Worried about keeping your pets safe during the warmer months?

From allergies and pests to heatstroke and toxic plants, spring and summer bring a new set of challenges for pet parents.

In this episode, Amy is joined by Dr. Zoo from Family Animal Hospital to share essential seasonal safety tips that every dog or cat owner needs to hear.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• How to protect your pet from seasonal allergies, pests, and plant toxins
• Simple ways to keep your pet cool, hydrated, and safe outdoors
• What to clean, pack, and prep so you're ready for anything—at home or on the go

This episode is your go-to seasonal checklist for a safe, stress-free spring and summer with your pets.

CONNECT WITH DR. ZOO:
Facebook | www.familyanimalhospitaltx.com

LEARN MORE FROM AMY CASTRO:
Facebook | www.starlightoutreachandrescue.org

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Pet Poison Helpline | www.petpoisonhelpline.com

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

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

Facing the end of your pet’s life and unsure how to make it peaceful and meaningful?

Many pet parents struggle with how to honor their pet’s final chapter while navigating guilt, fear, and overwhelming grief.

In this episode, Amy talks with Dr. Mary Gardner from Lap of Love about how in-home hospice and euthanasia services can transform this emotional time into one of comfort, dignity, and love.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• How in-home euthanasia offers a peaceful, familiar environment for pets
• What anticipatory grief looks like and how to manage those emotions
• Why it's okay to feel relief after your pet passes—and how to let go of guilt

This heartfelt conversation will help you feel less alone, more empowered, and supported in making the most compassionate choices when the time comes.

CONNECT WITH DR. MARY GARDNER:
Website | www.drmarygardner.com
Lap of Love | www.lapoflove.com

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Dog Life Quality Assessment: https://www.lapoflove.com/Quality-of-Life/Quality-of-Life-Scoring-Tool
• Cat Life Quality Assessment: https://www.lapoflove.com/Quality-of-Life/Cat-Quality-of-Life-Scale
• Pet Loss Book – I Miss You Already by Nancy Gordon: https://www.amazon.com/Miss-You-Already-Unbearable-Loss/dp/1734642806
• Quality of Life Video for Pet Parents: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfN2GuVKO-c

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

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

Not sure what to do when you stumble on a litter of kittens?

Every spring, well-meaning people rush to “rescue” kittens they stumble across who may not need saving.

In this episode, Amy breaks down what you need to know before stepping in—so you don’t accidentally do more harm than good.

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

• How to assess if the kittens are healthy or in danger
• Simple ways to tell if the mother cat is still caring for them
• What signs indicate it’s time to intervene—and when to leave them alone

If you’ve ever found a litter and didn’t know what to do, this episode gives you the confidence to act responsibly and compassionately.

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Kitten Age Chart – KittenLady.org

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

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 wish you had more meaningful photos of your pet—especially in their final days?

Too often, we wait until it’s too late. And when the end comes, we’re left with blurry snapshots and fading memories.

In this powerful episode, I talk with Angela Schneider of Big White Dog Photography and One Last Network about the emotional impact of end-of-life pet photography and why it matters more than most people realize.

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

• How end-of-life photography helps honor and preserve the bond you share with your pet
• Why professional pet photographers capture so much more than just an image
• The comfort and closure this kind of tribute can offer during times of grief

If you’ve ever loved and lost a pet, this episode will open your heart to a new way of celebrating their legacy.

CONNECT WITH ANGELA SCHNEIDER
Instagram | https://bigwhitedogphotography.com/
Podcast + Pet Loss Resources | https://onelastnetwork.com/

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

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 what life looks like when your pet gets a serious diagnosis?

Caring for a pet with special needs can be incredibly rewarding—but also overwhelming, isolating, and financially draining.

In this episode, I talk with pet podcaster Julie Marty Pearson about her journey with her diabetic cat, Charlie, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with managing long-term pet illness.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• What daily life is really like for pet parents managing chronic illness
• How to recognize subtle signs that your pet may be struggling
• Why some families consider rehoming and what that means for shelters

This one’s for anyone who's ever loved a pet through tough times—or is doing it right now.

CONNECT WITH JULIE MARTY PEARSON
Instagram: @storyofmypetpodcast | Website: www.podcastyourstorynow.com

LEARN MORE FROM AMY CASTRO:
Facebook: @AmyCastroSpeaker | Website: www.amycastro.com

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
The Story of My Pet Podcast

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

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 to working dogs after their service ends?

Most people don’t think about what happens to military and police dogs once they’re retired, but they deserve love, care, and sometimes, a reunion with the person they trusted most.

In this episode, I talk with Kristen Maurer from Mission K9 Rescue about how her team helps these canine heroes find peace, purpose, and permanent homes.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
• How retired working dogs adjust to life after service
• Why reunions between dogs and former handlers are so emotionally powerful
• How you can support these heroes in their second chapter of life

This episode will leave you inspired, moved, and ready to take action for the dogs who’ve already given us so much.

CONNECT WITH KRISTEN MAURER
Website: https://missionk9rescue.org

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Donate to Mission K9 Rescue

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

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

Tired of chaotic encounters with unruly dogs in public spaces?

Bringing your dog out in public shouldn’t feel like you’re bracing for battle. But without clear rules, training, and awareness, even a simple walk can turn into a mess of pulling, barking, and awkward run-ins.

This episode breaks down how to build better dog etiquette, so you and your pup can navigate the world with confidence and calm.

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

• How to decode your dog’s body language before things escalate
• What to know about breed-specific behaviors and unique quirks
• The unwritten rules every dog owner should follow in public

If you’ve ever wished your dog could just “act right” at the park, vet, or coffee shop patio, this episode is your go-to guide for respectful, well-behaved outings.

CONNECT WITH NANCY HASSEL
Instagram | American Pet Professionals

LEARN MORE FROM AMY CASTRO:
Facebook | www.starlightoutreachandrescue.org

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
American Pet Professionals

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

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 suddenly growling over food, toys, or even you?

Many pet parents miss the early red flags of resource guarding until it turns into full-blown dog aggression and the advice they get from friends or online groups often makes things worse. If you’ve ever felt anxious when your dog “guards” something, this episode will help you understand why it happens and what you can do to prevent it from escalating.

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

•  How to spot the subtle signs of resource guarding before they spiral
•  Why some dogs develop guarding behavior  or in the first place
•  What to do, and what to avoid, when you see signs of dog aggression or your dog guards food, toys, or people

CONNECT WITH WILL BANGURA
Website: dogbehaviorist.com
Training: phoenixdogtraining.com

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Phoenix Dog Training
DogBehaviorist.com

Need a safe and reliable crate for your dog? Check out Impact Dog Crates - built to last a lifetime.

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 what life is really like for a cat in a rescue or shelter?

In this behind-the-scenes episode, Amy Castro takes you through a day in the life of a rescue cat—from the moment they arrive to the moment they’re ready for a forever home. You’ll get an inside look at the challenges, the heartwarming milestones, and everything it takes to prepare these cats for adoption.

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

• What rescue cats experience from intake to adoption day
• How behavior is assessed and how profiles are written to help them stand out
• Stories of transformation that prove what love and patience can do

CONNECT WITH AMY CASTRO
Website: amycastro.com

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Starlight Outreach and Rescue

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’s it really like for a dog living in a rescue or shelter?

In this eye-opening episode, Amy Castro is joined by Donna Ball of Ranger’s Reach to reveal what life is like for dogs inside a rescue—from intake and daily care to rehabilitation and adoption prep. You’ll hear the real, unfiltered stories of dogs working their way toward a second chance.

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

• What a typical day looks like for a dog living in a rescue
• The medical, emotional, and behavioral support these dogs receive
• How community support, fostering, and volunteering make life better for dogs in care

CONNECT WITH RANGER’S REACH
Website: rangersreach.org

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Starlight Outreach and Rescue

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