Episodes

Want your town or workplace to be more dog-friendly? Here’s how to make it happen. In this episode, I talk with Beth Miller, founder of Wagtown Consulting, about what it really takes to build communities that welcome and support dogs—and the people who love them. Beth shares her mission to transform neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces into more inclusive, dog-centric environments with lasting impact. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What defines a truly dog-friendly commun...

Think you’re ready to adopt a pet? You might want to double-check. In this candid episode, Amy breaks down 10 common reasons adoption applications get denied, and most people have no idea they’re raising concerns. Drawing from 15 years in rescue and sheltering, Amy shares the subtle signals that make a rescue pause. These aren’t the obvious deal-breakers like animal hoarding or a history of abuse. This is the stuff well-meaning adopters accidentally say or do that screams, “This might not be th...

Thinking about having your dog or cat walk down the aisle on your big day? Many couples dream of including their pets in their wedding without realizing just how much planning it takes to keep everyone calm, safe, and comfortable. This episode breaks it all down—from what roles pets can realistically play to how to decide whether it's even a good idea for your particular pet. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: ✔️ What to consider before letting your pet be part of your c...

If disaster strikes, would you know how to protect your pets? Too many pet parents wait until it’s too late to make a plan. Whether it’s a wildfire, hurricane, or sudden evacuation, your pet’s safety depends on your preparedness. In this episode, Amy talks with Roxana Petzold from the American Red Cross to break down exactly what you need to do to prepare your pets before an emergency happens. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: ✔️ What to pack in a pet emergency go-bag &...

Are you pregnant and wondering how your dog will handle the change? A lot of pet parents wait until the baby is home to “see how it goes,” and that’s when stress and behavior issues show up fast. This episode is about what to do now, while you still have time, so your dog feels steady, not blindsided, when life changes overnight. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️ Why the biggest problem is often mixed signals between adults, not a “bad dog” ✔️ The early stress sig...

Ever notice your pet act weird when you’re stressed, angry, or frazzled, even when you never said a word? That’s not in your head. Your emotions can change the whole energy in your house, and your pets respond to it fast. In this episode, Amy sits down with HeartMath resilience trainer and equine-facilitated coach Amy Budd to break down why your pet “catches” your nervous system, how we accidentally create more reactivity, and the simple reset that helps you calm yourself so your pet can calm d...

Confused about which vaccines your pet really needs? You’re not alone. With conflicting advice and growing concerns about side effects, making informed decisions around pet vaccinations can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I’m joined by veterinarian and author Dr. Jeff Grognet, who breaks down what core and non-core vaccines actually do, what risks you should consider, and how to customize a vaccine schedule that fits your pet—not a one-size-fits-all plan. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, ...

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 episode, I’m joined by Gia Kondakor, director of Pet Loss Services at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, to talk about what happens after a pet dies and the choices you have to honor them with care and dignity. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The differences be...

What does it really take to turn your passion for pets into a thriving business? A lot of people dive in headfirst, only to find out too late that love for animals isn’t enough. In this episode, I talk with Eliza Burr, a seasoned pet business coach and host of Off the Leash with the Pet Business Coach, about what most aspiring pet entrepreneurs get wrong—and how to set yourself up for success. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Common myths and mindset traps that keep new pet b...

What if your pet isn’t “just company,” but part of a healthier, more stable life? In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Lindsey Braun, VP of Research and Operations at the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), the nonprofit funding millions of dollars in research on how pets shape our bodies, our stress response, and our communities. This conversation goes beyond feel-good stories. You’ll hear what the science actually shows, why that evidence matters, and how it’s being used to push fo...