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Animal Welfare And Industry Spotlights Episodes

Meet the people, rescues, and brands making a difference for animals everywhere. These episodes shine a light on inspiring stories, innovative ideas, and the organizations working to make life better for pets and the people who love them.

Topics included: animal rescue, fostering, adoption, nonprofit features, pet industry interviews, brand founders, expert guests.
Feb. 12, 2024

From Intake to Adoption: A Rescue Dog’s Journey

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 stor…

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Jan. 30, 2024

5 Pet Needs Most Homes Miss, The Next Level (Part 2)

Are you giving your pet everything they need to truly thrive? In Part 2 of our series with UK veterinarian and animal welfare advocate Dr. Emma Milne, Amy Castro explores the final two of the five legally recognized pet welfare needs. These last two, companionship and the ability to express natural…

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Jan. 23, 2024

5 Pet Needs Most Homes Miss, The Basics (Part 1)

Are you meeting all 5 of your pet’s welfare needs—or just the basics? In this powerful first episode of a two-part series, Amy Castro teams up with renowned UK veterinarian and animal welfare advocate Dr. Emma Milne to explore the often-overlooked foundations of pet care. In this episode, they tack…

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Dec. 14, 2023

Adopt Or Shop? Dog Show Judge Explains How To Choose Responsibly

Caught in the middle of the “Adopt Don’t Shop” debate? Here’s what you really need to know before getting your next dog. In this balanced and thought-provoking episode, Amy Castro sits down with AKC Judge and Siberian Husky e...

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Dec. 12, 2023

How Service Dogs Help Veterans and First Responders Heal

What makes a service dog a lifeline for veterans and first responders? What makes a service dog a lifeline for veterans and first responders? A lot of people assume service dogs are only for physical disabilities, but for trauma survivors, the right dog can change daily life in powerful, practical …

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Oct. 17, 2023

Pawlytics: How Lizz Whitacre Built Rescue Software to Save Lives

Can one woman’s passion for animals change how rescues operate? In this episode, Amy Castro interviews Lizz Whitacre, founder of Pawlytics, to uncover how a single rescue story grew into a mission-driven tech company. From saving her first dog to launching a platform used by rescues nationwide, Liz…

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Oct. 10, 2023

What It Really Takes to Run a Rescue: CAMO’s Story of Grit and Grace

Think you know what goes into starting and running a rescue? Think again. In this powerful episode, Amy Castro sits down with Holly Dool, president of CAMO Rescue in Texas, to reveal the behind-the-scenes reality of leading an animal rescue. From making heartbreaking decisions to celebrating hard-w…

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Sept. 26, 2023

Neglected to Thriving: Kaiser’s Unforgettable Rescue Story

What happens when a neglected dog finally finds someone who sees his worth? In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with Mayson Zimmermann to share the emotional journey of rescuing Kaiser, a neglected dog who defied the odds. From heartbreak to healing, this story showcases what’s possible when comp…

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Sept. 5, 2023

Want to Foster or Volunteer for Pets? What to Know First

Ever wonder if you could really make a difference in a rescue animal’s life? In this episode, Amy Castro shares what it’s like to volunteer with animal shelters and rescues—from the unexpected joys to the behind-the-scenes truths no one talks about. Whether you’ve thought about fostering, walking d…

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Aug. 22, 2023

Keeping Pets and People Together: The Mission of PAWS NY

What happens when pet owners face challenges so overwhelming they might have to give up the animals they love? In this powerful episode, Amy Castro sits down with Rachel Herman, founder of Paws NY, to explore how one nonprofi...

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