Episode 82: Zach Skow
- 1:01:55
Creating Second Chances Through Dog Training and Rescue with Zach Skow
Zach Skow is the Founder and Director of Outreach and Programs at Marley’s Mutts, a nonprofit dog rescue organization based in California. He is also the creator of the transformative Pawsitive Change program, a prison-based initiative that pairs rescue dogs with incarcerated individuals for mutual rehabilitation. Since launching Marley’s Mutts in 2009 following his recovery from end-stage liver disease, Zach has overseen the rescue of thousands of dogs and the expansion of Pawsitive Change into multiple California state prisons and, most recently, an Arizona facility. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a national model for animal-assisted therapy and trauma-informed rehabilitation.
“Pawsitive Change isn’t just a dog training program—it’s a path to self-worth. Incarcerated men and women are told constantly by the system and by society that they’re worthless, that they can’t change. But when you hand someone a dog and say, ‘This life depends on you,’ something incredible happens. Through structure, compassion, and commitment, they not only save the dogs—they start saving themselves. They build trust, they build discipline, they build confidence. It’s a full-circle transformation that breaks generational cycles and reshapes identities.”
In this powerful and deeply personal interview, Zach recounts his harrowing journey from addiction and liver failure to sobriety, service, and purpose. He shares the life-changing role his rescue dogs played in pulling him back from the brink of suicide, leading to the founding of Marley’s Mutts, and eventually the development of Pawsitive Change. The conversation dives into the logistics and impact of the prison program, which breaks down racial and gang barriers inside correctional facilities, builds empathy and job skills among incarcerated individuals, and gives at-risk shelter dogs a second chance. Skow also shares emotional stories from the yard, including how this program helps incarcerated fathers reconnect with their children and creates the conditions for real behavioral transformation through responsibility and love.
Episode Outline
(00:00:00) Introduction to Zach Skow and Marley’s Mutts
(00:02:00) Founding Marley’s Mutts and the birth of Pawsitive Change
(00:06:00) The transformative power of sobriety and service
(00:10:00) Discovering personal faith and redefining God in recovery
(00:14:00) The turning point: Dogs as a lifeline in darkest moments
(00:20:00) From rock bottom to journaling and walking with purpose
(00:26:00) Building Marley’s Mutts and expanding rescue initiatives
(00:31:00) Launching Pawsitive Change in California prisons
(00:36:00) Dog training as rehabilitation and self-esteem builder
(00:41:00) Vulnerability, dignity, and recovery behind bars
(00:47:00) Reuniting families and rebuilding identities through the program
(00:51:00) Measuring success and responding to skepticism
Episode Resources:
With a 75% post-incarceration employment rate and less than 5% recidivism rate, The Last Mile has created a new precedent for job opportunities and sustainable wages for justice-impacted individuals. By giving returned citizens proper training while incarcerated, job search support, and following up with support services, The Last Mile is moving the needle on Fair Chance employment.
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