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- [email protected] with your host, Dr. Julie Marty-Pearson – Website - YouTube - Instagram - Facebook - LinkedIn