Episodes

Ever wondered if your dog has what it takes to become a therapy dog? A lot of pet parents assume therapy work is just about having a sweet, friendly dog, but the real test is how your dog handles unpredictability. New environments, sudden noises, strangers who don’t know dog boundaries, medical equipment, crowded hallways, awkward hugs, and handling mistakes all come with the job. In this uplifting episode, Amy Castro talks with Sandy Weaver, professional trainer and therapy dog expert, about...

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...

Curious about getting a rabbit, bird, turtle—or even a snake? In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with veteran veterinarian Dr. Linda Atkins to explore what it really takes to care for small pets. From creating safe habitats to understanding species-specific needs, this is your go-to guide for making smart, informed decisions before bringing one home. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What to know before adding a rabbit, bird, reptile, or turtle to your homeHow to set up th...

Feel like your dog’s forgotten everything they’ve ever learned? In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with canine cognitive behavioral expert Billy Groom to explore why perfectly trained puppies often become disobedient “teenagers” and what to do about it. If you've been through dog training and your dog suddenly won’t come when called, ignores commands, or starts acting out, the problem isn’t a lack of discipline, it’s how their brain is changing. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DIS...

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...

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...

What happens when pet owners face challenges so overwhelming they might have to give up the animals they love? In this powerful episode, Amy Castro sits down with Rachel Herman, founder of Paws NY, to explore how one nonprofit is changing lives, both human and animal. From house call programs to critical vet care, Paws NY steps in where others can't, ensuring that vulnerable pet owners never have to choose between caring for themselves or their pets. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DIS...

What would you do if your cat went missing and the advice you found online wasn’t working? Most people panic, print flyers, and shake a treat bag, but today’s guest says that’s exactly what not to do. In this episode, Amy sits down with lost cat expert and pet detective Kim Freeman, who shares what really helps bring lost cats home. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The critical mistake most pet parents make in the first 24 hoursHow understanding cat behavior can transform yo...

Do you know what to do before walking into the emergency vet? Most pet parents don’t think about it until they’re in the moment, stressed, scared, and trying to make decisions fast, with zero context for what’s about to happen. In this episode, Amy sits down with emergency veterinarian Dr. Tyler Sugerman-McGiffin to pull back the curtain on what really happens in a pet ER, how emergency care is different from your regular vet, and what you can do now so you’re not scrambling later. BY THE TIM...

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 ...