What if the no-kill movement isn’t saving animals but failing them?

It promised to end unnecessary euthanasia and revolutionize sheltering. But behind the glowing stats and feel-good slogans lies a much messier reality, one most people don’t want to talk about.

In this episode, I sit down with animal welfare expert Daniel Ettinger to expose the unintended consequences of chasing a 90 percent live release rate. From shelters closing their doors to avoid euthanasia to animals being warehoused for years, the system is cracking and those of us on the ground are feeling the weight.

As a longtime rescuer, I’ve seen firsthand how “no-kill” often means no space, no support, and no plan. Daniel introduces a better framework: SMART (Saving More Animals Responsibly Together), a humane, community-based approach rooted in transparency, responsible care, and real solutions.

🎧 By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover:

• Why the 90 percent benchmark is doing more harm than good
• How “saving” animals can sometimes mean compromising their quality of life
• What the SMART approach offers that no-kill doesn't, and how you can help

If you’ve ever felt uneasy about what’s happening behind the scenes in animal rescue, this episode will make you feel seen and give you hope for a more honest path forward.

 PS: You might hear us call the show Muddy Paws and Hairballs. That was our old name. Now we’re focused on helping you—the pet parent—not just your pets. You’re in the right place. 

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

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

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

When Saving Animals Almost Broke Me

What happens when the thing you love the most is the very thing that pushes you past your breaking point?

I found out in the middle of a hurricane—soaked, sobbing, and clinging to my barn while sick kittens cried in a barely secured shed. That was the moment I realized something had to change.

In this raw, unfiltered solo episode, I’m sharing the story I’ve kept quiet for too long. After fostering more than 4,000 animals, turning my property into a sanctuary, and running a rescue from the ground up, I hit a wall. The emotional toll, the sleepless nights, and the savior complex nearly cost me everything.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• Why saying yes to every animal can hurt more than it helps
• The hidden cost of rescue culture that no one talks about
• The moment I knew I had to step back—and how I’m rebuilding with purpose
• The simple boundaries that can keep you from burning out
• A preview of what’s next, including the truth about the no-kill movement and what SMART sheltering really looks like

If you’re in rescue and running on fumes—or if you love someone who is—this is the behind-the-scenes look you need. Because saving animals should never mean losing yourself.

🎧 Press play. Take a breath. And let’s talk about the part of rescue no one wants to admit.

PS: You might hear us call the show Muddy Paws and Hairballs. That was our old name. Now we’re focused on helping you—the pet parent—not just your pets. You’re in the right place.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

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

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Heartworm Truths Every Pet Owner Needs to Hear with Dr. Zoo

Think skipping heartworm prevention just this once is no big deal? It only takes one mosquito bite to change your pet’s life forever.

Heartworm disease is slow, painful, and completely preventable—yet pets still die from it every year. In this episode, Dr. Zoo shares two cases that prove why you can’t take the risk: a two-year-old German Shepherd in kidney failure after his owners stopped prevention, and a rescue terrier whose heart was so overrun with worms that euthanasia was the only option.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• Why heartworms don’t just damage the heart—they attack lungs, liver, and kidneys too
• The biggest myths about prevention (and the one mistake that puts pets at risk in every season)
• How $5–$7 a month can save you thousands in treatment and spare your pet from weeks of painful recovery

If you’ve ever thought, “My pet stays indoors,” “It’s winter,” or “We don’t have mosquitoes,” this episode will change the way you think about prevention—for good.

🎧 Listen now and learn the truth that could save your pet’s life.

Shoutouts:
 American Heartworm Society
Family Animal Hospital of Friendswood

PS: You might hear us call the show Muddy Paws and Hairballs. That was our old name. Now we’re focused on helping you—the pet parent—not just your pets. You’re in the right place.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

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

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

What if feeding your pet meant you had to skip dinner yourself?

For thousands of families, that’s not a hypothetical—it’s a heartbreaking daily decision. And when the bills pile up, surrendering a beloved pet can feel like the only option left.

In this episode, I talk with Stacey LeBaron, founder of PAWSitive Pantry and host of The Community Cats Podcast, about how her team is tackling pet food insecurity and keeping pets in the homes where they’re loved. From distributing more than 140,000 pounds of food each year to partnering with shelters and food banks, Stacey shares exactly how they’re doing it—and how you can help too.

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

• The root causes of pet surrenders and how access to food can change everything
• How one nonprofit built a scalable model to distribute massive amounts of pet food
• Practical steps you can take in your own community to support pets and their people

This episode is proof that solving big problems doesn’t always require big budgets—it starts with people who care and take action. Whether you’re in rescue, animal welfare, or just want to help, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped.

CONNECT WITH STACEY LeBARON:
Instagram | pawsitivepantry.org

PS: If you hear us mention Muddy Paws and Hairballs, that was before we shifted our focus to what really matters: helping you thrive as a pet parent. Same host, sharper mission. 

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

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

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Did I wait too long? Did I do the right thing? What if I failed them?
If you’ve lost a beloved pet, you’ve probably asked yourself these same painful questions. Grief is hard enough, but guilt can make healing feel impossible.
I’ve been there too. When I had to say goodbye to our 34-year-old rescue horse, Cherokee, I was overwhelmed with guilt, even with decades of rescue experience behind me. If you’ve ever struggled with that same inner dialogue, you’re not alone.
In this episode, I sit down with grief experts Ken Dolan-DelVecchio and Nancy Saxton-Lopez, hosts of The Pet Loss Companion podcast and co-authors of The Pet Loss Companion book. We’re diving deep into the emotional minefield of guilt after pet loss and how to find peace again.

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

• Why guilt is a natural part of grieving and what helps us move through it
• How “perfect timing” is an illusion and why it always feels off
• What self-forgiveness really looks like and how to stop replaying what-ifs

If you’ve questioned your decisions after saying goodbye to a pet, this episode will help you take the first step toward healing. Grief is love with nowhere to go—and you don’t have to carry it alone.

CONNECT WITH KEN DOLAN-DELVECCHIO & NANCY SAXTON-LOPEZ

• Join Ken's Pet Loss and Healing Support Group
• The Pet Loss Companion Podcast
• The Pet Loss Companion Book

PS: If you hear us mention Muddy Paws and Hairballs, that was before we shifted our focus to what really matters: helping you thrive as a pet parent. Same host, sharper mission. 

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

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

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Think hairballs are just a normal part of life with cats? Think again.
If your cat is coughing up hairballs weekly or even monthly, it’s not just gross—it’s a red flag. Frequent hairballs can point to stress, food allergies, digestive issues, or even chronic illness.
In this episode, I talk with veterinarian Dr. Linda Atkins about what really causes hairballs, when to be concerned, and how to help your cat stay healthy from the inside out.

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

• Why healthy cats should only have hairballs a few times per year
• How stress, poor grooming, and hidden medical conditions can lead to excessive hairballs
• What you can do today to reduce hairballs and protect your cat’s health

Frequent vomiting, coughing, or excessive grooming aren’t quirks—they’re symptoms. Tune in and find out how to prevent hairballs the right way, support your cat’s digestion, and recognize when it’s time to see your vet.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. LINDA ATKINS:
www.valleycottageanimalhospital.com

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

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

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Is calling your pet your “fur baby” harmless fun or actually harmful to your pet’s well-being?
If you’ve ever wondered whether treating your pet like a child is helping or hurting them, you’re not alone. The truth is, humanizing pets isn’t the issue. Misunderstanding their needs is.
In this episode, I talk with veterinary psychiatrist Dr. Rachel Malamed about what it really means to build a healthy emotional bond with your pet. Together, we explore how to strike the right balance between love and leadership, and how to avoid unintentionally stressing your pet by treating them like a human.

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

• Why respecting your pet’s species-specific needs leads to better behavior and emotional health
• How to read your pet’s body language more accurately and avoid common misinterpretations
• What it looks like to truly enrich your pet’s life in ways that serve them, not just you

This episode will challenge how you view your role as a pet parent and help you build a more fulfilling relationship based on understanding, trust, and healthy boundaries.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. RACHEL MALAMED:
Website: www.behaviordogtor.com
Join the Pet Psychiatry Hub Pre-Launch Waitlist
Books: Decoding Your Cat | Decoding Your Dog
Visit the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Find her on: YouTube, Facebook, Support Group for Pet Parents

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

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

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Thinking about getting a dog? Hold that thought.
Too many rescue dog adoptions fail because people fall for a face or a story without understanding what they’re signing up for. Choosing the wrong dog, whether it's a rescue dog or not, can lead to frustration, heartbreak, and sometimes surrender.

In this episode, I talk with Pete Campione about how to avoid the biggest mistakes people make when bringing a dog into their lives. Whether you’re adopting a rescue dog, fostering, or buying from a breeder, this conversation will help you make the right decision for you and the dog.

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

• Why choosing a dog based on looks or pity is a setup for disappointment
• The kind of research and self-reflection that leads to successful adoptions
• How structure, routine, and reading a dog’s behavior make all the difference in the first 30 days

If this episode saves even one person from making the wrong choice for the wrong reasons, we’ve done our job. Tune in and help more dogs find homes where they truly belong.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PETE CAMPIONE:
Website and Book: www.ksk9.com

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

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

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Is your dog getting the right amount of exercise, or are they overdoing it without you realizing?
Whether your pup is high-energy, low-key, or somewhere in between, knowing how to safely meet their physical needs is crucial to keeping them healthy and pain-free. But most pet parents don’t know when to push their dog or when to let them rest.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Kelly Fishman, a veterinary sports medicine expert, about how to customize exercise for your dog’s breed, age, and lifestyle and how to spot the signs of overexertion before it leads to injury.

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

• How to gauge the right level of daily activity for your dog
• Red flags that your dog may be pushing too hard
• Simple strategies to protect joints, boost mobility, and keep dogs active through every stage of life

Dr. Fishman’s practical, prevention-focused advice will help you support your dog’s health from puppyhood to senior years, without burnout, boredom, or unnecessary injury.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. KELLY FISHMAN:
www.strutanimal.com

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Myos Pet Muscle Supplement

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

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

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro

Thinking about getting goats? Don’t let Instagram fool you.
Goat ownership isn’t just cute photos and fresh milk. It’s daily work, specific care, and a long-term commitment that catches a lot of new owners off guard.
In this episode, I talk with goat expert and homesteader Deborah Niemann, host of the For the Love of Goats podcast,  who pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to raise goats the right way. From fencing to vet care to the emotional lives of goats, she covers it all with honesty and experience.

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

• Why goats aren’t house pets and what you need to understand about their behavior
• The real cost and complexity of goat nutrition, health care, and housing
• The biggest mistakes new goat owners make and how to avoid them

If you’ve ever dreamed of goats, fresh milk, or farm life, this episode will help you decide if it’s the right move—or a messy mistake.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DEBORAH NIEMANN:
Website: Thrifty Homesteader
Book: Deborah’s book on Amazon
Podcast: For the Love of Goats on Apple Podcasts

PS: If you hear us mention Muddy Paws and Hairballs, that was before we shifted our focus to what really matters: helping you thrive as a pet parent. Same host, sharper mission. 

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with a pet parent living with chaos and leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet parent advice they need.

Get our free guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Please support the show here!

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

Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real problems with practical pet care advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money on pet food at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easier, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households running smoothly. We also share expert tips for pet budgeting, managing dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and keeping your home clean with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need, so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 by Amy Castro