Zach Skow | How Dogs Helped Save His Life — and Thousands More
Zach Skow | How Dogs Helped Save His Life — and Thousands More
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IIn this episode of the Top Dog Podcast, Zach Skow, Founder of Marley’s Mutts, shares the deeply personal story behind building one of the most impactful rescue and rehabilitation organizations in animal welfare.
After being given just 90 days to live due to end-stage liver failure caused by alcoholism, Zach found hope and purpose through the unconditional love of his dogs.
“They still saw that I was in there.”
That moment became the foundation for Marley’s Mutts — an organization that grew into a powerful force for rescue, rehabilitation, prison programs, therapy dog work, and second chances for both people and animals.
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the transformative power of the human-animal bond. Zach explains how caring for dogs helped him rebuild his life, rediscover self-worth, and ultimately recover from addiction.
“Being of service to something greater than yourself.”
Through programs like Positive Change, Marley’s Mutts has also helped incarcerated individuals rehabilitate dogs while rebuilding their own lives through empathy, responsibility, and recovery.
“We belong to each other.”
Zach also emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of animal overpopulation through spay and neuter, community collaboration, and long-term solutions.
“We cannot rescue our way out of this.”
At its core, this episode is about redemption, healing, and the belief that both people and animals deserve second chances.
“It’s okay to feel everything.”
This message is especially important for Dooberteers, fosters, and volunteers. Every act of compassion — whether helping a dog, a person, or a community — has the power to create lasting change.
If you’re passionate about helping animals, join the Doobert community where volunteers, fosters, transporters, and organizations work together to save lives every day. Visit Doobert.com to get involved.
And don’t forget to subscribe to the Top Dog Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.
Do you know any Top Dogs we should interview? We’re always looking for amazing people in animal welfare to feature on the podcast. Send us an email at tdp@doobert.com.