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This show begins with news about the Department of Transportation’s decision to ban emotional support animals from airliners. Also new is that for registered service animals, only dogs will be permitted to fly. Service animals are specifically trained to assist people with disabilities such as visual impairment, mobility limitations or a propensity to have seizures. Emotional support animals provide companionship, alleviate anxiety, etc., but do not have special training to assist their owners with specific disabilities.
Many fliers and industry officials have voiced opposition to the growing numbers of emotional service animals of various species that have been permitted to fly, which can impinge upon the rights of other passengers. Biting incidents and untimely elimination requiring clean-ups happen too often. And, false claims of pets as emotional service animals seem to be common.
Lori also raises concerns about a likely consequence of this change, increased numbers of people having their animals fly with cargo, and she gives examples to show how this is very risky to the health and well-being of the animals. Also, in 2018, Delta banned pit bull type dogs from their flights, even if registered service animals, and gives no indication of changing this policy. Lori explains the many problems with breed discrimination.
We continue with Peta’s Ingrid Newkirk publicly criticizing Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for apparently purchasing a French Bulldog instead of adopting. We also learn about some politicians who have adopted including President elect Joe Biden (2 adopted rescued German shepherds) Pete Buttigieg, John Hickenlooper and Vice President Pence.
Then, Lori welcomes cat behaviorist, and multi cat expert, Rita Reimers to discuss common and challenging behavior problems with our felines.
One situation most cat families have to navigate is introducing a new cat to the home. Reimers explains that the cat may show aggression due to fear, especially if he or she has been in and out of rescues already. It takes time, sometimes months, for the cats’ fear to subside. When other cats are in the home already, they may become aggressive, as it is their instinct to protect their food and shelter. Once again, be patient, be consistent (such as with food) and show lots of love to permit everyone to gradually adapt.
Another topic Lori and Rita discuss are the myriad problems following “declawing”, which listeners know is not anything like nail clipping but is akin to amputating a person’s fingers at the first joint. Gratefully, this practice is much less common than it used to be but still is never a solution for unwanted scratching or other unwanted cat behaviors. Reimer shares many more insights from her years of working out cat behavior problems. Find her at ritareimers.com and on Pet Life Radio with her show, 19 Cats and Counting.
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