Zach Skow: A Story of Addiction, Dogs, Triumph, Service, and Love

Love, Dog: The Podcast

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Guest

Zach Skow

Hosts

Mark Drucker and Drew Webster

Producer and Editor

John LaSala

LINKS

MARLEY'S MUTTS

PAWSITIVE CHANGE

MIRACLE MUTTS THERAPY DOG PROGRAM

MUTT MOVERS

ABOUT ZACH SKOW

Zach Skow, Marley’s Mutts founder, rescued Marley, a Rottweiler-Pit Bull from the Mojave Shelter in 2002 at eight weeks old. He used to carry him around in a backpack with just his head poking out.

When Zach was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease, it was Marley who helped pull him from despair and into the fight. It was his relentless love, omnipresent affection, and “today can be the best day of our life” mentality, that helped Zach live again.

Zach founded Marley’s Mutts in 2009. Nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status was granted in 2010. Growing from a nonprofit about dog rescue, providing second chances, and rescuing the unrescuable dogs were the Pawsitive Change® Prison Program and Miracle Mutts® Therapy Dog Program.

Sadly, Marley was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 15 and fought a courageous battle. He crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in 2016. Marley’s Mutts and the Mutt Militia are his legacy.

SUMMARY

In this episode, hosts, Mark Drucker and Drew Webster have a moving conversation with Zach Skow, the founder of Marley's Mutt's, a shelter for rescued dogs located in Tehapachi, CA. Skow shares his personal journey of addiction, trauma, and recovery, highlighting the role that dogs played in saving his life, and his healing process overall.

Skow discusses his early experiences with alcohol and drugs, the impact of childhood trauma on his relationships, and his struggle with liver failure. His father plays a crucial role in his recovery, advocating for his son's life and helping him navigate the medical system. Skow's story is a testament to the power of resilience, support, and the healing bond between humans and dogs. He started Marley's Mutts with the goal of making proactive societal change and addressing the issues of animal welfare. Marley's Mutts has several sectors, including a 20-acre rescue ranch, a therapy program called Miracle Mutts, and a program called Positive Change that pairs dogs with incarcerated individuals for training and rehabilitation. In the final part of the conversation, the three discuss the importance of addressing the root causes of shelter euthanasia and the need for massive spay and neuter programs and education. They also explore the parallels between the incarcerated individuals in Zach's programs and the animals they work with, highlighting the value of social support and the potential for rehabilitation and reform.

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DISCLAIMER

Our podcasts are for your enjoyment and for general education and information purposes only. We interview veterinarians, scientists, behavior consultants, dog trainers, influencers, etc. You must always consult with your own [credentialed] canine and pet practitioners before implementing any training program or course of medical diagnosis and/or treatment.