PetSugar

Catch My Drift: Macaques Make Snowballs, Too!

PetSugar — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:25:54 PST

This industrious fella is hard at work, but what's he doing? Start the slideshow to find out!

Lucky Sevens! See the National Zoo Lion Cubs Frolic and Play

Morgan Ashley Parker — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 09:30:08 PST

There were so many lions born at the National Zoo in August and September - seven to be exact! The litters were born to two sisters but proud papa, Luke, is the same for both families! Does that make the mamas sister (lion) wives? What's even more rare is that these are the first cubs to be born in DC in over 20 years and, until their birth, Luke was the only male in the whole place! Whoa.

Since it's impossible to tell them apart as they frolic, check out all the pictures of the cubs playing together in the snow and read more.

View 25 Photos ›

Pet Food Recall: Kroger Recalls Kibble in 19 States

Morgan Ashley Parker — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:00:20 PST

Kroger stores are recalling pet food amid fears that some products may contain aflatoxin, a toxic chemical byproduct that could be harmful to animals. Nineteen states are affected - Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia - and customers are urged to check labels for expiration dates of Oct. 23 and 24, 2011.

Affected brands are:

Pet Pride Cat Food
Pet Pride Kitten Food
Old Yeller Chunk Dog Food
Kroger Value Cat Food
Kroger Value Chunk Food

If your pets have supped on this in the past, see what warning signs to look for and

What's Your Take: Will Onboard Dog Bites Affect Air Travel For the Rest of Us?

Morgan Ashley Parker — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 10:30:17 PST

When I heard of the case of a dog who bit two passengers on board a US Airways flight yesterday I immediately wondered how that was possible since pets must be kept in a carrier under the seat throughout the flight. And, naturally, the dog did not escape . . . but was taken out of a carrier by its 89-year-old owner.

The 12-pound Manchester Terrier became agitated as its sedative began to wear off, which makes her decision to let him out seem even more thoughtless as a dog that needs medication to fly is obviously not expected to react well to the journey. This upsets me because many people view pets on planes as a privilege (albeit a pricey one) and not a right and those who ignore the rules make it worse for the rest of us who do not. I'm not trying to go overboard in defense of the dog, but the situation should have never escalated to this - the Newark–Phoenix flight was diverted to Pittsburgh! - and I worry that this fluke accident will hurt travel for the rest of us.

The 2010 AKC/Eukanuba Dog Show Champion Is . . .

Morgan Ashley Parker — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:15:44 PST

Coming on the heels of Clooney's big win in Philly at the National Dog Show is yet another show that wrapped up on Dec. 5.
The AKC/Eukanuba Dog Show took place over the weekend in Long Beach, CA, but doesn't air until Jan. 23! If you'd like to know who won the competition in advance, then

read more. The big winner was Reckon, a beautiful Australian Shepherd! Rounding out the semifinalists were:

Sporting: German Wirehaired Pointer (Scout)
Terrier: Smooth Fox Terrier (Adam)
Hound: Whippet (Chanel)
Working: Portuguese Water Dog (Lady Bug)
Toy: Pekingese (Malachy)
Non-sporting: Bichon Frise (Drummer)
Herding: Australian Shepherd (Reckon)

Source: AKC

Happy Fourth Birthday, Knut the Cute!

Morgan Ashley Parker — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:45 PST

We've admired him as a baby, sympathized when his beloved caretaker passed away and giggled when he found love . . . and now he's four!

The famed polar bear named Knut got a bunch of special snacks including something baked into his big number. See him enjoy his birthday on Dec. 5 and click through the gallery.

View 8 Photos ›

RIP, Fat Cat Prince Chunk

Morgan Ashley Parker — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:00:03 PST

Plagued with heart disease, the chubby cat known as Prince Chunk passed away last week in his sleep. Not only is his weight newsworthy - estimated at 44 pounds - but the cat lost his home when his first owners lost theirs due to foreclosure. Adopted by another New Jersey family, the Damiani family started the Prince Chunk Foundation that provides temporary assistance to pet owners in financial troubles to prevent this sad situation in the future.

While rumors say the cat was actually lighter than the claims and had slimmed down to 17 pounds, he was still overweight for a feline, reminding us to be careful with treats and encourage exercise in house pets. Rest in peace, sweet kitty!

The 2010 National Dog Show Champion Is . . .

Morgan Ashley Parker — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:25:41 PST

Whether or not your Thanksgiving Day included turkey, did it include a glimpse at the National Dog Show? I tuned in for most of the action since I love any excuse to see breeds I rarely glimpse out and about around town. While there were no favorites going into the event - unlike Sadie last year - there were plenty of pretty and deserving pooches. Coming out on top was Clooney, a three-year-old Irish Setter. Look at his coat!

If you missed the telecast, see the final run around the ring with the seven group finalists for Best in Show and

read more. Rounding out the semifinalists were:

Sporting: Irish Setter (Clooney)
Terrier: American Staffordshire Terrier (Maddy)
Hound: Scottish Deerhound (Hickory)
Working: Boxer (Scarlett)
Toy: Affenpinscher (Joe)
Non-sporting: Schipperke (Johnny Be Good)
Herding: Australian Shepherd (Beyonce)

Source: Steven Donahue / See Spot Run Photography

Who's Smarter: Dogs or Cats?

Morgan Ashley Parker — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:00:47 PST

I know, I know. Those are fighting words but according to a recent Oxford University study, doggies come out on top in the smarts department. While some assume felines are brighter based on less of a need (or desire) for attention, these researchers found that less social creatures like cats, deer, and rhino have slower brain growth during the same period.

According to Dr. Susanne Shultz, who led the research:

Dogs have always been regarded as the more social animals while cats like to get on with their own thing alone. But it appears that interaction is good for the brain and extends to other species, like ourselves. This suggests the co-operation and co-ordination needed for group living can be challenging and over time some mammals have evolved larger brains to be able to cope with the demands of socializing.

Source: Flickr User iconoclast and Source: Flickr User tinney

Harry Potter, Gone to the Dogs . . . and Horse

Morgan Ashley Parker — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:20:11 PST

To celebrate today's release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, let's take a peek at animals that got into the Hogwarts spirit over the years. While Fang isn't featured in the latest flick, there are plenty of other pups that show their love instead.

Source: Flickr User istolethetv