Want to help your pet feel better, heal faster, and trust you more? Most pet parents have no idea that massage therapy can improve everything from joint pain to anxiety. In this episode, I sit down with certified canine massage therapist Blanca Rodriguez to explore the power of pet massage and how it can boost your pet’s quality of life. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How massage therapy supports pain relief, trust, and emotional regulationSimple ways to create a calm, saf...
Ever wonder who helps train the dogs that change lives for people who are blind? Most people don’t realize that before a guide dog is matched with their handler, there’s a volunteer family behind the scenes laying the foundation for that dog’s success. In this episode, you’ll meet two longtime puppy raisers and a guide dog recipient as they share what it really takes to raise a future guide dog—and how you can help, too. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • How guide dog pupp...
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 befo...
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 conflict—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 reso...
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 rescueThe medical, emotional, and behavio...
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 behavior, often go overlooked but have the greatest impact on your pet’s quality of life. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why social connection (or solitude) matters depending on...
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 tackle the first three of the five legally recognized animal welfare needs and how they apply to everyday pet parenting. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What “proper nutrition” really...
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...
What makes a service dog a lifeline for veterans and first responders? In this powerful episode, Amy Castro is joined by Joe Gionti, CEO of K9 Heroes 4 Heroes, to explore how service dogs are changing lives for trauma survivors. From PTSD to physical injury, these dogs are trained to support and empower those who’ve served on the front lines—without charging them a penny. Joe shares what makes the match between dog and recipient so important, how K9 Heroes 4 Heroes selects and trains its dogs...
Ever wondered if your dog has what it takes to become a therapy dog? In this uplifting episode, Amy Castro sits down with Sandy Weaver, a therapy dog expert and professional trainer, to unpack what really goes into therapy dog work. From how dogs are chosen and trained, to the powerful emotional connections they build, you’ll learn what it takes to be part of this life-changing work—for both dogs and their humans. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What makes a great therapy d...