Steve talks about the passing of his friend, the great primatologist Dr. Birute Galdikas. Her final interview aired on WGN with Steve.

Burns also offers details about the upcoming April 11-12 Symposium at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine – which you can attend virtually or in person. Register HERE for Heath Breakthroughs for EveryCat: Healthy Aging.

Steve Dale suggests the is never a reason to use a shock collar as a “last resort.” He offers a better idea.

Steve Weaver, Senior Director of Community Impact at Anti Cruelty, talks about the free pet loss support group offered by the shelter which meets via Zoom. Totally, this support group must help – as people all over the world participate in this. You can participate if you are inclined. Learn more Here.

What to do with your dog who might be going stir crazy due to inclement weather.

The GOAT of training and behavior is Dr. Patricia McConnell, and she has an all new and very different book out, a novel called Away to Me. This is a switch compared to her previous non-fiction top-selling and renowned dog training and behavior books, and she explains why she authored a fiction murder mystery. 

When cats feel pain (including from declaw) it adversely impacts their quality of life, no matter what anyone says. 

The not so romantic frog croaking story.

Why dogs, cats and other animals get the zoomies.

Dog trainer Julie Oskerka, founder of a Sound Beginning Program and Founder Positive Solutions for a Sound Beginning, on dog training methods and offer her strong viewpoint and concerns about board and train. On March 1, a benefit for DuPage County Animal Services, 2255 Manchester Rd, Steve presents A New Thought on Preventing Dog Bites: ASK THE DOG! regarding the uptick of dog bites across the country, and how to better prevent and what the repercussions are., $40 per person includes a copy of Ask the Dog. Registration (and further details) HERE. 

No cats allowed here.

Laura Flamion is the Administrator at DuPage County Animal Control. This facility is fairly new but doesn’t get much well-deserved press for the terrific job they are doing at a difficult time for all municipal shelters. On March 1, a benefit for DuPage County Animal Services,2255 Manchester Rd, Steve presents A New Thought on Preventing Dog Bites: ASK THE DOG! regarding the uptick of dog bites across the country, and how to better prevent and what the repercussions are., $40 per person includes a copy of Ask the Dog. Registration (and further details) HERE. 

No more dolphin shows in Mexico

Animal Assisted Intervention Specialist Kelly Lewis is an Assessor and Subject Matter Expert at the Association of Animal Assisted Intervention Professionals of Pet Partners. She talks about how medical professionals partner with animals to accomplish goals, harnessing the power of animals in therapeutic settings. Once you had to convince people, these animals support care, today there aren’t enough animals to fulfill the need. 

Update on the CATalyst Council state of the cat.

Sandy De Lisle is the Head of Development and Community Engagement at Orphans of the Storm in Riverwoods. She announces this important shelter needing a new building as the antiquated existing structure is crumbling.  On February 7, 10:30 am at Hathorn Mall, Steve will be at Puppy Paws and Story Time. Sandy and Steve will be reading his new children’s book, Ask the Dog to puppies and children. Steve will also sign copies of the book. On April 10, he will be hosting Whiskers and Wishes at the Marriott Lincolnshire, their most important fundraiser. And Sandy also happens to be a screenwriter and producer of a film called You’re Out, where I play an animal loving Barney Fife. 

Too darn cold for your dog? How do you know?

Can dogs suffer seasonal affective disorder?

Sweeden and the Netherlands are among the nations training crows to place errant cigarette butts into the trash.

Newly elected official in India makes a monkey of himself.

Dr. Derrik Landini of HEAL Veterinary talks about keeping pets safe in the winter. When dogs should wear coats or jackets and what about those booties? Do dogs and cats really get frost bite? And why you might want to knock three times on your car hood in the morning. 

Tom Brady and done it, would you have a pet cloned?

Consider thinking a new way about animal shelters.

What happens when you read children’s books to pets. like Steve’s own Ask the Dog.

International Human Animal Bond Day.

New study on how early experiences make a difference as puppies.

Scott Pfiel, president of  the International Kennel Club of Chicago describes the various activities going on January 2 to 4 at the Great American Dog Show at the Tinley Park Convention Center (with free parking). Discussed are many of the kid friendly events; the various novel products for dogs you likely won’t find elsewhere; the Windy City Grooming show (a show within a show); a puppy show (another show within a show) with some new dog breeds who will be there too. And Steve will be signing copies of his book, Ask the Dogon January 3.

Steve talks about a sad highlight of 2025, the loss Dr. Jane Goodall. 

Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research by Melanie D.G. Kaplan, as her unique book is part memoir, part investigative reportage and part sleuth – and the sleuth is her Beagle Hammy. She reveals the reality of animal research. 

Steve offers 12 tips safety tips for the howlidays. And you’ll hear the Steve Dale howliday tradition, A Pet’s Night Before Christmas, a very dramatic reading. 

International Human Animal Bond Day

Best cities for dog training

This notion is all new and totally fascinating. Dr. Leilani Avarez, director of the Tina Santi Flaherty Rehabilitation & Fitness Service and head of our Integrative and Rehabilitative Medicine Department at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City, explains that going into surgery people with positive attitudes have better outcomes. How can this translate to pets? Many pets entering surgery have endured chronic pain. When this happens to people, depression is likely. What about pets?

Court agrees, shock collars are not safe or harmless.

Steve makes a big announcement about his new children’s book called Ask the Dog. 

Steve has so many stories that we will have to do a Part II episode to cover more. But in this episode, Steve talks about where his love for both radio and animals came from, how far back he goes with WGN-TV political analyst Paul Lisnek, how he first got on the radio, the multiple writing jobs he had at Chicago newspapers, how he incorporated his love for pets and animals in his work, advice he got from Lucille Ball (YES, THAT LUCILLE BALL!), his new book (Ask The Dog!), how the Booth 46 Podcast at Petterino’s came to be, his own advice for those wanting to do what he does, and so much more!

Our sponsor, Career Vision and the Ball Foundation help students and professionals discover their strengths and navigate their career opportunities. Learn more at CareerVision.org.

And you can subscribe to the Career Vision Podcast with Michael Piff on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Actor Joey Luthman is traveling across America on a one-wheel to raise money to support the non-profit EveryCat Health Foundation, specifically kidney disease and cancers. He wants what so many of us want, for cats to live longer. He talks about his unique journey.

Scaling increasing interest in fish and reptile pets.

Frei is also the author of two books about Animal Assisted Therapy and co-founder of the National Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium, which you can attend at Rowan University or virtually. Frei and Steve (who is the keynote speaker this year) discuss animal assisted therapy and the difference the animals involved make for countless thousands around the globe. 

Are cats social or not?

Dr. Flynn also discusses osteoarthritis pain in dogs and cats, and that while it’s known that cats mask any signs of pain, generally dogs do the same more than most people think.

California became the fifth state to ban declaw.

Steve spoke with Diane Keaton about adopting older dogs and her failed effort to open an animal shelter, also a sweet video of her singing to her dog. 

From the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention Dr. Ernie Ward comments on how pet obesity is occurring more often worldwide, and a new way to think about how to deal with this issue. And how GLP-1 receptor agonists drugs (like Ozempic) for pets are in the pipeline. And there’s a survey which Dr. Ward hopes you fill out, here. Dr. Ward explains why your voice is important.

Steve offers his personal memories of his several interviews with Dr. Jane Goodall, which you can see and hear here.

Is feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome in cats like Alzheimer’s Disease in people?

Vaccine hesitancy is happening in pets – some of that makes no sense and is concerning for public health.

November, 2003:

May, 2019:

Also, new American Animal Hospital Association guidelines which suggest no ear cropping or de-barking of dogs or declaw for cats.

Phil Arkow, co-founder of the non-profit National Link Coalition, offers an important legislative update regarding the Link. Arkow helped to establish significant Links between animal abuse and child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse and other forms of violence. Mistreating animals is no longer seen as an isolated incident that can be ignored.

What are the so-called “Frankenstein rabbits” are all about.

The most popular pet names of 2025.

If you are allergic to cats, did you know there’s a cat food which neutralizes the protein causing those allergies.

There’s a new test to identify early kidney disease in cats.

It’s called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and increasingly in the U.S., this is a cause of early death or at the very least impaired quality of life for many dogs, especially some pretty popular breeds. Dr. Boaz Mann explains what to watch out for and how to treat these dogs. 

Steve announces his new podcast from Petterino’s Restaurant, called Booth 46.

Would Steve have been guilty of stealing this dog, or honored for rescuing this dog?

Brooke Shields has been on stump for years, talking about the best ways to maintain youth. Now, she’s all about that same topic for pets, as Steve speaks to her about her “new thing.’

Celebrating the work of Dr. Cynthia Otto to support her Working Dog Center, and teaching dogs to identify Ovarian Cancer, and what that means in the real world.

Jamie White is a member of the Board of Directors of Friends of Chicago Animal Care & Control, and she announces the Chicago River ride 2025 Cruise for Dogs on August 27. This is an architecture cruise for dogs, with dog to help Chicago’s homeless dogs (and cats). Learn more about the Funraiser, HERE.  

A little dog makes a very big rescue

Veterinary nutritionist Dr. Danielle Conway is a morning myth buster – busting numerous common myths regarding pet foods.

Sadly, dogs still do die in hot cars, and it’s happening more often.

Are these birds stool pigeons that are crossing the India/Pakastani border? Why birds may be a national security issue.

Do pets suffer from a mid-life crisis? If so, what does that mean? Dr. Kelly Fishman explains that the six-year old dog isn’t about to sniff out a Porsche, but does note this portion of a pet’s life – pre old age and well past puppy or kitten isn’t investigated often. And what pet parents can do to be proactive, which will make transitioning into old age healthier for the pet.

A new reason, and a compelling one to keep dogs on-leash.

Anti Cruelty is the most established animal shelter in Chicago – and President Darlene Duggan explains that it is open admission shelter (which there are none in the City aside from the City run Chicago Animal Care and Control). Most shelters don’t do this – it means Anti Cruelty accepts owner relinquishments every single day and the reality is that means the need more financial resources to care for more animals. Without Anti Cruelty Chicago would be in deep you know what. Also, discussed is the good time Pour Your Heart Out Event in September.

Keeping pets safe in hot weather.

Also, a tribute to Steve’s friend and longtime friend of the show, Dr. Mark Goldstein.

Should you run with your dog? Steve offers tips.

Dr. Joseph Wakshlag, professor of Nutrition and Sports Medicine at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and Chief Medical Officer at ElleVet, explains how studies are now demonstrating that CBD can help pets, and offers what we know so far. He also indicates not all CBD products are the same.

Steve offers tips to prepared fearful pets for July Fourth.

The EveryCat Health Foundation’s 2025 Communications Award recipient is Stacy LaBaron for her podcast, The Community Cats Podcast. What exactly are community cats? Why do myths about these cats continue to persist?

Do dogs really need to routinely wear prong (pinch) collars?

Tick diseases are on the rise with more ticks in more places than ever before.

Minoxidil (often sold as Rogaine) is toxic and potentially deadly to pets.

Dr. Elsey’s Cat Litter has removed all scented cat litters.

The great dog train escape

They’re doing incredible things at Anderson Humane, Fox River Valley. A conversation with Dean Daubert, CEO/President. He talks about the role the economy is playing in relinquishment of pets. And overall people are giving up more dogs, and adopting fewer dogs. Also, how important it is that his facility is Fear Free, and what that means.

Steve Dale remembers news director Tom Petersen, and explains he wouldn’t be at WGN Radio for nearly 30 years if it wasn’t for Petersen.

Anti Cruelty President Darlene Duggan talks about the city’s oldest and most significant animal shelter’s biggest fundraiser, Bark in the Park, on May 31 in Lincoln Park. Over 1,200 dogs come together for the City’s largest dog party (and as many cats if you count images on people’s phones).  She also discusses some little known but important community Anti Cruelty programs.

At the age of 97, she had some babies.

Detroit passes Humane Bill, as they join over 400 cities to prohibit dog/cat sales at pet stores.

Good news about heart disease in cats described by veterinary cardiologist Dr. Sonya Gordon. She also talks about heart diseases in dogs.

My conversation with primatologist Dr. Birute Galdikas about orangutans and saving the forests of Borneo.

Tips on getting dogs into shape as the weather warms.

Wayne Pacelle, founder/CEO Animal Wellness Action and Center for a Humane Economy is positively ecstatic as so many animal lives will be saved as a result of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary’s bold vision to reboot drug development by discontinuing the use of animals to test pharmaceuticals. And as one additional outcome, drug prices should decline. 

Here’s something different, it’s not a cat café, it’s a capybara café.  

Cat allergies neutralized with Purina ProPlan LiveClear .

Steve makes an announcement about his latest book, due out later this year, called Ask the Dog. 

And it turns out a new and nutritious kind of milk has been discovered.

Hartzler also talks about her book “The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace,” about how dogs can in some ways guide or at least take some stress of caregivers. And as dogs age, we become their caregivers.

Steve offers the hot ‘n trendy dog breeds according to American Kennel Club numbers, and also the top cat breeds from the Cat Fanciers’ Association.

The trendiest pet names are linked to Wicked.

Vetique is indeed a unique Chicago veterinary practice, which Dr. Jessica Trice is a co-owner. She explains how her practice is all about dealing with fear, anxiety and stress of humans as well as their pets. They even serve wine to support relaxing (for people) and offer treats to people and to pets. Also, they make special efforts to accommodate cats.

Steve reveals the most popular and trendy dog breeds.

Susan Burrows, Program Coordinator of Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy, discusses the largest organization of its kind in the Chicago area, interacting with nearly 40,000 individuals each year. She explains what these dogs do, and how they change lives (sometimes even save lives). In fact, there’s a need for more dogs, and Susan explains how your dog may become accepted into a program.

Steve says, enrichment is vital for all pets, including senior pets.

Who will win the Windy City Sweets cookie contest, which benefits Anti Cruelty? Anti Cruelty President Darlene Duggan offers her odds as to whether Steve Dale or WGN-TV’s Paul Lisnek will crumble and become Chicago’s biggest fool on April 1. Also, why are animals being relinquished to animal shelters in 2025? And how Anti Cruelty’s free behavior hotline plays a significant role to prevent pets to be given up. Also, an exciting podcast announcement from Anti Cruelty.

The top dog names of 2025.

Certified dog trainer Kathy Callahan offers unexpected advice to new puppy parents. She ought to know as she has had countless dozens of puppies in her home as a foster mom, and also is the author of Welcoming Your Puppy from Planet Dog: How to Go Beyond Training and Raise Your Best Friend.

Arwinder Kaur, author of Living While Human talks about her award-winning book which describes what’s happening in real time to our environment. She also describes how her dog has detected cancer in one of her friends and has also learned to eliminate in her stand-up shower.

Also, information on upcoming symposium on heart disease in cats.

A secret way to communicate with your cat – blink.

Drew Lynch is arguably one of the hottest stand-up comedians around. America’s Got Talent launched his career, and so did his Vizsla. He explains the difference his dog, who was a self-trained service dog, made to change his life. 

Results of a new study demonstrate that seniors who walk their dogs are less likely to be a fall risk. 

And why do dogs love to chew on shoes?

Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is likely the number one cause of death in adult cats who aren’t yet seniors, and veterinary cardiologist North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Josh Stern explains what’s finally coming – and it’s an effective treatment. More will be revealed April 26-27, at a symposium at NC State in Raleigh, NC or virtually, Health Breakthroughs for Every Cat: Focusing on Future Therapies for Heart Disease and Beyond.

Also, what about the long-time war that dogs and vacuums have waged?

Tod Miner of Arfit Canine Rehab Fitness in Chicago talks about how handicapped dogs and cats are today often brought back to their potential with various rehab modalities, and to extend qualify of life for geriatric pets. Also, how canine athletes go to rehab for pretty much identical reasons as people do with the same benefits. 

Steve talks about the passing of legendary trainer Karen Pryor.

Check out the WGN Radio Steve Dale Petcasts.

David Kerpel is proving that dreams can come true. He is the founder of the Furever Home Dog Sanctuary in Richmond, IL.  This will be the only facility of its kind located anywhere near Chicago. Steve will speak at a fundraiser called Barks and Brews at Norton’s, 1905 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, February 19, 6 p.m. I will talk about why Furever Homes is forever critically important, and a new way to think about dog bites. There is no admission.  

And would most dog owners risk their life for their dog?

Erika Wyatt, co-owner International Kennel Club of Chicago on today’s Great American Dog Show at the Tinley Park Convention Center, and all those family-friendly activities, including a celebration of puppies.

Leptospirosis is now a core vaccine for dogs.

How spay/neuter is realistically associated with overweight and obese dogs, a conversation with Dr. Ernie Ward, founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

In veterinary medicine, telehealth can be a great idea – but only with these caveats.

Also, tips from Dr. Bailey on keeping pets safe over the howliday season, expressing concerns about tinsel and ribbon; Christmas tree water; potpourri, preventing pancreatitis and so much more.

Another howliday tradition – it’s Steve’s dramatic reading of Twas A Pet’s Night Before Christmas.

Answering the email: Why does my dog stare at me? And an update on the Steve Dale WGN Radio Petcasts.

Dr. Mark Goldstein has done it all in veterinary medicine, from working as Zoo Director at the Los Angeles Zoo, to President of San Diego Humane Society, to caring for cats and dogs, to working primarily on cancer treatments. Additionally, Dr. Goldstein is also author of Lions and Tigers and Hamsters: What Animals Large and Small Taught Me About Life, Love, and Humanity. Back for the third straight year, he takes out his crystal ball to offer his predictions for what’s to come in veterinary medicine in 2025, from AI to Fear Free. 

Skunks are out and about – what you can do if your pet gets skunked?

John O’Hurley will broadcast his 23rd National Dog Show presented by Purina on Thanksgiving Day, on NBC (and Peacock) at noon. Around 30 million people watch this show, more than the Academy Awards or most of the World Series games. Discussed are how dogs are the most varied species on the planet. What attracted J. Peterman from Seinfeld to a dog show? And will there be a Seinfeld reunion?

A description of what Fear Free is all about.

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention is hoping you partake in a special survey to help better understand what pet parents are thinking, if your dog or cat is overweight or obese or not doesn’t matter – your input counts.

Why retractable leashes ought to be banned.

Dr. Gail Golab, Chief Veterinary Officer and Executive Vice President at the American Veterinary Medicine Association, explains that the veterinary professional associate – or mid-level professional – would be practicing at the intersection of the veterinarian and the credentialed veterinary technician.

For starters, do we really need this new position? And it seems this additional job will drive up costs further. What’s more, veterinary technicians who arguably should be making more money, won’t benefit and the shortage of credentialed technicians may worsen. Also, discussed is telehealth, and why it’s a good idea if and only if there is a veterinary client-patient relationship.

Petco has banned the sales of rabbits (they will adopt from shelters or rescue). It’s great news for bunnies.

October is National Pet Obesity Awareness Month.

She also describes why reactive dogs are doing what they are doing, and what to do about it.

It’s Me or the Dog is celebrating 20 years, and can be seen on the It’s Me or the Dog  YouTube channel and learn from experts, including professor Victoria herself,  which you can find and then watch Positively Pillars at positively.com.

Take a selfie with your pet for International Human Animal Bond Day.

Dr. Tammy Grubb, president International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management about how pain is sometimes hidden in dogs and nearly always hidden in cats.

Why do dogs so often stare at us?

Take a selfie with your pet for International Human Animal Bond Day.

According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, here are the top cat breeds

In Chicago, and working on dog bite prevention initiative, Nahid Shirzadkhan and what she is doing with the Center for Canine Behavior Studies including an app for kids and other resources which will make a difference.

October is National Pet Obesity Awareness month.

Registered veterinary technician Mary Berg is a specialist in dentistry. She explains why regular dental care impacts the overall health of your pet. So, should you brush your pets’ teeth? And if you don’t, now what?  And what products may be pure marketing, as opposed to those which are proven to really do what they say?

Elephants actually have names for one another.

Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control is the non-profit part of Chicago Animal Care and Control. Charlie Propsom, who is the founder of Friends, explains why Friends is so essential and the difference this organization makes daily to save lives. The most important benefit, called Big Night is October 17, 6 to 8 p.m. at Room 1520, 1520 W. Fulton St. Learn more here.

 Harmful algal blooms are more frequent

Pet products and veterinary services inflation exceeds other overall inflation numbers.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, author On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Health has been asked everything – but never before about how cats have provided a clue to a drug which has treated thousands with COVID-19 around the world. Dr. Fauci rarely comments on veterinary medicine or cats but he does here.  Hear the entire full length interview from Steve Dale’s Other Word, WGN here.   

Dr. Mikel Delgado on tips for playing with cats; she is author of Play with Your Cat: The Essential Guide to Interactive Play for a Happier, Healthier Feline

Purina has launched pet power of dogs to create renewable electricity.

Safe Humane Chicago, one of Chicago’s pinnacle non-profits, and Cynthia Bathurst is the co-founder. She explains what this organization does to promote animal welfare. An astounding 1,400 so-called court-case dogs have been saved by changing laws. Now other cities are following the model. Diamonds in the Ruff is September 12 at Castaways Beach, 1603 N. Lake Shore Dr.

In South Korea, there are more pet strollers than baby strollers, and now in the U.S. we’re moving in that direction.

Annie Peters, CEO of Pet Partners talks about therapy animals, taking pets into hospitals, nursing homes, schools, libraries and other facilities. Unlike just a few decades ago, today there is more need for therapy animals than there are available animals. And, she says, there’s a special need for therapy cats. She also talks about the science describing the benefits of the therapy animal visits both for the human client and the animal.

New pet population data.

Kim Theobald owner of Bosly’s Backyard – a unique indoor playground for dogs, particularly geared for dogs who may be reactive and not great candidates for dog parks or day care. Also, for senior dogs. Or renting out the Ravenswood space for special events, from bark-mitzah’s to a quinceañera.  There are also nose work and other classes.

Senior veterinary toxicologist at the Pet Poison Helpline, Dr. Renee Smid on common pet toxins. 

While cats are social, they are often “picky” about their feline roomies, which makes the newly published and free American Association of Feline Practitioners, 2024 AAFP Intercat Tension Guidelines: Recognition, Prevention, and Management so useful.