Episodes - Page 3 | Muddy Paws and Hairballs

April 30, 2024

What Makes Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter So Successful?

Ever wonder how you can actually make a difference for homeless pets? Too many shelters are overwhelmed, and most people think they can’t help unless they adopt, but that’s far from the truth. In this episode, I sit down with April Pfeiffer from the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter to reve…

April 23, 2024

What Guide Dog Puppy Raisers Do to Train Future Heroes

Ever wonder who helps train the dogs that change lives for people who are blind? Most people don’t realize that before a guide dog is matched with their handler, there’s a volunteer family behind the scenes laying the foundation for that dog’s success. In this episode, you’ll meet two longtime pupp…

April 16, 2024

Spring & Summer Pet Safety Tips Every Owner Needs

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…

April 9, 2024

Lap of Love: The Case for Gentle, At-Home Pet Hospice & Euthanasia

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 hospic…

April 2, 2024

What To Do If You Find a Litter of Kittens

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 TIM…

March 26, 2024

The Healing Power of End-of-Life Pet Photography

Ever wish you had more meaningful photos of your pet—especially in their final days? Too often, we wait until it’s too late. And when the end comes, we’re left with blurry snapshots and fading memories. In this powerful episode, I talk with Angela Schneider of Big White Dog Photography and One Last…

March 19, 2024

What It Really Takes to Care for a Special-Needs Pet

Ever wonder what life looks like when your pet gets a serious diagnosis? Caring for a pet with special needs can be incredibly rewarding—but also overwhelming, isolating, and financially draining. In this episode, I talk with pet podcaster Julie Marty Pearson about her journey with her diabetic cat…

March 12, 2024

Mission K9 Heroes: Reuniting Working Dogs With Their Handlers

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 Re…

March 5, 2024

Stop Being That Dog Owner: Public Etiquette 101

Tired of chaotic encounters with unruly dogs in public spaces? Bringing your dog out in public shouldn’t feel like you’re bracing for battle. But without clear rules, training, and awareness, even a simple walk can turn into a mess of pulling, barking, and awkward run-ins. This episode breaks down …

Feb. 27, 2024

Is Your Dog Guarding Food or Toys? Here’s What to Do

Is your dog showing subtle signs of aggression around food, toys, or even people? Many pet parents miss the early red flags of resource guarding—until it escalates. If you’ve ever felt nervous about your dog “snapping,” this episode is your chance to understand what’s really going on and how to sto…

Feb. 20, 2024

A Day in the Life of a Rescue Cat: From Intake to Adoption

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 heart…

Feb. 12, 2024

Inside Shelter Life: What Rescue Dogs Go Through Every Day

What’s it really like for a dog living in a rescue or shelter? In this eye-opening episode, Amy Castro is joined by Donna Ball of Ranger’s Reach to reveal what life is like for dogs inside a rescue—from intake and daily care to rehabilitation and adoption prep. You’ll hear the real, unfiltered stor…

Feb. 6, 2024

Thinking About Getting a Bunny? What to Know Before You Do

Thinking about bringing home a bunny? Here’s what most people get wrong. In this eye-opening episode, Amy Castro speaks with Marcy Berman, founder of Save a Bunny Rabbit Rescue, to reveal the often misunderstood truth about rabbits as pets. From spaying and neutering to behavioral quirks, medical n…

Jan. 30, 2024

Are You Meeting These 2 of 5 Pet Welfare Needs? (Part 2)

Are you giving your pet everything they need to truly thrive? In Part 2 of our series with UK veterinarian and animal welfare advocate Dr. Emma Milne, Amy Castro explores the final two of the five legally recognized pet welfare needs. These last two—companionship and the ability to express natural …

Jan. 23, 2024

Are You Meeting These 3 of 5 Pet Welfare Needs? (Part 1)

Are you meeting all 5 of your pet’s welfare needs—or just the basics? In this powerful first episode of a two-part series, Amy Castro teams up with renowned UK veterinarian and animal welfare advocate Dr. Emma Milne to explore the often-overlooked foundations of pet care. In Part 1, they tackle the…

Jan. 16, 2024

10 Pet Parent Resolutions for a Healthier, Happier Year

Want to be a better pet parent this year—but not sure where to start? In this playful and practical kickoff to Season 2, Amy Castro and Bev share 10 powerful resolutions every pet parent should consider. Whether you’ve made your list or need a few fresh ideas, this episode offers simple, meaningful…

Dec. 26, 2023

Season 1 Live Finale

Hey there! In this episode, you’ll hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk—that’s what we called it before we decided to embrace the fur, mess, and mayhem. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place for Muddy Paws and Hairballs—same great content, just with a name that fits! - Amy Wrapping up S…

Dec. 19, 2023

Sneak Peek: Our LIVE Season Finale

Hey there! In this episode, you’ll hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk—that’s what we called it before we decided to embrace the fur, mess, and mayhem. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place for Muddy Paws and Hairballs—same great content, just with a name that fits! - Amy To help you g…

Dec. 14, 2023

Adopt or Shop? How to Make the Right Choice for You (and Your Dog)

Caught in the middle of the “Adopt Don’t Shop” debate? Here’s what you really need to know before getting your next dog. In this balanced and thought-provoking episode, Amy Castro sits down with AKC judge and Siberian Husky e...

Dec. 12, 2023

How Service Dogs Help Veterans and First Responders Heal

What makes a service dog a lifeline for veterans and first responders? In this powerful episode, Amy Castro is joined by Joe Gionti, CEO of K9 Heroes 4 Heroes, to explore how service dogs are changing lives for trauma survivors. From PTSD to physical injury, these dogs are trained to support and em…

Dec. 5, 2023

Can’t Afford the Vet? Why Pet Insurance Could Save Your Pet

Would you be able to cover a $5,000 emergency vet bill today? In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Kristin Lynch, Executive Director of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), about how pet insurance can help protect both your finances and your pet's life when unexpected med…

Nov. 28, 2023

Why Your Pet’s Microchip Won’t Save Them

Think your pet’s microchip is keeping them safe? It might not be. In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Dr. Matt Goetz, DVM, MBA from Merck Animal Health, the company behind HomeAgain microchips, to reveal what most pet parents don’t realize about microchipping. From missing registrations to false…

Nov. 21, 2023

Holiday Hazards That Could Harm Your Pet

Could your holiday celebrations put your pets in danger? In this festive and essential episode, Amy Castro teams up with emergency veterinarian Dr. Tyler Sugerman-McGiffin to share practical ways to protect your pets during the holidays. From dangerous foods and décor to managing loud guests and fi…

Nov. 14, 2023

Leaving Town? Don’t Choose the Wrong Pet Care for YOUR Pet

Not sure who should care for your pet while you're away? In this episode, Amy Castro teams up with veterinarian Dr. Aresue Shokrollahi-McClain (aka Dr. Zoo) to explore the pros and cons of hiring a pet sitter versus using a boarding facility. They break down what matters most when deciding—your pet…