Episodes

Ever wonder what happens before a guide dog ever meets the person who needs them? Most people picture formal dog training, but the real foundation is built first by volunteer puppy raisers, the families who teach the basics, build confidence, and expose these pups to the real world. In this episode, you’ll hear from longtime puppy raisers Roxanne (and her husband Jim), now raising their 11th puppy, and Donna Mack, a guide dog handler and disability access leader, whose guide dog Wella has chang...

Worried about keeping your pets safe during the warmer months? From allergies and pests to heatstroke and toxic plants, spring and summer bring a new set of challenges for pet parents. In this episode, Amy is joined by Dr. Zoo from Family Animal Hospital to share essential seasonal safety tips that every dog or cat owner needs to hear. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • How to protect your pet from seasonal allergies, pests, and plant toxins • Simple ways to keep your pet ...

Facing the end of your pet’s life and unsure how to make it peaceful and meaningful? Many pet parents struggle with how to honor their pet’s final chapter while navigating guilt, fear, and overwhelming grief. In this episode, Amy talks with Dr. Mary Gardner from Lap of Love about how in-home hospice and euthanasia services can transform this emotional time into one of comfort, dignity, and love. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • How in-home euthanasia offers a peaceful, fa...

Not sure what to do when you stumble on a litter of kittens? Every spring, well-meaning people rush to “rescue” kittens they stumble across who may not need saving. In this episode, Amy breaks down what you need to know before stepping in—so you don’t accidentally do more harm than good. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How to assess if the kittens are healthy or in dangerSimple ways to tell if the mother cat is still caring for themWhat signs indicate it’s time to intervene...

Ever wish you had more meaningful photos of your pet, especially near the end? A lot of pet parents don’t think about it until the final days hit, then they realize most of what they have are quick, blurry snapshots, not the kind of images that feel like them. In this episode, I’m joined by Angela Schneider of Big White Dog Photography and One Last Network to talk about end-of-life pet photography, what it is, what to expect, and why it can be one of the most comforting choices you make when ti...

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, emotionally, logistically, and financially. In this episode, I talk with pet podcaster Julie Marty Pearson about her diabetic cat, Charlie, and what it really takes to manage long-term illness without falling apart in the process. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DIS...

What happens to working dogs after their service ends? Most people don’t think about what happens to military and police dogs once they’re retired, but they deserve love, care, and sometimes, a reunion with the person they trusted most. In this episode, I talk with Kristen Maurer from Mission K9 Rescue about how her team helps these canine heroes find peace, purpose, and permanent homes. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • How retired working dogs adjust to life after servic...

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, founder of American Pet Professionals, about real-world dog etiquette, the kind that keeps your dog safer and makes everyone’s life easier, from your neighborhood walks to the vet to the park. BY THE TI...

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 internet chimes in with advice that can make it worse fast. In this episode, I’m joined by nationally recognized dog behavior and dog training expert Will Bangura, to break down what resource guarding really is, why it happens, and what to do next so you can handle it safely an...

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 heartwarming milestones, and everything it takes to prepare these cats for adoption. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What rescue cats experience from intake to adoption dayHow behavior...