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Muddy Paws and Hairballs Blog

April 24, 2025

Why 'Saving Them All' Can Hurt More Animals Than It Helps

Animal rescue is driven by heart, by the desire to save as many animals as possible, to give them a second chance at life. But here's the thing: trying to "save them all" can lead us down an unsustainable and ethically complicated path. We all face …

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April 2, 2025

Fostering and Your Family: Integrating a Foster Pet

Bringing a new pet into your home is always an exciting time, but when that pet is a foster, the dynamics shift slightly. You're not just integrating a new furry friend; you're providing temporary care and a safe haven for an animal in need. This ca…

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March 24, 2025

The Truth About Separation Anxiety in Dogs: What It Is and What Actually Works

Separation anxiety. It’s one of the most misunderstood behavioral issues out there, and unfortunately, that means a lot of pet parents end up using ineffective (or downright harmful) approaches to try to "fix" it. This post is based on my con…

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Feb. 26, 2025

Rescue Dogs Need More Than Love: The Power of Patience and Empathy

Bringing a rescue dog home is exciting, but let’s be real—it's also challenging. These dogs often come with past experiences that shape their behavior, and no amount of love alone will magically erase that. But with patience and empathy,…

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Feb. 26, 2025

Pet insurance: Is it worth it, or just another monthly bill?

Ever been hit with a vet bill so big it made you question every decision you've ever made?Yeah, same. That’s probably when you started thinking about pet insurance. It's one of those things you don’t really care about until you're starin…

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Jan. 29, 2025

5 Common Dog Behavior Problems and How to Solve Them

If you’ve ever struggled with leash pulling, excessive barking, unreliable recall, jumping up, or destructive chewing, you’re not alone. These are some of the most common dog behavior challenges pet parents face. In our latest podcast ep…

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Jan. 29, 2025

How to Advocate for Your Pet’s Health at the Vet: Making Informed Vaccination Decisions

Walking into a veterinary clinic, you expect to have a say in your pet’s care. But when it comes to vaccinations, many pet owners feel like they’re handed a list of required shots with little room for discussion. The medical jargon, the …

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Dec. 24, 2024

Big Changes Are Coming to the Podcast – Here’s Why I’m Excited

Hey everyone, I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting news about the future of our podcast. If you’ve been a long-time listener, you probably know that we’re transitioning from Starlight Pet Talk to a brand-new name and format:…

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Dec. 21, 2024

Rescue Dog Wines: How a Love for Wine Became a Mission to Save Animals

From Music to Wine: Blair and Laura Lott's Journey with Rescue Dog Wines Blair Lott, co-founder of Rescue Dog Wines, transitioned from a career as a touring musician to winemaking after moving to Northern California with his wife, Laura. While Blai…

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Nov. 21, 2024

Gift Guide for Pet Lovers: Unique and Thoughtful Ideas to Delight Every Pet Parent

Are you searching for the perfect holiday gift for the pet lover in your life? Look no further! In the latest episode of Starlight Pet Talk, host Amy Castro shares a treasure trove of unique and thoughtful gift ideas that are sure to delight any pet…

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