The Pet Parent Hotline

By Amy Castro - Pet Parenting Expert & Animal RescuerEducation Self-Improvement Kids & Family How To Pets & Animals

The Pet Parent Hotline episodes

March 14, 2023 Greyhound Rescue, Dog Dancing, and Reinventing Life Together
What happens when your life needs a second act -- and your dog leads the way?
In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Joyce A. Miller, who transformed herself from a mechanical designer into an author and freestyle dog dancer after adopting retired racing Greyhounds. Joyce shares the emotional highs and lows of Greyhound rescue, the myths every pet parent should know about racing dogs, and how life with pets can inspire reinvention you never expected.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• How adopting Greyhounds inspired Joyce to rebuild her life and career
• What every pet parent should know about Greyhound racing, rescue, and adoption
• How canine freestyle dance works — and why your dog might love it too
• Why real pet parenting is about growth, second chances, and finding joy with your pets
Pet parenting struggles don’t always look like litter box problems or managing pet behavior — sometimes they’re about finding your own path alongside the pets you love. This inspiring story blends expert pet advice, Greyhound rescue truths, and a reminder that both people and pets deserve a chance to thrive.
Shoutouts in this episode:
James River Greyhounds
Book: Look! You're Dancing: A Memoir of Dogs, Dancing, and Devotion – available on Amazon
Embark DNA Test – Discover your dog’s breed and health traits
P.S. You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk in this episode. That was our original name. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place.
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.
Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.
Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday life with animals.
No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.
Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.
Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro
30 min
March 07, 2023Cat Acting Out? Here’s What’s Really Going On
Ever feel like your cat is trying to ruin your life with litterbox messes or shredded furniture?
You’re not alone and you’re not failing. Understanding cat litter box issues and other unwanted behaviors are a challenge for thousands of cat parents!
These so-called “bad” behaviors are often just misunderstood signals from your cat. In this episode, Amy sits down with cat behavior expert, cat care expert, and media personality KJ McGlinn to uncover what your cat’s behavior is really trying to tell you and what you can do about it.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
What causes litterbox avoidance and how to fix it fast
Why your cat is scratching (and where they should be doing it)
How to create an environment that works for both you and your cat
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by feline behavior, this episode is your lifeline to understanding and peace in your life while providing cat care that your cat deserves.
CONNECT WITH KJ McGLINN:
Website: https://kj-media.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kjmedia.co
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kjmedia.co
PS: You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk. That was our original name. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place.
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.
Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.
Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday life with animals.
No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.
Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.
Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro
42 min
February 28, 2023Veterinary Social Workers: The Hidden Support Pet Owners Need
Ever feel like something’s lost in translation at the vet’s office?
Veterinary social workers may be the solution you didn’t know existed. In this episode, Amy speaks with Emily Carveth, LCSW, to explore how these professionals support both pet parents and veterinary teams, especially in high-stress or emotional situations.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
What veterinary social workers do and why they’re essential to modern pet care
The emotional toll veterinary staff face daily, including burnout and compassion fatigue
How you can strengthen your relationship with your vet and improve outcomes for your pets
Whether you're navigating a tough diagnosis or just want to understand your vet better, this episode is your backstage pass into the emotional heartbeat of the veterinary world.
SHOUTOUTS IN THIS EPISODE:
Valley Cottage Animal Hospital
Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Social Work Program – University of Tennessee, Knoxville
PS: You may hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk in this episode. That was our original name. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place.
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.
Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.
Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday life with animals.
No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.
Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.
Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro
38 min
February 21, 2023Stop Misreading Your Pet: What Their Behavior Is Really Saying
What Is Your Pet Trying to Tell You—And Are You Listening?
What if your pet’s “bad” or unwanted behavior isn’t bad at all... but a message you’re missing?
Most pet parents unknowingly send mixed signals to their animals, then feel frustrated when the problems persist. Whether it’s barking, hiding, nipping, or peeing outside the litter box, your pet may be trying to tell you something important—and you might not even realize it.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
The most common ways we confuse our pets without realizing it
How your energy, words, and emotions directly affect your pet’s behavior
What to do when your pet's behavior mirrors your own stress or habits
When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, share it to your Instagram stories and tag me, @YOURSOCIALHANDLE!
While you’re there, make sure you follow me on Instagram so you can see behind the scenes of how I run my life with pets and how you can too.
CONNECT WITH BLAIR HOPE:
Free Downloads | blairhope.com
(Scroll down for Tips for Talking with Your Pet and What Your Pets May Be Trying To Tell You)
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Starlight Outreach and Rescue | starlightoutreachandrescue.org
P.S. If this episode helped you better understand your pet, help someone else by sharing it. You never know which animal’s life you might change for the better.
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.
Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.
Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday life with animals.
No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.
Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.
Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro
36 min
February 14, 2023 Boost Your Pet’s Nutrition Without Breaking the Bank
Think upgrading your pet’s food means draining your wallet? Think again.
In this episode, Amy Castro gets expert pet advice from Kat Donatello, founder of Austin and Kat, on how to improve your dog or cat’s diet without overspending. If you’ve been struggling with pet costs, unsure which supplements actually help, or just need real pet parenting solutions that fit your budget, this conversation is for you.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• Simple, low-cost pet food savings tricks you can try today
• Pet saving hacks most cat care and dog owners overlook
• What most pet parents misunderstand about supplements and nutrition
• Why starting early sets your pets up for a healthier future
• How to practice pet care on a budget without sacrificing quality
Pet parenting struggles are real — from managing pet behavior to keeping food costs under control. This episode gives you practical, expert pet advice you can use right away, whether you’re feeding one cat, a new puppy, or managing multiple pets.
CONNECT WITH KAT:
Austin and Kat
P.S. In this episode, you’ll hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk — that’s what we called it before we upped our game. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place.
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.
Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.
Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday life with animals.
No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.
Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.
Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro
33 min
February 14, 2023The Grief Before Goodbye: Preparing for Your Pet’s Final Days
What No One Tells You About Losing a Pet
Do you feel like you're already grieving your pet… even though they're still here?
That heartbreak has a name and in this episode, you’ll learn how anticipatory grief affects both you and your pet, and why it’s one of the most misunderstood parts of pet loss.
Whether you're nearing the end of your pet's life or supporting someone who is, this conversation with grief expert Nancy Gordon, LCSW, will help you prepare emotionally, avoid guilt, and find peace, before and after goodbye.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
What anticipatory grief is and why it matters more than you think
How to prepare for end-of-life decisions with less fear and more clarity
Why words like “put down” matter — and the uplifting alternative that changes everything
CONNECT WITH NANCY GORDON
GrowBeyondGrief.com
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn
Instagram
Media Page
PS: In this episode, you’ll hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk — that’s what we called it before we decided to embrace the fur, mess, and mayhem. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place!
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.
Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.
Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday life with animals.
No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.
Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.
Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro
42 min
February 14, 2023 Wanted A Purebred, Adopted Instead: What Changed Her Mind
What makes someone set their heart on a specific breed, and what happens when real life doesn’t match the picture in their head?
In this episode, Amy talks with speaker and leadership coach Laurie Hall about her honest path from planning to buy a purebred to rescuing not one, but two shelter dogs. No judgment, no “gotcha,” just the real mix of grief, timing, expectations, and those moments that quietly change your mind.

If you’re deciding between adoption and buying, or you’ve ever side-eyed someone for wanting a certain breed, this conversation will give you a much more grounded way to think about “the right dog.”

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• Why wanting a specific breed doesn’t make you a bad person
• How grief, timing, and lifestyle can completely change what “right fit” means
• What rescue groups wish more people understood before bringing a dog home
Shoutouts in this episode:
Starlight Outreach and Rescue
https://starlightoutreachandrescue.org
SAVE Rescue Coalition
https://saverescue.org
P.S. You’ll hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk—that’s what we called it before we fully embraced the fur, mess, and mayhem. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place!
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.
Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.
Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday life with animals.
No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.
Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.
Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro
32 min
January 29, 2023 Muddy Paws and Hairballs Trailer
Welcome to Muddy Paws and Hairballs, the no-fluff podcast that tells it like it is when it comes to life with pets.

I'm Amy Castro, your host—an animal rescue founder, former vet assistant, pet industry expert, and someone who's fostered more than 4,000 pets (and counting!). I've seen it all—pee on the carpet, chewed-up shoes, and plenty of heartwarming moments in between.
Whether you're wrangling a mischief-loving pup, a spicy cat, or a house full of animals, this podcast is for pet parents who embrace the chaos—and love their pets for who they really are.
Each week, we dig into the hilarious, heartwarming, and sometimes frustrating realities of pet ownership. You’ll hear expert advice from trainers, vets, and groomers, plus unfiltered stories from fellow pet lovers who’ve been in the trenches.
If you're tired of picture-perfect social media pets and want real talk about keeping your animals happy, healthy, and in your home for life, you've found your pack.
Hit play, and let’s get real about pets!

Send us a text
Love the show? Please share it with another pet parent who wants less chaos and more clarity. Please leave a 5-star review to help others find real-life, judgment-free advice.

🎧Get your free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Follow:
🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Big pet challenges we help pet parents solve include: puppy training, cat behavior, pet budgeting, stress-free vet visits, solutions for multi-pet households, and more.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro.
1 min
January 11, 2023 Why I Started This Podcast and Why It Was First Called Starlight Pet Talk
Every podcast starts somewhere, and this one began with a name that meant a lot to me. In this episode, I’m sharing the story behind the show, why it originally launched as Starlight Pet Talk, and how that name connected to my rescue work and the pets who shaped my mission.
My best friend, Bev Brooks, joins me as we talk about where this idea came from, the early days of the podcast, and why the purpose behind the show has stayed the same even as the name changed.
If you’re new to the podcast, this is the perfect place to start. You’ll learn what pushed me to create a space for real talk about life with pets, the heart behind the mission, and how you can be part of the community moving forward

Shoutouts in this episode:
Starlight Outreach and Rescue
Rockland County 4-H
Wildcare Cape Cod
Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.
Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.
Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.
Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday life with animals.
No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.
Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.
Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro
23 min