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 animal welfare expert Daniel Ettinger to expose the unintended consequences of chasing a 90 percent live release rate. From shelters closing their doors to avoid euthanasia to animals being warehoused for years, the system is cracking and those of us on the ground are feeling the weight.

As a longtime rescuer, I’ve seen firsthand how “no-kill” often means no space, no support, and no plan. Daniel introduces a better framework: SMART (Saving More Animals Responsibly Together), a humane, community-based approach rooted in transparency, responsible care, and real solutions.

🎧 By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover:

• Why the 90 percent benchmark is doing more harm than good
• How “saving” animals can sometimes mean compromising their quality of life
• What the SMART approach offers that no-kill doesn't, and how you can help

If you’ve ever felt uneasy about what’s happening behind the scenes in animal rescue, this episode will make you feel seen and give you hope for a more honest path forward.

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com

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🎧Free Guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

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🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Contact: Amy@muddypawsandhairballs.com

Shop & support the show:

• Austin & Kat: Natural Wellness Supplements
• Embark Dog DNA Test
• Bonne et Filou: Luxury Dog Treats
• Majestic Pet: Custom Pet Beds & More

UPDATE: We’re back with new episodes August 10! In the meantime, binge from over 100 great past episodes.

©Ⓟ 2025 ...

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 this raw, no-holds-barred solo episode, I share the story I’ve kept quiet for too long. The mental, emotional, and physical toll of being the yes person in animal rescue nearly destroyed me.

With more than 4,000 animals fostered, a seven-acre property turned sanctuary, and a rescue I’ve built from the ground up, I hit a wall. I’ve weathered loss, illness, and natural disasters while trying to hold everything together. Now I’m telling the truth behind the polished social media posts.

🎧 In this episode, I share:

• Why saying yes to every animal can mean saying no to the ones you could actually help
• The emotional cost of euthanasia decisions and the savior complex baked into rescue culture
• The exact moment I realized my passion had turned into a compulsion
• Why I’m stepping back, not walking away, to rebuild with purpose
• How I’m reshaping my rescue to focus on advocacy, boundaries, and sustainability
• A preview of my upcoming interview on the truth behind the no-kill movement and what SMART sheltering really looks like

If you're a rescuer on the edge of burnout, consider this your permission to pause and breathe. And if you’ve ever loved someone in rescue, this is your honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to save lives without losing your own.

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com

Quick Update: We’re taking a short break and will be back with a batch of fresh episodes starting August 10!
In the meantime, binge your way through 100+ past episodes packed with pet-saving sanity—and maybe even solve that one issue that's driving you (and your pet) nuts.
Catch up, take notes, and we’ll see you soon!

Support the show

Love the show? Share with a pet parent who needs less chaos and more clarity and please leave a 5-star review to help more pet parents find support.

🎧Free Guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Follow:
🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Contact: Amy@muddypawsandhairballs.com

Shop & support the show:

• Austin & Kat: Natural Wellness Supplements
• Embark Dog DNA Test
• Bonne et Filou: Luxury Dog Treats
• Majestic Pet: Custom Pet Beds & More

UPDATE: We’re back with new episodes August 10! In the meantime, binge from over 100 great past episodes.

©Ⓟ 2025 ...

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 failure at just two years old after his owners stopped prevention, and a rescue terrier whose heart was invaded by worms—leaving euthanasia as the only humane option.

🐾 Here’s what every pet parent needs to understand: Just one mosquito bite can inject microscopic heartworm larvae into your pet. These larvae quietly develop over six months before they’re even detectable—and by the time that lingering cough appears, the damage is often already done.

Adult heartworms don’t just affect the heart. They send offspring into the bloodstream, damaging lungs, liver, and kidneys. And many early signs—like coughing after drinking water—are easy to overlook.

Dr. Zoo also busts the most common heartworm myths:

• “My pet lives indoors.”
• “We don’t have mosquitoes here.”
• “It’s winter—they’re safe now.”
• “I use natural remedies.”

Spoiler: None of these provide real protection. If a mosquito can get inside your house, it can reach your pet—and no natural product has been proven to prevent heartworm infection.

💸 Prevention is simple and affordable: around $5–$7 a month.
💔 Treatment is complex and expensive: $1,000–$6,000+, multiple medications, painful injections, and strict cage rest for weeks. Even after treatment, many pets live with permanent heart damage.

👉 Whether it’s a monthly chewable, a topical, or an injection, heartworm prevention isn’t optional—it’s critical. Dr. Zoo walks us through what heartworms really do, why prevention matters no matter where you live, and how to protect your pet from suffering or worse.

🎧 Tune in to get the facts, clear the confusion, and make the choice that could save your pet’s life.

Shoutouts in this episode:

https:

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com

Support the show

Love the show? Share with a pet parent who needs less chaos and more clarity and please leave a 5-star review to help more pet parents find support.

🎧Free Guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Follow:
🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Contact: Amy@muddypawsandhairballs.com

Shop & support the show:

• Austin & Kat: Natural Wellness Supplements
• Embark Dog DNA Test
• Bonne et Filou: Luxury Dog Treats
• Majestic Pet: Custom Pet Beds & More

UPDATE: We’re back with new episodes August 10! In the meantime, binge from over 100 great past episodes.

©Ⓟ 2025 ...

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 of PAWSitive Pantry and host of The Community Cats Podcast, about how her team is tackling pet food insecurity and keeping pets in the homes where they’re loved. From distributing more than 140,000 pounds of food each year to partnering with shelters and food banks, Stacey shares exactly how they’re doing it—and how you can help too.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• The root causes of pet surrenders and how access to food can change everything
• How one nonprofit built a scalable model to distribute massive amounts of pet food
• Practical steps you can take in your own community to support pets and their people

This episode is proof that solving big problems doesn’t always require big budgets—it starts with people who care and take action. Whether you’re in rescue, animal welfare, or just want to help, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped.

When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode.
Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, share it to your Instagram stories, and tag me [@YourSocialHandle]!

While you’re there, follow me for more behind-the-scenes stories, practical pet care tips, and ways to create real change in your rescue, your home, and your community.

CONNECT WITH STACEY LeBARON:
Instagram | pawsitivepantry.org

LEARN MORE FROM AMY CASTRO:
Instagram | [YourWebsite.com]

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Pet Food Assistance Directory
• The Community Cats Podcast
• Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society
• Community Cat Pyramid & Calculator
• Animal Policy Gr

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com

Support the show

Love the show? Share with a pet parent who needs less chaos and more clarity and please leave a 5-star review to help more pet parents find support.

🎧Free Guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Follow:
🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Contact: Amy@muddypawsandhairballs.com

Shop & support the show:

• Austin & Kat: Natural Wellness Supplements
• Embark Dog DNA Test
• Bonne et Filou: Luxury Dog Treats
• Majestic Pet: Custom Pet Beds & More

UPDATE: We’re back with new episodes August 10! In the meantime, binge from over 100 great past episodes.

©Ⓟ 2025 ...

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.
I’ve been there too. When I had to say goodbye to our 34-year-old rescue horse, Cherokee, I was overwhelmed with guilt, even with decades of rescue experience behind me. If you’ve ever struggled with that same inner dialogue, you’re not alone.
In this episode, I sit down with grief experts Ken Dolan-DelVecchio and Nancy Saxton-Lopez, hosts of The Pet Loss Companion podcast and co-authors of The Pet Loss Companion book. We’re diving deep into the emotional minefield of guilt after pet loss and how to find peace again.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why guilt is a natural part of grieving and what helps us move through it
• How “perfect timing” is an illusion and why it always feels off
• What self-forgiveness really looks like and how to stop replaying what-ifs

If you’ve questioned your decisions after saying goodbye to a pet, this episode will help you take the first step toward healing. Grief is love with nowhere to go—and you don’t have to carry it alone.

When you finish listening, I'd love to hear your biggest takeaway from today’s episode.
Follow me for more support, heartfelt conversations, and practical ways to navigate life with pets.

CONNECT WITH KEN DOLAN-DELVECCHIO & NANCY SAXTON-LOPEZ:
Listen: The Pet Loss Companion Podcast
Read: The Pet Loss Companion: Healing Advice from Family Therapists Who Lead Pet Loss Groups

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Th

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com

Quick Update: We’re taking a short break and will be back with a batch of fresh episodes starting August 10!
In the meantime, binge your way through 100+ past episodes packed with pet-saving sanity—and maybe even solve that one issue that's driving you (and your pet) nuts.
Catch up, take notes, and we’ll see you soon!

Support the show

Love the show? Share with a pet parent who needs less chaos and more clarity and please leave a 5-star review to help more pet parents find support.

🎧Free Guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Follow:
🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Contact: Amy@muddypawsandhairballs.com

Shop & support the show:

• Austin & Kat: Natural Wellness Supplements
• Embark Dog DNA Test
• Bonne et Filou: Luxury Dog Treats
• Majestic Pet: Custom Pet Beds & More

UPDATE: We’re back with new episodes August 10! In the meantime, binge from over 100 great past episodes.

©Ⓟ 2025 ...

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, digestive issues, or even chronic illness.
In this episode, I talk with veterinarian Dr. Linda Atkins about what really causes hairballs, when to be concerned, and how to help your cat stay healthy from the inside out.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why healthy cats should only have hairballs a few times per year
• How stress, poor grooming, and hidden medical conditions can lead to excessive hairballs
• What you can do today to reduce hairballs and protect your cat’s health

Frequent vomiting, coughing, or excessive grooming aren’t quirks—they’re symptoms. Tune in and find out how to prevent hairballs the right way, support your cat’s digestion, and recognize when it’s time to see your vet.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. LINDA ATKINS:
www.valleycottageanimalhospital.com

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com

Support the show

Love the show? Share with a pet parent who needs less chaos and more clarity and please leave a 5-star review to help more pet parents find support.

🎧Free Guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Follow:
🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Contact: Amy@muddypawsandhairballs.com

Shop & support the show:

• Austin & Kat: Natural Wellness Supplements
• Embark Dog DNA Test
• Bonne et Filou: Luxury Dog Treats
• Majestic Pet: Custom Pet Beds & More

UPDATE: We’re back with new episodes August 10! In the meantime, binge from over 100 great past episodes.

©Ⓟ 2025 ...

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, humanizing pets isn’t the issue. Misunderstanding their needs is.
In this episode, I talk with veterinary psychiatrist Dr. Rachel Malamed about what it really means to build a healthy emotional bond with your pet. Together, we explore how to strike the right balance between love and leadership, and how to avoid unintentionally stressing your pet by treating them like a human.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why respecting your pet’s species-specific needs leads to better behavior and emotional health
• How to read your pet’s body language more accurately and avoid common misinterpretations
• What it looks like to truly enrich your pet’s life in ways that serve them, not just you

This episode will challenge how you view your role as a pet parent and help you build a more fulfilling relationship based on understanding, trust, and healthy boundaries.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. RACHEL MALAMED:
Website: www.behaviordogtor.com
Join the Pet Psychiatry Hub Pre-Launch Waitlist
Books: Decoding Your Cat | Decoding Your Dog
Visit the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Find her on: YouTube, Facebook, Support Group for Pet Parents

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com

Support the show

Love the show? Share with a pet parent who needs less chaos and more clarity and please leave a 5-star review to help more pet parents find support.

🎧Free Guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Follow:
🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Contact: Amy@muddypawsandhairballs.com

Shop & support the show:

• Austin & Kat: Natural Wellness Supplements
• Embark Dog DNA Test
• Bonne et Filou: Luxury Dog Treats
• Majestic Pet: Custom Pet Beds & More

UPDATE: We’re back with new episodes August 10! In the meantime, binge from over 100 great past episodes.

©Ⓟ 2025 ...

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, and sometimes surrender.
In this episode, I talk with Pete Campione about how to avoid the biggest mistakes people make when bringing a dog into their lives. Whether you’re adopting, fostering, or buying from a breeder, this conversation will help you make the right decision for you and the dog.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why choosing a dog based on looks or pity is a setup for disappointment
• The kind of research and self-reflection that leads to successful adoptions
• How structure, routine, and reading a dog’s behavior make all the difference in the first 30 days

If this episode saves even one person from making the wrong choice for the wrong reasons, we’ve done our job. Tune in and help more dogs find homes where they truly belong.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PETE CAMPIONE:
Website and Book: www.ksk9.com

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• EMBARK DNA Tests

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com

Support the show

Love the show? Share with a pet parent who needs less chaos and more clarity and please leave a 5-star review to help more pet parents find support.

🎧Free Guide: 10 Tips for Bonding With Your Pet

Follow:
🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Contact: Amy@muddypawsandhairballs.com

Shop & support the show:

• Austin & Kat: Natural Wellness Supplements
• Embark Dog DNA Test
• Bonne et Filou: Luxury Dog Treats
• Majestic Pet: Custom Pet Beds & More

UPDATE: We’re back with new episodes August 10! In the meantime, binge from over 100 great past episodes.

©Ⓟ 2025 ...