Stephen Knight | Keeping People and Pets Together Through Recovery

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.