Kerri Burns shares how a career spanning disaster response, animal welfare leadership, and community service taught her that the future of animal welfare depends on collaboration, compassion, and putting people first.
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.
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, 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.
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.”
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.
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
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
Mike Keiley of the MSPCA shares insights from over 30 years in animal welfare — and why real success comes from collaboration, not competition.
Leading a multi-location organization that impacts over 100,000 animals each year, Mike highlights how evolving programs, community support, and partnerships are essential to meeting the changing needs of animals and people.
