Episodes

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 anim…

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 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…

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 o…

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...

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, ...

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, humaniz...

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,...

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 t...

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 ...

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 p...

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 doe...

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 vaccination…

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 actionab…

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 h…

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 ...

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…

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 ...

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,...

Hey there! In this episode, you’ll hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk—that’s what we called it before we decided to embrace the fur, mess, and mayhem. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place for Muddy Paws and Hairballs—same great content, just with a name that fits! - Amy Join us for a…

Think keeping ants as pets sounds strange? You might be surprised. Ant keeping is one of the fastest-growing pet hobbies in the world, and it’s easy to see why. These tiny creatures are incredibly social, surprisingly low mai...

Not sure what’s actually healthy for your pet to eat? You’re not alone. With so many confusing labels, trends, and conflicting advice, knowing what to feed your dog or cat can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I’m joined by...

Looking for the perfect gift for the pet lover in your life? Before you grab another generic toy or novelty mug, let’s talk about gifts that actually get used, appreciated, and remembered. In this episode, I’m sharing the bes...

Love is important—but it’s not always enough. If you’re thinking about adopting a rescue dog, especially one with a traumatic past or behavioral challenges, this episode will help you go in with eyes wide open. I’m joined by ...