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.
After first entering animal welfare in the late 1990s, Kristen left the field due to the trauma of working in shelters with extremely high euthanasia rates. Years later, she returned with a new mission: changing the system from within.
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.
In this episode of the Top Dog Podcast, Caroline Hegarty, founder of Equitopia, shares her mission to improve horse welfare through education, research, and responsible ownership.
After years of working with horses, Caroline began questioning traditional training methods and mainstream horse culture — especially when she saw horses showing signs of stress, discomfort, and fear.
“I never wanted to ride horses at the expense of their welfare.”
That passion led her to create Equitopia, a global educational platform focused on evidence-based horse care, training, and advocacy.
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the importance of understanding horses as prey animals — recognizing their emotional needs, body language, and trust-based relationships with humans.
“Love is not enough.”
Caroline emphasizes that responsible horse ownership requires ongoing education, critical thinking, and a willingness to challenge outdated traditions.
“We control their destiny.”
She also highlights the dangers of dominance-based training methods and the growing concerns around horse welfare in competitive industries.
“It has become less about the horses.”
At its core, this episode is about shifting from entitlement to responsibility — creating a culture where horses are treated as partners, not tools for performance.
“What can we do for our horses?”
This message is especially important for animal advocates, horse owners, and anyone passionate about ethical animal care. Real change begins when education, compassion, and accountability work together.
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.
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, 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.
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, 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.
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.
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
