In this soulful and inspiring episode, I talk to writer, creative force, and lifelong animal lover Sarah Cavallaro, whose novel Dogs Have Angels Too weaves heart and humor into the complex and beautiful world of dog rescue.
We explore how storytelling can change perspectives, create compassion, and shine a light on what really happens when people and dogs save each other.
Sarah shares the real-life rescue that sparked her book, the fascinating characters it’s based on (some of them drawn from her own life), and how her mission turned into a brand supporting dog rescue on multiple levels.
Whether you’ve rescued a dog, are part of the rescue community, or simply love stories with heart and purpose - you’ll be moved, inspired, and entertained.
💡 Key Takeaways
Why storytelling is a powerful vehicle for transformation - for readers and dogs alike
How Sarah’s own dog, Athena, inspired the main character in her novel
What she learned about the dog rescue world through research, writing, and partnerships
The surprising way her book is helping support real-life rescue organizations
Why her book isn’t just serious - it’s a witty, warm “dramedy” that leaves a lasting impact
✨ Favorite Quote
“When you help one, you help everybody. You help everything. It’s biblical - because that’s what teaches love.” – Sarah Cavallaro
Find out more and connect with Sarah
Sarah Cavallaro is a former award-winning executive producer and founder of Emerald Films, whose creative path led her from directing global ad campaigns to writing fiction that touches the soul. Her novel Dogs Have Angels Too—winner of Best in Women’s Fiction from the Indie Reader Discovery Awards—is a love letter to underdogs, both human and canine. Through her nonprofit work and her unique blend of art and advocacy, Sarah continues to support public art and rescue communities across the U.S.
📬 Connect with Sarah
Website (Book, Merch, Rescue Partners): https://www.dogshaveangelstoo.com
Instagram: @dogshaveangelstoo
LinkedIn: Sarah Cavallaro
Full bio:
Throughout 25 years of international TV commercial film production Emerald Film's founder, president and executive producer, Sarah Cavallaro has established a reputation as a skilled ex. producer, with a keen eye for developing talent, and projects.
She built a highly acclaimed TV commercial production company executive producing for leading American, Canadian, and European film makers, winning many prestigious awards (Mobius and Clio) and creating powerful and award-winning commercials for such leading advertisers as Coca Cola, Mc Donald's, Ford, Budweiser, and many other Fortune 500 companies. After 25 years she morphed the company to produce social impact art installation experiences for world renowned artist and filmmaker Cosimo Cavallaro, CHEESE HOUSE, TWIGGY IN CHEESE, CHOCOLATE JESUS, ABSOLUTE PRESSED HAM, Cheese Wall ON THE BORDER, CHEESE HOTEL ROOM 114.
She is an award - winning author. Her love for the four legged and people redefining their lives inspired her to write a novel Dogs Have Angels Too that won best in women’s fiction from the Indie reader discovery awards. She adapted her novel into a screenplay. She is a published poet in numerous anthologies always writing about transformation and self - empowerment.
She completed writing two stage plays, KEEPING ATHENIA, and BETWEEN THE JUICE AND THE EGGS that were workshopped at various theatrical venues in NYC including the Actors studio Directors/Writers lab in New York. She is a former member of the Directors Guild of America.
She's is developing an unscripted TV series titled MOLD ME LICK ME SELL ME which is based on her intimate creative nonfiction book about art, romance, politics, identity, and food exploits of renowned pop culture Artist, Cosimo Cavallaro large - scale public installation experiences.
Her love of drama and performance once lead her to study acting with the great stage actress Kim Stanley, and Bill Hickey from HB Studios.
She is the co-director and founder of a successful non- profit organization, Art Above Ground supporting Public Art Installations worldwide that are provocative, interactive, inclusive, and above all, playful.
Sarah earned her BA in social work at Antioch college in yellow Springs, Ohio and MA in Criminal Justice at John Jay Graduate school of Criminology in New York.
Sarah is bicoastal, splitting her time between Los Angeles and New York City.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:24 Meet Our Guest: Sarah
00:44 Sarah's Journey with Dogs
01:35 The Inspiration Behind 'Dogs Have Angels Too'
02:50 Personal Stories and Experiences
04:47 Exploring the Characters and Themes
09:02 From Writing to Merchandise
12:15 Supporting Dog Rescue Organizations
19:55 Future Projects and Final Thoughts
24:07 Closing Remarks
As always, to find out all about Soul Touched by Dogs, go to https://soultouchedbydogs.com