News with Karen Munson, we hear about "great escapes."

Music: Dr. Gary’s theme – “Coisa No.1” by Moacir Santos; “Walk Through This World With Me” by George Jones

A mother and daughter ask what they can do with their border collie, Moss, if he becomes a therapy dog. A listener wonders what the next step is after finding out his young cat has a mild heart murmur. Braxton the golden doodle cowers or flees when he sees umbrellas and balloons. Plus, neighborhood cats use a woman’s yard like a litter box. Then, Karen Munson hosts the "Animal House News," where we talk about stories that caught our eye this week.

Music: Dr. Gary’s theme – “Coisa No.1” by Moacir Santos; The Promise (The Dolphin Song) by Olivia Newton-John

Jon Katz was a technology writer when two special border collies entered his life. He began writing best-selling nonfiction books about dogs and has just published his first novel in ten years. We talk with him about the growing popularity of literature featuring animals.