Posted By: Vicki Croke | September 22, 2009 at 11:29 am
Dogs, vegetarian chili, a big wonderful crowd, great folk music, funny contests, and a spectacular sunny day.
Sunday I was the “grand marshal” (don’t worry: no tiara, no sash) for the Standish Humane Society’s Benefit Walk for Animals in Wompatuck State Park. It was a real honor to spend time with people who pull off such miracles every day in saving animals.
Standish Humane runs a no-kill shelter for cats in Duxbury and also provides a spay/neuter service for the pets of people who cannot afford regular veterinary fees.
Posted By: Allison Sonfist | September 21, 2009 at 9:31 am
With a new school year underway, there may be a teachable moment or two for our dogs, and we might even think about enrolling them in a behavior class.
Joining the Secret Life of Animals with an indispensable shopping list for doggie education is one of our favorite trainers, Scott Dunmore.
Posted By: Allison Sonfist | September 21, 2009 at 9:29 am
You may have seen the story recently about a 48-year-old elephant in Thailand named Motala, who lost part of her leg ten years ago to a landmine. She has just become the second elephant in the world fitted with an artificial leg to help her walk.
To learn more about her and all things elephant, we’re lucky to have on Dr. Bill Langbauer a man who really knows these creatures. He studied African elephants in the wild for many years and now as the director of the Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford Massachusetts, he oversees the care of two charismatic Asian elephants.
Posted By: Allison Sonfist | September 21, 2009 at 9:27 am
We shift our attention now to a group that’s been helping one breed, the Greyhound for a long time. I don’t know about you-but when I see these beautiful dogs I don’t think racing, I think friendship.
On the Secret Life of Animals, we’re meeting one of the saints of the Greyhound world. Despite many track closings, we’ll find out why so many Greyhounds are still in need of homes.
Joining Vicki is Louise Coleman of Greyhound Friends in Hopkinton Massachusetts.
If you’d like to make a donation to Greyhound Friends or if you’d like to learn more about adopting one of these beautiful dogs — just log on to their Web site — Greyhound.org.
Posted By: Allison Sonfist | September 21, 2009 at 9:24 am
Most of us would do anything to give our dogs a little more quality time on this Earth. And, lots of people have theories, all table scraps, no table scraps, acupuncture, glucosamine and limited vaccinations.
So, on the Secret Life of Animals, we’re focusing on lengthening and improving the life of your pet.
Dr. Martha Smith of the Animal Rescue League of Boston is here to clarify what the scientific studies can show us!
Posted By: Allison Sonfist | September 18, 2009 at 7:01 am
NECN’s Allison Sonfist is joined by Melissa Tanguay of the Animal Rescue League of Boston, who brings along with her BooBoo and LuLu, two sisters who are looking to get adopted into a loving home!
It’s been nearly two months since a new giraffe was born at Boston’s Franklin Park Zoo.
In this “Vicki Cam,” The Secret Life of Animals offers you a look at the new calf at just three days old, plus the backstory that explains why this animal can truly be called a miracle baby.
Finally, a product that may truly pass the “sniff test” with dogs and cats!
Check out Sniffins Greeting Cards, a card that uses a bit of your dog or cat’s scent to turn pets into pen pals!
From jumping out of police cruisers to tackling criminal suspects, life for a dog in the line of duty is often dangerous and physically taxing. And once a trained “canine cop” retires, the costly veterinary care that is often needed will almost always become the responsibility of the dog’s handler.
In Vermont, one organization is now helping to pay for that care. Click on the video to learn more about Lacey’s Fund.
To learn more about how you can support Lacey’s Fund, steer your Web browser to: http://www.vtpca.com/
By now, many New Englanders are familiar with the term White-Nose Syndrome, an ailment affecting bat populations around the nation.
The mysterious white fungus has already killed thousands of bats in our region – and scientists are still working to figure out what it is – and how it’s spread.
Interested in learning how you can protect local bats? Click on the video below to find out more.
Did you know?
Bats are important predators of mosquitoes and other insects.
A study from Boston University estimates 14 -15 tons of insects are consumed each summer by
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.
