So You Want to Run a Dog Rescue

“Science” is often invoked in dog training discussions to signal intelligence, moral superiority, and to shame those who advocate for balanced approaches. In Episode 3.7, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh sit down with neurobiologist and dog trainer Dr. Melanie Uhde to examine what science actually says about stress, punishment, welfare, and learning—and what that means for modern dog training.

Together, they unpack the studies most commonly cited to condemn punishment, explaining why many fail to reflect real-world training and why metrics like cortisol or body language alone don’t capture long-term outcomes such as confidence, resilience, and success in real homes. They differentiate acute vs. chronic stress and explore stress inoculation, highlighting research that shows how appropriate stress can build coping skills and improve behavioral and neurological outcomes.

The conversation also tackles aversive control, discussing why—when applied correctly—it can be more reliable, persistent, and generalizable than reward-only approaches. Finally, they connect the science to everyday life with dogs, addressing puppies, fosters, fearful dogs, and why aversive control shouldn’t be treated as a last resort. This is a nuanced, evidence-based discussion focused on moving past ideology and toward training that genuinely improves dogs’ lives in the real world.

Mentions:

Melanie Uhde Biograph

Michael Ellis

Cooper study

Ivan's podcast discussion on Cooper study

Shocking rats causes aggression

Stress inoculation in mice

Dopamine and aversive control

Scientific terms defined:

• Confirmation Bias
• Methods
• Causation
• Correlation
• Control
• Cortisol
• Stress inoculation
• Hippocampus
• Learned helplessness
• Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)

Social:

Dr. Melanie Uhde

• Facebook: @Dr.Melanie.Uhde
• Instagram: @caninedecoded

So You Want to Run a Dog Rescue

• Facebook: @DGS.Podcast
• Instagram: @DGS.Podcast
• Email: [email protected]

00:00 3.7: Science Says with Dr. Melanie Uhde

06:11 Why this conversation matters right now

15:03 Methodological issues with frequently cited studies

26:51 Welfare conclusions

37:08 The case for stress

44:26 Implications for epidemic of anxious dogs

49:56 The role of ENS

53:13 The case for punishment

58:14 How to prevent fallout from punishment

01:04:30 Why punishment should not be a 'last resort'

01:11:20 Advice for adopters

01:15:33 Simply daily habits for the average dog owner to build dog's resilience

01:20:08 Final last questions

Recorded six weeks ago—if that gives any indication of how busy things have been — Episode 3.6 is short, sweet, and sets the table for the Season 3 finale with Dr. Melanie Uhde.

Before taking listeners all the way to Science Town, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh start with the basics: operant conditioning, the four quadrants, and what “punishment” actually means—hint: the dog decides, and it’s not a squirt bottle (at least not for Jenny’s GSD, Mando).

Beyond terminology, this episode marks the first time balanced training is the main topic of discussion. Against the backdrop of an ideological war between training camps (and after experiencing some truly unhinged reactions to their willingness to stop behaviors that were quite literally going to get dogs killed), Ashlyn and Jenny discuss why balanced training is not only necessary, but often life-saving. They share real-world examples drawn from a statistically significant sample size (yes, they’re being scientific now) and explore whether lived experience can meaningfully influence the broader conversation. Or not—because, Jenny wonders, is it not just all the dogs on drugs?

The episode also includes highlights from the Michael Ellis / Melanie Uhde Aversive Control seminar, including a gummy-adjacent encounter with a local trainer/breeder that very nearly didn’t make the cut.

And for listeners less invested in the science and training discussion, skip ahead to Questions: resident nutrition savant Ashlyn shares some truly useful recommendations—especially for large breeds—you won’t want to miss.

Stay tuned for Behind the Scenes where the banter is real, and listeners will understand why Shadowfax will never be invited to a podcast recording again.

POD MENTIONS:

Melanie Uhde
Michael Ellis School
Fixers Collective Reel
AVSAB Veterinary Position Statement
Nutriscan
Optagest
Mushroom Matrix Skin & Coat
Myos
Connectin
Cosequin

PARTNER MENTIONS:

Fixers Collective
Saving Great Animals
Forever Home Dog Rescue
Washington Health Outreach
Regional Animal Services King County
PAWS

ADOPTABLE DOG MENTIONS:

Tera Tails
Moses
Cutie Pie
Mango
Thoven
Luna
Rico

Ask us anything via Email: [email protected]

Follow us on social media at @dgs.podcast

00:00 3.6 Starting with Science

01:12 Intro and exciting announcements

03:39 3.5 Recap Dogs Biting Kids Fixers Collective

10:21 Mango return

13:16 Dogs on drugs but what are the people on?

16:41 Melanie Uhde Primer

20:43 Why we haven't REALLY talked about this before

24:56 Operant Conditioning Primer: R+-P+-

28:58 Punishment determined by behavior (dog determines what is aversive)

30:58 Why punishment matters (stopping unwanted behaviors)

34:17 Rolex breeder AWKWARD

40:35 Running out of gas

42:16 Good time at the seminar

44:43 Why this is so important

47:24 Real world experience: Luna

53:41 A couple questions for Ashlyn on nutriscan (we got Joe's back) and Myos

56:49 Myos question

01:00:00 Final thoughts on "science"

01:01:49 Behind the Scenes

01:05:29 to dish or not to dish

01:06:55 dog shot in cemetery

01:07:28 Bloopers

Season 3 Episode 5: Feral, F-bomb heavy, and full of chaos.

Hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh start off “normally” enough—updates on the Dog Detective Case Files, Fixers Collective, and some behind-the-scenes strategery involving a spreadsheet so convoluted Jenny had to learn something called Javascript just to make it work. But then… Jenny goes off the rails. Spreadsheet-induced madness? Or just every day insanity of running the largest dog rescue in the PNW? You decide.

Main topic: Dogs biting kids. Not great. Often complicated, but sometimes just screamingly obvious bad (human and/or canine) parenting.

Lately, every day (9-5 and then some) has been full of Crazy Shit so this episode throws the usual segments into a blender and hits puree. (Cue the F-Bombs.) From “Dangerous Dog" designations who "just need a CGC" to maniacal keyboard warriors and delulu adopters sending novels to an overflowing inbox, the drama is real and the feelings are big.

Grab your popcorn if you're here for the soapbox. Otherwise, skip to the Questions for super useful info on Nutriscan testing for food allergies.

POD MENTIONS:

Aversive Control Seminar
Michael Ellis School
Melanie Uhde [Canine Decoded]
Bite Level in Dogs [Veterinary Partner]
NutriScan [HemoPet]
Dr. Jean Dodds [HemoPet]
Animal Apologists Podcast [Spotify]
Kayleigh and Dogs (Animal Apologists) [Instagram]

PARNTER MENTIONS:

Fixers Collective [Instagram]
Crossroads Vet
Dog B Good
Double Down Dog Training
The Good Dog Way
All the Best Pet Care

ADOPTABLE DOG MENTIONS:

Luna
RexPenny
Leo
Freya
Rico

Ask us anything via Email to [email protected]

Follow us on social media at @dgs.podcast

Don't forget to Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe!

Chapters

00:00 3.5 Dogs Biting Kids

01:45 3.4 Updates: Luna, Sprinkles, Heist

09:01 What we've been up to (it's a lot)

12:34 Aversive Control Seminar at Michael Ellis School

14:28 Fixers Collective 2.0

17:24 Adoption Updates (Thank you Kris)

18:21 Main Topic: Dogs Who Bite Kids

19:30 Screening adult dogs for placement in homes with kids

23:21 Dog in the home and having a baby

24:55 But first: Bite Levels (The Bite Scale)

30:56 Lessons from Mando

37:48 Adding a dog to a family with kids

44:50 Ash's Adopter - Training YAY

49:28 Mango's Adopter - Not Great

55:21 Hindsight is 20-20

01:01:04 Take home message

01:05:49 A 9 to 5 of Crazy Shit

01:06:15 A 'dangerous' husky at Monroe PD who just needs a CGC

01:10:51 Most presumptuous surrender email ever

01:13:45 Freaking giant waste of time keyboard warriors

01:28:56 Questions: Nutriscan by Hemopet

01:32:08 Rico's Nutriscan results

01:38:53 Closing thoughts

01:39:32 Deleted Scenes

Apologies for the delay — after intaking 30 dogs in just four days, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh have had their hands (and homes) full. In Episode 3.4, they catch up on 3.3 Case Files (Luna, Rex, and Claudette) and take listeners behind the scenes of Not Your 9 to 5, where round-the-clock care at the Community Center is now part of the job.

The main discussion covers wins, losses, and downright WTF moments — including one tearful Zoom call (awkward, and probably fueled by sleep deprivation) and a very unfortunate-looking dog. On the Shit List this week: an adopter/surrenderer in serious contention for Shittiest Shit Listee, breaking contracts and basic decency. The silver lining? An OG foster swoops in to save the day. Finally, in Questions, they tackle Smegma — a word that they wish didn’t exist.

POD MENTIONS:

LEADing the Pack Animal Welfare Conference [The Washington Federation of Animal Care and Control Agencies]
Janelle Envy Tattoo [Instagram]
The Canine Conference
Melanie Uhde [Instagram]
Zeffy
Dog Gone Deck of Cards Fundraiser [Zeffy]
Myos
Nutriscan

PARNTER MENTIONS:

K9 Kennel Boss
The Good Dog Way
Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG)
Crossroads Vet
Tacoma Humane Society

ADOPTABLE DOG MENTIONS:

Padfoot
Lefty
Rico

Ask us anything via Email to [email protected]

Follow us on social media at @dgs.podcast

Don't forget to Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe!

Chapters

00:00 3.4: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Rescue Edition

00:31 Excuses for podcast delays

04:39 Updates on Dog Detective Case Files: Luna, Rex and Claudette

11:21 A little inside 'secret'

19:36 Really freaking awesome adoptions: Ryder round 2

22:41 MoVal sheppies and Sprinkles meet and greet

29:17 Walter the poodle! (When we celebrate a foster fail)

30:48 Not Your 9 to 5: Community Center Dog Sitch

36:39 Hodgepodge: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

37:30 The Good: Zeffy and Rico

45:17 The Bad: The Day-to-Day Grind

49:01 The Ugly (Crying on a Zoom anyone?)

52:49 Ashlyn's Ugly Nephew Dog Heist

58:03 Shit List

01:07:27 Questions: Smegma (not our favorite word)

01:07:31 Questions

Rescue dogs don’t come with a sign on their heads listing all their most important information It’s often the rescuer’s job to figure it out — piecing together clues from stakeholders, vet records, and in-person evaluations to paint a picture of each dog’s past, present, and future.

In Episode 3.3, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh dive into three remarkable cases: Luna, a returned cattle dog (adopted as a puppy) with “debilitating anxiety”; Rex, an owner-surrendered shepherd arriving beyond emaciated with no clear medical explanation; and Clyde (Claudette), an unexpected quasi-feral shelter intake.

They also recap a whirlwind stretch of over 30 new intakes — complete with the usual chaos (hello, kennel cough — see Not Your 9 to 5) — and skip the “Shit List” this week in favor of celebrating collaboration. Partnered rescues helped save 15 more lives, and that’s worth spotlighting.

This episode pulls back the curtain on detective work in rescue, highlights the power of partnership, and delivers the usual side of chaos, humor, and emotional endurance — all in a day’s work for a rescuer.

POD MENTIONS:

Diagnosing Kennel Cough in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide [Kinship]
Body Condition Score (BCS) Chart for Dogs [Association for Pet Obesity Prevention]
The Honest Kitchen
Cushing’s Disease in Dogs: Signs and Treatment [MedVet]
Laboratory Tests Confirming Cushing's Syndrome [Veterinary Partner]

PARNTER MENTIONS:

Tail Lights Rescue Project
START Rescue
K9 Kennel Boss
Nirvana K9 Training
Crossroads Vet
Stanislaus Modesto Animal Services
Saving Great Animals
Yakima Valley Pet Rescue (Valley Spay & Neuter)
Furry Freight

ADOPTABLE DOG MENTIONS:

Murray
Abigail
Luna

Ask us anything via Email to [email protected]

Follow us on social media at @dgs.podcast

Don't forget to Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe!

Chapters

00:00 3.3 — Dog Detective Case Files: Luna, Rex and Clyde

03:36 Huge week for intakes

07:53 A present for Ashlyn

11:31 Our Genius Infomercial Idea

13:06 Jenny FAIL

16:10 Not Your 9 to 5: Kennel Cough

19:52 Do your resident dogs catch it?

21:58 Main Topic: We're basically dog detectives

23:31 Luna adopted as a puppy returned as an adult with "debilitating anxiety"

29:42 Rex, an unexpectedly emaciated owner surrender

38:19 Clyde (Claudette) shelter intake surprise

46:54 Anti Shit List Gold Star Rescue Collabs

47:46 Saving Great Animals and 8 Yorkies

51:44 Yakima Valley Pet Rescue 7 Puppies

56:41 Finding more fosters, fail

01:01:37 This number has been disconnected

01:02:57 Outro

01:03:18 Behind the Scenes

In Episode 3.2, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh are back with another dose of chaos and candor. They kick things off in Not Your 9 to 5, celebrating their first spay/neuter clinic: 31 dogs fixed in a single day — a win for rescue, a loss for Ashlyn’s back.

The main topic tackles adopting to seniors, and why some rescues just won’t do it. It’s not about ageism; it’s about reality — fixed incomes, mobility struggles, and the hard truth that sometimes dogs outlive their humans. Complicated? Absolutely. But also: Some of the most special homes you’ll ever find. Jenny and Ashlyn unpack the fine line between discriminating and discrimination (and why being discerning is literally part of the job), sharing tips for navigating placements with older adopters.

On the Shit List, Jenny wades into the awkward waters of anxiety and placement regret after an adopter spiraled into panic attacks before the dog had even decompressed. (Pro-tip: it’d be nice to know ahead of time when someone’s one popped collar away from a full-blown crisis).

Finally, in Questions, they share a few red flags and low-key red flags reading between the lines on adoption apps. Some might surprise you!

POD MENTIONS:

Sparks K9
Seattle Animal Foundation
Sardis Raptor Center
Old Dog Haven
2.4: Fungus Among Us -- Healing Yeasty Dogs from the Inside Out [DGS Podcast]
The Anxious Generation (Jonathan Haidt) [Amazon]

PARNTER MENTIONS:

Double Down Dog Training
Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG)
A Dog’s Best Friend
START Rescue
Tail Lights Rescue Project
Fixers Collective [Instagram]
Saving Great Animals
Forever Home Dog Rescue
Seattle Veterinary Outreach
Crossroads Vet
Nirvana K9 Training

ADOPTABLE DOG MENTIONS:

Sprinkle
Licorice
Ramen
Eren

Ask us anything via Email to [email protected]

Follow us on social media at @dgs.podcast

Don't forget to Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe!

Chapters

00:00 3.2 Senior Adopters: Balancing Limits, Hard Truths, and Potential Payoffs

01:59 A kid-free Anniversary weekend (ofc Jenny brought the dog)

07:16 Updates from 3.1 and Three Awesome Adoptions

10:13 Planning for multiple big intakes! (Finally)

14:39 Not Your 9 to 5: Fixers Collective Spay Neuter Clinic

25:15 Main Topic: Navigating Senior Adopters

28:29 4 Concerns/Considerations: Mental, Physical Capacity, Fixed Income and Death Plan

35:21 More typical challenges and positive considerations

40:11 What about Seniors for Seniors programs?

41:51 How do we navigate this: In person assessment, references, and difficult conversations

45:13 Real rescue examples: Data the Cattle Dog (Denied)

48:01 Anastasia: Vet reference check FAIL

48:59 Halle Berry: Checked all the boxes and a perfect senior placement

52:35 Asking the difficult question with Bear

54:25 Grandma Margie and Lucy

57:28 Going above and beyond and being open minded

01:00:24 Mistakes we won't make again

01:05:38 Key takeaways (it can be really special when you get it right)

01:07:47 A shit list anxious generation adoption return

01:16:25 Question: Red flags (and low-key red flags) on adoption applications

Season Three, LFG! In episode 1, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh dive straight into a hot-button topic: spay aborts. Why so controversial? In today’s rescue climate, it should be a no-brainer. But with big names like No-Kill Austin Pets Alive pushing a twisted, delusional narrative (and dirty-deleting their infamous video when the internet clapped back), someone’s gotta say it: we’re not sipping that Kool-Aid!

Before we go full soapbox, though, in Not Your 9 to 5, we talk Strep Zoo (yep, add it to the ever-growing rescue worry list) and our 3 a.m. VEG adventure that, thankfully, had a happy ending.

And yes—the Crazy Folder is back. This one’s a doozy: Ashlyn unleashes her best “howler” to deliver Tammy’s unhinged message to volunteer Juliana. Spoiler: Tammy wanted a manager. Ashlyn was more than happy to oblige. Go home, Tammy—you’re drunk. (Or just a batty bitch.)

POD MENTIONS:

International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP)
Ivan Balabanov [Training without Conflict]
Jay Jack [Next Level Dogs]
Dr. Melanie Uhde [Canine Decoded]
Renegade Paws Rescue
SUPERZOO
Streptococcus zooepidemicus: an emerging canine pathogen [PubMed]
Strep zoo outbreak (July 4, 2025) [Stanislaus Animal Services Facebook]
Response to Austin Pets Alive video (dirty delete) [Love and Puppy Paws Dog Rescue Facebook]
Commercial Breeder and Pet Store Laws by State [Bailing Out Benji]

PARNTER MENTIONS:

K9 Kennel Boss
All the Best Pet Care
Double Down Dog Training
Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG)
Nirvana K9 Training
Stanislaus Animal Services
The Good Dog Way
Crossroads Vet

ADOPTABLE DOG MENTIONS:

Sprinkle
Sundae
Eugene
Lunch
Snack

Ask us anything via Email to [email protected]

Follow us on social media at @dgs.podcast

Don't forget to Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe!

Chapters

00:00 3.1 Spay Abort

03:46 IACP key takeaways

08:00 Really exciting announcement (podcast guest)

09:36 Superzoo slip lead search

13:54 Household updates, kids and dogs

21:50 Dogs and kids (stress inoculation)

23:21 Not Your 9 to 5: Strep Zoo scare

25:32 Another gold star for VEG

26:52 Context: Heidi the GSD

31:02 Main Topic: Spay Abort in Shelters and Rescues

32:25 Austin Pets Alive Anti-Spay Abort Message (and Dirty Delete)

35:36 Love and Puppy Paws Dog Rescue Response (Accurate)

37:02 Ashlyn's comment (mic drop)

38:40 The problems with the puppies

40:18 What is best for the moms anyway?

43:02 Our policy: Spay abort if safe

47:41 Thank goodness for our vet

50:11 Crazy Folder: Karen's cousin Tammy

55:14 Ashlyn's HR hat

57:09 Coming up in season 3

58:30 Q1 - How do you know if a pet store is a puppy mill?

01:00:42 Q2 - How do you name all the dogs?

01:05:11 Good vibes signing off

01:06:13 Behind the scenes with Sally's farts

Season Two Finale! In episode 29, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh gear up for a week in Savannah at the IACP conference—with two husbands and five young kids in tow. Between the usual chaos and conference prep, they share rescue updates and dive into the saga of Enzo’s, ahem, “ball situation” (medically: scrotal hematoma). This inspires a slightly uncomfortable trip down rescue memory lane, featuring legends like Dicer the Doberman and Pepsi, the infamous Giving Tuesday tearjerker. This one is a short, sweet, and delightfully awkward episode that might have you wondering what it’s like to ice your dog’s bits. Par for the course of a day in the life!

POD MENTIONS:

International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP)
The Sprinkler Game [The Collared Scholar You Tube]
Scrotal Hematoma [Veterinary Key Points]
Von Willebrand Disease [Cornell]
Crate Breaking Prevention [The Good Dog Way]
Duke Ferguson [Unleashed Potential]
Melanie Uhde [Canine Decoded]
Dog Pro Radio Podcast [IACP]
Episode 16: Jay Jack [Dog Pro Radio]

PARNTER MENTIONS:

Double Down Dog Training
Furry Freight Shelter Transport
Tail Lights Rescue Project
Crossroads Vet
K9 Kennel Boss

ADOPTABLE DOG MENTIONS:

Sundae
Cleo
Franklin
Enzo

Ask us anything via Email to [email protected]

Follow us on social media at @dgs.podcast

Don't forget to Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe!

Chapters

00:00 2.29 Scrotal Hematoma

02:38 Rescue center updates

03:51 First training seminar and it's engagement games

07:51 Two stars and a wish

08:45 Dog updates

13:30 Still looking for skeletons in Franklin's closet

15:14 Empty swollen ball sac syndrome aka scrotal hematoma

17:38 What even is it and what are risk factors

20:12 Caring for a dog with scrotal hematoma

24:37 When ablation is necessary

26:31 Vet dynamics with 'botched' surgeries

29:58 Most memorable scrotal hematomas

30:45 Bruno the GSD going to Canada circa 2017

32:21 Probably the worst: Dicer the Doberman

35:14 Ashlyn's worst case: Archer, also a Doberman

37:14 Pepsi the Giving Tuesday Poster Boy

38:37 Considerations for Shadowfax

39:34 Heading to IACP Conference in Savannah

41:57 Excited to see Melanie Uhde (Canine Decoded)

44:35 Jay Jack Windows Theory

49:29 Future of the Podcast: Season 3!

51:16 Deleted Scenes and ADHD Tangents

In episode 2.28, Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh reflect on their conversation with Jon and the everyday chaos of running the largest dog rescue in the Pacific Northwest; it's been a wild week of returns, intakes and adoptions (and yes, all at once.)

In Not Your 9 to 5, the team mourns the unexpected loss of DGS alum Gina. In the main segment, a long-running medical mystery finally gets a name: Mega Esophagus. What is it? Why does it sound made up? And is the answer a certain little blue pill?

Plus, the Crazy Folder returns with, of course, a Doodle, and the Shit List hits close to home. Literally. In Questions, Ashlyn tackles your dog's chi.

It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and just a little unhinged—classic rescue life!

POD MENTIONS:

2.28: Jon Nordin episode [DGS Podcast]
Rosenthal Rescue Tails [Instagram]
2.24: Shitty Breeder episode [DGS Podcast]
Megaesophagus in dogs [VIN]
Aspiration pneumonia in dogs: A Review [PubMed]
Bailey Chairs for Dogs [PetMD]
Study shows Viagra as promising treatment for canine megaesophagus [DVM360]
Food Energetics Chart

PARNTER MENTIONS:

Furry Freight
PAWHI
Kauai Humane
The Good Dog Way
Bellingham Veterinary
K9 Kennel Boss
Crossroads Vet

ADOPTABLE DOG MENTIONS:

Penny
Sundae
Enzo
Beau
Franklin
Gracie
Strudel
Taylor
Sherbert

Ask us anything via Email to [email protected]

Follow us on social media at @dgs.podcast

Don't forget to Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe!

Chapters

00:00 2.28 MegaE

00:31 2.27 Jon Brigid recap and thoughts

08:04 Ashlyn HMF adventures

10:49 Back to 6 dogs at Jenny's

12:26 Center updates: More clusterFs

14:36 Rescue updates catchup

16:23 When intake gets pushed to late night

17:56 Hawaii intake with larger than expected small breed puppies

19:41 A couple shitty returns

25:41 Not adoptable holds: Gracie medical

28:35 Hold on Rico skin conundrum

29:40 Adoptable dog updates

34:50 Happy adoption updates

37:31 Doberman Trifecta: Faye, Taylor, Blue

40:11 OMG Koda is adopted!

45:17 More Happy Tails

47:22 Not Your 9 to 5: Gina HBC

52:45 Main Topic: MegaEsophagus (and it's Sherbert)

53:58 Worsening symptoms and a diagnosis

56:35 Congenital vs acquired megaE

57:44 Symptoms and Treatments

01:02:52 Promising treatment and it's viagra

01:06:50 Crazy Folder Doodle B

01:11:27 Ashlyn's social media stalking

01:17:26 Doodle things - easy to find fosters for and sometimes certain types of owners

01:20:20 Shit List and it's family

01:28:42 Questions (1) Freya meetings

01:34:01 Question (2) Hot and Cold Foods

01:41:34 Signing off to Georgia

01:43:08 Behind the Scenes

Jon Nordin didn’t start the dog rescue—but he married the woman who did. A Ranger-qualified Army paratrooper with a background in logistics and calm under fire, Jon thought he was buying a companion German Shepherd named Rolex. Instead, he got a once-in-a-lifetime dog who nearly broke him... and saved his life.

In this episode, Jon opens up about what it’s been like to support Jenny's mission from the very beginning—through marriage, three kids, late-night emergencies, medical crises, countless shituations, and his least-favorite foster dog ever (looking at you, Brigid). He shares how his military training kicks in at unexpected times (like the Bothell 4th of July Parade) and spills the tea on what really happened with Gracie.

This is a story about service beyond the uniform—answering a different kind of call, and about how one very challenging dog (and one very determined woman) set into motion a life of purpose, sacrifice, and second chances—for both people and dogs.

POD MENTIONS:

2025 IACP Conference
Dr. Melanie Uhde
Von Waldberg Kennels
Camp Happy Paws
'There are ways to get better, I promise you”: No-cost treatment for vets with PTSD [FOX 13]
Viral Dobie Poops the Bed Video [Instagram]
In Seattle, it’s cats, dogs and kids — in that order [Seattle Times]

PARTNER MENTIONS:

Animal Advocacy Rescue Coalition (AARC)
Search Dog Foundation
K9 Kennel Boss

ADOPTABLE DOG MENTIONS:

Beau [Dog Gone Seattle]
Gracie [Dog Gone Seattle]

Ask us anything via Email to [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @dgs.podcast

Don't forget to Like, Share, Review and Subscribe!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 2.27: The Calm in the Chaos -- Jon Nordin on Love, Rescue, and a Life of Service

01:49 First male guest on the podcast because "we're sexist"

04:08 Barn Hunt rat tube puppies

08:58 Not Your 9 to 5: July 4th almost lost dog

23:22 Introducing Jon Nordin

24:42 Origins - Rolex and the Ranger who wasn't prepared

49:12 Jon goes to work at Amazon

53:11 Rolex transformation and PTSD lifeline

58:06 Beyond spreadsheets and behind the scenes day to day

01:03:16 The true Gracie story

01:06:37 A different kind of service

01:13:41 BTS: Why was there no soap?

01:16:39 The smell of death

01:19:25 A dying dog's bite

01:23:58 Worst foster dog ever (Brigid)

01:31:01 This is real life

01:32:05 Power of attraction to an awesome community

01:33:28 Values our children are learning from rescue

01:36:13 Favorite foster dog

01:38:16 Common Thread: Happy to be here!

01:38:54 Another favorite: Pointy ear guardian types

01:40:11 Rolex pretend home invasion and protective shepherds

01:44:18 Vision for future of rescue

01:46:30 Legacy and what comes next

01:49:31 Transformation runs through us

01:51:03 A future PTSD program

01:56:36 Audeamus

02:04:32 Behind the Scenes

02:08:13 Marital Bickering

02:08:53 IACP K9 Kennel Boss Pitch