First, before their release, I didn’t have time to find a good pic of a cat or dog listening to the radio, so here’s my alternative photo offerings…..

Take it away pet radio people…

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are 72 million pet dogs and 82 million pet cats in America. And this does not even include all the other types of pets that people have, including fish, rabbits, and others. Now pet parents have a radio program on the Progressive Radio Network (PRN), called “Animal Magnet Pet Radio,” which is dedicated to dishing up advice, news and opinions about animals and pets.

“Pets are a part of our society and of our lives, but until now it’s been hard to find unbiased talk shows that discuss them,” explains Gary Null, an award-winning talk show host, notable author and the founder of PRN. “Listeners can tune in to our animal show and be entertained and informed, all at the same time.”

“Animal Magnet Pet Radio” is hosted by Deborah Wolfe, a bestselling author, columnist, and television animal trainer. Listeners can tune in to the show online at www.progressiveradionetwork.com, each Tuesday at 1 p.m. EST. The show focuses on animal news, issues, opinions, pet weight, animal barking, advice, and pet jokes, as well as addressing pet issues from listeners. They also discuss hot-button issues, such as Michael Vick’s dog fighting, as well as wildlife news, like coyote and wolf kill programs.

Other shows on the PRN platform cover such issues as the environment, autism, progressive politics, animals and pets, cultural affairs, mindful living, vegetarianism, and women’s health, as well as health and wellness. The program is supported by listeners, rather than advertisers, allowing the hosts to exercise their freedom of speech.

“People love to hear information about their pets and get a chance to have their own questions and concerns addressed,” adds Null. “We provide a community for pet lovers to come together and focus on the one part of their family that usually doesn’t get much media attention.”

If these don’t find a way to your heart….

(Argh! Killing me!) And here’s Mom:

““Please adopt me! My poor young mother was limping badly and in a lot of pain from an old leg injury that never received medical attention. Someone finally picked her up and brought her to a local veterinary hospital. But the people who brought her there never came back to take her home. The surgeons repaired the fracture in her hind leg, and she has recovered fully, but a little while later she surprised the hospital staff when we arrived — five boys and girls — and we all need good homes! We’re inquisitive, beautiful, friendly, and healthy. We’re grey and white and light tan and white. If you want to meet us call Joan at 914-527-7790.”

And now Mom: “Please adopt me! What a hard life I’ve had so far — and I’m only 1 year old. I’m affectionate, healthy, and will stay cuddled in your arms for the longest time! And I purr like crazy! To meet me call Joan at 914-527-7790.”

Me here: While dropping off your blankets and towels, how about bringing home a pet in return! The shelter is located at 120 Fullerton Ave. Call 914-377-6730 or visit here for more info.

Take it away Leslie….

After being here for FIVE years, Maybelle a.k.a. Maybelline, has found her forever home.
Maybelle arrived here one day in 2004, very shortly after giving birth. She was wandering along Yonkers Avenue all alone. Clearly discarded, when she was no longer needed. She was always overlooked. With over 100 dogs in the shelter, some live in the shadows for years. They might be too large or too thin or just too quiet and overshadowed by their more outgoing shelter mates.
Maybelle was one of those dogs. And then a couple of months ago her luck changed when the Journal News made her The Pet of The Week. She received several nice inquiries that weren’t quite right for her, but clearly there was a family out there for her, so we put on her “adopt me vest” and off she went to Pet Expo.

First, Maggie, 8, dressed as a jack-o-lantern, attended opening day with owner Michael Sellers, a leader in the dog park effort.

Stu Fischer of Putnam Valley holds his boxer, Ruby, 3, who won most creative costume dressed as a boxer.

Hector and Odette Santiago fix 6-year-old Milo’s hat. Milo dressed as a pilot in honor of Hector, who is a veteran.

Kyly, a 4-year-old golden retriever, came as a nun with owner Angela Male, 31.

And here we have Nicole Gelbman, 26, of Cortlandt, with her dog Lucy, both dressed as Snow White.

Stanley and Cup didn’t go out for Halloween, but they did enjoy the Rangers win over Boston on Sunday, so their weekend turned out OK.

He knows some basic commands and is definitely a shelter favorite. He is a Ridgeback/American staffordshire mix, neutered, and about 2 to 3 years old.

We would prefer to have Chuck be your only pet.
If you are interested, please contact Tracy at: commandk9@verizon.net

Spike update update

I added a pic of me feeding her at the end.

Come on Spike, show us your beautiful eyes…

Now we’re in a favorite position…let’s wrestle and play!

I told Diane, if I don’t end up with Spike, here’s the deal. Whoever adopts her has to let me have visitation rights.

But this is ridiculous.

My colleague Noreen alerted me to this NY Times story about two women who have developed a company that creates scratchable items for the “well-designed interior.” Cost? One goes for $1,2000. A bargain goes for $300.

Even if I had that kind of dough to spare, I can’t imagine spending it on something that’s going to be torn to shreds. I figure, if you can afford to spend $1,200 on something that’s intended to be wrecked, there must be some room in your home to keep a more modest version out of view. Or, you can take a page out of my mom’s design book and create something aesthetically pleasing, affordable, and not ridiculous.

So, that’s my thought of the day. Yours?