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Pet Care Basics Episodes

Every pet parent starts somewhere. These episodes cover the everyday essentials of caring for your dog, cat, or other pets—so you can build confidence, create healthy routines, and avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re a new pet parent or just want to refresh your knowledge, you’ll find simple, practical advice to keep your pets happy and healthy at home.

Topics included: feeding routines, grooming, litter box setup, crate training, cleaning and odor control, introducing new pets, daily care, and first-time pet parent tips.
May 28, 2024

When Your Pet Dies: Aftercare And Memorial Options

What do you do when the worst happens and your pet crosses the Rainbow Bridge? For many pet parents, navigating the grief and logistics of pet aftercare is overwhelming, especially if they’ve never faced it before. In this ep...

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April 16, 2024

Spring and Summer Pet Safety: The Risks Nobody Warned You About

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…

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April 9, 2024

The Hardest Goodbye: Why In-Home Euthanasia Is Kinder

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 hospic…

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April 2, 2024

Found A Litter Of Kittens? Here’s What To Do First

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 TIM…

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March 19, 2024

Special-Needs Pet Care: The Reality and the Reward

Ever wonder what life really looks like after your pet gets a serious diagnosis? A chronic illness like diabetes doesn’t just change your pet’s routine, it changes yours, every single day. And it can get overwhelming fast, em...

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March 5, 2024

Dog Owner Etiquette: Big Mistakes Everyone Notices

Ever feel like taking your dog out in public turns into chaos, side-eyes, and stress? Most “bad dog” moments are really people problems, like using too much leash, missing body language cues, or pushing a dog into situations they’re not ready for yet. In this episode, I talk with Nancy Hassel, foun…

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Feb. 27, 2024

Resource Guarding: What’s Making It Worse

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 a bigger problem, and the advice they get from friends or random online groups oft...

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Feb. 20, 2024

From Intake to Adoption: A Rescue Cat’s Journey

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 heart…

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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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Feb. 6, 2024

Thinking About Getting a Bunny? What No One Warns You About

Thinking about bringing home a bunny? Here’s what most people get wrong. In this eye-opening episode, Amy Castro speaks with Marcy Berman, founder of Save a Bunny Rabbit Rescue, to reveal the often misunderstood truth about rabbits as pets. From spaying and neutering to behavioral quirks, medical n…

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