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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.
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...
July 3, 2023

The #1 Mistake Ruining Your Pet Photos

Ever look at your pet in real life, then look at your photo and think… who is that gremlin? Most pet photos don’t turn out “bad” because your pet won’t cooperate, they turn out bad because of one fixable mistake people make without realizing it. In this episode, pro dog photographer and rescue advocate Mindy Dutka shares simple tweaks that instantly level up your photos, whether you’re snapping memories at home or trying to help a shelter pet get noticed fast. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENIN...
June 27, 2023

Before You Start An Animal Rescue: The Truth Nobody Tells You

Most people picture the happy endings, not the daily reality that can drain your time, your money, and your emotional bandwidth faster than you ever expected. In this episode, we’re talking about what it really takes to start and sustain an animal rescue, the messy parts people don’t post online, and the decisions you need to make before you take in your first animal. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • The biggest misconception that burns out new rescuers fast • The behind-th...
May 30, 2023

Working from Home? Stop Pets from Driving You Crazy

Ever try to lead a Zoom call while your dog is barking or your cat is walking across your keyboard? Remote work sounds like a dream, until your pets decide they're the boss. If you're tired of juggling deadlines and dog walks, this episode is for you. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How to structure your day to meet both your pets’ needs and your professional goalsWhat routines, boundaries, and backup plans work (and what doesn’t)Why flexibility and planning are your secret...
May 16, 2023

Road Trips With Pets: Avoid Vomit, Stress and Car Chaos

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...
May 2, 2023

Think You ‘Have To’ Rehome Your Pet? Try This First

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 the most common excuses people give when surrendering their pets. Together, they challenge the myths, explore what’s really behind these reasons, and offer a candid conversation about responsibility, compassion, and commitment in pet ownership. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTEN...
April 18, 2023

Afraid to Adopt a Senior Dog? Here’s What You’re Missing

Afraid to adopt a senior dog because it feels “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 experiences of your life? In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with Sherri Franklin, founder of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, to challenge the myths and highlight the real joy and relief that can come from adopting older dogs. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOV...