In Dog We Trust

http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/154/in-dog-we-trust

In Dog We Trust

Originally aired 03.10.2000

Stories of dogs and cats and other animals that live in our homes. Exactly how much are they caught up in everyday family dynamics? We answer this question and others.

Prologue.

Heather and her girlfriend lived with a cat named Sid. The girlfriend showed all sorts of affection toward Sid that she never showed toward Heather. And at some point, against her better judgment, Heather started to become jealous. (4 minutes)

Act One. The Youth In Asia.

When a pet dies, to what degree can it be replaced by another? And to what degree can pets replace people in our lives? David Sedaris tells this story of cats and dogs and other animals. (16 minutes)

Act Two. If Cats Ran Hollywood.

What do cats want to see on television? Steve Malarky, creator of the world's best-selling home video for cats, tells all.And—in the interest of equal time—a cashier who works at a chain store that sells pet products rants about the absurdity of the items she's ringing up every day: St. John's Wort for dogs, CDs for pets, spinach-flavored bones. (12 minutes)
Song: "Serenade to a Poodle", Slim Gaillard

Act Three. Resurrection.

Writer Brady Udall with another story about what animals can take the place of, in our lives and in our homes—this one involving an armadillo.

This work of fiction originally appeared in the Autumn 1999 issue of Story magazine. (23 minutes)

Song: "Gonna Buy Me a Dog", The Monkees