Cats That Kept Him Going: How David Maeda's Cats Shaped His Story.

Your host, Julie Marty-Pearson sits down with David Maeda to trace that arc from his first cat, Mr Max, to a home shaped by bonded pairs, big personalities, and the kind of attachment that turns ordinary days into a shared routine you never want to lose.

David adopted Max in college and discovered what “cat people” mean when they talk about connection. From hilarious moments like a drooling purr to the ache of coming home after a pet dies, we stay with the full emotional range of cat ownership. David also shares how cat math happens: adopting two cats together after a loss, bringing home a three-legged rescue, and learning that even bonded cats can leave someone feeling left out.

Because David’s memoir includes a chapter dedicated to his cats, the conversation goes deeper into memory, storytelling, and why writing about animals can be both healing and heartbreaking. We also talk openly about depression, anxiety, and high-stress years in public service, including his work as Minnesota’s director of elections, and how caring for cats can keep you grounded when your mind is pulling you under. Along the way, we touch on Feline Rescue in St Paul, volunteering, cat shelters overwhelmed by animals who lose their person, and why every pet guardian should have a plan for who would step in.

To learn more about David, visit his Website or buy his book This is Not Who We Are

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

Host Julie Marty Pearson welcomes children’s author and rescue advocate Leah , 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.

Leah 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 Leah 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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Support the Podcast by Buying Us a Treat via Buy Me a Coffee
Shop our Affiliate Partners:

1. 🐾 Shop Mikko's Choice Use code 'storyofmypet' for 15% off
2. 🐾 Shop Superior Feline Use code “storyofmypet” for 15% off
3. 🐾 Shop Nuvita CBD for people Use code 'Julie10' for 10% off

Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here
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Podcasthon Special: How Love Your Feral Felines Is Saving Cats in San Diego County with Volunteer Tammy Kaehler

Host 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 show

Support the Podcast by Buying Us a Treat via Buy Me a Coffee
Shop our Affiliate Partners:

1. 🐾 Shop Mikko's Choice Use code 'storyofmypet' for 15% off
2. 🐾 Shop Superior Feline Use code “storyofmypet” for 15% off
3. 🐾 Shop Nuvita CBD for people Use code 'Julie10' for 10% off

Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here
The Story of My Pet Podcast and Blog- Website - Instagram - Facebook
Contact your host via Email- julie@thestoryofmypetpodcast.com

Connect with your host, Dr. Julie Marty-Pearson – Website - YouTube - Instagram - Facebook - LinkedIn