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United States Zach Skow is an inspirational figure who founded Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue, dedicated to rehabilitating both canine and human lives through the power of the human-animal bond.
Founder of Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue (a 501-(c)(3) org) in 2009. The organization is dedicated to saving dogs, running community programs, and is expanding into a no-kill Kern County initiative. It provides spay and neuter services, a Miracle Mutts program linking with nonprofits, and the Pawsitive Change inmate-canine training program in state prisons.
Zach Skow has partnered with Let the Animals Live, an organization focused on animal welfare, including a planned trip to Israel to work with them.
King Kanine teamed up with Zach Skow of Marley's Mutts to support 'The Mission' and improve the lives of dogs.
Zach Skow joined Caravita's leadership team as Director of Community Relations and Development.
Zach serves on the Board of CARE, committed to advancing equity and reform in animal welfare, focusing on strategic planning, governance, and fundraising, while championing systemic change for people and their companion animals.
Zach is a Board Member for America's Charities, contributing to the organization's long-term vision, ensuring integrity, transparency, and measurable impact, with active involvement in fundraising, governance, and strategic oversight.
In 2008, Zach Skow faced a critical health crisis, diagnosed with end-stage liver disease at the age of twenty-eight due to long-term alcohol use. Doctors gave him a dire prognosis, indicating he had approximately ninety days to live without a liver transplant. He was told he would need six months of sobriety to qualify for a transplant, a period he spent battling his addiction while dogs like Tug, Marley, and Buddy provided him with crucial emotional support. A pivotal moment occurred when he realized his dogs’ unconditional love spurred him to continue fighting for his life, even when he felt unable to do so for himself.
Zach embarked on a journey of recovery, integrating daily walks with his dogs and attending AA meetings. During this time, he met Wendell, an older man with whom he shared daily walks, finding strength and inspiration in their shared experiences. These walks and his growing connection to dogs, especially those he began to rescue, instilled in him a new sense of purpose: service to others and animals. This led to his involvement with the Humane Society and Canine Canyon Ranch, deepening his understanding and passion for animal welfare. After six months, miraculously, his liver health improved to the extent that a transplant was no longer necessary, marking a significant turning point in his life.
This newfound purpose culminated in 2009 with the informal establishment of Marley’s Mutts, initially operating without non-profit status. Despite early setbacks, including the loss of puppies to parvo, Zach’s commitment, supported by his community, led to the organization’s official recognition as a 501(c)(3) non-profit on October 12, 2010. Marley’s Mutts continued to grow, impacting thousands of dogs and people. One of its most notable initiatives is the Pawsitive Change program, launched in 2015, which pairs incarcerated individuals with at-risk dogs from shelters for training and rehabilitation. This program not only provides second chances for both humans and canines but also prepares inmates for reentry into society with valuable skills, displaying Zach’s dedication to the human-animal bond.
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