Stephen Knight, Dogs Matter

CNN Heroes 2024

Stephen Knight, founder of Dogs Matter, has been named a 2024 CNN Hero in recognition of his life-saving work with people struggling with addiction as well as his support of man’s best friend throughout the recovery process.

Knight established Dogs Matter in 2015 and has helped over 1,500 dogs and their owners not only begin their recovery journey but also stay the course by providing no-cost temporary foster care. The dogs 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.

Through its 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.”

Dogs Matter is a deeply personal mission for Knight who is celebrating nearly 14 years of sobriety. After getting clean and sober, Knight was visited by a friend who had relapsed and was in need of someone to care for her dog while she was in treatment. She was reluctant to enroll in a residential program because she was concerned about what might happen to her dog, 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.

Since 2007, the CNN Heroes Award program has honored individuals who have been nominated for their extraordinary contributions to humanitarian aid. After the finalists are announced on October 31, the public at large will vote online to determine the annual winners.

In addition to his work with Dogs Matter, Knight also serves as a Substance Abuse Counselor and the Program Director at Legacy Cares where he runs an Intensive Outpatient program for people with HIV and Substance Abuse. He lives in Dallas with his three dogs Jayde, Piper, and Lady.

Check out CNN Hero Stephen Knight's full story on CNN.com

PLEASE NOTE: Dallas Pets Alive! is a US-based nonprofit that is accepting donations on behalf of Dogs Matter. All donations are tax-deductible in the U.S. and will be forwarded to Dogs Matter.

About Dallas Pets Alive!

Dallas Pets Alive! is a volunteer-run, foster-based rescue that promotes and provides the resources, education and programs needed to eliminate the killing of companion animals in North Texas. We focus on rescuing healthy and treatable pets at the greatest risk of being euthanized, reducing owner surrender through our Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender (PASS) program and opening shelter kennel space by transporting our animals to partners in cities in need of adoptable animals. Learn more at Dallas Pets Alive!