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Pet Parenting And Lifestyle Episodes

Being a great pet parent isn’t just about vet visits and training sessions—it’s about creating a home and lifestyle where pets and people truly thrive together. These episodes explore the everyday challenges and joys of life with pets, from building routines that work to keeping your home clean, calm, and pet-friendly.

Topics included: balancing life with pets, home organization, cleaning and odor control, travel with pets, family and pet routines, mental enrichment, pet parent mindset, lifestyle tips.
May 16, 2023

Planning a road trip with your pets? Worried about how to make it safe, fun, and enjoyable? In this episode, Amy chats with pet travel expert Amy Burkert, founder of GoPetFriendly.com, to bring you the ultimate guide to hitting the road with your furry co-pilot. Whether you’re traveling cross-country or just heading out for a weekend getaway, these tips will save your sanity. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How to prepare your pet physically and mentally for road travelWhat...

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May 2, 2023

Ever heard someone say they “had to” give up their pet because they had a baby or were moving? Let’s unpack that. In this episode, Amy teams up with fellow pet podcaster and dog training expert Jessica L. Fischer to confront ...

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April 18, 2023

Think adopting a senior dog is just “too sad”? You’re not alone. Many people avoid older dogs because of fears about health, longevity, or heartbreak. But what if you’re missing out on one of the most rewarding pet experience...

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April 4, 2023

Ever wonder if you could be a foster hero? Fostering isn’t just about temporarily housing an animal - it’s about giving them a second chance. But it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to make a difference, even if you’re n...

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March 28, 2023

Think all dogs with vests are legit service animals? Think again. In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with disability experts Elisa Hayes and Donna Mack to break down the facts—and fiction—surrounding service dogs. Together...

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March 14, 2023

What happens when your life needs a second act -- and your dog leads the way? In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Joyce A. Miller, who transformed herself from a mechanical designer into an author and freestyle dog dancer after adopting retired racing Greyhounds. Joyce shares the emotional highs and lows of Greyhound rescue, the myths every pet parent should know about racing dogs, and how life with pets can inspire reinvention you never expected. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YO...

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Feb. 28, 2023

Ever feel like something’s lost in translation at the vet’s office? Veterinary social workers may be the solution you didn’t know existed. In this episode, Amy speaks with Emily Carveth, LCSW, to explore how these professionals support both pet parents and veterinary teams, especially in high-stress or emotional situations. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What veterinary social workers do and why they’re essential to modern pet careThe emotional toll veterinary staff face d...

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Feb. 21, 2023

What Is Your Pet Trying to Tell You—And Are You Listening? What if your pet’s “bad” or unwanted behavior isn’t bad at all... but a message you’re missing? Most pet parents unknowingly send mixed signals to their animals, then feel frustrated when the problems persist. Whether it’s barking, hiding, nipping, or peeing outside the litter box, your pet may be trying to tell you something important—and you might not even realize it. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The most commo...

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Feb. 14, 2023

What really drives someone to choose a specific breed? And what happens when that desire bumps into reality? In this heartfelt episode, Amy chats with speaker and leadership coach Laurie Hall about her journey from planning t...

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Feb. 14, 2023

What No One Tells You About Losing a Pet Do you feel like you're already grieving your pet… even though they're still here? That heartbreak has a name and in this episode, you’ll learn how anticipatory grief affects both you and your pet, and why it’s one of the most misunderstood parts of pet loss. Whether you're nearing the end of your pet's life or supporting someone who is, this conversation with grief expert Nancy Gordon, LCSW, will help you prepare emotionally, avoid guilt, and find pea...

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