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]
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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