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Spotlight Organization Episodes

Sharing the stories of people, companies, and nonprofits who are doing great things with and for pets!
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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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. 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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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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Aug. 15, 2023

What Most People Get Wrong About Finding Lost Cats

What would you do if your cat went missing and the advice you found online wasn’t working? Most people panic, print flyers, and shake a treat bag, but today’s guest says that’s exactly what not to do. In this episode, Amy sits down with lost cat expert and pet detective Kim Freeman, who shares what…

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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 18, 2023

Why Senior Dogs Get Overlooked, and What They Give Back

Think adopting a senior dog is just “too sad”? You’re not alone. Many people avoid older dogs because of fears about health, longevity, or heartbreak. But what if you’re missing out on one of the most rewarding pet experience...

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March 14, 2023

Second Acts, Second Chances: The Greyhound Who Learned to Dance

What if your second act wasn’t just about you, but also about your dog? In this episode, Amy talks with Joyce A. Miller, who transformed herself from a mechanical designer into an author and freestyle dog dancer. From busting myths about Greyhounds to exploring the emotional rollercoaster of racing…

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Feb. 14, 2023

Low-Cost Food Fixes for Healthier Pets

Think you need to spend a fortune to upgrade your pet’s health? Think again. If your pet’s food feels “good enough” but you know deep down it could be better, this episode is for you. Amy chats with Kat Donatello, founder of Austin and Kat, about affordable ways to boost your pet’s nutrition, witho…

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Jan. 29, 2023

Muddy Paws and Hairballs Trailer

Welcome to Muddy Paws and Hairballs , the no-fluff podcast that tells it like it is when it comes to life with pets. I'm Amy Castro , your host—an animal rescue founder, former vet assistant, pet industry expert, and someone ...

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Jan. 11, 2023

Where Muddy Paws Began: The Starlight Pet Talk Origin Story

This short intro episode comes from our original show, Starlight Pet Talk. While the name may have changed, this episode is still a must-listen! It shares our "why," introduces you to our host, Amy Castro, and lays out the go...

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