What makes a community celebration truly unforgettable? Love—and pets.
In this episode, I talk with Father Justin Briggle of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church about the story behind Harvest PawFest, a joyful festival created to honor the deep bond between pets and their people.
Originally an Oktoberfest-style event, Harvest PawFest has grown into a heartwarming community tradition centered on animal blessings, family fun, and the unique connection we share with our pets.

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

• How one local event became a meaningful celebration of animals and togetherness
• The planning, stories, and surprises behind pet blessings—from dogs to hedgehogs
• Why community events like this create stronger bonds between people and pets

This episode is filled with warmth, laughter, and thoughtful moments that will make you appreciate the role pets play in connecting us all. Whether you're an animal lover or a community builder, you’ll walk away inspired.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HARVEST PAWFEST:
Harvest PawFest on Facebook

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

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

Could your pet’s toys, bowls, or containers be quietly harming their health?
In this episode, I talk with Aidan Charron from EarthDay.org about the alarming findings in the Pets vs Plastics report—and what every pet parent needs to know. From cancer-linked chemicals to industry blind spots, this conversation sheds light on the hidden dangers of plastics in pet products and how you can protect the animals you love.

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

• What chemicals like BPA and phthalates are doing to your pets
• Why the pet product industry is largely unregulated when it comes to safety
• Practical steps you can take to reduce plastic exposure in your home

You’ll also learn how your purchasing power can influence positive change and how international efforts to reduce plastic waste could reshape the pet care industry.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Read the Pets vs Plastics Report – EarthDay.org
• TruthAboutPetFood.org – Learn what’s really in your pet’s food

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

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 happens to a pet when their military family is suddenly deployed?
In this episode, I talk with Alisa Sieber-Johnson, co-founder of Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that connects military members and first responders with volunteer pet boarders across the country.
Born out of her own experience as a dual-military family with no options for pet care, Alisa turned a personal challenge into a national movement—ensuring no pet has to be surrendered due to deployment.

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

• How Dogs on Deployment supports military families through fostering and financial aid
• Why volunteers are the heart of the program—and how you can help
• The inspiring story of a Marine pilot turned passionate pet foster

This episode is a powerful reminder of how community, compassion, and smart systems can come together to protect the human–animal bond, even in the most uncertain circumstances.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DOGS ON DEPLOYMENT:
Website: www.dogsondeployment.org
Facebook: DogsonDeployment
X: @DogsonDeploymnt
Instagram: @dogsondeployment

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

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 helping animals could also grow your business?
In this special crossover episode, I’m interviewed by Eliza Burr on Off the Leash with the Pet Business Coach. We dive into what makes a partnership between a pet business and an animal rescue not only possible, but powerful.
You’ll hear practical strategies for building collaborations that serve both your mission and your bottom line—without sacrificing one for the other.

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

• How to approach rescues with a win-win partnership proposal
• Why alignment, professionalism, and formal agreements are critical
• How businesses and rescues can drive real impact through social media, events, and merchandise

Whether you're a petpreneur looking to stand out or a rescue leader ready to grow, this episode will show you how collaboration can fuel purpose, profit, and real change for animals in need.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Pet Business Coach – Coaching and services for pet-based entrepreneurs
• Starlight Outreach and Rescue

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

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 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.

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

Does your dog panic when you leave the house? You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck.
In this episode, I sit down with expert dog trainer Ruth Hegarty to break down one of the most misunderstood issues in dog behavior: separation anxiety. We cut through the myths, talk about what really helps, and give you practical steps you can start using today.

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

• How to tell the difference between true separation anxiety and other behavior issues
• Why early intervention matters more than you think
• Ruth’s proven techniques for creating a calming routine and building your dog’s confidence

Whether your dog is barking, pacing, destroying furniture, or simply miserable when you're gone, this episode will give you the insight and tools to help them feel more secure—and give you some peace of mind too.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RUTH HEGARTY:
Creature Good Dog Training

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED:

• EMBARK DNA Tests

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

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

Worried about the rising cost of caring for your pet? You’re not alone.
In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Wainberg, Senior VP of Synchrony Financial Services’ Pet Business, to talk about how pet parents can prepare for unexpected costs and avoid financial panic when their pets need care most. From budgeting strategies to understanding pet insurance and CareCredit, Jonathan shares practical, no-fluff advice to help you make smarter decisions for your pets and your wallet.

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

• What most pet parents don’t expect when it comes to healthcare costs
• How to budget for routine and emergency care
• Which tools, like insurance, credit lines, and nonprofit support, can ease financial pressure

You’ll also learn how breed-specific needs, vet relationships, and advance planning can help you stay ahead of costs and give your pet the care they deserve without unnecessary stress.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Read Synchrony’s Pet Lifetime of Care Study

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

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 your pet’s health problems aren’t the real problem—but just the symptoms?
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Marlene Siegel, a leading voice in bioregulatory veterinary medicine. She shares her holistic, root-cause approach to extending your pet’s life and improving their day-to-day well-being. From food and water to detox and emotional health, Dr. Siegel’s five-step system challenges what most pet parents think they know about pet care.

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

• Why inflammation is often the real root of chronic disease
• How species-appropriate diets and clean water support long-term wellness
• What role toxins, environment, and emotional balance play in your pet’s health

If you’re tired of chasing symptoms and ready to take a more informed, preventive approach, this episode will help you start making changes that matter.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Learn more about Dr. Siegel: www.drmarlenesiegel.com
• Courses and free e-book: www.transformingvetmedicine.com

SPECIAL OFFER:
The first 10 people who purchase Dr. Siegel’s Pet Parent Course, post a photo of their receipt on Instagram, and tag @drmarlenesiegel using #starlight will receive a free 15-minute online consult.

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 a name that fits better.

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

You don’t even have to own a pet to benefit from one.
In this episode, I sit down with psychologist and communication coach Dr. Denise M. Dudley to explore the powerful ways pets improve our emotional and physical health. Whether you’re living with a dog, cat, or just spending time around animals, you’ll learn why their presence is more than comforting. It’s healing.

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

• How pets reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost mood
• Why pets are powerful tools against loneliness and isolation
• How animals help us build stronger social connections and spark creativity

From hormonal changes to meaningful companionship, this episode dives into the science and heart behind why animals make us feel more human.

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.

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

Tired of your dog barking nonstop, pulling on the leash, or chewing everything in sight?
In this episode, I’m joined by dog training expert Ruth Hegarty to break down the most common behavior problems pet parents face—and how to fix them using positive, effective methods. From recall issues to destructive chewing, Ruth shares practical strategies that work for real-life households.

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

• Why your dog pulls on the leash or barks excessively
• Simple ways to improve recall and reduce jumping or chewing
• How to make dog training part of your daily routine
• Why understanding your dog’s breed and personality makes all the difference

If your dog’s behavior is driving you up the wall, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on and how to turn things around—without stress or punishment.

LEARN MORE FROM RUTH HEGARTY:

• Dog Training Programs
• Free Resource Library

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.

LOOKING FOR A GREAT CRATE? I focused on benefits in this episode, but one of my top picks is Impact Dog Crates. They’re an investment, but built to last a lifetime of safety and security for your dog. 

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