Story of My Pet: Tales of Animal Rescue, Fostering & Adoption

Unleashing Stories: How Unique Dogs Inspired Children's Books with Leia Barrett

Unleashing Stories: How Unique Dogs Inspired Children's Books with Leia Barrett.Host Julie Marty Pearson welcomes children’s author and rescue advocate Leia Barrett, who shares growing up with dogs (including longtime family “unicorn” Dixie) and later adopting her own unicorn rescue, Layla. They discuss common challenges in rescue adoptions, why quick returns can traumatize animals, and the widely used “3-3-3 rule” describing dogs’ adjustment over the first three days, three weeks, and three months. Leia explains how understanding decompression, training, redirection, and empathy can prevent rehoming and support the overpopulation crisis through better education—especially for kids. She describes her path from classical-music storybooks to founding a rescue-focused picture book series, beginning with The Odd Dog, inspired by Layla’s quirks and centered on families adapting to a pet’s needs. They highlight Kansas City’s Wayside Waifs and Leah’s book-signing fundraisers that donate to shelters and rescues. To learn more about Leia and her books, visit her Website or Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.01:04 Growing Up With Greyhounds01:38 Dixie the Unicorn Dog02:33 Adopting Layla at 4004:30 Rescue Returns and Education05:31 Explaining the 3-3-3 Rule08:21 Training Patience and Empathy12:21 Why She Writes Kids Books14:23 Creating The Odd Dog16:21 Embracing Mutts Over Breeds17:42 Earning Trust With Pets19:57 Pets Get Us Moving20:34 Outdoor Time Safely21:14 Turning Layla Into Odd Dog23:49 Redirecting Pet Energy25:38 Senior Dogs Deserve Love28:37 Spotlight on Wayside Waifs31:07 How to Help Rescues34:30 Book Signings Fundraiser Support the showSupport the Podcast by Buying Us a Treat via Buy Me a CoffeeShop our Affiliate Partners:🐾 Shop Mikko's Choice Use code 'storyofmypet' for 15% off🐾 Shop Superior Feline Use code “storyofmypet” for 15% off🐾 Shop Nuvita CBD for people Use code 'Julie10' for 10% offLoved this episode? Leave a review and rating hereThe Story of My Pet Podcast and Blog- Website - Instagram - FacebookContact your host via Email- julie@thestoryofmypetpodcast.comConnect with your host, Dr. Julie Marty-Pearson – Website - YouTube - Instagram - Facebook - LinkedIn

Love Your Feral Feline: A Special Podcasthon Episode

Podcasthon Special: How Love Your Feral Felines Is Saving Cats in San Diego County with Volunteer Tammy KaehlerHost Julie Marty Pearson shares a special Podcasthon episode of The Story of My Pet Podcast, part of a coordinated March 2026 global charity event, featuring an interview with Tammy Kaehler, a volunteer with Love Your Feral Felines (LYFF), an all-volunteer cat rescue serving San Diego County. Tammy расскаnts how a former feral “backyard cat” led her into cat rescue work and describes LYFF’s mission and programs, including foster and adoption efforts, a free-roaming adoption center, barn cat placements, community education, and trap-neuter-return (TNR) work. They discuss cat overpopulation, the challenges feral cats face in shelters, ways people can help beyond fostering (transport, photos, writing, grants, supplies, and social sharing), and how to support LYFF through donations, wish lists, volunteering, cuddle hours, and adopting.To learn more about Love Your Feral Feline, Visit their Website or Follow them on Facebook Instagram & Youtube Support the showSupport the Podcast by Buying Us a Treat via Buy Me a CoffeeShop our Affiliate Partners:🐾 Shop Mikko's Choice Use code 'storyofmypet' for 15% off🐾 Shop Superior Feline Use code “storyofmypet” for 15% off🐾 Shop Nuvita CBD for people Use code 'Julie10' for 10% offLoved this episode? Leave a review and rating hereThe Story of My Pet Podcast and Blog- Website - Instagram - FacebookContact your host via Email- julie@thestoryofmypetpodcast.comConnect with your host, Dr. Julie Marty-Pearson – Website - YouTube - Instagram - Facebook - LinkedIn

Learning Pet Nutrition Science: How Four Cats Taught This Couple Everything About Pet Food

Learning Pet Nutrition Science may be easier than you realize. In this episode, I sit down with Holly Baer from Superior Feline to explore the world of homemade pet nutrition. Holly's journey began when her own cats faced serious health challenges—kidney disease, fish allergies, and inflammatory conditions that commercial foods couldn't address. What started as a desperate search for solutions became a mission to help cat parents everywhere take control of their pets' nutrition.From Crisis to SolutionHolly's husband, a microbiologist, dove deep into research when their beloved cat Coconut developed kidney disease. What they discovered changed everything about how they approached feline nutrition. But Superior Feline goes beyond just food mixes. They've developed a complete system including omega-3 oils (both fish and plant-based options), postbiotics for gut health, and liver powder toppers for picky eaters. What you'll learn in this episode:How to transition from commercial to homemade cat food safelyThe difference between probiotics and postbiotics for feline healthSolutions for cats with allergies, kidney disease, and digestive issuesTips for dealing with picky eaters and multiple cats with different preferencesHusband and Wife team, Eric and Holly Baer, founded Superior Feline because of the positive, physical results they saw from making homemade cat food for their two cats, Coconut and Luna Belle, who had health issues. They started Superior Feline with the main goal of providing quality, science-based, affordable products that aren't built around marketing, but around the true pursuit of real results and long-term health for fur family. Follow Superior Feline on Facebook or Instagram.Support the showSupport the Podcast by Buying Us a Treat via Buy Me a CoffeeShop our Affiliate Partners:🐾 Shop Mikko's Choice Use code 'storyofmypet' for 15% off🐾 Shop Superior Feline Use code “storyofmypet” for 15% off🐾 Shop Nuvita CBD for people Use code 'Julie10' for 10% offLoved this episode? Leave a review and rating hereThe Story of My Pet Podcast and Blog- Website - Instagram - FacebookContact your host via Email- julie@thestoryofmypetpodcast.comConnect with your host, Dr. Julie Marty-Pearson – Website - YouTube - Instagram - Facebook - LinkedIn

Paw Prints on Our Hearts: Navigating Pet Loss and Love with Ami King

Have you ever wondered about the profound impact pets can have on our lives? In this heartwarming episode, Julie sits down with Amy King, a fellow animal lover and writer, to explore the joys and challenges of pet ownership.Amy shares her journey from childhood fish tanks to adopting rescue dogs with complex needs. We discuss the emotional rollercoaster of caring for pets with health issues and the bittersweet experience of saying goodbye to our furry companions.Key takeaways for pet parents:The importance of being observant and in tune with your pet's behaviorCoping strategies for dealing with pet loss and griefWhy it's crucial to give yourself grace during the grieving processThe value of adopting from reputable animal welfare organizationsWe also spotlight the Arizona Animal Welfare League and their fantastic work in matching pets with loving homes.Ami King is a former higher ed instructor who wanted to do something creative and turned to writing and telling stories. Ami writes historical western romance novels with a mix of mystery, intrigue, and, well, romance. There's also a funny animal or two. Ami is married with 2 college aged boys, a koi pond and her ride or die dog, Finnegan. To learn more about Ami King, check out her Website, follow her on Facebook or Instagram. Support the showSupport the Podcast by Buying Us a Treat via Buy Me a CoffeeShop our Affiliate Partners:🐾 Shop Mikko's Choice Use code 'storyofmypet' for 15% off🐾 Shop Superior Feline Use code “storyofmypet” for 15% off🐾 Shop Nuvita CBD for people Use code 'Julie10' for 10% offLoved this episode? Leave a review and rating hereThe Story of My Pet Podcast and Blog- Website - Instagram - FacebookContact your host via Email- julie@thestoryofmypetpodcast.comConnect with your host, Dr. Julie Marty-Pearson – Website - YouTube - Instagram - Facebook - LinkedIn

From Rink to Rescue: How the Chicago Wolves Score Big for Rescue Dogs

Are you ready for a heartwarming tale that combines the thrill of hockey with the joy of pet adoption? In this episode, Julie sits down with Jason Shaver, the play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Wolves Hockey Team, to discuss their incredible Adopt-A-Dog Program.A Unique Blend of Sports and Animal WelfareJason shares how the Chicago Wolves have been championing dog adoption for decades, resulting in 1,885 dogs finding forever homes so far. We explore their partnership with local rescues and their strategy for hosting their Adopt-A-Dog Program at games. Their trusted rescue partners are Border Tails Rescue in Northbrook, Illinois and Wright-Way Rescue in Morton Grove, Illinois.Key Takeaways:Learn about the Chicago Wolves' successful dog adoption programUnderstand how sports teams can make a difference in animal welfareGain insights into the adoption process at these unique eventsDiscover the impact of giving shelter dogs a second chanceThis episode is a must-listen for animal lovers, hockey fans, and anyone interested in innovative approaches to pet adoption. You'll come away inspired by how a professional sports team is making a real difference in the lives of dogs and their new families.Learn more about their rescue partners, Border Tails Rescue visit their Website and Follow on Instagram, and Wright-Way Rescue visit their Website and Follow on Instagram.Jason Shaver has served as the voice of the Wolves since being named the team’s play-by-play announcer in August 2008. Shaver has been a huge advocate in the community, adopting many dogs over the years from the Wolves' Adopt-A-Dog program. Support the showSupport the Podcast by Buying Us a Treat via Buy Me a CoffeeShop our Affiliate Partners:🐾 Shop Mikko's Choice Use code 'storyofmypet' for 15% off🐾 Shop Superior Feline Use code “storyofmypet” for 15% off🐾 Shop Nuvita CBD for people Use code 'Julie10' for 10% offLoved this episode? Leave a review and rating hereThe Story of My Pet Podcast and Blog- Website - Instagram - FacebookContact your host via Email- julie@thestoryofmypetpodcast.comConnect with your host, Dr. Julie Marty-Pearson – Website - YouTube - Instagram - Facebook - LinkedIn