Listen: WBTNAM.org. Call: 802 442-1010. Stream: WBTNAM.org. E-mail: [email protected].

I plan to talk about many things on my debut of “Katz On Dogs” at 6 p.m. tonight EDT on WBTNAM1370 (Streaming address: WBTNAM.org), but I want to make sure to talk. About two favorite issues – Do Dogs Grieve? – and How To Train Not-So-Smart dogs.

(After tonight, the show will be moved to afternoons. More to come)

I want this to be one of the very few thoughtful and intelligent programs about our lives with the 84 million owned dogs (there are more cats) in American.

We now spend 99 billion dolls a year on pets in America. A half-century ago, we spent little or nothing on them.

Cynthia wants help training her deaf dog Edgar, and Susan dog wants to play “bite” on her hands. Those are just the e-mailed issues. You can call with any issues of your own, as long as they involved dogs, cats, or other animals.

One e-mail from Elizabeth in Boston touched my heart. Her husband, who had Parkinson’s Disease, died last month.

His dachshund Lily spent almost all of her time with him during the day in the family room. When it was time for him to stand, Lily would cheer him on by barking excitedly until he was on his feet.

She seems to be grieving, sluggish, avoiding the family room, losing interest in food, picky about eating yet gaining weight. She’s lost her job.

“How do I encourage her to walk, and how do I find something that will make her happy and reassured?” was the question.

I plan on discussing that on the air.

Dog grieving issues are complex.

Dogs don’t understand the concept of death, so they can’t grieve in the human sense of the term. But they do understand change and loss and are easily thrown off by change.

And they can be helped when they appear depressed and bewildered.

I’ll talk about that tonight.

Also, how to train dogs that are not so bright.

I have a list of the smartest breeds and the not-so-smart breeds. You might be surprised to discover who is on the list.

I appreciate the fascinating emailed questions I’m getting:  you can e-mail me before, during, or after the show. I’ll read them and talk about them online: [email protected].

This is community radio, the real world of real people and their dogs.

I’m doing this broadcast in part to honor Community Radio.

I’m not getting paid for the show; people who wish can contribute to the station by donating  to WBTN, 407 Harwood Hill, Bennington Vt.,  05201

I also want to talk about how we play with the dogs, the good and the bad of it, the dangers and the joy. We have lots to talk about tonight.

You can also call-in with your questions and discuss them with me.

The number is 802 442-1010. You can stream the show on apps like Tunein.com or Iheart.com: search for WBTMAM.org. You can call me at 802 442-1010 or e-mail me before, during, and after the show: [email protected].

After today’s show – 6 p.m., EDT – the broadcast will be moved to Wednesday or Thursday afternoons. Stay tuned for more information.

I hope you can listen to it tonight, or call me or e-mail me. This is an interactive broadcast, you and me. Let’s do it. The station has improved the phone lines, sound quality, and access. We’re working hard to do it right this time.

We want your participation.