Animal Crazy

Pet hamster toy craze a holiday hit

Mary Anna Gentleman — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:57:46 -0500

If you don't like having a pet you have to tend to, a company in St. Louis has what you might like: inexpensive robotic toy hamsters. They're popular for holiday gifts and more active than another "pet" craze of the...

Yoga, massage: Not just for humans anymore

Mary Anna Gentleman — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:48:44 -0500

Keri Block and her dog Bailey take part in a Center for Animal Therapies class at the City Arts Factory in Orlando in November. She credits massage and other holistic therapies with calming Bailey's nervous energy, which had begun to...

Dotty hits the spot in family’s heart

Mary Anna Gentleman — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:43:30 -0500

Kelly Hirsh of Orlando has had her 9-year-old “dogter” Dotty for seven years, since her family adopted the Dalmatian from the Orange County Humane Society. “It was one of the best things we've ever done,” Kelly says. “I think she...

Maryland students meet a turkey and a president

Daphne Sashin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:13:01 -0500

In honor of Thanksgiving, I'm sharing an article that my husband (Sentinel Technology Writer) Etan Horowitz wrote seven years ago today while a student at the University of Maryland. Capital News Service Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2002 WASHINGTON -- Nine-year-old Connor...

Raleigh airport grapples with coyotes on runways

Daphne Sashin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:42:34 -0500

By Anne Blythe, McClatchy Newspapers RALEIGH, N.C. — As if baggage, security and traffic aren't enough of a hassle for the thousands expected to fly in and out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport this holiday weekend, here's one more thing to...

Pet Rescue by Judy offers "purrfect" Thanksgiving specials

Daphne Sashin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:42:10 -0500

The Pet Rescue by Judy store at the Oviedo Marketplace is advertising some "purrfect" holiday specials this weekend. All merchandise such as new leashes, collars, pet beds, and other items will be 20 percent off this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday...

Cleo: She walks in beauty like the night

Mary Anna Gentleman — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:44:31 -0500

From our friends at Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida: Meet Cleopatra (Cleo), the dark-haired beauty of the Nile or your backyard -- whichever fits. She is between 1 and 2 years old and has a great personality. She is good...

Fla. inspectors to conduct pet store sweep

Daphne Sashin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:43:08 -0500

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Inspectors with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will be conducting a sweep of pet stores to make sure they are complying with state law this holiday season. Agency inspectors want to make sure...

Animal Welfare Alliance seeks volunteers for gift-wrapping

Daphne Sashin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:46:32 -0500

The Animal Welfare Alliance of Central Florida is still looking for volunteers to help wrap gifts at the Winter Park Borders this holiday season. Money will go toward the group's campaign for a low-cost spay and neuter clinic. If you...

Beer festival to benefit Greyhounds

Daphne Sashin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:17:32 -0500

Join fellow beer enthusiasts for a good cause: Next Friday is the 3rd annual Orlando Holiday Brew Fest, to benefit The Greyhound Pets of America. WHEN: Friday, Dec. 4, 6 to 10 p.m. WHERE: Heritage Square, next to the History...