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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.
Special-Needs Pet Care: The Reality and the Reward
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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Dog Owner Etiquette: Big Mistakes Everyone Notices
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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Resource Guarding: Why It Gets Worse Fast
Feb. 27, 2024

Resource Guarding: Why It Gets Worse Fast

Is your dog growling over food, toys, the couch, or even you? Resource guarding usually doesn’t start as a big, dramatic moment; it starts small, and most pet parents miss the early red flags until it escalates. Then the inte...

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From Intake to Adoption: A Rescue Cat’s Journey
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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From Intake to Adoption: A Rescue Dog’s Journey
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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Thinking About Getting a Bunny? What No One Warns You About
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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5 Pet Needs Most Homes Miss, The Next Level (Part 2)
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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5 Pet Needs Most Homes Miss, The Basics (Part 1)
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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10 Pet Parent Habits for a Healthier, Happier Year
Jan. 16, 2024

10 Pet Parent Habits for a Healthier, Happier Year

Want to be a better pet parent this year—but not sure where to start? In this playful and practical kickoff to Season 2, Amy Castro and Bev share 10 powerful resolutions every pet parent should consider. Whether you’ve made your list or need a few fresh ideas, this episode offers simple, meaningful…

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