Dogs Matter

Searching for Artists who can help feature client stories for our 10 Year Legacy Celebration! Email info@dogsmatter2.org Join us for "Tails of Triumph" on June 12th from 7 – 9 PM at VOUV in Dallas, an unforgettable evening of storytelling, art, and inspiration. Hosted by Tony Award Winner John Benjamin Hickey, this special event will bring together the Recovery and Animal Rescue communities, along with our dedicated fosters, volunteers, and supporters - people like you who make second chances possible. #artist #dfwartist #recoverycommunity

Ten years ago, Dogs Matter was born from a single act of kindness - a simple yet powerful belief that no one should have to choose between getting sober and keeping their beloved pet. What started as a personal mission to help just one addict and their dog has grown into a life-changing movement. Now, it's time to celebrate! Join us for "Tails of Triumph" on June 12th from 7 PM–9 PM at VOUV in Dallas, an unforgettable evening of storytelling, art, and inspiration. Hosted by Tony Award Winner John Benjamin Hickey, this special event will bring together the Recovery and Animal Rescue communities, along with our dedicated fosters, volunteers, and supporters - people like you who make second chances possible. Get your tickets today: https://lnkd.in/egTejcz4 #community #recovery #specialevent #dallasevent #dfw

Thank you, Courtney Witthuhn for supporting Dogs Matter!

NEW MERCH AVAILABLE NOW! Buy a gift for someone you love & support Dogs Matter. Every purchase from the Dogs Matter store directly supports our mission to provide foster care and resources for pets of people seeking recovery. 100% of proceeds go toward helping both pets and their owners on their journey to a better future. Shop now and make a difference—because every pet matters! https://lnkd.in/ekmGsjm9

Become a Sponsor & Change Lives! Dogs Matter is celebrating 10 years of providing life-saving support to people in recovery and their beloved pets. Your sponsorship of our June 12, 2025, Anniversary Celebration will directly fund care for our clients and their dogs during in-patient treatment and transitional housing. 📢 As a sponsor, your business will receive recognition at the event, on our website, and across social media - showcasing your commitment to making a difference. Together, we can create a future where no one has to choose between their recovery and their best friend. For sponsorship opportunities, contact our Sponsorship Chair, Amy Stowell at 📧 amy@dogsmatter2.org #sponsorship #sponsor #10years #dogsmatter #cnnhero #recovery

Dogs Matter is celebrating 10 years of life-saving impact, ensuring individuals in recovery can get the help they need while knowing their beloved pets are safe and cared for. Join us for the Tails of Triumph Legacy Celebration on Thursday, June 12, 2025, an evening dedicated to honoring a decade of transformation. Hosted by Emmy-nominated, Tony Award-winning actor John Benjamin Hickey, this special event will bring together supporters, advocates, storytellers, and community leaders. Get your tickets today!

In 2011, Stephen Knight was 51 years old and struggling with addiction. A letter from his mother motivated him to pursue sobriety. But eight months into it, Knight still faced daily battles. That was until his neighbor had to give up her dog, Jayde, a Maltese/Dachshund mix. She asked Knight to give her a ride to a shelter. Instead, Knight adopted Jayde, despite never owning a dog, and now credits her with “saving his life.” Today, Knight is 14 years sober and serves as the founding executive director of Dogs Matter, a nonprofit he launched in 2015. Since then, the organization has helped more than 1,000 dogs and their owners remain families by providing temporary foster care for dogs of owners struggling with addiction and working through inpatient treatment. The nonprofit also takes in dogs that come from abusive homes or from owners who decide that they can no longer provide adequate care. Participants must stay true to their recovery efforts and go through its year-long aftercare program after being reunited with their dogs. Owners work with a certified peer recovery coach in the program, helping them through regular check-ins and visits, along with multiple resources to keep them on track during the recovery process in order to have a secure and safe environment for their dog. Knight is a substance abuse counselor and the program director at Legacy Cares, an intensive outpatient program. Dogs Matter has seen impressive growth under Knight, who has over 25 years of nonprofit experience. “We started out in 2015, we did 20 dogs max,” he says. “Each year, it has grown 50 percent, almost 75 percent. We’re in our 10th year, and we’ve grown to 1,700 dogs.” In 2023, Dogs Matters partnered with Dallas Pets Alive! to create a broader network of caregivers for pets and families that experience hardships. One initiative aimed at accomplishing that goal is DPA’s Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender program. It with numerous local shelters and organizations to help pet owners who need resources such as food and supplies, veterinary care, or temporary foster homes rather than giving a dog up for adoption.  Launched in 2016, the program prevented more than 4,000 dogs from being up to shelters last year and more than 5,000 since 2022, impacting and working with around 25,000 people in need of pet assistance. Knight’s work with Dogs Matter earned him recognition from CNN in 2024 as a CNN Hero finalist, what he describes as a “surreal” experience. His mission is especially meaningful to him as it involves both supporting others and coming to the aid of dogs in need. “It’s about connecting to the recovery community, and finding my tribe, and being able to lean on people who have the experience of sobriety,” he says. Looking ahead, Knight aims to take Dogs Matter to the next level. “I want to take this program and make it national, or even bigger and international,” he says. “I just want to give them a second chance and a new life.”

Last week was full of urgent cases, including Bella—who, without help, would have faced homelessness with her owner. Thanks to our incredible community, a foster stepped up, giving Bella a safe and loving home while her owner gets back on their feet. We need more fosters who can step in during emergencies. If you’re able to open your home to a pet in need, please visit our website to sign up today! 💙 https://lnkd.in/e3rat64F #FosterSavesLives #BeTheBridge

Thank you for supporting Dogs Matter, Erin! 💙💜

🚨 Reminder! Join Dogs Matter for an inspiring online event with CNN Hero of the Year, Stephen Knight! 🎉 We'll explore how fostering recovery programs save lives, build communities, and create lasting partnerships. Don’t miss this powerful discussion on rescuing, rehabilitating, and reuniting individuals in recovery with their beloved pets. 🐶❤️ 📅 Friday, March 7th 🔗 Register now: https://lnkd.in/dtTKbM67 #DogsMatter #FosteringRecovery #CNNHero #PetRescue #CommunityImpact