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.
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.
Nov. 14, 2023
Pet Sitter vs Boarding: How To Choose The Right Pet Care
Leaving town and trying to decide between dog boarding or cat boarding and a pet sitter? In this episode, Amy Castro and veterinarian Dr. Aresue Shokrollahi (aka Dr. Zoo) walk through the real pros and cons of both pet care options, so you can choose based on your pet’s personality, health needs, anxiety level, and the quality and accountability of care available. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • What planning matters either way (food, meds, routines, and house rules) • ...
Nov. 7, 2023
Bringing Your Pet for the Holidays? Don’t Be THAT Houseguest
Thinking about bringing your dog or cat to stay in someone else’s home — whether it’s the holidays, a weekend with the in-laws, or a family trip? Before you pack the food bowl and leash, listen to this episode first. Amy Castro teams up with master trainer Connie Archer from Barkbusters Home Dog Training in Houston to share practical, expert pet advice for making houseguest visits smoother for everyone involved. From managing pet behavior to cat care challenges in a new environment, you’ll learn...
Oct. 31, 2023
20 Rescue-Tested Pet Products We Swear By
Tired of Wasting Money on Pet Products That Don’t Work? If you’ve ever bought a pet bed your dog wouldn’t touch or a cleaner that didn’t stand a chance against cat pee, this episode is for you. In this episode, I’m sharing the top 20 must-have pet products that have made life at Starlight Outreach and Rescue easier and improved the lives of the pets we care for every day. These are the tried-and-true items we actually use, love, and recommend. 🎧 By the time you finish listening, you’ll discov...
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-won victories, Holly shares what it really takes to save lives, stay focused, and keep going when the work feels impossible. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How CAMO Rescue built a...
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 compassion, patience, and dedication come together to give a dog a second chance. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The turning point that brought Kaiser into rescue and what it took to...
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 dogs, cleaning kennels, or just pitching in at events, this heartfelt conversation will help you decide where you fit in. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What it’s actually like to...
Aug. 29, 2023
Your Dog Feels Your Stress, Here’s What To Do
Ever notice your dog acting anxious, reactive, or unsettled, even when nothing obvious is happening? Chances are, they’re picking up on you. Your dog isn’t just responding to your commands or routines. They’re reading your body language, breathing patterns, tension, and emotional state constantly. When you’re stressed, rushed, or overwhelmed, that energy shows up in your dog’s behavior, whether you realize it or not. In this episode, Amy sits down with Canine Partnered Energy Coach Mike Overl...
Aug. 1, 2023
Living with the World’s Most Difficult Cat
Ever watched one of those TV shows about extreme cat behavior and thought, no way a real cat is actually like that? Well meet Cuzzy. In this episode, Amy sits down with her friend Bev to share the wild, wonderful, and often chaotic journey of living with a cat lovingly known as the World’s Most Difficult Cat. From escaping at every opportunity to refusing to play by the rules, Cuzzy isn’t your typical housecat. But through it all, Bev’s commitment to cat care that meets Cuzzy’s needs, not just ...
July 18, 2023
What Skipping Playtime Is Really Costing Your Pet
Ever wonder if your pet’s behavior problems could be solved with a toy? Most pet parents don’t realize that play and enrichment aren’t just fun extras—they’re essential to your pet’s mental and emotional health. When pets don’t get enough stimulation, they act out, get stressed, or even end up surrendered to shelters. In this episode, you’ll discover: How play impacts your pet’s brain and behaviorThe surprising link between toy selection and fewer training issuesSimple ways to prevent boredom...
July 11, 2023
Thinking About a Pet? 10 Questions to Ask First
Thinking about adding a pet to your life, but not sure if it is the right time or the right decision? Every year, pets end up surrendered because their humans rushed in without asking the tough questions first. Whether you are considering your very first pet or adding another to your household, this episode walks you through 10 essential questions that could save you from heartbreak and help ensure the pet you choose gets the forever home they deserve. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL...