Ever heard someone say they “had to” give up their pet because they had a baby or were moving? Let’s unpack that.

In this episode, Amy teams up with fellow pet podcaster and dog training expert Jessica L. Fischer to confront the most common excuses people give when surrendering their pets. Together, they challenge the myths, explore what’s really behind these reasons, and offer a candid conversation about responsibility, compassion, and commitment in pet ownership.

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

• What’s often left unsaid behind common pet surrender reasons
• How to navigate life changes like babies, moves, and relationship splits without giving up your pet
• What responsible pet parenting actually looks like and why it matters more than ever

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to be part of the solution to the pet surrender crisis.

CONNECT WITH JESSICA L. FISCHER:
The Pet Parenting Reset Podcast
Listen on Apple Podcasts: Click here

The Furry Family Coach Training Course
Resource Guarding Mini-Course – Use code PODCAST for 50% off

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.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Ready to open your heart and home to a shelter dog? There’s more to it than just picking the cutest pup.

In this episode, Amy Castro teams up with professional dog trainer Ricky Bedient, also known as That Dog Guy, to unpack the most important things you need to know before adopting a dog from a shelter. They break down common myths, explore what makes a good match, and share expert tips for setting your new pet, and your household, up for success.

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

• How to assess if a dog is truly the right fit for your lifestyle
• Why puppy adoption isn’t always the easiest or best route
• The role of family involvement and why preparation is everything

Whether you’re a first-time adopter or thinking about adding another pet to your pack, this episode is your roadmap to responsible adoption.

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.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Afraid to adopt a senior dog because it feels “too sad”? You’re not alone. Many people avoid older dogs because of fears about health, longevity, or heartbreak, but what if you’re missing out on one of the most rewarding pet experiences of your life?

 In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with Sherri Franklin, founder of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, to challenge the myths and highlight the real joy and relief that can come from adopting older dogs.
 BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
 • Why senior dogs are so often passed over and what shelters wish more adopters understood
 • How senior and hospice adoptions can create a deeply meaningful bond
 • How fostering and community support make it possible to save more older dogs

Whether you’ve never considered a senior dog or you already share your home with one, this conversation will help you see older dogs in a whole new way and might just nudge you toward opening your home to one more.
 

CONNECT WITH MUTTVILLE SENIOR DOG RESCUE:
Website: https://muttville.org 

Instagram & Facebook: @muttvillesf 

CONNECT WITH MUTTVILLE SENIOR DOG RESCUE:
Website: https://muttville.org
Instagram & Facebook: @muttvillesf

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Starlight Outreach and Rescue: https://starlightoutreachandrescue.org
• Family Animal Hospital of Friendswood: https://familyahfriendswood.com

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.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Is Your Pet’s Food Helping or Hurting Their Health?

With nearly 900 pet food brands on the market, how are you supposed to know what’s actually good for your pet?

In this episode, I’m joined by holistic veterinarian Dr. Jeff Grognet to cut through the confusion and give you real answers about pet nutrition. We talk about the truth behind pet obesity, why so many foods are loaded with hidden carbs, and the most common myths pet parents believe about what’s “healthy.”

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

• How to recognize what’s really in your pet’s food
• Why many “healthy” diets are secretly fueling weight gain and disease
• Practical steps for feeding your dog or cat a more balanced, holistic diet

This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you make smarter food choices and support your pet’s long-term health. To learn more, visit www.newearthvet.com.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Ever wonder if you could be a foster hero?
Fostering isn’t just about temporarily housing an animal - it’s about giving them a second chance. But it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to make a difference, even if you’re not ready for a permanent pet.

In this inspiring episode, Amy Castro sits down with animal advocate Nora Burns to explore the life-saving power of pet fostering and why it’s easier (and more fulfilling) than you might think.

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

• How fostering helps rescue organizations save more lives
• What to expect as a first-time foster—and how to get started
• Why fostering changes the lives of animals and the people who take them in

If you’ve ever said “I’d love to help, but I can’t adopt,” this episode will show you a whole new way to open your heart—and your home.

LEARN MORE FROM AMY CASTRO:
Website: https://amycastro.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/amycastro

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Starlight Outreach and Rescue: https://starlightoutreachandrescue.org
Meet Gigi the rescue puppy: Gigi the rescue puppy! (see picture here!)

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.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Think all dogs with vests are legit service animals? Think again.
In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with disability experts Elisa Hayes and Donna Mack to break down the facts—and fiction—surrounding service dogs.

Together, they explore the real legal definitions under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the responsibilities of handlers, and what happens when people abuse the system.

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

• What truly qualifies a dog as a service animal under ADA guidelines
• The difference between service dogs, emotional support animals, and therapy dogs
• How fake service animals create real problems for those who rely on legitimate ones

Whether you're a business owner, pet parent, or simply curious about the truth, this episode sheds light on a topic that's often misunderstood—and misrepresented.

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
EMBARK Dog DNA Tests

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.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

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.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

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.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

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.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

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.

Support the show

Love the show? Share it with someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.

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

Pet parenting gets overwhelming fast, especially with behavior issues, rising costs, and conflicting advice. This show gives you pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use right away.

Each week brings clear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We also tackle issues like cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, hidden hazards, and how to stay ahead of the everyday problems that create stress for pets and their people.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical tools that save money and help you enjoy a calmer home and life with pets.

Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro