Pet Show – fashionista fidos
Listen to Pet Show! Our guest today was Meagan Key, a spokeswoman for fashion designer Kayne Gillaspie of Norman. Last week Kayne hosted a fundraising event called “Fashion with a Heart” to benefit the American Heart Association. Part of the show was dogs modeling Kayne’s newest line, Kayne9. And as if pups strutting in ostrich-feather boas weren’t great enough, the show raised $5,000 for the American Heart Association.
In honor of Hug Your Cat Day - which is Friday for those of you with feline friends – we talked lots about cats today. Bryan gave us interesting pet news, including a story about a tiger that killed its keeper in New Zealand and a cat with wings in China. And Dawn shared some great tail tips for Hug Your Cat Day. These come from SeeFido.com.
Playing in the home: All cats need to spend time outside to get their exercise, but often times we want them inside to avoid them from getting hurt etc. Whatever the reason to keep your cat in the house, your cat will appreciate it, as long as it’s always kept busy. Cats that never leave the house need for their owners to dedicate more time everyday to play with them, otherwise the cat will get very bored and this can cause stress.
Hunting game: When cats are outside they love running after anything that moves, like an insect, or a dry leaf blowing in the wind etc. So there are many different games that you can invent to give your cat the opportunity to “hunt” without even stepping out of the house. As with all games, the cat must learn that there are certain rules. The most important rule is that the cat does not use your hands or feet as it’s hunting objective. Cats have very sharp claws and they grow as the cat grows making them very dangerous. It is not fun to have an adult cat scratch you with it’s claws and it can really hurt you.
Safe play: Before you begin to play a game with your cat, make sure to check everything, avoiding at all costs that your cat, you, or anyone else gets hurt. Make sure to always follow these guidelines when playing with your cat:
- Never use toys that break easily since this could really hurt your cat, kitten and even you.
- Never “hit” your cat with your hand or with its toys, and never “drag” the cat, even if this is done gently and as a game.
- Don’t play with the cat’s toys (if you are not intending on playing directly with the cat) because it can get very mad about you touching its stuff.
- Stay away from pools, wells, or bathtubs as the cat could drown if it does not know how to swim. (Little kittens generally cannot climb out of water that covers their head).
- Cats become easily afraid when they hear loud noises. Make sure, when there is a party (like New Year) to leave the cat inside the house or in a distanced room. Fireworks or a balloon that pops can really terrorize a cat.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Show your mom you care with free zoo admission
Do you love your mom AND animals?
Well, I have good news for you. Admission is free Sunday for moms with any paid admission to the Oklahoma City Zoo.
(Did you know even Sunday was Mother’s Day? Well, it is, and that’s why I’m giving you tons of warning. Don’t forget your sweet ol’ mother!)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Bulldogs are beautiful every day!
Happy Bulldogs are Beautiful Day!
Bulldogs are the eighth most popular breed of dog nationwide, according to the American Kennel Club. In Oklahoma City, they’re the 10th most popular breed.
Want your own bulldog? Consider a rescue! There are seven bulldog rescue groups in the country: Bulldog Club of America Rescue Network, Chicago English Bulldog Rescue, Lone Star Bulldog Club, MidAtlantic Bulldog Rescue, San Diego Bulldog Rescue, Southern California Bulldog Rescue and HeavenSent Bulldog Rescue. The closest rescue to Oklahoma is the Arlington chapter of the Lone Star Bulldog Club. Contact Bethany Scott at (817) 368-1209.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Be an earth-friendly pet owner!
OK, so maybe you don’t have to train your dog to hug a tree, but there are plenty of ways to be an earth-friendly pet owner.
The American Pet Products Association put out a list of its favorite eco-conscious products in honor of Earth Day:
- The NuHemp line by KicX Nutrition is made with certified organic hempseed and hempseed oil. All parts of the hemp plant can be used and grows easily without pesticides making it an eco-friendly option. The NuHemp line includes Gourmet Dog Treats made up of 100% natural holistic ingredients, 100% biodegradable pet-friendly shampoos and conditioners, and recyclable pet bedding for the earth conscious small animal in your life. www.nuhemp.com.
- Simple Solution® Naturals line offers great natural solutions to the pet owner’s everyday problems. The Simple Solution NATURAL Biodegradable Training Pads for pups are 100% biodegradable and are able to compost, including the packaging. The NATURAL Stain and Odor Remover is an all natural, eco-sensitive alternative to harsh chemicals that are found in traditional household cleaner, eliminates all odors and stops your repeat carpet-soiling offenders. The Natural Pet Odor Eliminators are made from a natural, non-toxic volcanic material called Zeolite, this mineral has an ionic charge that attracts odors. Millions of micro-sized pores provide superior odor absorption and long lasting results. This product is 100% natural with no fragrances and no harsh chemicals. Great for indoor or outdoor use. Available in granule and crystal form making this a great addition to the safe and smart Simple Solution Naturals line. www.simplesolution.com.
- Worlds Best Cat Litter is made from whole-kernel corn. The highly absorbent proteins and fibers found naturally in corn actually bind cat urine and odor molecules in the litter. So, GPC Pet Products developed a patented process that turns corn into a natural litter! It clumps better. It controls odors without the need for perfumes and scents. It’s flushable, biodegradable and more sanitary. www.worldsbestcatlitter.com.
- Imperial Cat Scratch N’ Shapes are made from 100% recyclable materials. These fun and unique cat scratchers come in all different shapes and sizes and are designed to complement your décor. They will save your furniture while offering your felines an earth-friendly option for recreation, napping, catnip and clawing. The scratchers also come with a generous bag of Certified Organic Catnip and are produced in the United States. www.imperialcat.com.
- Planet Dog’s Recycle Bone toys are made specially from leftover Orbee-Tuff material that otherwise would just be discarded. Some are even designed with a special treat spot for hiding kibble, spreads and other tasty treats dogs love, making it an interactive toy your dog can’t play without. 2% of every Planet Dog purchase is donated back to non-profit canine service programs nationwide. The dog toys are produced in the United States, are non-toxic, recyclable and easily rinse clean. www.planetdog.com
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – horses in the rotunda
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Horse owners stampede Capitol. (state capitol)
- Legislative update: cloned horses, livestock. (state capitol)
- Castaway dog found on island. (Australia)
- Standoff follows cat’s death in city. (Oklahoma City)
- Fire ants still march into state. (southern Oklahoma)
- Kids, animals to go egg hunting at zoo. (Oklahoma City)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Adopt an Easter bunny or just watch once on TV
We’ve talked about it ever year on Pet Show, and for some reason this national problem hasn’t been solved! I’m talking about people who buy their kids bunnies and chicks for Easter, only to return them some time before Memorial Day because the kids can’t take care of them or lose interest.
How bad is the problem? As many as 95 percent of Easter bunny pets are dumped within the first year, according to the Found Animal Foundation.
Well, this year is no different: Easter pets aren’t a good idea. However, if you’re one of the few – one of the VERY FEW! – who have thought this plan all the way through and have decided that an Easter bunny is right for you, here’s something else to consider:
Adoption.
Looks at those little faces. These are all furry, fuzzy, lovable, adoptable faces of rabbits that need homes. I mean, come on. How cute is THAT? Ridiculously cute, I say.
But where can you find such fantastic and homeless bunnies? Here’s a great option: PetSave.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish pups
While Ireland may be known for things like beer and soccer, it’s also known for dogs. Eight breeds registered with the American Kennel Club descended from Ireland:
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Happy Fat Tuesday!
Celebrate however it is you celebrate. Just stay out of jail, please.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Happy Valentine’s Day
Here is a picture of a mouse on a flower.
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
Pet Show – our second anniversary!
Listen to Pet Show! Valentine’s Day marks our second anniversary of broadcasting important animal news and information to the WORLD! So what better way to celebrate (a little early) than by recapping our best shows? Here are our Top 10 favorites:
- Lucas Miller, the Singing Zoologist, and our amazing singalong
- Chris Burney of Bowling for Soup talking about traveling with animals
- The dog IQ tests
- Dr. Phil Mosca of Integris with his dog, Boz
- Halloween costumes with Steve Dale of gadzoo.com
- Turkey genetics and behavior with Dr. Don Skinner-Noble of OCU
- Oklahoma’s animal fighting fund with Attorney General Drew Edmondson
- Fish tattooing
- Horse racing with Joe Lucas of the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma
- Snake breeding
We also gave out some Pet Show awards: best advice, favorite celebrity, Young Pup of the Year, best head-wear, myth-buster and favorite expert. (You’ll have to listen to the show to find out who won, but I’ll tell you the winner of Best Show Title: “Happy Mew Year.” ha)
But Pet Show would not be complete without news or tips. For news, Bryan told us about a prehistoric monster snake. To make up for it, he also told us about comfort animals in Utah. Dawn also gave us some excellent tips for Valentine’s Day.
The modern gift for a second anniversary is China. So here is our gift to you, Pet Show fans:
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
