Pets

Animal Island: Help me introduce new cat to my pets

Q: I have three cats and a dog, all neutered males. I recently brought home a very friendly female feral cat (spayed, shots, etc.). She is about 6 or 7 years old. Two of my cats were feral rescues at 5 weeks old who are now 2. The other cat recently moved in about 8 months ago because some neighbors left him. He is about 6 or 7 years old. He still goes outside on occasion, because that's what he is used to. My black Lab is approaching 15.

Pets

Talking dog: 'Problem' pooch may stem from owner's misbehavior

Last month I had a particularly challenging client to work with, and as usual, I'm not describing the dog. More often than not, what we trainers are called out to work on is a "problem dog," a stubborn dog, a dog that just "won't listen." Usually 90 percent of the issue is the miscommunication between dog and owner and the inappropriate actions the owner has taken that create the problem.

Pets

Talking Dog: Training and treats can stop leash pulling

Question: I have taught my dog Brutus to walk on a leash without pulling, which he does perfectly, but only on the way home from the park where he gets to run every day. On the way to the park, he pulls so hard that he retches, and I can hardly control him. I've put a harness on him so he doesn't choke himself, but it hasn't helped. -Brent

Pets

Animal Island: Dog doesn't get along with other canines

Q: My 5-year-old Maltipoo is sweet and lovable, but when she sees another dog, she starts growling and whining. She barks at all breeds, from Yorkies to Great Danes. I would appreciate your advice on what to do when this happens and why she acts this way.

Pets

Pets

Missouri bill would ban laws targeting specific dog breeds

The bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Brian Nieves, allows for local ordinances prohibiting dogs from running at large, as long as the regulation is not specific to breeds of dogs. If passed, it would undo any local ordinances already in place, including one in Kansas City that mandates pit bulls be spayed or neutered.

Pets

Couple hosts home tour to raise money for dog rescue

It’s no wonder then that Carla Hanson and Clif Hall will open their 8,000-square-foot Shawnee home as a fundraiser for Operation Wildlife and the National Borzoi Rescue Foundation. On Feb. 9, visitors can tour the house that features more than 40 stained glass windows, a 36-foot indoor lap pool and a large, light-filled gallery space that holds a large portion of Hanson’s mask collection.

Pets

Dog alerts Raytown mother and daughter to house fire

A family dog is being called a hero after alerting a sleeping mother and her daughter to a burning house early Sunday in Raytown. The mother and 13-year-old daughter woke up to smoke and fire in the home in the 6700 block of Ralston Avenue shortly after 2 a.m., according to the Raytown Fire Protection District.

Pets

Authorities seize 19 pit bulls from a Kansas City home

In all, 24 dogs were seized from an area known as having the highest number of pit bulls per capita in the city. A city ordinance limits pet owners to four dogs, and it requires owners of pit bulls to spay or neuter them unless they get a breeder’s permit.

Pets

Wayside Waifs looks to ‘rebrand’ for its 70th year

The animal welfare organization Wayside Waifs is entering its 70th year with a new president and a new message: It is more than just an animal shelter. The organization is not changing its name, but it wants to encourage people to recognize it as offering a “complete circle of care” for helpless animals, from adoption to behavioral assessment to the end of life.

Pets

The Kansas City Star

Dog days of winter can take a toll on a pup’s paws

De-icers and salts might keep you on your feet during icy weather, but they can irritate your pets’ feet. Experts recommend washing their paws and cleaning anything stuck between their nail pads after winter walks. Booties, if your dog will tolerate them, are another good idea.