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.
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.
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
