The Human-Canine Alliance (TH-CA)

Loneliness is a health risk. Connection is care. Dogs are part of the solution.

Loneliness is now considered a greater public health risk than smoking 15 cigarettes a day. — U.S. Surgeon General

At the same time, approximately 390,000 healthy dogs are euthanized in U.S. shelters every year. — National shelter outcome estimates

These are not unrelated problems.

The Human-Canine Alliance (TH-CA) Podcast explores the growing crisis of human loneliness and disconnection—and the overlooked role trained, intentionally matched rescue dogs could play in addressing it.

This podcast is about people who feel isolated, disconnected, or unsupported in modern life. It’s about the quiet absence of companionship, routine, and purpose that impacts mental, emotional, and physical health. And it’s about the parallel reality in shelters, where capable dogs lose their lives—not because they lack value, but because systems are overwhelmed.

TH-CA examines a different approach: positioning dogs not simply as pets, but as purposeful partners—matched, trained, and supported in ways that create meaningful outcomes for both humans and dogs. This work aligns with the growing global movement of social prescribing, where connection, routine, and non-medical interventions are recognized as essential to well-being.

Through expert conversations, research-informed insights, and real-world examples, the podcast explores how intentional human–canine connection can support emotional regulation, social connection, confidence, and daily structure—especially for people navigating loneliness.

You’ll also hear updates and reflections on the development of TH-CA’s patent-pending, AI-powered human–canine matchmaking platform, designed to move beyond chance-based adoption toward compatibility, preparedness, and long-term success.

This podcast lives at the intersection of:

Loneliness and human connection
Mental-health prevention
Rescue reform
Social prescribing
Ethical, purpose-driven innovation

If you’ve ever felt lonely, questioned why modern systems leave so many people disconnected, or wondered whether dogs could play a larger role in human well-being—this podcast is for you.

This is where the rabbit hole begins.

Welcome to The Human-Canine Alliance Podcast.

Contributors

Host

Stacie J. King

Stacie is a social-impact founder, podcast host, and advocate for reimagining the role dogs can play in modern society. She is the founder of The Human-Canine Alliance and host of The Human-Canine Alliance Podcast, a platform exploring how trained rescue dogs can support mental health and community wellbeing.

In response to rising mental-health needs and increasing shelter overcrowding, Stacie is building TH-CA as a bridge between humans in need and dogs in need.

The organization is developing a patent-pending, AI-powered human–canine matchmaking platform designed to move adoption beyond chance—pairing people and rescue dogs based on compatibility, support needs, and individualized training pathways.

https://humancaninealliance.com/

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/

Guest

Kassidy King

Kassidy is the founder and lead trainer behind Pack Daddy Dog Training, working with dog owners across the Los Angeles area through in-home, relationship-based training. She helps people and dogs build calmer, more balanced lives through clear communication—not just commands.

Before starting Pack Daddy, Kassidy spent years rescuing dogs from shelters, often working with those at risk of euthanasia. Through that work—and training her own reactive rescue dog, Lana—she learned that saving a dog’s life isn’t enough without the structure and skills needed to help them succeed in a home.

Her approach focuses on fulfilling a dog’s natural needs, setting boundaries, and strengthening the human–canine bond so both ends of the leash feel confident and understood.

https://www.packdaddydogtraining.com/

Guest appearance on:

Two Problems, One Partnership: Rescue Dogs, Yard Dogs, and the Power of Reciprocity