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Muddy Paws and Hairballs Blog

May 23, 2025

Why We’re Hitting Pause (But Not for Long!)

If you’ve noticed things have been a little quiet on the new episode front lately, you’re not imagining it. We're pressing pause on new releases for just a bit, but don’t worry, we’re not going anywhere. When we rebranded fr…

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May 13, 2025

Real-Life Heartworm Horrors: Stories That Will Change How You Think About Prevention

Max was a healthy, high-energy German Shepherd. His owners started him on heartworm prevention early and were diligent—until life got busy. A missed dose turned into a few. They lived in a mostly suburban area and figured the risk was low. Mo…

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April 24, 2025

Why 'Saving Them All' Can Hurt More Animals Than It Helps

Animal rescue is driven by heart, by the desire to save as many animals as possible, to give them a second chance at life. But here's the thing: trying to "save them all" can lead us down an unsustainable and ethically complicated path. We all face …

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April 2, 2025

Fostering and Your Family: Integrating a Foster Pet

Bringing a new pet into your home is always an exciting time, but when that pet is a foster, the dynamics shift slightly. You're not just integrating a new furry friend; you're providing temporary care and a safe haven for an animal in need. This ca…

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March 24, 2025

The Truth About Separation Anxiety in Dogs: What It Is and What Actually Works

Separation anxiety. It’s one of the most misunderstood behavioral issues out there, and unfortunately, that means a lot of pet parents end up using ineffective (or downright harmful) approaches to try to "fix" it. This post is based on my con…

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Feb. 26, 2025

Rescue Dogs Need More Than Love: The Power of Patience and Empathy

Bringing a rescue dog home is exciting, but let’s be real—it's also challenging. These dogs often come with past experiences that shape their behavior, and no amount of love alone will magically erase that. But with patience and empathy,…

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Feb. 26, 2025

Pet insurance: Is it worth it, or just another monthly bill?

Ever been hit with a vet bill so big it made you question every decision you've ever made?Yeah, same. That’s probably when you started thinking about pet insurance. It's one of those things you don’t really care about until you're starin…

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Jan. 29, 2025

5 Common Dog Behavior Problems and How to Solve Them

If you’ve ever struggled with leash pulling, excessive barking, unreliable recall, jumping up, or destructive chewing, you’re not alone. These are some of the most common dog behavior challenges pet parents face. In our latest podcast ep…

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Jan. 29, 2025

How to Advocate for Your Pet’s Health at the Vet: Making Informed Vaccination Decisions

Walking into a veterinary clinic, you expect to have a say in your pet’s care. But when it comes to vaccinations, many pet owners feel like they’re handed a list of required shots with little room for discussion. The medical jargon, the …

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Dec. 24, 2024

Big Changes Are Coming to the Podcast – Here’s Why I’m Excited

Hey everyone, I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting news about the future of our podcast. If you’ve been a long-time listener, you probably know that we’re transitioning from Starlight Pet Talk to a brand-new name and format:…

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Dec. 21, 2024

Rescue Dog Wines: How a Love for Wine Became a Mission to Save Animals

From Music to Wine: Blair and Laura Lott's Journey with Rescue Dog Wines Blair Lott, co-founder of Rescue Dog Wines, transitioned from a career as a touring musician to winemaking after moving to Northern California with his wife, Laura. While Blai…

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Nov. 21, 2024

Gift Guide for Pet Lovers: Unique and Thoughtful Ideas to Delight Every Pet Parent

Are you searching for the perfect holiday gift for the pet lover in your life? Look no further! In the latest episode of Starlight Pet Talk, host Amy Castro shares a treasure trove of unique and thoughtful gift ideas that are sure to delight any pet…

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Nov. 21, 2024

Winter Pet Grooming Guide: Essential Tips and Products for Healthy Skin and Coat

Protecting Your Pet's Skin and Coat During Winter: Essential Grooming Tips As the chill of winter sets in, our pets require extra attention to maintain their health and comfort. In this post, we explore essential grooming practices to keep your pet…

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Oct. 23, 2024

How Dogs on Deployment is Making a Difference: Get Involved Today!

Dogs on Deployment: Making a Difference for Military Families Imagine the stress of being deployed on a military assignment or lifesaving mission, not knowing who will care for your beloved pet in your absence. This is the heartbreaking reality fac…

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Oct. 23, 2024

Breaking the Loneliness Barrier: Pets as Companions and Social Catalysts

In today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world, loneliness has quietly become a widespread issue. Whether it’s a post-pandemic reality or because of our increasing reliance on technology and living a life online instead of face-to-face…

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Sept. 24, 2024

Join Us at Harvest PawFest – A Celebration of Pets and Community!

Looking for something fun to do with your family and pet this weekend? Well if you're in the Houston area, you need to come out to Harvest PawFest, a petcentric community event that brings people and pets together! I participated in this event as a …

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Sept. 24, 2024

Are Plastics in Your Pet’s Products Harming Their Health?

Have you ever considered that the everyday items your pet uses—like their favorite toy or food bowl—could harm their health? It didn’t even cross my mind until we did an eye-opening episode of Starlight Pet Talk with Aidan Charron …

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Aug. 28, 2024

Doodles Decoded: Why They Don't Qualify as Purebred Dogs

In recent years, doodles—crossbreeds between poodles and other breeds such as Labradors (Labradoodles) or Golden Retrievers (Goldendoodles)—have gained immense popularity. While these charming, curly-coated dogs have captured many hearts…

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Aug. 28, 2024

Ensuring Ethical Dog Acquisition: Avoiding Backyard Breeders

As pet owners, we want what's best for our animal companions. However, ensuring their well-being extends beyond providing food, shelter, and love; it also involves making ethical choices about where we acquire them. Although this post focuses on dog…

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July 25, 2024

Unveiling the Transformative Power of Volunteering at Animal Shelters

Animal shelters and rescues, the good ones at least, can be havens for abandoned, neglected, and abused animals, providing them a safe environment while they await adoption into their forever homes. However, most of them are only able to do great wo…

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July 25, 2024

The Pet Adoption Application Process: A Guide for Potential Adopters

Introduction The decision to adopt a pet is a wonderful one! Not only will you be saving a life, but you'll also be gaining a loving companion to share your life with. However, before you can bring your new furry friend home, there are a few things…

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June 24, 2024

Anticipatory Grief: Navigating the Final Days with Your Pet

As pet owners, we all know the heartache that comes with losing a beloved companion. Anticipatory grief, the process of grieving a future loss, can make this experience even more challenging. In this post, we'll  explore the concept of anticipa…

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June 24, 2024

Resolving Unwanted Cat Behaviors

Dealing with unwanted cat behaviors can be a real headache for cat owners. From litterbox mishaps to furniture scratching, it's easy to feel frustrated and overwhelmed. However, it's crucial to remember that our feline friends aren't acting out of s…

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May 27, 2024

Nutrition and Pet Health: The Basics

Introduction As pet parents, we want the best for our furry companions. Ensuring their well-being extends beyond providing food and shelter; it also involves understanding their nutritional needs and making informed choices about their diet. This b…

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