The Pet Parent Hotline | Calm The Chaos, Spend Smarter, and Love Life With Your Pets Again

Bonus Episode From the Vault:  While we’re on a break, we’re bringing back one of our listeners' all-time favorite episodes 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 care , the importance of spay...

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 educati...

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 an inspiring and eye-opening conversation with Daio Floyd , a seasoned dog trainer and rescuer, as sh...

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 maintenance, and full of behaviors that will blow your mind. In this episode, I talk with Zachary Liu, a myrmecologist from McGill University and founder of Canada Ant Colony. We...

Not sure what’s actually healthy for your pet to eat? You’re not alone. Pet food labels are confusing on purpose, marketing is loud, and even “prescription” diets can leave you feeling stuck and broke.  In this episode, certified canine nutritionist and holistic pet health coach Elizabeth Casas explains how to spot misleading ingredients, make smarter choices without going down a rabbit hole, and...

Looking for a holiday gift that your pet loving friends will truly appreciate? Before you grab another toy, treat sampler, or pet themed mug, let’s walk through what makes a gift thoughtful, useful, and personal. In this episode, I’m breaking down the simple qualities that turn an ordinary present into something meaningful. You’ll learn how to match the gift to the pet, the pet parent, and their l...

 Love is important, but love alone won’t fix fear. If you’re considering adopting a rescue dog and you’re worried about trauma, shutdown behavior, reactivity, or “what did I just bring home?”, this episode will help you make a smarter decision and avoid the mistakes that set dogs and adopters up to fail. I’m joined by canine behavior consultant Kate LaSalla, who specializes in fear, aggression, an...

Holiday photos, family visits, colder weather - your pet’s grooming routine matters more than ever this season. In this episode, I sit down with Julia Benning, Lead Grooming Advisor for Well Groomed Pets and a Fear-Free Certified Groomer, to talk about how grooming impacts not just your pet’s appearance but their overall health and comfort. Whether you’re prepping for your pet’s first grooming app...

What if your local dog park wasn’t just a place to play—but a thriving community built for both pets and people? In this episode, I talk with Ramy Saleh, CEO of Zoomies Dog Park, about how he’s reshaping the dog park experience from the ground up. From behavior assessments and vaccination requirements to play zones and social events, Zoomies is setting a new standard for safe, enriching spaces whe...

What if every bottle of wine you opened also helped save a rescue dog’s life? In this episode, I talk with Blair Lott, co-founder of Rescue Dog Wines, about how he and his wife Laura turned their passion for wine into a mission-driven business that gives back to animal rescue efforts nationwide. From a successful music career to a new life in Northern California’s wine country, Blair shares how th...

What if the dog training methods you've learned are creating more problems than they're fixing? In this episode, I speak with Angie Winters, author of "Don't Train Your Dog ," about why traditional dog training tips and methods often fall short and what to do instead. Drawing from over 20 years of experience in dog rehabilitation and parenting, Angie shares how forming an...

Ever wondered what it’s really like to dedicate your life to saving animals? In this special episode, I’m the guest on The Story of My Pet podcast, hosted by Julie Marty-Pearson. I share my journey from a childhood encounter with a feral cat named Snippy to founding Starlight Outreach and Rescue and committing my life to animal rescue. This conversation offers a raw, honest look at the emotional w...

Ever wonder what your dog is thinking—or how much they really understand? In this episode, I talk with Jennifer S. Holland, New York Times bestselling author of Dog Smart: Life-Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence . We explore the fascinating science behind canine cognition, from their superpowered sense of smell to how they adapt to our routines, emotions, and environments. You’ll walk away wi...

What makes a community celebration truly unforgettable? Love—and pets. In this episode, I talk with Father Justin Briggle of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church about the story behind Harvest PawFest, a joyful festival created to honor the deep bond between pets and their people. Originally an Oktoberfest-style event, Harvest PawFest has grown into a heartwarming community tradition centered on animal...

Could your pet’s toys, bowls, food bags, or even clothes be adding plastic exposure that builds up over time?   In this episode, I’m joined by Aidan Charron from EARTHDAY.ORG to unpack the Pets vs Plastics report and why plastic is not just an environmental issue, it’s a pet health issue. We break down how plastics and additive chemicals can enter your pet’s body (even through chewing and licking)...

What happens to a pet when their military family is suddenly deployed? In this episode, I talk with Alisa Sieber-Johnson, co-founder of Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that connects military members and first responders with volunteer pet boarders across the country. Born out of her own experience as a dual-military family with no options for pet care, Alisa turned a personal challenge into a nati...

What if helping animals could also grow your business? In this special crossover episode, I’m interviewed by Eliza Burr on Off the Leash with the Pet Business Coach . We dive into what makes a partnership between a pet business and an animal rescue not only possible, but powerful. You’ll hear practical strategies for building collaborations that serve both your mission and your bottom line—without...

What happens when you hit the road with a rescue dog, and everything goes wrong? In this episode, I share the story of my 1,672-mile journey from Texas to New York with my best friend Bev and a sweet rescue dog named Bonnie. From a hurricane reroute to car trouble, sketchy hotel rooms, and a surprise stop in Memphis during Elvis Week, this adoption road trip was anything but smooth, but absolutely...

Does your dog panic when you leave the house? You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. In this episode, I sit down with expert dog trainer Ruth Hegarty to break down one of the most misunderstood issues in dog behavior: separation anxiety. We cut through the myths, talk about what really helps, and give you practical steps you can start using today. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:...

Worried about the rising cost of caring for your pet? You’re not alone. With vet costs rising, more pet parents are realizing they need a better plan to handle both routine care and unexpected emergencies before the next bill hits. In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Wainberg, Senior VP of Synchrony Financial Services’ Pet Business, to talk about budgeting for pets, preparing for unexpected...

What if your pet’s health problems aren’t the real problem—but just the symptoms? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Marlene Siegel, a leading voice in bioregulatory veterinary medicine. She shares her holistic, root-cause approach to extending your pet’s life and improving their day-to-day well-being. From food and water to detox and emotional health, Dr. Siegel’s five-step system challenges what...

You don’t even have to own a pet to benefit from one. In this episode, I sit down with psychologist and communication coach Dr. Denise M. Dudley to explore the powerful ways pets improve our emotional and physical health. Whether you’re living with a dog, cat, or just spending time around animals, you’ll learn why their presence is more than comforting. It’s healing. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENI...

Tired of your dog barking nonstop, pulling on the leash, or your dog chewing everything in sight? In this episode, I’m joined by dog training expert Ruth Hegarty to break down the most common behavior problems pet parents face and dog training tips to help fix them using positive, effective methods. From recall issues to destructive chewing, Ruth shares practical dog training strategies that work...

Want your town or workplace to be more dog-friendly? Here’s how to make it happen. In this episode, I talk with Beth Miller, founder of Wagtown Consulting, about what it really takes to build communities that welcome and support dogs—and the people who love them. Beth shares her mission to transform neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces into more inclusive, dog-centric environments with lasting...

Think you’re ready to adopt a pet? You might want to double-check. In this candid episode, Amy breaks down 10 common reasons adoption applications get denied, and most people have no idea they’re raising concerns. Drawing from 15 years in rescue and sheltering, Amy shares the subtle signals that make a rescue pause. These aren’t the obvious deal-breakers like animal hoarding or a history of abuse....