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Muddy Paws and Hairballs Blog

June 24, 2024

Resolving Unwanted Cat Behaviors

Dealing with unwanted cat behaviors can be a real headache for cat owners. From litterbox mishaps to furniture scratching, it's easy to feel frustrated and overwhelmed. However, it's crucial to remember that our feline friends aren't acting out of s…

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May 27, 2024

Nutrition and Pet Health: The Basics

Introduction As pet parents, we want the best for our furry companions. Ensuring their well-being extends beyond providing food and shelter; it also involves understanding their nutritional needs and making informed choices about their diet. This b…

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May 27, 2024

Essential Packing List for Road Trips with Pets

Introduction Planning a road trip with your beloved pet can be an adventure filled with joy, but it's essential to ensure you have everything packed to provide for their comfort and safety throughout the journey. Whether you're planning a weekend g…

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April 26, 2024

Nonverbal Communication: The Key to Clarity with Your Pet

Just like we humans rely on subtle cues to express ourselves, our pets have their own way of communicating through body language, tones, and vibes. Diving into this world of unspoken language can truly deepen our connection with our furry pals. Und…

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April 14, 2024

Dog Etiquette 101 for You and Your Pup

So, you've got a furry friend by your side, but sometimes their behavior can be a bit... wild, right? As responsible pet owners, it's on us to make sure our pups know how to act in different situations. That's where mastering dog etiquette comes in.…

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Jan. 1, 2024

Top 10 New Year's Resolutions for Pet Parents

Whether you're a seasoned pet owner or a newcomer to the world of pet parenthood, these resolutions will guide you toward ensuring the health, happiness, and well-being of your pets in the year ahead. 1. Regular Veterinary Checkups: Schedule annual…

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Dec. 5, 2023

Wake Up Call: Why Your Pet Deserves Insurance and Your Daily Latte Can Wait

Today, I'm here to dish out some real talk about a topic that's close to my heart: pet insurance. Now, I know what you're thinking – "Why do I need insurance for my fur baby? I spoil them rotten already!" But trust me, when it comes to safegua…

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Nov. 28, 2023

The Lifesaving Importance of Microchipping Your Pets

As pet owners, we all want to keep our furry friends safe and sound, right? That's why I want to talk to you about something super important: microchipping your pets. It's a simple step that can make a huge difference in keeping your beloved compani…

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Oct. 31, 2023

Top 20 Favorite Pet Products from the Starlight Outreach and Rescue Ranch

Otoban - General Purpose Cleaner Ideal for disinfecting and killing germs. Great laundry additive for eliminating odors. Cost-effective and comes in a concentrate. Nature's Miracle Urine Destroyer Plus Specifically designed for ca…

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Sept. 5, 2023

The Many Rewards of Volunteering in Animal Rescue

I'm Amy Castro, your host, and today I want to shed light on the incredible benefits of volunteering in animal rescue. Whether you choose to volunteer with a local rescue or a shelter, the rewards are immeasurable. 1. Making a Real Difference Volu…

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July 11, 2023

Top 10 Crucial Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a New Pet

If you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your life, it's essential to pause and reflect on a few key questions. Here's a breakdown of the top 10 questions that will guide you in making a well-informed decision a…

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May 24, 2023

Changing the Narrative of Pet Loss: A Focus on Empowerment

Changing the Narrative of Pet Loss: A Focus on Empowerment Losing a beloved pet hits hard. It's a deep sadness that can cloud all the wonderful memories you've shared. But there's a way to deal with it that can turn things around: changing how you …

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April 11, 2023

Managing Unwanted Cat Behaviors: A Compassionate Approach

Introduction: Understanding Unwanted Cat Behaviors Unwanted cat behaviors, such as litterbox issues and scratching, can be frustrating for both cats and their owners. However, it's important to remember that these behaviors are not meant to be mali…

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March 14, 2023

How Pet Parents Can Support Veterinary Staff

Introduction Veterinary professionals are essential to the well-being of our pets, but they often face significant mental health challenges due to the demanding nature of their work. As pet parents, we can play a vital role in supporting the wellne…

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Feb. 14, 2023

Optimizing Your Pet's Nutrition for a Long, Happy Life - with Kat Donatello, Founder, Austin and Kat

Pet owners want their furry friends to be happy and healthy, and one of the most important ways to achieve that is through proper nutrition. While there are many high-quality pet foods available, it's important to remember that no single food can me…

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Feb. 14, 2023

An Adopters Journey: From Shopping to Adopting

Early in season 1, I interviewed my friend Laurie Hall about her experience going from considering purchasing a dog to adopting one from our rescue. Although there are pros and cons to each choice, I always ask people to at least consider adopting b…

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Jan. 11, 2023

Welcome to Starlight Pet Talk: A Warm Welcome and Pet Parenting Insights

  Welcome to the Starlight Pet Talk Podcast! In Season 1 Episode 0, host Amy Castro and her best friend Bev Brooks kick off the podcast by introducing themselves and their backgrounds. As lifelong animal lovers, they share their experiences wi…

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