I interviewed Megan Wargula, Woodstock resident and author of the “Riley Carson” books, which are middle school mysteries. She also is the co-host of the “Dog Nerd Show” podcast. She interviewed me for her podcast, too, and you can find the podcast with me talking about Rob’s Rescues on Apple Podcasts.
Tell us about the “Riley Carson” books.
I have written three books that form the “Riley Carson” series. They are fun, mystery/adventure books for kids, with an animal twist. The purpose behind these books is that we’ve got to do better to help dogs. Through my writing, I believe I can really speak to kids and start teaching them from a young age to help animals.
How did you get into podcasting?
I had a marketing and social media job. I realized that not everyone is going to read my books, and, in order to get my message out, I needed to broaden my scope. We chose to go the video and podcast route. It is an effort to take the message about changing the world for dogs to another level. We do videos about specific dog breeds to help people make good decisions when getting a dog. We also educate people on health and safety for dogs.
Do you have a story that you like to tell?
At the time, our dogs, two border terriers, got into a package of sugar-free chewing gum. We heard a noise, looked around and just saw wrappers! I prided myself on knowing that chocolate, grapes, etc. were bad for dogs, but I didn’t know anything about sugar-free gum. I Googled it and it contains xylitol. Of course, we didn’t know which one had eaten the gum. We put the one I thought would have done it into the car to take to the emergency vet, but then decided to take them both.
It turns out that it was the one (Finlay) I thought would not have ingested it that actually had! Xylitol will give a dog kidney failure. Finlay was pumped with fluids and kept for 24 hours of observation. He lived to be 17 years old, but it was a nerve-wracking experience in the moment!
How do you come up with podcast ideas?
Our goal for the podcast and the guests we have on it is to help people make good decisions around dogs and keep dogs out of shelters. Once you get a dog, it should be for life.
What is your favorite thing about podcasting?
It is a fun thing to do with my husband, Michael, and a great way to connect with people.
What do you want the community to know?
My mission is to educate people about dogs. Kids enjoy my books and get excited about reading. By teaching kids to have compassion for animals, that compassion stretches to compassion for people, too. I often talk to kids in schools about helping dogs. If any schools or teachers want me to come in and talk to their kids, they are welcome to get in touch with me.
How can people get in touch with you?
They can visit https://rileycarsonseries.com or check out the “Dog Nerd Show” on the Apple Podcasts app.
These animals are at Cobb County Animal Services, waiting for homes.
This dog’s name is Woody. He is a small brown dog who is 10 years old. He is a stray and a very sweet dog who walks well, likes to be picked up and definitely will love you. He’s a very old dog, and seniors make very good pets, especially this one.
This cat’s name is Kai. He is a 1-year-old stray. Kai is a great cat who is very loving and loves to be held. It shouldn’t be a problem to find a home for this cat because he would be a great cat anywhere. Maybe that is with you?
– Rob Macmillan is on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. On Facebook @robsrescues. www.robsrescues.com.
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