Bark Radio

The Richmond SPCA recently received 16 dogs rescued from a puppy mill in Missouri. According to the SPCA, “They have been brave little survivors to get this far and we will make sure that they now get much needed care and loving homes for the remainder of their lives.” Great work! But remember, Bark Radio listeners, puppy mills sell directly to pet stores. Yes, that’s where those cute puppies come from. Stop buying puppies from pet stores and begin the process of putting puppy mills out of business. Next up: PETA‘s position on pit bulls and the trial of brothers in Baltimore City accused of pouring gas on dog named Phoenix and lighting her on fire. To round out the bad news, what kind of person can a person leave a puppy to die in a landfill?

Terry and Dee caught up with Larry Levin recently to talk about Oogy – the dog and the book. Levin updates Bark Radio listeners about life with Oogy nine years after he was adopted. It’s a bit quieter now. Twins Dan and Noah have gone off to college. But it a very good life with a truly remarkable dog.

Ian Dunbar pulls no punches as he rocks the air waves once again on Bark Radio. What does he advise? Train your puppy. Why? Because Ian Dunbar says so, that why! And because your dog needs to know the house rules from the very beginning AND because training is FUN!! And if you don’t train your puppy, that sweet baby may very well become a shelter dog before he’s a year old. And that is why there is Shelter Dog Prevention Month. Think about it: shelter dogs were once puppies. How do those lovable puppies go from being the apple of someone’s eye to being homeless? Ian tells you how it happens and how you can prevent it. Listen up, dog lovers. Share this episode of Bark Radio with everyone you know who has a puppy or is getting a puppy. And go to Ian’s site, Dog Star Daily. You will find tons of free information there: books, videos, blogs, podcasts, and more. Meet and learn from the “father of positive dog training” himself at one of his 2011 seminars, “Science-Based Dog Training (with Feeling)” and for all you dog professionals out there, “SIRIUS Academy”.

The one that got away: On Toby’s Terms. The interview was scheduled with author Charmaine Hammond but somehow the phone connection, Canada to the U.S., didn’t work. Soon, very soon, we will talk with Charmaine about this great dog and share that interview with our listeners. Next up: Many Paths, Terry’s dream, is coming true. Where will his nonprofit begin? With a shelter to service dog program. Specifically Psych Dogs for Veterans with PTSD. Rock on, Terry! And Dee has a new project as well. Check out her quarterly online magazine, Woofs ‘n Wags. It all about dogs and the people who love them. The theme of the first issue is Breed Specific Legislation. It’s going to be a big year here at Bark Radio. Don’t miss a single episode!

One of today’s discussions is about skewed dog data. Terry and Dee encourage you to beware of information that is incomplete or misleading. And the good news? There is an insurance company out there with policy in place that does NOT discriminate against homeowners who have certain dog breeds. Hartford Financial Services Group “is potentially making underwriting concessions if we can demonstrate responsible dog ownership,” said Sarah Cook, assistant vice president of Hartford. “Eligible dog owners include owners of American Staffordshire Terriers and Rottweilers, two breeds that were once ineligible for coverage.” Read all about this common sense approach that includes the requirement of an AKC Canine Good Citizen certification.

Service dogs aren’t just for the blind and people in wheelchairs. In this episode Dee and Terry discuss kinds of service dogs, changes in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) language pertaining to service dogs, and service dogs in schools. Below LuLu, a 9-month-old Diabetic Alert Dog in training, demonstrates how a service dog can be taught to push a handicapped door button. Her “service dog” vest identifies her as a working “service animal” with all the rights provided by the ADA.

Laura Allen, Executive Director of the Animal Law Coalition joins Terry and Dee in today’s episode of Bark Radio. The ALC is all about stopping animal cruelty, drafting legislation, lobbying at the local, state and federal level, and much more. If you are an animal lover, you MUST listen to this insightful interview with an animal advocate whose organization is making a huge difference. Laura is also a contributor to Dee’s iMagazine, Woofs ‘n Wags. Check out her article about BSL. Thank you, Laura, for all you do!

President Obama calls Eagles owner to congratulate him on giving Vick a second chance? Huh? Really???? Read about it here. And a GREAT follow up response from Francis Battista from Best Friends Animal Society. Terry and Dee also discuss a disturbing new trend – Cane Corsos getting dumped at rescues. Then there’s the GREAT hero from Buford GA ~WooF

Terry and Dee slowed down just long enough to look back at some of the great folks they interviewed in 2010. Thanks to all of you  and those we didn’t have time to mention. You are what makes Bark Radio rock!