Muddy Paws and Hairballs
You thought a pet would be the perfect addition to your life. Instead, your bank account’s drained, your dog won’t stop barking, your cat’s peeing everywhere, and your house is such a disaster you can’t have friends over. You’ve shelled out for trainers and followed your vet’s advice, and you’re still up at 2 a.m. scrolling for answers and wondering how long you can keep trying to meet your pet’s needs while ignoring your own. Many pet podcasts dish out advice like you’ve got endless time, money, and a perfectly behaved golden retriever straight out of a Disney movie. This one doesn’t. It’s for real pet parents who love their pets and need help managing the behavior, the budget, and the mayhem without losing their minds or giving up on their pets. I’m your host, Amy Castro, pet industry pro, animal rescuer, and trusted advisor to thousands of pet parents who’ve been exactly where you are. After personally fostering more than 4,000 pets and helping their pet parents go from overwhelmed to capable and confident, I’ve learned one thing: you’re not a bad pet parent; you just haven’t gotten the right advice, tailored to your real life. So, this podcast brings you no-fluff tools, real talk, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments to help you feel seen, supported, and back in control of your life – and your pets. Every week, I’ll answer your questions and break down expert advice into bite-sized, doable steps that actually work for your budget, your schedule, and your perfectly imperfect pets. So you can stop chasing your tail . . . and finally, enjoy your pets and your life again.
Episodes
Ever feel like you're the only one who remembers to feed the dog, clean the litter box, or refill the water bowls? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep doing it all.
This bonus summer episode gives you a complete system to get your household to step up and share the pet care load, without nagging, yelling, or turning into the resentful pet parent you swore you’d never be.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER...
What if the no-kill movement isn’t saving animals but failing them?
It promised to end unnecessary euthanasia and revolutionize sheltering. But behind the glowing stats and feel-good slogans lies a much messier reality, one most people don’t want to talk about.
In this episode, I sit down with animal welfare expert Daniel Ettinger to expose the unintended consequences of chasing a 90 percent live release rate. From shelters closing t...
What happens when your love for animals becomes the thing that breaks you?
I broke down in the middle of a hurricane, sobbing, soaked, and desperately trying to keep my barn from blowing away while sick kittens cried in a barely secured shed. That was the moment I knew something had to change.
In this raw, no-holds-barred solo episode, I share the story I’ve kept quiet for too long. The mental, emotional, and physical toll of being t...
Heartworm Truths Every Pet Owner Needs to Hear with Dr. Zoo
💔 Heartworm disease is slow, painful, and entirely preventable. So why are pets still dying from it?
In this essential episode of Muddy Paws and Hairballs, Dr. Zoo shares two real-life cases that hit hard: a young German Shepherd in kidney failure at just two years old after his owners stopped prevention, and a rescue terrier whose heart was invaded by worms—leaving euthana...
What if feeding your pet meant you had to skip dinner yourself?
For thousands of families, that’s not a hypothetical—it’s a heartbreaking daily decision. And when the bills pile up, surrendering a beloved pet can feel like the only option left.
In this episode, I talk with Stacey LeBaron, founder of PAWSitive Pantry and host of The Community Cats Podcast, about how her team is tackling pet food insecurity and keeping pets in the home...
Did I wait too long? Did I do the right thing? What if I failed them?
If you’ve lost a beloved pet, you’ve probably asked yourself these same painful questions. Grief is hard enough, but guilt can make healing feel impossible.
I’ve been there too. When I had to say goodbye to our 34-year-old rescue horse, Cherokee, I was overwhelmed with guilt, even with decades of rescue experience behind me. If you’ve ever struggled wit...
Think hairballs are just a normal part of life with cats? Think again.
If your cat is coughing up hairballs weekly or even monthly, it’s not just gross—it’s a red flag. Frequent hairballs can point to stress, food allergies, digestive issues, or even chronic illness.
In this episode, I talk with veterinarian Dr. Linda Atkins about what really causes hairballs, when to be concerned, and how to help your cat stay healthy fr...
Is calling your pet your “fur baby” harmless fun or actually harmful to your pet’s well-being?
If you’ve ever wondered whether treating your pet like a child is helping or hurting them, you’re not alone. The truth is, humanizing pets isn’t the issue. Misunderstanding their needs is.
In this episode, I talk with veterinary psychiatrist Dr. Rachel Malamed about what it really means to build a healthy emotional bond with you...
Thinking about getting a dog? Hold that thought.
Too many adoptions fail because people fall for a face or a story without understanding what they’re signing up for. Choosing the wrong dog can lead to frustration, heartbreak, and sometimes surrender.
In this episode, I talk with Pete Campione about how to avoid the biggest mistakes people make when bringing a dog into their lives. Whether you’re adopting, fostering, or bu...
Is your dog getting the right amount of exercise, or are they overdoing it without you realizing?
Whether your pup is high-energy, low-key, or somewhere in between, knowing how to safely meet their physical needs is crucial to keeping them healthy and pain-free. But most pet parents don’t know when to push their dog or when to let them rest.
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Kelly Fishman, a veterinary sports medicine expe...
Thinking about getting goats? Don’t let Instagram fool you.
Goat ownership isn’t just cute photos and fresh milk. It’s daily work, specific care, and a long-term commitment that catches a lot of new owners off guard.
In this episode, I talk with goat expert and homesteader Deborah Niemann, who pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to raise goats the right way. From fencing to vet care to the emotional lives of go...
Would you know how to save your pet if they started choking or collapsed from heatstroke?
Pet emergencies can happen in seconds, and knowing what to do could be the difference between life and death. Most pet parents aren’t prepared—and that’s exactly what this episode aims to change.
I’m joined by Arden Moore, a master-certified pet first aid and CPR instructor, award-winning author, and host of Oh Behave and Four-Legged...
Worried your cat will freak out in the car? You’re not alone.
Whether you’re planning a move or just need to get your cat to the vet without a meltdown, cat travel can feel overwhelming. But with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be.
In this episode, I talk with Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist LeeAnna Buis about how to reduce anxiety and set your cat up for success before, during, and after the r...
Bonus Episode From the Vault: The #1 Most Downloaded Episode of 2024!
While we’re on a break until Feb 4, we’re bringing back one of your all-time favorite episodes from 2024!
In this episode, holistic veterinarian Dr. Jeff Grognet emphasizes the critical importance of understanding pet vaccinations, including core and non-core vaccines, potential risks of over-vaccination, and tailored vaccination schedules based on pet age and...
Bonus Episode From the Vault: The #2 Most Downloaded Episode of 2024!
While we’re on a break until Feb 4, we’re bringing back one of your all-time favorite episodes of 2024 from the vault!
This episode focuses on addressing the top five dog behaviors that frustrate pet owners and providing actionable strategies to manage them effectively. Through insightful discussions with dog training expert Ruth Hegarty, listeners gain tools ...
Bonus Episode From the Vault: The #3 Most Downloaded Episode of 2024!
While we’re on a break until Feb 4, we’re bringing back one of your all-time favorite episodes of 2024 from the vault!
This episode dives into the financial options available for pet healthcare, providing actionable insights to help pet parents prepare for unexpected expenses. Join Amy and Jonathan Wainberg, Senior VP of Synchrony Financial Service’s Pet Busin...
Bonus Episode From the Vault: The #4 Most Downloaded Episode of 2024!
While we’re on a break until Feb 4, we’re bringing back one of our listeners' all-time favorite episodes of 2024 from the vault!
Understanding responsible rabbit care is essential for anyone considering adding a bunny to their family. Join Amy as she interviews Marcy Berman, founder of Save a Bunny Rabbit Rescue, to discuss the complexities of rabbit car...
Bonus Episode From the Vault: The #5 Most Downloaded Episode of 2024!
While we’re on a break until Feb 4, we’re bringing back one of your all-time favorite episodes of 2024 from the vault!
In this episode, Dr. Marlene Siegel joins us to explore how integrative veterinary care can transform your pet’s health and longevity. Forget masking symptoms—Dr. Siegel focuses on addressing root causes of disease and shares practical tips to...
As we wrap up Starlight Pet Talk, we’re taking a moment to celebrate everything this podcast has meant over the past two years. This episode is all about gratitude, reflection, and a little bit of fun as we look back on the episodes that resonated most with you – our incredible listeners.
In this episode, we’re:
• Reflecting on the core mission of Starlight Pet Talk – connecting with and educating pet parents with honesty and h...
Big news is in the air, pet lovers! This week’s episode is all about transformation, as we prepare to reveal a bold new direction for the podcast. Join me, Amy Castro, alongside guest host Bev Brooks, as we dive into the why, how, and what’s next for your favorite pet-loving show.
What’s changing? More than you might think! From the podcast name to the vibe and format, this evolution is designed to better reflect the mess...
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