This is Episode #2 of the "Real Life Business" live documentary series, offering an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of The Human-Canine Alliance (THCA). In this episode, Stacie shares the realities of building a purpose-driven brand, revealing the challenges and breakthroughs in podcast production—from structuring compelling episodes to implementing marketing strategies that drive engagement and impact.

Beyond content creation, she dives into the operational backbone of THCA, exploring the intricate balance of social media management, budgeting constraints, and the integration of AI tools to streamline workflows. More than just tactics, Stacie unpacks the strategic mindset behind these decisions—demonstrating how innovation and adaptability are essential in scaling a mission-driven initiative.

At its core, this episode highlights the bigger vision: leveraging digital platforms and business acumen to elevate the societal value of rescue dogs, while fostering a dedicated community that champions pet adoption and advocacy. This is real-life business in action—where passion meets strategy to drive real-world change.

Resources used for this episode:

• National Animal Welfare Statistics by Shelter Animals Count
• Industry Stats & Trends by American Pet Products Association
• Pet Statistics by ASPCA
• Facts & Figures (Coalition for Pets & Public Safety)
• AKC Detection Dog Task Force Report (AKC)
• Buzzsprout
• Descript
• Canva
• Buzzy

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This episode explores the profound relationships formed between humans and canines, highlighting five organizations actively transforming lives one human-canine alliance at a time. Through their programs, they illustrate the ripple effects human-canine relationships do have, and can have, on communities all over the world. Stacie also discusses the many ways to support and get involved with these impactful organizations:

• K9s For Warriors (US)
• The Underdog Project (South Africa)
• HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response (US)
• Dogs for Good (UK)
• Warrior Canine Connection (US)

Resource(s) used in addition to the organizations' websites: 

• CDC - Suicides First Responders

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In this episode, Stacie dives into the remarkable skills and contributions of service dogs and the transformative potential of rescue dogs to become one. Expect a deep dive into folks who already see benefits from a trained canine, including vets with PTSD and kids with autism.

Stacie highlights key statistics showing the rising need for service dogs—from improving lives to delivering economic benefits. She also shares the heartwarming story of The Big Fix project in Northern Uganda, where civil war survivors and rescued street dogs are paired to help each other heal.

Resources:

1. Pet Statistics (ASPCA)
2. Facts & Figures (Coalition for Pets & Public Safety)
3. Industry Stats & Trends (APPA)
4. 2024 Stats (AKC)
5. AKC Detection Dog Task Force Report (AKC)
6. National Animal Welfare Statistics (SAC)
7. The Big Fix Uganda
8. Animal Assisted Intervention & Research (Research Gate)
9. Let’s Hear it for Autism Assistance Dogs (ADI)
10. Blindness and Visual Impairment (WHO)
11. Deafness and Hearing Loss (WHO)
12. Disability Impacts All of Us Infographic (CDC)
13. National Diabetes Statistics Report (CDC)
14. Epilepsy Data and Statistics (CDC)
15. Food Allergies (AAAAI)
16. Autism Data and Statistics (CDC)
17. Anxiety Disorders & Major Depression (NIMH)
18. PTSD in Veterans (VA)
19. ADHD Data and Statistics (CDC)
20. Child Abuse and Neglect Fast Facts (CDC)
21. National Survey of Children's Health (NCSH)
22. Loneliness and Social Connections (AARP)
23. Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures (Alzheimer’s Association)

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This episode kicks off the "Real Life Business" live documentary series, chronicling the journey of building The Human-Canine Alliance (THCA) from the ground up. Join Stacie as she shares real-life triumphs, challenges, and lessons learned while creating a meaningful organization.

In this first episode, Stacie takes you back to where THCA began—what started as a lighthearted idea quickly transformed into a mission-driven app. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is perfect for new entrepreneurs and animal advocates. 

With a background in marketing and communications, Stacie offers practical tips on starting a podcast, using no-code tools to build an app, and adopting person-first language when discussing disabilities. 

Tune in as Stacie navigates the challenges of turning a big idea into a thriving business that makes a real impact on the rescue industry. This is just the beginning of an inspiring series—stay with us for the next chapter!

THCA Rescue statistics are pulled from the following resources:

1. Pet Statistics by ASPCA
2. Facts & Figures by Coalition for Pets & Public Safety
3. Industry Stats & Trends by American Pet Products Association
4. 2024 Stats by American Kennel Club
5. AKC Detection Dog Task Force Report by American Kennel Club
6. National Animal Welfare Statistics by Shelter Animals Count

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Stacie introduces The Human Canine Alliance (THCA), an initiative founded in 2025 to revolutionize the societal role of rescue dogs by turning them into companions for people who could benefit from a trained canine. THCA plans to start by focusing on the 61 million people considered to be disabled in America. The podcast will serve as a live documentary detailing the process of building THCA, which combines grassroots partnerships and modern technology to match rescue dogs with compatible humans. Stacie discusses the various roles canines play in society, and highlights the underutilization of rescue dogs. Stacie reveals THCA's plan to develop an APP that matches rescue dogs with individuals in need based on compatibility, with support from community fundraising. She is actively building relationships with rescue centers and trainers to execute this plan, aiming to form working relationships and document the journey through this podcast.

THCA Rescue statistics are pulled from the following resources:

1. Pet Statistics by ASPCA
2. Facts & Figures by Coalition for Pets & Public Safety
3. Industry Stats & Trends by American Pet Products Association
4. 2024 Stats by American Kennel Club
5. AKC Detection Dog Task Force Report by American Kennel Club
6. National Animal Welfare Statistics by Shelter Animals Count

Send us a text

Support the show