The Human-Canine Alliance (TH-CA)

Two crises. One overlooked solution.
60 million Americans struggle with mental health. 340,000 rescue dogs are euthanized every year. Both systems are overburdened, underperforming, and wildly expensive.

What if dogs—trained, matched, and integrated through Social Prescriptions—could help solve both?

The TH-CA Podcast explores how trained rescue dogs are a cost-effective, scalable, organic mental health intervention hiding in plain sight. These dogs aren’t just pets—they’re untapped resources for emotional support, social connection, and daily structure.

While the U.S. spends $282B/year on mental illness and $2B/year on shelter systems, TH-CA offers a third path:

✅ A natural, drug-free solution

✅ A second chance for rescue dogs

✅ A new model for care that’s community-backed and tech-powered

Through AI-driven matchmaking, targeted training, and real human-canine connection, we’re building a system that curbs crisis—not just treats symptoms.

Plus, go behind the scenes in “Real Life Business” segments to hear what it really takes to build a hybrid nonprofit-for-profit org from scratch—and disrupt two major industries along the way.

If you care about mental health, rescue dogs, or bold new ideas in public health, this podcast is for you.

Let’s flip the script. Let’s turn America’s Human-PILL Bond into a Human-CANINE Bond. 🐾

Guests

Guest

Barb De Groodt

Barb is a world-class dog trainer with over 60 years of experience and a long list of prestigious credentials. She has trained and worked with dogs and trainers globally. Her global perspective enriches her already robust understanding of canine behavior and training methodologies.

She is:

A founding member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers
A mentor instructor for Animal Behavior College
A frequent presenter on animal behavior at Carrington College RVT program
On the advisory board for dog behavior at Peace of Mind Dog Rescue
A professional member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and an inductee into its International Hall of Fame
A Trainer of the Year at Westminster
A dedicated lifelong learner who attends or presents at conferences monthly, both nationally and internationally

https://fromtheheartdogtraining.com/

Guest appearance on:

Barb De Groodt: Global Dog Behavior Expert on the Reality of Canine Capabilities

Guest

Dr. Robert Zarr

Dr. Robert Zarr, MD, FAAFP, FACPM is a physician, public health pediatrician, certified forest therapy guide, and founder of Park Rx America, a nonprofit organization pioneering the use of nature as medicine. With decades of experience in primary care and public health, Dr. Zarr has championed the concept of “park prescriptions” — a form of social prescribing that helps doctors integrate time in nature into patients’ treatment plans. He is passionate about promoting health equity, preventive wellness, and the science behind the healing power of nature for individuals and communities alike.

https://parkrxamerica.org/