(NECN) – Stain and odor removers have come a long way since the old days.
For anyone who’s battled the issue over time, it’s practically a miracle.
But there are so many products on the market.
So Vicki Croke thought she would get a little help from NECN Web Producer Allison Sonfist in sorting it all out.
(NECN) – Well dogs score again.
Scientific research keeps showing us how good dogs are for us and the latest is nothing short of remarkable, as the lead scientist says herself.
A new study from the University of Missouri compares older people in a walking program:
Part of the group chose humans as exercise partners, and part chose to walk dogs from a local shelter.
and guess what?
The people walking dogs were much more consistent about getting out there and showed a much bigger improvement in fitness.
The walking speed among dog walkers?
It went up by 28 % and many increased their balance and strength so much they stopped using walkers and canes.
The human-companion group only increased speed by 4%, and they often made excuses not to go out at all.
As researchers crunch the numbers further, they suspect they’ll document improvement in areas like depression and anxiety too.
Joining Vicki Croke to talk about why dogs are superior exercise partners and how we can best take advantage of that are Dr. Martha Smith, head vet at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.
Dr Martha Smith on Secret Life of Animals
(NECN) – On the Secret Life of Animals, Vicki Croke turns now to a bird that recently made headlines for its rare appearance in Massachusetts.
Video of a beautiful allen’s humming bird, a native species of California, was caught just a few weeks ago in snowy Harwich-Port on Cape Cod.
For a while, the bird was constantly sipping sugar-water from one woman’s feeder, trying to stay fueled to fight off the cold.
But eventually, the hummingbird ended up in the snow and needing help from a wildlife rehabilitator.
It died on January 19th.
The story led at least one of our viewers to ask: Did the bird stay here and get into trouble because someone was feeding it?
Here to answer that question and explain how the things we do might help or hinder migrating birds is Tia Pinney of Mass Audubon.
(NECN) – It’s a powerful snake, but also a popular pet.
The Boa Constrictor can grow to almost 13 feet in length and can weigh up to 60 pounds.
Sure there are smaller variations, but most people would agree, the boa is big and so is the responsibility that comes with owning and taking care of one.
Joining Vicki Croke to share more is Bunny Watson.
Bunny is the live animal curator at the Museum of Science in Boston.
Taking care of Boa Constrictor on Secret Life of Animals
NECN videographer Dave Brosemer catches sight of some lovely moose in Greenville, Maine. They must be used to cars and people stopping to look, because they didn’t seem to mind having their pictures taken!
Moose spotting in Greenville, Maine
(NECN) -Temple Grandin’s latest book “Animals Make us Human” is now out in paperback.
Whether or not you read her best selling blockbuster “Animals in Translation,” I think you’ll want to check this one out.
Grandin is the incredibly accomplished woman with autism who designs equipment in order to make life –and death –better for farm animals.
But she’s got a lot to say about all animals and from a very unique perspective.
Vicki interviewed her a while back at the Brookline Booksmith and found her as brilliant, down-to-earth, and full of surprises as the book itself.
You can also watch a new HBO movie about her starring Clare Danes, which airs next month.
Temple Grandin Interview on NECN.com
(NECN) – If you’ve ever roamed the aisles of the pet store and found yourself scratching your head in confusion, then today’s pet gear is just for you!
We’re bringing you the five most popular items at especially for pets stores.
Maria Mazokopos joins Vicki Croke now with the shopping list.
Pet Gear: Most popular items in pet stores
(NECN) – We all know how important it is to pat our dogs.
But for some pet owners, a routine rubdown by a canine massage therapist is considered just as important, when it comes to combating things like arthritis and increasing flexibility.
Arnie Katz is a canine masseuse in Boston who teaches dog owners how to pamper a pooch, at home.
Arnie joins Vicki Croke with a few tips for our viewers.
Arnie Katz teaches you to pamper your pooch
(NECN) – Our resident trainer Scott Dunmore is in the house and answering more of your questions.
One thing we’ve noticed, there are lots of you struggling with house-training your dogs.
It’s the one problem we get the most emails about.
But I’m not sure if that’s because it’s so common or if this unlike other offenses is something we’re not so likely to put up with.
House training your dogs with Scott Dunmore
(NECN) – By now, we’ve heard the countless tales of human loss and suffering and seen the first signs of relief in Haiti.
But as nations around the globe step in to help with the humanitarian crisis, there is also an effort underway to save animals in Haiti.
Led by an organization right in our own backyard.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare, based in Yarmouthport Massachusett is setting up mobile clinics to bring aid to an estimated five million head of livestock and countless pets.
Joining Vicki Croke is AJ Cady to talk more about IFAW’s impact in Haiti.
The Secret Life of Animals is a celebration of our deep ties to the creatures around us. Its a show that seeks to unlock the wonder of the animals themselves, our mysterious bond with them, and our lives together: From breathtaking stories of survival in the wild to pragmatic tips on understanding our pets and keeping them healthy.
The mammal in charge is host Vicki Croke, who has been covering animal issues for more than 20 years on television, radio, and in print. Her entire career has been one big excuse to pat as many animals as possible.
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