Zach Skow | How Dogs Helped Save His Life — and Thousands More
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.
Chris Bush | Building Community Solutions for Cats in Need
As a volunteer with Chatham Animal Rescue and Education (CARE), Chris is helping lead efforts to address cat overpopulation through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), affordable spay and neuter access, and community collaboration.
Rachel Ide | Meeting Communities Where They Are to Save More Lives
In this episode of the Top Dog Podcast, Rachel Ide, Animal Services Director at Young-Williams Animal Center, shares how community-focused programs and compassionate leadership are transforming animal welfare in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Stephen Knight | Keeping People and Pets Together Through Recovery
Stephen Knight | Keeping People and Pets Together Through Recovery
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In this episode of the Top Dog Podcast, Stephen Knight, Founding Executive Director of Dogs Matter, shares how his personal journey through addiction inspired him to create a one-of-a-kind program helping people enter treatment without losing their pets.
Dogs Matter provides temporary foster care for pets while their owners attend drug and alcohol rehab — removing one of the biggest barriers preventing many people from seeking help.
“The last thing you want to give up is your pet.”
What started with one dog named Jade became a life-changing mission that has now helped more than 2,500 pets and their owners stay together through crisis and recovery.
“She gave me purpose.”
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the power of the human-animal bond in healing and recovery. Stephen explains that pets provide motivation, stability, and emotional support during some of life’s hardest moments.
“A healthy dog and a healthy human.”
Dogs Matter doesn’t just foster pets — they continue supporting clients after treatment through counseling, resources, and community support to help them rebuild their lives.
“We stay with them.”
Stephen also emphasizes the importance of compassion, second chances, and creating systems that support both people and animals together.
“We’re changing lives.”
At its core, this episode is about hope, recovery, and the belief that keeping pets and people together can transform lives in powerful ways.
That mission will also be celebrated at Dogs Matter’s upcoming Tails of Triumph: A New Era event on June 11, 2026, in Dallas, Texas — an evening focused on storytelling, recovery, second chances, and the incredible journeys of the people and pets impacted by the program.
This message is especially important for Dooberteers, fosters, and volunteers. Every foster home and every act of compassion can help create another chance for both animals and the people who love them.
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.
Melissa Giordano | Turning Passion into Lifesaving Action
In this episode of the Top Dog Podcast, Melissa Giordano shares her journey from rescuing two stray dogs in Puerto Rico to becoming a powerful advocate for fostering, transport rescue, and pet safety.
What started as a vacation quickly became a lifelong mission.
“I could never look away.”
Marnie Russ | Saving the Most Vulnerable Through Education and Innovation
Marnie Russ, founder of the National Kitten Coalition and Kitten College, shares how she turned a passion for kittens into a nationwide movement focused on saving the most vulnerable animals in shelters.
After leaving a successful career in lobbying, Marnie dedicated her work to neonatal kittens — the most euthanized, yet most adoptable animals in shelters.
Natalie Ahwesh | Creating Lasting Change Through Policy and Education
With a background in mathematics, Natalie’s journey into animal welfare began through volunteering — but quickly evolved into a mission to address the root causes of animal issues.
“If I can help pass a law… I can help thousands of animals.”
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the importance of thinking beyond direct care. While rescue work is critical, systemic change through legislation and education can prevent suffering at a much larger scale.
Shelly Moore | Leading with Compassion, Culture, and Community
Shelly Moore, CEO of the Humane Society of Charlotte, shares insights from over 40 years in animal welfare — and how the industry has evolved from shelter-focused care to community-centered solutions.
What started as a simple visit to a shelter turned into a lifelong career dedicated to helping animals and the people who care for them.
Sheryl Blancato | Saving More Lives by Rethinking the System
Starting as an animal control officer, Sheryl quickly realized that traditional sheltering alone could never keep up with the need.
“You can never build a shelter big enough.”
That realization led to a new approach — focusing on accessible veterinary care, community programs, and keeping pets in their homes rather than bringing them into shelters.
Jakie Hernández | Building Trust, Breaking Barriers, and Creating Real Impact
Her journey began with a personal adoption experience that changed everything — and showed her the power of giving people a chance.
“Had they not given me a chance… I don’t think I would be the person I am today.”
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the importance of meeting people where they are — removing barriers, breaking d