• How to Launch a Profitable Pet Business
    May 21 2024

    In this insightful episode of Starlight Pet Talk, host Amy Castro interviews Eliza Burr, a seasoned pet business coach, about the dynamic world of pet-related businesses. Eliza shares her inspiring journey from the corporate world to becoming a successful pet business coach and delves into the challenges and rewards of starting a pet business.

    Key Topics Discussed:

    • Common Misconceptions: Addressing myths about starting and running a pet business.
    • Goal Setting and Systems: Creating clear goals and implementing processes for long-term success.
    • Coaching and Support: How having a pet business coach can guide you through challenges and accelerate your growth.
    • And more!

    Tune in for practical tips, personal stories, and expert advice on how to successfully launch and grow a pet-related business. Whether you're just starting or looking to scale, this episode provides valuable insights to help you thrive in the pet industry.

    Check out Eliza's podcast, 'Off the Leash with the Pet Business Coach,' for practical tips and personal stories about starting and growing a pet business.

    Visit her website to learn more about how you can work with Eliza: https://www.thepetbusinesscoach.dog/

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    48 mins
  • Unlocking the Secrets of the Human Animal Bond: Insights from The Human-Animal Bond Research Institute
    May 14 2024

    Hi everyone, it's Amy from Starlight Pet Talk. Before we dive into today's episode, I want to take a moment to address something important. You'll notice that portions of the audio quality in this episode is less than stellar. Unfortunately, we ran into some technical issues during recording.

    Despite the audio hiccups, we decided to release the episode because the content is truly valuable, and we didn't want you to miss out on the insights and information we have to share. Thank you for your understanding and continued support and for tuning in. Now, let's get into the episode!"
    ---
    In this episode, we explore the impactful work of The Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) with Lindsey Braun, HABRI VP of Research and Operations. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to researching and sharing the benefits of human-animal interaction. HABRI funds scientific studies, educates the public, and advocates for policies that support the human-animal bond.

    Research highlights the physiological benefits of interacting with pets, such as lowering blood pressure and stress hormones while boosting bonding hormones like oxytocin. Mental health benefits include reduced loneliness, increased social support, and improved well-being. HABRI's initiatives include making housing more pet-friendly, supporting service animals for veterans with PTSD, promoting pet-friendly workplaces, and educating about the differences between pets, emotional support animals, service animals, and therapy animals.

    Support HABRI by learning about their research, donating, and staying connected through their website and newsletter.

    Takeaways:

    • HABRI funds research on the benefits of human-animal interaction.
    • Interacting with pets lowers blood pressure and stress hormones.
    • Pets reduce loneliness and increase social support.
    • HABRI advocates for pet-friendly housing and workplaces.
    • They support service animals for veterans with PTSD.
    • Learn about pets, emotional support animals, service animals, and therapy animals.
    • Support HABRI by staying informed, donating, and subscribing to their newsletter.

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    33 mins
  • Pet Massage Therapy: Transforming Your Pet's Life Through Therapeutic Touch
    May 7 2024

    In this episode of Starlight Pet Talk, host Amy Castro interviews Blanca Rodriguez, a certified canine massage therapist, about the benefits of pet massage. They discuss the history of animal massage, the similarities between human and canine massage, and the specific techniques used in canine massage. Blanca shares success stories of how massage therapy has improved the quality of life for dogs, including those with hip dysplasia and end-of-life care. She emphasizes the importance of creating a calm and safe environment for the massage and recommends using relaxation music. Overall, the episode highlights the transformative power of massage therapy for pets.

    Takeaways
    Pet massage has been practiced since ancient times and has similar benefits for both humans and animals.

    • Canine massage therapy can improve the quality of life for dogs with various conditions, including hip dysplasia and end-of-life care.
    • Creating a calm and safe environment is crucial for a successful pet massage session.
    • Massage therapy can strengthen the bond between humans and their pets and increase trust.
    • Relaxation music can enhance the calming effects of massage therapy for pets.

    Shoutouts in this episode: Blanca E. Rodriguez: https://www.woundedhealer.us/

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    45 mins
  • Spotlight on Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter: Transforming Lives in Texas
    Apr 30 2024

    Join us for an enlightening episode of Starlight Pet Talk as we shine a spotlight on the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter in Georgetown, Texas. In this episode, we sit down with Community Programs Coordinator April Pfeiffer, to discuss the challenges and triumphs encountered by this shelter.

    April discusses the pivotal role of fostering, volunteering, and donating in supporting the shelter's mission. By fostering animals, volunteering time, or contributing financially, individuals can directly impact the lives of animals in need and bolster the shelter's efforts.

    Key Takeaways
    - WCRAS faces challenges due to the high number of animals they care for, but they have various programs in place to find homes for these animals.
    - Fostering, volunteering, and donating are important ways to support the shelter's work and help animals in need.
    - The shelter emphasizes the importance of finding the right match for each animal and provides resources and support to adopters and fosters.

    Shoutouts in this episode:
    Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter
    Rehome by Adoptapet.com

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    45 mins
  • Raising Guide Dog Puppies: Nurturing Life-Changing Heroes for the Visually Impaired
    Apr 23 2024

    This episode explores the heartwarming journey of puppy raisers and the impact they make on both dogs and humans. Roxanne and Jim have been volunteer guide dog puppy raisers for over 18 years, and Donna is a recipient of a guide dog named Wella. They discuss the process of raising guide dog puppies, the training involved, and the importance of socializing the dogs. They also highlight the need for more puppy raisers and the life-changing impact that guide dogs have on their handlers. The episode concludes with information on International Guide Dog Day and how to support guide dog organizations.

    Key Takeaways

    • Puppy raisers play a crucial role in the training and socialization of guide dogs for the blind.
    • Guide dog organizations breed their own dogs and carefully select them based on genetics and temperament.
    • Puppy raisers expose the dogs to various environments and experiences to prepare them for their future roles.
    • Guide dogs provide independence and confidence to their handlers, significantly improving their quality of life.
    • There is a constant need for more puppy raisers to meet the demand for guide dogs.
    • International Guide Dog Day is celebrated on April 24th and raises awareness about the importance of guide dogs.

    Shoutouts in this episode:
    Donna Mack, The Disability Diplomat
    Guide Dogs for the Blind

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    38 mins
  • Critical Spring Safety Tips Every Pet Parent Must Know!
    Apr 16 2024

    In this episode, Dr. Zoo from Family Animal Hospital in Friendswood, Texas, is back with host Amy Castro to discuss crucial tips for pet parents to be able to keep pets safe during the spring and summer seasons. The conversation provides valuable information for pet parents to ensure the safety and well-being of their pets during the spring season.

    Key Takeaways

    · Allergies are common in pets, and testing can help you identify specific allergens and provide proper treatment.

    · Many plants are toxic pets. It's important for pet parents to know what plants are in their pets' environments.

    · Hydration and protection from heat/sun are critical to pet health as the weather warms.

    · Fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and other creatures can pose major risks for pets.

    · When spring cleaning, don't forget your toys, bowls, bedding, and more, but be careful about cleaning products to ensure they're pet-safe.

    · Prepare for outings, trips, and more by ensuring your pet has a great leash and inescapable collar, provide basic obedience training to ensure pet safety.

    · Be prepared for emergencies - whether you're at home, in town, or on the road!

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    52 mins
  • Home Hospice and Euthanasia for Pets: Saying Goodbye with Love and Dignity
    Apr 9 2024

    Join Amy Castro and Dr. Mary Gardner from Lap of Love in-home pet hospice and euthanasia as they have a poignant yet frank discussion about the benefits of in-home pet hospice and euthanasia and offer insights into navigating the emotional journey of a pet's end-of-life. Discover the nuances of end-of-life care, managing chronic conditions, and coping with anticipatory grief. They share tips on preparing for and coping with pet loss, including:

    - Creating meaningful end-of-life experiences
    - Communicating about the decision
    - Understanding and navigating the journey
    - Managing the guilt about decisions made and not made
    - Letting go of the guilt pet parents may feel over the relief of a pet's death
    - And more.

    Celebrate the uniqueness of each pet's journey and explore compassionate care options to ensure their final chapter is filled with dignity and love. Tune in for heartfelt conversations and support during this challenging part of the pet parenting journey.

    Shoutouts in this episode:
    Parkwood Animal Hospital, Friendswood Texas
    End-of-Life Pet Photography from One Last Network
    Nancy Gordon - Pet Loss and Grief Expert

    • Check out Nancy's new book "I Miss You Already: Bearing the Unbearable Loss of Your Pet."

    Pet Vet Animal Hospital - Deerfield Beach, Florida

    Additional Resources Provided By Dr. Mary Gardner:

    Mary's personal website: https://www.drmarygardner.com/
    Lap of Love website: lapoflove.com
    Dog Quality of Life Scale: https://www.drmarygardner.com/resources/forms/dog/dog_QOL.pdf
    Cat Quality of Life Scale: https://www.drmarygardner.com/resources/forms/cat/Cat_Life_Quality_Assessment.pdf
    Quality of L

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    49 mins
  • Help! I Found Baby Kittens: Now What?
    Apr 2 2024

    In this episode of Starlight Pet Talk, join host Amy Castro as she sheds light on the crucial steps to take if you stumble upon a litter of kittens. As spring blooms in Texas, Amy offers invaluable advice on navigating the delicate balance between intervention and observation. Drawing from her experience as the president of Starlight Outreach and Rescue, Amy addresses key questions:

    • Are the kittens healthy?
    • Is their mother present?
    • How old are they?

    Through practical insights and real-life examples, Amy guides listeners through the complexities of kitten rescue, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and responsible action.


    Tune in to discover essential tips on assessing kitten health, identifying maternal care, and determining appropriate intervention strategies. Whether you're a seasoned rescuer or a concerned passerby, this episode equips you with the knowledge and confidence to make a difference in the lives of abandoned kittens. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from an expert and become a champion for vulnerable animals. Subscribe to Starlight Pet Talk on your favorite podcast platform and embark on a journey of compassion and advocacy. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in the world of animal welfare.
    Shoutouts in this episode: www.kittenlady.org/age

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    21 mins