Episodes

Planning to bring your pet along for an overnight visit for the holidays or any time? In this episode, Amy Castro is joined by master trainer Connie Archer from Barkbusters Home Dog Training in Houston to share must-know strategies for staying at someone else’s home with your pet. Whether it’s a we…

Tired of Wasting Money on Pet Products That Don’t Work? If you’ve ever bought a pet bed your dog wouldn’t touch or a cleaner that didn’t stand a chance against cat pee, this episode is for you. In this episode, I’m sharing the top 20 must-have pet products that have made life at Starlight Outreach …

Can mushrooms really help with your pet’s allergies, anxiety, or immune issues? In this enlightening episode, Amy Castro chats with Dr. Rob Silver, veterinarian and expert in herbal medicine, to explore the growing field of medicinal mushrooms for pets. You’ll learn how natural remedies like reishi…

Can one woman’s passion for animals change how rescues operate? In this episode, Amy Castro interviews Lizz Whitacre, founder of Pawlytics, to uncover how a single rescue story grew into a mission-driven tech company. From saving her first dog to launching a platform used by rescues nationwide, Liz…

Think you know what goes into starting and running a rescue? Think again. In this powerful episode, Amy Castro sits down with Holly Dool, president of CAMO Rescue in Texas, to reveal the behind-the-scenes reality of leading an animal rescue. From making heartbreaking decisions to celebrating hard-w…

Ever wondered if your dog has what it takes to become a therapy dog? In this uplifting episode, Amy Castro sits down with Sandy Weaver, a therapy dog expert and professional trainer, to unpack what really goes into therapy dog work. From how dogs are chosen and trained, to the powerful emotional co…

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 comp…

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 ma…

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 your dog suddenly won’t come when calle…

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 d…

Ever wonder why your dog picks up on your mood, even when you’re trying to hide it? The truth is, your pet isn’t just watching your behavior. They’re absorbing your energy. And if you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed, chances are your dog is too. In this episode, Amy sits down with Cani…

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 nonprofi...

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…

Do you know what to do before walking into the emergency vet? Most pet parents don’t think about it until it’s too late. You’re stressed, scared, and possibly facing big decisions without knowing what to expect. In this episode, Amy sits down with emergency vet Dr. Tyler Sugrrman-McGiffin to break …

Could you live with a cat that constantly tests your patience? In this episode, Amy sits down with her friend Bev to share the wild, wonderful, and often chaotic journey of living with Cuzzy — a cat lovingly known as the World’s Most Difficult Cat. From escaping at every opportunity to refusing to …

What if a few simple changes could add years to your pet’s life? If you've ever worried about whether you're doing enough to keep your pet healthy, you're not alone. In this episode, Amy talks with holistic veterinarian Dr. Gary Richter, founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition, to uncover the everyday ch…

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 surr…

Thinking about adding a pet to your life, but not sure if now is the right time? Too many pets end up surrendered because their humans didn’t think it through. Whether you're adopting your first pet or adding a new furry face to your pack, this episode walks you through 10 critical questions every …

Ever feel like your pet photos never turn out as cute as the real thing? Whether you're snapping pics for fun or trying to help a shelter animal find a home, bad lighting, awkward angles, and blurry shots can ruin the moment—and make amazing animals look unadoptable. In this episode, pro dog photog…

Ever thought about starting an animal rescue, but had no idea what really goes on behind the scenes? You’ve seen the heartwarming posts and happy endings online, but running a rescue takes a lot more than just good intentions. In this special episode, Amy teams up with guest host (and best friend) …

Ever come across a wild animal and freeze, unsure of what to do? Whether it's a baby bird on the ground or a raccoon in your attic, most of us want to help, but end up making things worse. In this episode, Amy talks with Stephanie Ellis, Executive Director of Wild Care of Cape Cod, to break down wh…

Think grooming is just about a haircut? Think again. Most pet parents have no idea what their groomer really goes through, or what makes a grooming session a total nightmare (or a dream). In this episode, celebrity groomer Jess Rona spills the secrets every pet parent should know, from managing coa…

Ever feel like your dog’s aggression comes out of nowhere? You’re not alone—and the truth is, most pet parents miss the early warning signs until it’s too late. In this episode, Amy sits down with dog aggression expert Dr. Jim Crosby to uncover what’s really behind those scary outbursts. From body …

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 DISCOV…