Stephen Knight | Keeping People and Pets Together Through Recovery

Rexson Bernal on June 2, 2026

Stephen Knight | Keeping People and Pets Together Through Recovery

Prefer an audio version? Listen here:

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.

Caroline Hegarty | Changing Horse Culture Through Education and Advocacy

Rexson Bernal on May 28, 2026

Caroline Hegarty | Changing Horse Culture Through Education and Advocacy

Prefer an audio version? Listen here:

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.

Marnie Russ | Saving the Most Vulnerable Through Education and Innovation

Rexson Bernal on May 21, 2026

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

Rexson Bernal on May 19, 2026

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

Rexson Bernal on May 14, 2026

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

Rexson Bernal on May 12, 2026

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.

Samantha Shelton | Building a Mission That Lasts Beyond a Lifetime

Rexson Bernal on May 5, 2026

With a background in corporate leadership, Sam built Furkids with a business mindset — focusing on sustainability, growth, and long-term impact for both animals and the community.

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the importance of treating animal welfare like a business while staying grounded in compassion and purpose.

Randa Richter | Turning Compassion into Community Impact

Rexson Bernal on April 30, 2026

After starting as a volunteer, Randa made a life-changing decision to leave her corporate career and fully commit to helping animals.

“I felt the need to make a difference.”

Today, she leads multiple programs focused on prevention, outreach, and community support, helping thousands of animals each year while addressing the root causes of overpopulatio

Jackie Roach | From Career Pivot to Purpose-Driven Leadership

Rexson Bernal on April 28, 2026

Jackie’s story highlights how unexpected moments can lead to meaningful impact — including founding a rescue that has saved over 2,500 dogs and eventually stepping into leadership roles across the industry.

A key takeaway from this episode is the importance of mindset and leadership approach. Jackie emphasizes moving away from scarcity thinking and toward growth, experimentation, and community impact.