Top Dog Podcast with Stephen Knight | Leading with Purpose Through Crisis and Recovery

Top Dog Podcast with Stephen Knight | Leading with Purpose Through Crisis and Recovery

What happens when saving a dog also helps save a human life? In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we talk with Stephen Knight, Founding Executive Director of Dogs Matter, about building one of the most unique foster-based recovery programs in animal welfare. After overcoming addiction himself, Stephen founded Dogs Matter to help people entering drug and alcohol treatment place their pets in temporary foster care — eliminating one of the biggest barriers preventing many individuals from seeking help. In this conversation, we discuss: • The connection between recovery and the human-animal bond • Building a mission-driven nonprofit from the ground up • Supporting people and pets through crisis • Why temporary fostering can save lives • Expanding compassionate community programs nationwide Stephen also shares how Dogs Matter’s long-term recovery support model is helping people rebuild their lives while keeping their beloved pets by their side. 🐾Dogs Matter’s annual Tails of Triumph: A New Era event takes place on June 11 in Dallas, Texas, celebrating powerful recovery stories, second chances, and the transformative impact of the human-animal bond. The evening features client success stories, community celebration, artwork, and fundraising efforts supporting Dogs Matter’s expanding mission. Learn more here: https://www.dogsmatter2.org/tails-of-triumph 👉 Learn more about tools supporting animal welfare organizations at https://doobert.com/ Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of animal welfare.

Top Dog Podcast with Caroline Hegarty | The Future of Ethical Horsemanship

What does true horse welfare actually look like? In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we sit down with Caroline Hegarty, founder of Equitopia — an educational platform focused on evidence-based horse welfare, ethical horsemanship, and responsible horse ownership. Originally from Ireland and now based in California, Caroline shares how her lifelong passion for horses led her to challenge traditional horse culture and advocate for a more compassionate, science-driven approach to equine care. In this conversation, we explore: • Why horse welfare needs a culture shift • The dangers of dominance-based training methods • Building trust and partnership with horses • Evidence-based approaches to horse care and riding • The responsibility that comes with horse ownership Caroline shares powerful insights on advocacy, education, and why understanding horses as prey animals changes everything about how we care for and interact with them. 👉 Learn more about tools supporting animal welfare organizations at https://doobert.com/ Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of animal welfare.

Top Dog Podcast with Melissa Giordano | From Rescue Flights to GPS Innovation

One vacation to Puerto Rico changed everything. In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we sit down with Melissa Giordano — animal rescue advocate, foster mentor, and Rescue Partnerships Manager at Fi. What started with rescuing two stray dogs from a beach in Puerto Rico turned into a lifelong mission helping shelters, rescues, and foster networks save more animals. In this conversation, we explore: • The realities of rescue work in Puerto Rico • Why compassion matters in animal welfare leadership • The growing challenge of lost foster and adopted dogs • How GPS tracking technology is changing rescue outcomes • The power of fostering and community support Melissa shares lessons from years in rescue, the importance of meeting people without judgment, and how innovative tools like GPS tracking and microchipping can help keep pets safe and out of shelters. 👉 Learn more about tools supporting animal welfare organizations at https://doobert.com/ Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of animal welfare.

Top Dog Podcast with Marnie Russ | Leading a Movement to Save Neonatal Kittens

The most vulnerable animals in shelters are also the most adoptable. In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we talk with Marnie Russ, founder of the National Kitten Coalition and creator of Kitten College — a groundbreaking program focused on saving neonatal kittens through education, foster support, and scalable systems. After a successful career as an international aerospace lobbyist, Marnie shifted her focus to animal welfare — building one of the most impactful neonatal kitten programs in the country. In this conversation, we explore: • Why neonatal kittens are the most at-risk population in shelters • How Kitten College is transforming foster programs nationwide • Breaking down barriers to fostering through education and support • Scaling lifesaving programs for shelters of all sizes • Turning passion into a national movement Marnie shares how simple, structured systems — combined with the right education — can save thousands of lives and empower everyday people to foster with confidence. 👉 Learn more about tools supporting animal welfare organizations at https://doobert.com/ Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of animal welfare.

Top Dog Podcast with Natalie Ahwesh | Leading Policy Change in Animal Welfare

Real change in animal welfare doesn’t just happen in shelters — it happens through systems. In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we talk with Natalie Ahwesh, Executive Director of Humane Action Pennsylvania. From a background in mathematics to leading statewide policy initiatives, Natalie has helped pass nearly 30 animal welfare laws — impacting thousands of animals across Pennsylvania. Her work focuses on addressing the root causes of animal welfare issues through legislation, education, and community collaboration. In this conversation, we discuss: • How policy creates long-term impact for animals • Building coalitions with unexpected partners • The connection between animal welfare and social issues • Leading without a traditional strategic roadmap • Staying motivated in long-term, high-impact work Natalie shares how thinking beyond direct care — and focusing on systemic change — can transform entire communities. 👉 Learn more about how technology supports animal welfare organizations at https://doobert.com/ Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of animal welfare.