Starlight Pet Talk

 In this candid episode of Starlight Pet Talk, host Amy Castro sheds light on the common challenges shelters and rescues face with potential pet adopters. Drawing from her 15 years of experience in animal rescue and sheltering, Amy shares 10 significant problems that can arise during the adoption process. These issues can not only delay the adoption but also lead to an adopter being declined. And we're not talking about obviou...

In this episode of Starlight Pet Talk, host Amy Castro chats with wedding expert Nicole Ettenhofer about the exciting idea of involving pets in weddings. They cover essential planning and considerations to ensure a smooth and joyful experience for everyone, including our furry friends.

Amy and Nicole discuss the key factors to consider before deciding to include a pet in your wedding, such as evaluating your pet's beh...

In this episode of Starlight Pet Talk, host Amy Castro discusses disaster preparedness for pets with Roxana Petzold from the American Red Cross. They cover common disasters that pet parents need to prepare for, such as hurricanes and wildfires, and provide tips on how to make a plan, pack a go bag, and stay informed during an evacuation. They also discuss the importance of microchipping pets, developing a buddy system, and training...

Get ready for an insightful in-depth episode as Amy sits down with Aileen Cronin, canine behavior consultant and Baby Pack Leader, to unpack the journey of preparing dogs for the arrival of a new human baby. Aileen, bringing her own experiences and expertise to the table, dispels the myths surrounding dogs and newborns, and shares why proactive training and clear boundaries are key to creating a peaceful household. Together, Amy an...

In this episode, host Amy Castro dives deep into the world of emotional intelligence and its profound impact on our interactions with pets. Joined by guest Amy Budd, an expert in emotional intelligence and HeartMath techniques, they discuss the critical role of awareness and regulating our own emotions before expecting our pets to regulate theirs. The conversation reveals how heart math techniques, like heart-focused breathing, can...

In this episode of Starlight Pet Talk, host Amy Castro interviews Dr. Jeff Grognet, a practicing veterinarian and author, about vaccinations for pets. They discuss the difference between core and non-core vaccines, the risks of over-vaccination, and the potential side effects of vaccines. Dr. Grognet emphasizes the importance of considering the risk of the disease and the age of the pet when deciding on a vaccination schedule. He a...

This episode explores the aftercare options available for pets after they cross the Rainbow Bridge. Amy talks with Gia Kondakor, director of Pet Loss Services at McAllister Smith Funeral Home. Amy and Gia discuss the emotional challenges people face when their pets die and the importance of making informed decisions about aftercare. The episode covers topics such as cremation options (individual, partition, communal), memorial serv...

In this insightful episode of Starlight Pet Talk, host Amy Castro interviews Eliza Burr, a seasoned pet business coach, about the dynamic world of pet-related businesses. Eliza shares her inspiring journey from the corporate world to becoming a successful pet business coach and delves into the challenges and rewards of starting a pet business.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Common Misconceptions: Addressing myths about starting and runnin...

Hi everyone, it's Amy from Starlight Pet Talk. Before we dive into today's episode, I want to take a moment to address something important. You'll notice that portions of the audio quality in this episode is less than stellar. Unfortunately, we ran into some technical issues during recording.

Despite the audio hiccups, we decided to release the episode because the content is truly valuable, and we didn&apos...

In this episode of Starlight Pet Talk, host Amy Castro interviews Blanca Rodriguez, a certified canine massage therapist, about the benefits of pet massage. They discuss the history of animal massage, the similarities between human and canine massage, and the specific techniques used in canine massage. Blanca shares success stories of how massage therapy has improved the quality of life for dogs, including those with hip dysplasia ...

Join us for an enlightening episode of Starlight Pet Talk as we shine a spotlight on the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter in Georgetown, Texas. In this episode, we sit down with Community Programs Coordinator April Pfeiffer,  to discuss the challenges and triumphs encountered by this shelter.

April discusses the pivotal role of fostering, volunteering, and donating in supporting the shelter's mission. By fos...

This episode explores the heartwarming journey of puppy raisers and the impact they make on both dogs and humans. Roxanne and Jim have been volunteer guide dog puppy raisers for over 18 years, and Donna is a recipient of a guide dog named Wella. They discuss the process of raising guide dog puppies, the training involved, and the importance of socializing the dogs. They also highlight the need for more puppy raisers and the life-ch...

In this episode, Dr. Zoo from Family Animal Hospital in Friendswood, Texas, is back with host Amy Castro to discuss crucial tips for pet parents to be able to keep pets safe during the spring and summer seasons. The conversation provides valuable information for pet parents to ensure the safety and well-being of their pets during the spring season.

Key Takeaways

·        Allergies are common in pets, and testing can help ...

Join Amy Castro and Dr. Mary Gardner from Lap of Love in-home pet hospice and euthanasia as they have a poignant yet frank discussion about the benefits of in-home pet hospice and euthanasia and offer insights into navigating the emotional journey of a pet's end-of-life. Discover the nuances of end-of-life care, managing chronic conditions, and coping with anticipatory grief. They share tips on preparing for and coping with pe...

In this episode of Starlight Pet Talk, join host Amy Castro as she sheds light on the crucial steps to take if you stumble upon a litter of kittens. As spring blooms in Texas, Amy offers invaluable advice on navigating the delicate balance between intervention and observation. Drawing from her experience as the president of Starlight Outreach and Rescue, Amy addresses key questions: 

• Are the kittens healthy? 
• Is their mother pres...

Step into the world of end-of-life pet photography with Angela Schneider, the heart and soul behind Big White Dog Photography & One Last Network. In this emotional episode, Angela shares profound insights into the transformative power of immortalizing our beloved animal companions through photography. Through heartfelt anecdotes and profound wisdom, Angela shares the importance of cherishing every moment with our pets and the h...

Taking care of a pet with a long-term illness can often add another level of stress and commitment to being a pet parent. In this episode, I interview fellow pet podcaster Julie Marty Pearson to explore caring for special-needs pets. Discover the challenges and triumphs faced by pet parents like Julie when our furry friends receive unexpected medical diagnoses.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn about the silent struggles and victori...

Join us as Kristen Maurer from Mission K9 Rescue shares heartwarming tales of reuniting retired working dogs with their former companions. We explore the emotional journey of rescuing these canines from military and police backgrounds, highlighting their transition to a peaceful retirement.

Key Takeaways:

• Retired working dogs transition from service to retirement, requiring careful attention and love.
• The adopt...