Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Michelle Smith, Vice President of Fundraising and lifelong animal advocate whose work blends nonprofit strategy, creativity, and heart to drive real impact in animal welfare.

Michelle shares her journey from growing up deeply connected to animals to earning advanced degrees in business and nonprofit fundraising, and ultimately building a life dedicated to helping rescues succeed. While traveling full-time across the country with her husband, she began working with local shelters wherever she landed, teaching fundraising and marketing strategies that helped organizations raise more money and reach wider audiences.

The conversation explores Michelle’s role in the Community of Fashion Design Dog Association, an organization that uses dog fashion and creative events to make difficult rescue topics more approachable. Through initiatives like Puppy Prom, virtual fundraisers, and large-scale transport partnerships, CFDDA raises awareness and funding for rescue, special needs animals, spay and neuter efforts, and legislative challenges impacting shelters.

Michelle also shares the stories of her own dogs, Scarlett and Paisley, both special needs rescues whose experiences highlight the realities of adoption, long-term care, and advocacy. From cross-state transport efforts and influencer-led fundraising to educating communities through storytelling, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how passion paired with strategy can create meaningful, lasting change for animals.