Episodes

Why do the holidays feel so much heavier when you’ve lost a pet, or when you know a goodbye is coming soon? If you’re finding yourself dreading traditions, avoiding gatherings, or feeling pressure to “hold it together,” this episode is for you. Holiday pet grief can show up in unexpected ways, especially during a first holiday without your pet or when you’re living in that anticipatory space of knowing time with your pet is limited. In this conversation, licensed clinical social worker and auth...

Are you sure your home is holiday-ready, or are there hidden dangers that could land your pet at the emergency vet? Most pet parents prep for the obvious hazards, but the real risks are the sneaky ones that slip in without you noticing. In this episode, veterinarian Dr. Zoo joins me for a walk-through of the surprising holiday danger zones, from toxic treats and vintage décor to medications tucked inside bags and purses. You’ll learn what early warning signs to watch for, why timing matters more...

Do your holiday guests expect your pets to be quiet, invisible, or perfectly behaved on command? If you have friends or family visiting who are not big pet lovers, it can put pressure on you and cause a lot of confusion for your pets. This "Pet Parent Power-Up" episode breaks down simple ways to keep the peace, protect your pets’ emotional safety, and avoid the uncomfortable moments that happen when visitors expect your animals to disappear. A lot of pet parents feel guilty when guests complain...

Are you wondering whether your child is actually ready for a pet, or are they just deep in the “please please please” phase? Most parents hear “Can we get a dog?” on loop, but pet parenting isn’t as simple as saying yes. When kids aren’t truly ready for pet care, it can create pet behavior issues, safety concerns, and a whole lot of pet care stress for the adults. In today’s episode, parenting expert and children’s book creator Dori Durbin joins me to break down six signs of true pet readiness ...

Every pet parent needs a realistic pet care plan, especially when pet care costs keep rising and surprise bills can blow up your budget fast. In this episode, we’re talking about budgeting for pets so you can plan for common expenses, stop reacting to every vet bill, food run, or last-minute cost, and feel more in control. Most pet parents underestimate pet care costs because they do not track them, then feel stressed or guilty when money gets tight. In this conversation with Certified Financial...

When my cat disappeared suddenly, I thought I’d never see her again. Five years later, a microchip brought her home to me, but your pet's chip might not. In this episode, I share the incredible story of my barn cat, Puti, and how she found her way back to us after vanishing for five years, even though she had gone completely blind. I’ll also reveal the hard truth most pet parents don’t realize: a microchip only works if it’s registered correctly and kept up to date. You’ll hear how this tiny dev...

Most pet parents never think about creating a pet trust or naming a pet guardian in case something happens to them. But every week, rescues like mine get heartbreaking calls from families scrambling for pet rehoming options after a death, move, or medical emergency. The pets are left confused, grieving, and suddenly homeless, ending up in shelters that never should have entered their story. And this is not just a problem for seniors and pets. If you think you’re too young to worry about this, th...

Great dog boarding facilities can be hard to find and leaving your dog (or cat) in someone else’s care can be nerve-racking, especially when you’re not sure what goes on behind those kennel doors. In this episode, Amy sits down with Carmen Rustenbeck, Founder & CEO of the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA), to talk about what safe, professional pet care really looks like and how to choose a boarding facility (for your dog OR cat) that meets your standards for quality and c...

Ever feel guilty for working too much, missing walks, or not giving your pet enough attention? You’re not alone. Pet parenting struggles like guilt, burnout, and overwhelm are more common than most people admit. But what if guilt isn’t the real problem? In this episode, I’m joined by Sheryl Green, speaker, author of You Had Me at No, and recovering people-pleaser who helps others set healthy boundaries without drowning in guilt. Together, we dig into why pet care guilt shows up for real pet pare...

Ever searched online for pet care advice and ended up more confused than when you started? One post about your dog throwing up turns into 60 conflicting comments, arguments, and fear-filled stories, and suddenly you’re spiraling. In this episode, I reveal the hidden danger behind all that “free” expert pet care advice in online groups, why it can do more harm than good, and where to actually turn for real pet parenting guidance that helps your pets instead of hurting them. BY THE TIME YOU FINI...