December 7, 1988

The Secret Lives of Pets

Alan Beck studies the relationship between pets and their owners. His early research of animal behavior included a study of stray dogs in Baltimore. Beck says that medical experts should take into consideration the benefits of pet ownership when evaluating an individual's health.

09:33

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Alan M Beck

Host

Terry Gross

Other segments from the episode on December 7, 1988

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, December 7, 1988: Interview with Lady Borton; Review of the television program "Maria Callas: An Operatic Biography"; Interview with Alan Beck; Commentary on personal…

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December 7, 1988

27:47

Aiding the Civilian Survivors of the Vietnam War

Lady Borton performed humanitarian work in Vietnam during and after the war. Her experiences in that country with refugees had a profound effect on her. She lives simply and, like many combat veterans, grapples with PTSD and flashbacks. Borton's book about Vietnamese refugees is called Sensing the Enemy.

Interview

Lady Borton

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December 7, 1988

06:24

A New Documentary on Maria Callas

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new PBS documentary about Maria Callas. He says it's not as well-organized or thoughtful as an earlier film about the opera star; the late singer would be better served by a complete broadcast of one of her performances.

Review

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December 7, 1988

03:36

The Complex Rules Of Greetings

Language commentator Geoff Nunberg considers how electronic communication like telephone conversations and radio broadcasts have changed the ways we introduce ourselves.

Commentary

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Dr. Alan Beck was formerly the director of the Bureau of Animal Affairs in New York, where he helped draft that city's "pooper scooper" law. A similar was recently passed in Philadelphia. Beck currently works at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary School where he heads the Center for Interaction of Animals and Society. He has researched pet/owner relationships and stray dogs and their effect on people, including the homeless. He joins the show to discuss the new law and human-animal relationships.

Interview

Alan M Beck

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May 1, 2016

41:47

Michael Schaffer: America's Going To The Dogs

In his new book One Nation Under Dog, Michael Schaffer investigates the booming pet-care industry. He discusses how the $43 billion business reflects our ideas about consumerism, family, politics and domesticity.

Interview

Michael Schaffer

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The Secret Lives of Pets

Guest

Host

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Other segments from the episode on December 7, 1988

Aiding the Civilian Survivors of the Vietnam War

A New Documentary on Maria Callas

The Complex Rules Of Greetings

Transcript

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