The Top Dog Podcast

Top Dog Podcast with Zach Skow | Prison Dogs, Recovery, and Second Chances

What happens when the unconditional love of dogs becomes the reason to keep living? In this powerful episode of Top Dog Podcast, we sit down with Zach Skow, founder of Marley’s Mutts, to talk about recovery, redemption, and the life-changing impact of the human-animal bond. After being given just 90 days to live due to end-stage liver failure, Zach found hope through his dogs — a turning point that ultimately led him to create Marley’s Mutts and groundbreaking prison rehabilitation programs that have transformed thousands of lives. In this conversation, we discuss: • Zach’s journey through addiction and recovery • How dogs became the foundation for healing • The creation of Marley’s Mutts • Prison dog programs and rehabilitation • Why empathy and service change lives • The power of the human-animal bond Zach also shares how prison dog training programs help both incarcerated individuals and rescue dogs find second chances — proving that recovery and redemption are possible for everyone. 👉 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 Chris Bush | How Communities Can Solve Cat Overpopulation

What does it take to build a community-wide solution for homeless cats? In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we talk with Chris Bush, Vice Chair of Chatham Animal Rescue & Education (CARE), about the growing need for community cat programs in rapidly expanding communities — and why collaboration is the key to long-term change. With decades of rescue experience, Chris shares how Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), affordable spay/neuter access, and local partnerships can dramatically reduce cat overpopulation while supporting both animals and the people who care for them. In this conversation, we discuss: • The realities of community cat overpopulation • Why TNR works long-term • The importance of affordable spay/neuter programs • Building sustainable community partnerships • Compassion fatigue and supporting rescue volunteers • Creating a community cat program from the ground up Chris also shares powerful stories from the field and explains why solving animal welfare challenges requires communities to work together — not just shelters and rescues alone. 👉 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 Kristen Hassen | The Leadership Mindset Behind Lifesaving Innovation

What does transformational leadership look like in animal welfare? In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we talk with Kristen Hassen, Founder and CEO of Outcomes Consulting, about the systems, leadership strategies, and cultural shifts needed to create lasting change in animal shelters and rescue organizations. With decades of experience leading large-scale shelter transformation, Kristen shares how data-driven decision making, foster-centered care, and strong organizational leadership can dramatically improve outcomes for both animals and people. In this conversation, we discuss: • Leading large-scale shelter transformation • Building foster-centered shelter systems • Using data to improve animal outcomes • Creating healthy organizational culture • Supporting teams in high-stress environments Kristen shares practical leadership lessons for animal welfare professionals and explains why innovation, collaboration, and people-first leadership are essential to the future of the industry. 👉 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 Rachel Ide | From Rescue Cases to Transforming Animal Services

What happens when animal services focus on keeping pets and people together? In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we talk with Rachel Ide, Animal Services Director at Young-Williams Animal Center, about building modern community-centered animal services programs that go far beyond traditional sheltering. Rachel shares her experience working on the historic rescue of 4,000 beagles and explains how innovative programs like managed intake, pet resource centers, behavior support, and access-to-care clinics are helping transform outcomes for pets and families in Knoxville, Tennessee. In this conversation, we discuss: • The impact of the 4,000 beagle rescue case • Community-centered animal services programs • Managed intake and pet retention strategies • Supporting families through access-to-care services • Building strong, compassionate shelter teams • Creating more humane communities for people and pets Rachel also shares why meeting people where they are — without judgment — is essential to improving animal welfare outcomes. 👉 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 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.