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Giving Back Episodes

April 30, 2024

Want to Help Shelter Pets? Start Here

Ever wonder how you can actually make a difference for homeless pets? Too many shelters are overwhelmed, and most people think they can’t help unless they adopt, but that’s far from the truth. In this episode, I sit down with April Pfeiffer from the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter to reve…

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April 23, 2024

Inside the Life of a Guide Dog Puppy Raiser

Ever wonder who helps train the dogs that change lives for people who are blind? Most people don’t realize that before a guide dog is matched with their handler, there’s a volunteer family behind the scenes laying the foundation for that dog’s success. In this episode, you’ll meet two longtime pupp…

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April 2, 2024

What To Do If You Find a Litter of Kittens

Not sure what to do when you stumble on a litter of kittens? Every spring, well-meaning people rush to “rescue” kittens they stumble across who may not need saving. In this episode, Amy breaks down what you need to know before stepping in—so you don’t accidentally do more harm than good. BY THE TIM…

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March 12, 2024

Reuniting Retired Working Dogs With Their Heroes

What happens to working dogs after their service ends? Most people don’t think about what happens to military and police dogs once they’re retired, but they deserve love, care, and sometimes, a reunion with the person they trusted most. In this episode, I talk with Kristen Maurer from Mission K9 Re…

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Feb. 20, 2024

A Day in the Life of a Rescue Cat: From Intake to Adoption

Ever wonder what life is really like for a cat in a rescue or shelter? In this behind-the-scenes episode, Amy Castro takes you through a day in the life of a rescue cat—from the moment they arrive to the moment they’re ready for a forever home. You’ll get an inside look at the challenges, the heart…

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Feb. 12, 2024

Inside Shelter Life: What Rescue Dogs Go Through Every Day

What’s it really like for a dog living in a rescue or shelter? In this eye-opening episode, Amy Castro is joined by Donna Ball of Ranger’s Reach to reveal what life is like for dogs inside a rescue—from intake and daily care to rehabilitation and adoption prep. You’ll hear the real, unfiltered stor…

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Feb. 6, 2024

Thinking About Getting a Bunny? What to Know Before You Do

Thinking about bringing home a bunny? Here’s what most people get wrong. In this eye-opening episode, Amy Castro speaks with Marcy Berman, founder of Save a Bunny Rabbit Rescue, to reveal the often misunderstood truth about rabbits as pets. From spaying and neutering to behavioral quirks, medical n…

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Dec. 12, 2023

How Service Dogs Help Veterans and First Responders Heal

What makes a service dog a lifeline for veterans and first responders? In this powerful episode, Amy Castro is joined by Joe Gionti, CEO of K9 Heroes 4 Heroes, to explore how service dogs are changing lives for trauma survivors. From PTSD to physical injury, these dogs are trained to support and em…

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Oct. 17, 2023

From Rescue to Tech: How One Woman Built a Pet Business That Saves Li…

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…

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Oct. 10, 2023

What It Really Takes to Run a Rescue: CAMO’s Story of Grit and Grace

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…

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Oct. 3, 2023

Could Your Dog Be a Therapy Dog? Here’s How to Know

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…

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Sept. 5, 2023

Thinking About Fostering or Volunteering for Pets? Start Here

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…

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Aug. 22, 2023

The Nonprofit Keeping Pets and People Together

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...

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June 27, 2023

What No One Tells You About Starting a Rescue

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) …

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June 20, 2023

What to Do (and Not Do) When You Find Wildlife

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…

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April 4, 2023

Thinking About Fostering a Pet? Here's What You Need to Know

Ever wonder if you could be a foster hero? Fostering isn’t just about temporarily housing an animal - it’s about giving them a second chance. But it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to make a difference, even if you’re n...

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