Inform Pets

LASVEGASSUN.COM/PHOTOS

2011-12-14T02:30:52Z

(NEW HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS: IMAGES FROM sun photographer Steve marcus} On Thursday, the Animal Foundation brought 200 dogs and 30 cats to the Charlie's Angels Pet Adoption Fair

for MGM Resorts International employees at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Animal lover Scott Sibella,...

Cargill recalls U.S. dog food due to aflatoxin

2011-12-07T16:00:27Z

CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. agribusiness giant Cargill Inc said it was voluntarily recalling a year's output of dog food made for its brands River Run and Marksman due to high levels of aflatoxin.

It was the second recall of pet food this week due to aflatoxin.

At Cargill, th...

Tales of happy reunions boost interest in pet microchipping

2011-10-28T11:00:09Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - In the weeks since the highly publicized return of long lost Willow the microchipped cat to her Colorado owners from New York City, microchipping of pets has jumped 185 percent, according to industry statistics.

News this week of the return of Petey the microchipped dog to his Tenne...

Mother accused of abusing, abandoning disabled son

2011-10-27T19:00:12Z

DENVER (Reuters) - A Colorado mother is accused of locking her 14-year-old developmentally disabled son inside a squalid trailer, feeding him just four meals a week, then abandoning him to take a trip with her boyfriend, prosecutors said on Thursday.

Amanda Jolliff, 36, is charged with false imprisonment, child abuse, and at-risk neglect of her son, discovered to be...

Wisconsin animal shelters filling up due to lagging economy

2011-10-26T14:00:16Z

MILWAUKEE (Reuters) - Many Wisconsin animal shelters are at or near capacity, reflecting a national trend as more pet owners are forced to give away their dogs and cats because they can't afford to keep them.

"Where before it might have been due to pet allergies or the owner had a baby or some...

In Paris, cast-off felines haunt Les Halles rubble

2011-10-21T07:30:09Z

PARIS (Reuters) - In the early hours of the morning, shadowy figures crouch behind the concrete blocks, bulldozers and rubble of one of the biggest building sites in central Paris to set their traps.

The lights from the nearby St. Eustache church cast a yellow glow over the ravaged landscape as the silent trappers place tuna and raw beef inside ...

The True Cost of Owning a Pet

2011-09-26T10:30:28Z

How much is that doggy (or kitty, or birdie) in the window

How much is that doggy (or kitty, or birdie) in the window really? The total price tag is probably a lot more than you think.

One look at those puppy-dog eyes and wagging tail and it’s easy for all your money smarts to fly out the window. Nonetheless, it is important to consider your lifestyle and budget before bringing home Fluffy or Fido. While there are many foreseeable expenses, such as foo...

8 Low-Cost Franchises for Hard Times

2011-09-22T10:30:14Z

Laid off or having trouble finding a job? Tired of working for somebody else and looking to start a business of your own?

Being one’s own boss is the dream of many Americans. But few have the wherewithal to come up with a viable business plan and the start-up money needed to be successful. That's where franchises come in.

SEE ...

CARING FOR KITTENS LEFT BEHIND Those interested in fostering can call the Nevada SPCA at 873-SPCA or stop by the shelter at 4800 W. Dewey Drive.

2011-09-08T02:30:29Z

Among the victims in the avalanche of home foreclosures in Las Vegas are abandoned pets - dogs and cats left to roam the valley's streets and fend for themselves.

Even more defenseless are their newborn puppies and kittens - and by some counts there are twice as many this year compared with last.

The Nevada Las Vegas for business several times a year, he brings his four buddies - Ivy, Harley, Honey and Cosby - with him.

Although small and well-behaved, they're not welcomed at many Las Vegas hotels. That's why Valles, who owns a chain of high-end furniture stores in Los Angeles, stays at the pet-friendly Rumor hotel....

Pitfalls of bequeathing money to pampered pets

2011-08-15T08:00:10Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - British Fashion designer Alexander McQueen did it and so did billionaire hotel operator Leona Helmsley, but legal experts warn that there can bepitfalls to bequeathing money to a pampered pet.

Between 12 and 27 percent of...

Rare Philippine parrot seized from boat

2011-08-10T13:30:54Z

Philippine authorities have seized a specimen of one of the world's rarest parrots after boarding a boat suspected of being involved in illegal wildlife trading, the coastguard said Wednesday.

The critically-endangered red-vented cockatoo, a foot-long (31-centimetre) white parrot found only in the Philippines, was seized along with 71 hill mynahs and 42 blue-naped parrots from a boat at the resort of El Nido.

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US study questions if pets make owners healthier

2011-08-03T15:30:29Z

Pet owners have long been encouraged to think that they are happier, healthier and live longer than people without pets, but a new US study claims they might be barking up the wrong tree.

Howard Herzog, a professor of psychology at Western Carolina University, says studies conducted in the past to determine whether having a pet improves health and longevity have "produce...

British pets in line for £26 bn from owners' wills

2011-07-29T10:30:27Z

British pet owners plan to bequeath an enormous £26 billion to their furry companions and most will do so without telling their family or friends, according to a study.

This week it emerged that fashion designer Alexander McQueen left £50,000 in his will for the care of his pet dogs and it seems many other people have also set aside generous legacies.

A survey of 14,181 pet owners by More...

"Cuban blue" cats said to be new breed

2011-05-26T17:00:11Z

HAVANA (Reuters) - In a Havana apartment, four silvery gray cats race around the floor and tumble over the furniture playing with each other, occasionally jumping into the laps of their human visitors.

They act like typical house cats, but these are not just any felines. They are members of what Cuban cat lovers believe is a newly identified breed ...

Dog, bless you: US church exalts man's best friend

2011-05-22T19:30:48Z

Under a hot sun and clear spring skies, Teddy and Logan joined Yoko and Bentley and a few dozen like them on the steps of an 80-year-old church in Washington, and cocked an ear.

They were at the National City Christian Church on Sunday for the fifth annual blessing of the dogs and, yes, Teddy and Logan, Yoko and Bentley are all dogs.

The blessing of the dogs is not to be confused with the blessing of the animals, w...

World to end on Saturday, say New York preachers

2011-05-19T07:30:35Z

It's raining in New York, and everyone tries to get out of the rain. Not Manny. Unflappable, he stands on a corner with his umbrella, warning people that on Saturday, May 21, the world will end.

All over New York, preachers armed with T-shirts, brochures, books and posters are preaching the end of the world. Using a complex numerical calculation from the Bible, there are even advertisements on the New York city subway warning of the "...

US atheists offer pet rescue after judgment day

2011-05-18T15:31:02Z

When judgment day comes -- which some US Christian fundamentalists insist will happen on Saturday -- have you thought about what you're going to do with the family dog and cat?

In 26 US states, you could have them rescued and adopted by enterprising atheists who have set up a business to care for the animal companions of any Christians who are selected to go to heaven when Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds", but winged creatures are increasingly becoming a concern for inhabitants of Australia's biggest city.

Large colonies of the white, long-beaked native ibis stalk the garbage bins of Sydney, flocks of native cockatoos chew away at t...

Efforts to thin our feral cat population are purring along

2011-04-13T02:31:42Z

In October 2008, after hours of testimony, the Clark County Commission adopted an ordinance pushed by Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani that sought to gain control over the county's out-of-control feral cat population. By law, cats could be trapped, neutered and vaccinated and returned to where they were found. The goal was to reduce newbo...

Spending on pets up during lean economic times: poll

2011-04-05T09:00:29Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Americans may be clipping money-saving coupons and delaying buying a new home, but when it comes to their pets they're spending more than ever, according to a new survey.

Between trips to the vet, specialty foods, treats and toys, pet insurance and even parties, Americans have no compunction about opening up their wallets to keep Rex, Rover or even the house lizard healt...

Celebrities help UK dogs steal a march over cats

2011-04-04T06:00:15Z

LONDON (Reuters) - The number of British households with dogs has overtaken those with cats, according to a survey, with smaller breeds becoming more popular, possibly because of their association with celebrities.

"The popularity of small and very small dogs is often perceived as a fashion trend, influenced by celebrity "handbag' dogs," said the survey by Mintel.

Another factor could ...

Lawsuit over Clorox cat litter ads dismissed

2011-02-02T13:00:11Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The fur has stopped flying in a lawsuit over cat litter.

A lawsuit by Church & Dwight Co to halt advertisements for Clorox Co's Fresh Step cat litter that it said disparaged its own Arm & Hammer Super Scoop cat litter has been dismissed, court rec...

Four months later, cat-loving man finds his "Cinderella"

2011-01-29T18:30:07Z

SALMON, Idaho (Reuters) - After four months of searching, days of driving and a case of mistaken feline identity, a California man has been reunited with the pet cat he lost in Idaho last year.

Bill Uhlig said he was headed to his NEW DELHI (Reuters Life!) - As incomes surge in economically booming India, pet lovers are driving the growth of a whole range of new trends, from organic pet toys to crystal healing and even nail painting for cats.

The pet care market in India has risen from $31 million in 2003 to $64.34 million last...

Clorox sued by Arm & Hammer maker over cat litter

2011-01-05T16:00:10Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A new lawsuit cries foul over Clorox Co's advertising for a brand of cat litter.

Church & Dwight Co , the maker of Arm & Hammer baking soda, on Wednesday sued Clorox to stop advertising for Fresh Step cat litter that it said dispara...

Pet lovers hope to get new law on wills

2011-01-05T11:30:13Z

BOSTON (Reuters) - Pet lovers in Massachusetts are optimistic the governor will sign into law this week that will allow them to designate in a will who should care for a pet after the owner's death.

Governor Deval Patrick has until Sunday to sign the pet trust legislation. Reuters Life!) - Pet lovers in Massachusetts are optimistic the governor will sign into law this week that will allow them to designate in a will who should care for a pet after the owner's death.

Governor Deval Patrick has until Sunday to sign the pet trus...

Kroger recalls pet foods at some stores

2010-12-19T10:00:13Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Kroger Co is recalling select packages of dog and cat foods at some of its retail stores because the products may pose a health risk to pets.

The company said on Saturday the recall involves certain bags of Pet Pride Cat Food, Pet Pride Tasty Blend Poultry & Seafood Cat Food, Pet Pri...

Tale of blind cat strikes a chord in tough times

2010-12-13T18:00:10Z

TOKYO (Reuters Life!) - Homer started out with a lot against him. Abandoned as a tiny kitten, a virulent infection meant he had to have both eyes removed to save his life.

His fortunes changed when he was taken home by Gwen Cooper, an avid cat lover who was instantly charmed by the kitten's energy and enthusiasm for life despite his prob...

Over-the-top gifts for the pet who has everything

2010-12-08T15:31:05Z

Hundreds of dollars for a dog collar? This season, pet gifts go over-the-top

Sanderella has 150 collars and leashes, 200 couture dresses, 300 bows, a designer bed in every room and standing appointments with a groomer and an acupuncturist.

The 17-year-old Bichon poodle mix rides in a carriage, eats macaroni and cheese from a bowl that has her name etched in gold and has a pink mink made by Saks Fifth Avenue...

AP-Petside.com poll: Dogs are Santa's favorites

2010-12-08T02:30:06Z

AP-Petside.com poll: Dogs can expect more presents under the tree this Christmas than cats

Dogs have more to look for under the tree this Christmas than cats do.

Fifty-six percent of dog owners say they'll buy their pets a gift this Christmas, but only 48 percent of cat owners plan a gift.

A majority of all pet owners — 53 percent — said in an Associated Press

Correction: Pets and travel poll story

2010-12-07T14:30:52Z

Correction: Pets and travel poll story

In a story Nov. 23 about a poll on whether people take pets on vacation, The Associated Press cited the wrong figures for the percentage of dog and cat owners who take their animals with them. Twenty-nine percent of dog owners and 20 percent of cat owners bring their pets along, not 31 percent of dog owners and 19 percent of cat owners.

Pierced-kitten seller wants to groom pets again

2010-12-02T11:00:26Z

Pa. woman convicted in case of pierced 'gothic kittens' wants to reopen pet grooming business

A northeastern Pennsylvania woman who tried to sell "gothic kittens" with ear, neck and tail piercings online wants to reopen her pet grooming business.

Animal welfare workers seized three kittens and a cat from Holly Crawford...

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2010-11-30T12:38:56Z

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2010-11-30T12:37:01Z

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Training a Dog with a Stuffed Rabbit

2010-11-30T12:37:28Z

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What is a Russian Blue Cat?

2010-11-30T12:37:28Z

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Choosing a Safe and Effective Bird Cage Cleaner

2010-11-30T12:37:27Z

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Review of Products from the Lafeber Company

2010-11-30T12:37:25Z

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Everything You Need to Know About the Chinese Hamster

2010-11-30T12:37:24Z

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Where Can I Get Purina Dog Food Coupons?

2010-11-29T14:33:37Z

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Review of Innova Cat Food

2010-11-29T14:33:37Z

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Lifespan of a Pet Ferret

2010-11-29T14:33:32Z

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Everything You Need to Know About the Dwarf Hamster

2010-11-29T14:33:33Z

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APTOPIX Germany Dogs Litter Of 17

2010-12-20T18:01:17Z

Nine Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies from a litter of 17, look out of their box in Nauen, 50 kilometers outside Berlin on Monday, Dec. 20, 2010. On Sept 28, and 29, 4 years old Ridgeback Etana had 17 puppies. All of them survived. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

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Germany Dogs Litter Of 17

2010-12-22T10:34:20Z

Rhodesian-Ridgeback puppies from a litter of 17, look out of their box in Nauen, 50 kilometers outside Berlin on Monday, Dec. 20, 2010. On Sept 28, and 29, the 4 years old Rhodesian-Richback Etana birthing 17 puppies. All of them survived. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

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Obit Garry Gross

2010-12-07T20:01:14Z

In this photo July 8, 2006 photo released by Branka Ruzak, photographer Garry Gross is photographed with a great dane in New York. Gross, a fashion photographer known for his 1970's nude images of Brooke Shields, taken when she was 10 years old, died Nov. 30 in

France Weather

2010-12-01T03:00:23Z

A man walks with his dog as snow falls in Lyon, central France, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)

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Food Farm Heritage Turkeys

2010-11-24T01:01:19Z

In this Nov. 12, 2010 photograph, Bill Battles and his Border collie "Lilly" herd Battles' flock of Heritage turkeys on his Stone Pony Farm in Westport, Mass. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

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