Muddy Paws and Hairballs

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
Taking care of a pet with a long-term illness can often add another level of stress and commitment to being a pet parent. In this episode, I interview fellow pet podcaster Julie Marty Pearson to explore caring for special-needs pets. Discover the challenges and triumphs faced by pet parents like Julie when our furry friends receive unexpected medical diagnoses.
Key Takeaways:

• Learn about the silent struggles and victories of caring for pets with special needs.
• Explore the sweetness and challenges of managing a diabetic feline, Charlie.
• Gain insights into recognizing cues indicating potential health issues in pets.
• Hear the tough decisions pet owners may face, from veterinary expenses to re-homing considerations.
• Understand why surrendering a pet with special needs to a shelter or rescue strains on shelters ill-equipped to care for animals with medical conditions and rescues that are already overwhelmed.

This candid exploration is balanced by the resilience and love that define our bonds with these special animals. Join us and discover the joy of adopting, fostering, and loving a pet with special needs.
Shoutout's in this episode:
The Story of My Pet podcast
Podcast Your Story Now

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at [email protected]

Support the show

Connect with Us
✅ Subscribe to Muddy Paws and Hairballs for more practical advice for real pet parents.
✅ Share this episode with other pet parents to help them live their very best lives with their pets!

We Want to Hear From You!
Your thoughts and experiences matter to us. What’s one thing you’ve learned from this episode that you’re excited to try with your pet? Or, do you have a question or topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a review or comment—your feedback helps us create content that truly resonates with you!
LISTEN & FOLLOW!
▷ Official Site
▶ Facebook
▶ YouTube
▶ Apple
▶ Spotify

CONTACT: [email protected]
Thanks for listening to Muddy Paws and Hairballs, your go-to resource for all things pet care. From dog training, behavior, and socialization to cat enrichment, pet adoption, and tackling behavior problems, we provide expert advice and real talk to help you create a happy, healthy life with your pets. Whether you're dealing with dog anxiety, looking for puppy training tips, or exploring enrichment ideas for your cat, we've got you covered. Be sure to check out all our episodes!

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 educating pet parents with honesty and heart.
• Sharing memorable stories and moments that capture the ups and downs of pet ownership.
• Highlighting amazing community support and standout listener interactions that have shaped this podcast.
• Looking back at the most downloaded episodes of 2024 and why they stood out.
• Offering a sneak peek at what’s ahead with Muddy Paws and Hairballs – keeping the same values, but adding fresh energy and topics.

This isn’t goodbye – it’s just the next chapter. Thank you for being part of this journey. We can’t wait to see you in the next phase!

Let me know if this feels more aligned, or if there’s something specific you’d like me to highlight further.

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at [email protected]

Support the show

Connect with Us
✅ Subscribe to Muddy Paws and Hairballs for more practical advice for real pet parents.
✅ Share this episode with other pet parents to help them live their very best lives with their pets!

We Want to Hear From You!
Your thoughts and experiences matter to us. What’s one thing you’ve learned from this episode that you’re excited to try with your pet? Or, do you have a question or topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a review or comment—your feedback helps us create content that truly resonates with you!
LISTEN & FOLLOW!
▷ Official Site
▶ Facebook
▶ YouTube
▶ Apple
▶ Spotify

CONTACT: [email protected]
Thanks for listening to Muddy Paws and Hairballs, your go-to resource for all things pet care. From dog training, behavior, and socialization to cat enrichment, pet adoption, and tackling behavior problems, we provide expert advice and real talk to help you create a happy, healthy life with your pets. Whether you're dealing with dog anxiety, looking for puppy training tips, or exploring enrichment ideas for your cat, we've got you covered. Be sure to check out all our episodes!

🐾 Is Your Dog Getting the Right Amount of Exercise? Or Are They at Risk for Injury? 🦴

Whether your dog is a non-stop zoomer, a weekend warrior, or a laid-back couch cuddler, keeping them fit, active, and injury-free is key to their long-term health. But how do you know when to push them—and when to let them rest? 🤔

In this episode of Muddy Paws and Hairballs, Dr. Kelly Fishman, a veterinary sports medicine expert, shares her best advice on customizing exercise for your dog’s age, breed, and activity level—plus key injury prevention strategies every pet parent should know!

🦴 In This Episode:

✅ How much exercise does your dog really need? (And when to push or slow down)
✅ Signs your dog is overdoing it—what pet parents often miss
✅ Breed-specific considerations for keeping dogs fit and injury-free
✅ The role of joint health supplements and proper nutrition in mobility
✅ Warm-ups & cool-downs: Why they matter for active dogs
✅ Fun, safe activities for senior dogs to keep them engaged
✅ Why regular vet checkups are key for long-term dog health

🐕 Dr. Fishman’s expert tips will help you keep your dog active, pain-free, and happy for years to come! 🐾 Listen now!

Learn more about Dr. Fishman at: https://www.strutanimal.com/

For more info about the muscle supplement Dr. Fishman recommends, go to Myos Pet: https://myospet.com/

#ActiveDogs #DogHealth #SeniorDogs #DogExercise #PreventInjuries #HealthyPets #MuddyPawsPodcast

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at [email protected]

Support the show

Connect with Us
✅ Subscribe to Muddy Paws and Hairballs for more practical advice for real pet parents.
✅ Share this episode with other pet parents to help them live their very best lives with their pets!

We Want to Hear From You!
Your thoughts and experiences matter to us. What’s one thing you’ve learned from this episode that you’re excited to try with your pet? Or, do you have a question or topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a review or comment—your feedback helps us create content that truly resonates with you!
LISTEN & FOLLOW!
▷ Official Site
▶ Facebook
▶ YouTube
▶ Apple
▶ Spotify

CONTACT: [email protected]
Thanks for listening to Muddy Paws and Hairballs, your go-to resource for all things pet care. From dog training, behavior, and socialization to cat enrichment, pet adoption, and tackling behavior problems, we provide expert advice and real talk to help you create a happy, healthy life with your pets. Whether you're dealing with dog anxiety, looking for puppy training tips, or exploring enrichment ideas for your cat, we've got you covered. Be sure to check out all our episodes!

Hey there!
In this episode, you’ll hear us refer to the show as Starlight Pet Talk—that’s what we called it before fully embracing 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

This episode explores the aftercare options available for pets after they cross the Rainbow Bridge. Amy talks with Gia Kondakor, director of Pet Loss Services at McAllister Smith Funeral Home. They discuss the emotional challenges people face when their pets die and the importance of making informed decisions about pet aftercare. The episode covers topics such as cremation options (individual, partition, communal), memorial services, and unique ways to memorialize pets. Gia emphasizes the need for open conversations about pet loss and encourages pet parents to feel comfortable making decisions that honor their pets' memories.

Takeaways:

• Aftercare options for pets include cremation and burial.
• Cremation options include individual, partition, and communal cremation.
• Memorial services can provide closure and support for grieving pet parents.
• There are unique ways to memorialize pets, such as jewelry and art made from cremains.
• Open conversations about pet loss and aftercare are important for making informed decisions.

To get in touch with Gia or explore the pet aftercare options at McAlister-Smith, go to:

McAlister-Smith Pet Loss Services

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at [email protected]

Support the show

Connect with Us
✅ Subscribe to Muddy Paws and Hairballs for more practical advice for real pet parents.
✅ Share this episode with other pet parents to help them live their very best lives with their pets!

We Want to Hear From You!
Your thoughts and experiences matter to us. What’s one thing you’ve learned from this episode that you’re excited to try with your pet? Or, do you have a question or topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a review or comment—your feedback helps us create content that truly resonates with you!
LISTEN & FOLLOW!
▷ Official Site
▶ Facebook
▶ YouTube
▶ Apple
▶ Spotify

CONTACT: [email protected]
Thanks for listening to Muddy Paws and Hairballs, your go-to resource for all things pet care. From dog training, behavior, and socialization to cat enrichment, pet adoption, and tackling behavior problems, we provide expert advice and real talk to help you create a happy, healthy life with your pets. Whether you're dealing with dog anxiety, looking for puppy training tips, or exploring enrichment ideas for your cat, we've got you covered. Be sure to check out all our episodes!

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

Get ready for an insightful, in-depth episode as Amy sits down with Aileen Cronin, canine behavior consultant and Baby Pack Leader, to unpack the journey of preparing dogs for the arrival of a new human baby. Aileen, bringing her own experiences and expertise to the table, dispels the myths surrounding dogs and newborns and shares why proactive training and clear boundaries are essential to creating a peaceful household.

Together, Amy and Aileen dive deep into the essentials of pet adoption, highlighting the critical need for alignment and communication between partners. They offer hands-on advice for preparing both your pup and your home for the big change.

They also delve into the importance of spotting signs of stress to ensure comfort and safety for all. Plus, Aileen opens up about situations where rehoming might be the kindest option.

Tune in to ensure your home remains harmonious and happy for both two- and four-legged family members!

To learn more about Aileen's resources and the "Bringing Home Baby" program, go to www.BabyPackLeader.com.
Don’t forget to use the special discount code STARLIGHT so that 50% of each sale goes to help the animals at Starlight Outreach and Rescue, Amy's nonprofit animal rescue!

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at [email protected]

Support the show

Connect with Us
✅ Subscribe to Muddy Paws and Hairballs for more practical advice for real pet parents.
✅ Share this episode with other pet parents to help them live their very best lives with their pets!

We Want to Hear From You!
Your thoughts and experiences matter to us. What’s one thing you’ve learned from this episode that you’re excited to try with your pet? Or, do you have a question or topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Leave a review or comment—your feedback helps us create content that truly resonates with you!
LISTEN & FOLLOW!
▷ Official Site
▶ Facebook
▶ YouTube
▶ Apple
▶ Spotify

CONTACT: [email protected]
Thanks for listening to Muddy Paws and Hairballs, your go-to resource for all things pet care. From dog training, behavior, and socialization to cat enrichment, pet adoption, and tackling behavior problems, we provide expert advice and real talk to help you create a happy, healthy life with your pets. Whether you're dealing with dog anxiety, looking for puppy training tips, or exploring enrichment ideas for your cat, we've got you covered. Be sure to check out all our episodes!