Teen convicted in dog extortion case  

A Philadelphia court has found a teenager guilty of extortion and other charges in the case of a still-missing dog.  Victor Rodriquez, 15, was convicted of theft by extortion, conspiracy, terroristic threats and harassment/stalking for allegedly calling a man who put up posters seeking the return of his lost dog, the Philadelphia Daily News reported Tuesday. 

Witnesses testified Rodriquez and a second young male called Bill Whiting and demanded $600 in exchange for the return of his dog, Edna. The number was traced to Rodriquez's aunt's house.  Edna, a brown beagle mix, disappeared from Whiting's home Oct. 31. Whiting said he received a second call the next night from a man who said Edna had been killed. The call came from a disposable cell phone and authorities have yet to identify the caller. Rodriquez is due to be sentenced March 31.

How to Toilet Train Your Cat  

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DOG TIP

Conventional wisdom has held that as dogs get older they need less protein in their diets. Recent studies, however, have concluded that a diet rich in protein actually helps older dogs stay stronger longer. Speak to your veterinarian about which diet would be best for your senior dog.

CAT TIP

Mother cats who are litter-trained frequently train their kittens. Keep a litter pan in a secluded area, like the bathroom or basement. Make sure it is an area that is always accessible to the cat. Place the kitten in the litter after meals, after periods of energetic play, after long naps, first thing in the morning, and last thing at night. Be consistent in taking the kitten to the litter pan during the training period. If you catch the kitten making a mistake, firmly, but gently, place her in the litter pan. Kittens do not respond well to punishment. Do not scold the kitten after a mistake has been made. The kitten will not associate the scolding with the act. Wash and deodorize the soiled area so the kitten will not return to it.