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’s when I realized: something had to change.

In this raw, no-holds-barred solo episode, I share the story kept quiet for too long—the mental, emotional, and physical toll of being "the yes person" in animal rescue for far too long.

With over 4,000 animals fostered, a 7-acre property turned full-blown sanctuary, and a rescue organization I’ve poured my soul into, I finally hit my limit. From losing my husband to COVID, to battling cancer while still saving animals, to holding things together through Hurricane Beryl, I’ve lived the reality behind the glossy social media posts—and it nearly destroyed me.

This episode covers:

• Why saying yes to every animal can mean saying no to the ones you could save
• The emotional damage of euthanasia decisions and the savior complex in rescue culture
• The moment I knew my passion had become a compulsion
• Why I'm not leaving rescue, but stepping back to lead with clarity
• How I’m building a leaner, foster-based model focused on advocacy and sustainability
• A preview of my upcoming interview on why the no-kill movement is failing—and what ethical, SMART sheltering could look like

It's time for a new chapter—for me, and for the rescue world—one rooted in balance, boundaries, and better outcomes for everyone.

📢 If you’re a rescuer teetering on the edge of burnout, consider this episode your permission to pause, exhale, and reimagine how you serve animals without losing yourself. And if you’re someone who loves animals but isn’t in the rescue world, this is your honest, behind-the-scenes look at what rescue really demands—the beauty, the heartbreak, and the hard truths we rarely share out loud.

🐶 💬 Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow rescue

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

Starting Sunday, April 27, 2025, we’re switching things up—new episodes will now drop every Sunday instead of Tuesday!

Why the change? Because Sundays just feel better. Quieter mornings, fewer midweek distractions, and a better chance to catch up with your favorite pet podcast (aka us 😎).

Set your alarms (or don’t—we’ll be waiting patiently like a well-trained Golden Retriever 🐾) every Sunday morning starting at 8AM EST / 7AM CST.

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📩 Contact: Amy@muddypawsandhairballs.com

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!