Location: Chicago, IL
Occupation: Certified Animal Behavior Consultant
Involvement with HABA: The human animal bond is too often taken for granted, but obviously there’s something to it as no one – as far as I know – forces people to have a pet. Yet, well over half of all families in America have a pet. That wouldn’t be the case if it wasn’t for the human animal bond. Yet, the bond surfaces in all sorts of other ways. For example, more people go to zoos than any other sort of entertainment venue around the world. Why is that? Apparently, it makes us feel good. Our bond with nature may be ignored these days, but it’s within all of us. People bond in a subtle was with birds when they provide a feeder, for example. However, no doubt, our bonds with cats and particularly dogs is so very special.
Hobbies: I’m a not so skilled runner. My wife Robin and I love to travel.
Family members: Currently, lots of geriatrics, a nearly 19 year old Devon Rex cat named Roxy; 11 year old Chihuahua/Terrier mix, named Hazel and a 25 year old Northern Blue Tongue Skink named Cosette. We know she is a female because, after all, her name is Cosette.
About myself:
I was on the radio playing music in Chicago and also a reporter, mostly covering entertainment for the Chicago Tribune, People magazine and USA Today --- but also wrote about pets, and eventually that’s all I wound up writing about. Along the way, became a certified animal behavior consultant. For about 25 years I’ve hosted a pet show on WGN Radio Chicago, and for over 15 years two nationally syndicated radio shows. I’ve appeared on my TV shows, from Oprah to GMA to lots of animal planet programs. Far more important to be are the veterinary textbooks I’ve contributed to, and have authored my own books, and travel around the world to speak at conferences and events. For about 15 years I’ve served on the Board of Directors of the EveryCat Health Foundation, and have served on many other Boards and Advisory Boards.
Most memorable Human Animal Bond experience: I suppose a few of my ‘claims to fame’ are that I was the guy who convinced the Chicago White Sox to allow dogs inside what was then Comisky Park for an event called Dog Days. As a result many major league teams today have their own version of “Dog Days” and nearly all minor league baseball teams. To thank me, the White Sox asked me to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, which I did with two dogs at my side. And one other quickie: I was once the answer to 57 across in a TV Guide crossword puzzle.
Anything else you would like to share? Unlike Dr. Molly McAlister, on our Board, who speaks Spanish. I speak fluent Spanglish.
