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 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

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 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 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 cat care hacks 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 add to your cat care routine 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 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 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 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

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

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 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 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 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

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 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

Would you know how to save your pet if they started choking or collapsed from heatstroke?
Pet emergencies can happen in seconds, and knowing what to do could be the difference between life and death, especially before you can get to your vet or an emergency vet. Most pet parents aren’t prepared and that’s exactly what this episode aims to change.

 I’m joined by Arden Moore, a master-certified pet first aid and CPR instructor, award-winning author, and host of Oh Behave and Four-Legged Life. She shares the lifesaving skills every pet owner needs to know.

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

• How to recognize common emergencies like choking, heatstroke, and trauma
• Simple first aid techniques that can stabilize your pet until you reach the vet or emergency vet
• What to include in your pet first aid kit and how to use it effectively

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who lives with pets. Because when emergencies happen, panic is not a plan.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Pet First Aid for You – Arden’s courses, certifications, and recommended kits
• ASPCA Poison Control – 24/7 emergency hotline
• Pet Poison Helpline – Toxicology support for pet emergencies
• Shop Arden’s Pet First Aid Kits

ARDEN MOORE’S PODCASTS:

• Oh Behave on Pet Life Radio
• Four-Legged Life

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 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

Worried your cat will freak out in the car? You’re not alone.
Whether you’re planning a move or just need to get your cat to the vet without a meltdown, cat travel can feel overwhelming. But with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be.
In this episode, I talk with Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist LeeAnna Buis about cat care and how to reduce anxiety and set your cat up for success before, during, and after the ride.

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

• How to help your cat feel calm in their carrier and the car
• What to pack for a safe, smooth road trip with one or more cats
• Simple ways to avoid behavior issues and keep travel low-stress

If you’ve been putting off a trip because of your cat’s stress, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to hit the road with peace of mind.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LEEANNA BUIS:
www.felinebehaviorsolutions.com

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• PreventiveVet.com – Checklists and travel resources
• DaBird Toy – The cat toy mentioned in the episode

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 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

Bonus Episode From the Vault: The #1 Most Downloaded Episode of 2024!
While we’re on a break until Feb 4, we’re bringing back one of your all-time favorite episodes from 2024!

In this episode, holistic veterinarian Dr. Jeff Grognet emphasizes the critical importance of understanding pet vaccinations, including core and non-core vaccines, potential risks of over-vaccination, and tailored vaccination schedules based on pet age and lifestyle. This episode empowers pet owners to have informed discussions with veterinarians and advocate effectively for their pets' health and well-being.

Highlights:

• The significance of core vs. non-core vaccines
• Assessing the risks related to vaccinations, including allergies and adverse reactions
• Evaluating age and lifestyle factors in determining vaccine needs
• Understanding rabies vaccination protocols and legal requirements
• Exploring alternatives to traditional vaccination practices
• Guidance on how to communicate effectively with veterinarians
• Stressing the importance of informed consent and pet owners’ rights

Learn more about Dr. Jeff, his work, and his courses at 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