Stephen Knight, founder of Dogs Matter, has been named a 2024 CNN Hero in recognition of his pioneering work in not only supporting people struggling with addiction but also in caring for their beloved companion pets throughout the rehabilitation and recovery process.
Knight understands that dogs are truly extraordinary companions and their unconditional love is particularly important to those dealing with substance abuse and the isolation that often accompanies addiction. Preserving the critical connection between people and their companion pets has become Knight’s magnum opus.
A Deeply Personal Mission
Dogs Matter is a deeply personal mission for Knight who is celebrating nearly 14 years of sobriety. When Stephen was 51, he had lost everything- his job, his home, and his family to his meth addiction.
After getting clean and sober, Knight was visited by a friend who had relapsed and was in need of someone to care for her beloved dog while she was in a treatment facility. She had been reluctant to enroll in a residential program because she was concerned about what might happen to her dog, Jayde.
She had not been able to find anyone to take her dog and asked Stephen for a ride to the shelter where she was going to surrender Jayde. Knight not only took in his friend’s dog but also recognized the need for temporary foster care in the addiction space and Dogs Matter was born.
Knight established Dogs Matter in 2015 and has already helped over 1,500 dogs and their owners begin their recovery journey and stay the sobriety course by providing no-cost temporary foster care for companion animals. The dogs (or cats!) are temporarily signed over to Dogs Matter, usually for a period of 30 to 90 days, and are then placed into foster care.
Dogs Matter staff also follow clients for one year after they are reunited with their dogs, offering both support and accountability to keep those in recovery on track.
Dogs Matter + DPA = Greater Reach
Stephen’s Dogs Matter program found it easy to find the people and pets who needed help, but found it more difficult to find temporary foster homes to fulfill the promise he made to each client. Stephen also did not fully understand the ins and outs of the fostering process and soon found his home overrun with foster dogs. He reached out to DPA for advice and guidance and got a lot more than that.
Through a partnership with Dallas Pets Alive! (DPA), Dogs Matter has access to the DPA volunteer foster network and can offer a safe and healthy environment for pets while clients are seeking inpatient treatment, and if necessary, until they are healthy and stable enough to take care of their pet again. “We take care of your best friend while you take care of yourself,” states Knight. The emotional reunions are the ultimate reward for everyone involved as he admits, “We cry every time.”
Help Stephen Help Others
CNN is supporting the Dogs Matter fundraising efforts through a GoFundMe site. Each tax-deductible donation ensures essential care for dogs while their owners focus on their own recovery. Funds raised will also support the After Care program, which guides pet owners through their long-term recovery journey.
The After Care program includes help from a Recovery Coach, pet deposits, preventative medications, vet care, boarding/daycare, and other critical services to keep clients and their companion animals together.
Stephen hopes to make Dogs Matter a nationwide program and help even more people and their dogs get their second chance. Click the button to support the life-saving work the Dogs Matter program is doing every day. Your donation can truly help turn someone’s life around and offer hope of a healthy, happy, and sober future.
