What happens when you hit the road with a rescue dog—and everything goes wrong?
In this episode, I share the story of my 1,672-mile journey from Texas to New York with my best friend Bev and a sweet rescue dog named Bonnie. From a hurricane reroute to car trouble, sketchy hotel rooms, and a surprise stop in Memphis during Elvis Week, this adoption road trip was anything but smooth, but absolutely unforgettable.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• What it really takes to rehome rescue dogs hundreds of miles away
• How to manage a pet’s anxiety and well-being during long-distance travel
• Why flexibility, humor, and a little luck matter in animal rescue and transporting rescue dogs

We also give a shoutout to Dr. Linda Atkins from Valley Cottage Animal Hospital, who helped us ensure Bonnie’s transition was medically sound and emotionally supportive. With stories from Gettysburg, Valley Forge, and more, this episode is packed with adventure, heart, and lessons in what it takes to find the perfect forever home for a deserving rescue dog.

SHOUTOUTS IN THIS EPISODE:

• Valley Cottage Animal Hospital
• TripAdvisor
• Chrysler Pacifica

P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk during this episode. That was our former name before we fully embraced the fur, mess, and mayhem. Same content—just with a name that fits better.

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Pet parenting is tough, but this show delivers expert pet advice and solutions for real pet parenting struggles. Each week, we share pet care on a budget tips and pet saving hacks to help you stretch every dollar, whether it’s pet cost hacks for vet bills and pet food, or simple ways to make training and daily care easier. You’ll get dog training and behavior advice, cat care insights, and practical pet advice for everything from litter box issues to keeping multi-pet homes peaceful. We cover pet budgeting, managing pet behavior, stress-free vet visits, and home cleaning that actually works with pets. Follow for the support you need to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected] ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro