The Johnjay Van Es Podcast
How His Dog Saved His Life When Doctors Couldn't
What do you do when everyone else sees a hopeless case, but you refuse to give up? Zach Skow of Marley’s Mutts joins us with an incredible story of rescue, recovery, and second chances. We meet dogs who survived unimaginable injuries, including Cora Rose and Hooch, a French mastiff who learned to live without a tongue. But Zach’s story is just as powerful. He opens up about addiction, liver failure, sobriety, and the moment he realized he had to rebuild his life. We talk about recovery, service, nutrition, walking, and how dogs became part of his own healing. We also get into Marley’s Mutts’ Positive Change Program, where shelter dogs help incarcerated people rebuild their lives while preparing for careers with animals. It’s a powerful conversation about dogs, addiction, resilience, and what can happen when you give someone, or some dog, another chance.
