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 Greyhounds
01:38 Dixie the Unicorn Dog
02:33 Adopting Layla at 40
04:30 Rescue Returns and Education
05:31 Explaining the 3-3-3 Rule
08:21 Training Patience and Empathy
12:21 Why She Writes Kids Books
14:23 Creating The Odd Dog
16:21 Embracing Mutts Over Breeds
17:42 Earning Trust With Pets
19:57 Pets Get Us Moving
20:34 Outdoor Time Safely
21:14 Turning Layla Into Odd Dog
23:49 Redirecting Pet Energy
25:38 Senior Dogs Deserve Love
28:37 Spotlight on Wayside Waifs
31:07 How to Help Rescues
34:30 Book Signings Fundraiser

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