CNN announced that the founder of the incredible nonprofit Dogs Matter, Stephen Knight has been named the 2024 CNN Hero of the Year. As part of the prize, Knight was able to take home almost $200,000 to continue his efforts. 

While speaking to CNN, Knight said Dogs Matter, which was officially established in 2013, “provide[s] free temporary [dog] fostering services for people that need to change their life,” specifically those who are getting rehabilitation services for addiction issues.  

“We’re finding the bond between the animal and the human made such a big difference in the recovery. And it becomes their motivator to stay healthy,” said Knight. 

He shared that he has been in addiction recovery for 14 years. In addition, he explained he came up with the idea for Dogs Matter 13 years ago when his friend felt as though she had no other choice than to surrender her dog, Jayde when she was going to get treatment. Knight said he ended up adopting Jayde, who is still by his side. 

During a December 2024 interview on the  “Philanthropy Masterminds” podcast, Knight said he decided he wanted to help those in recovery take care of their dogs after taking in Jayde. However, he soon discovered that shelters and rescues did not offer that kind of service. 

“When I would talk to the shelters, they would say oh no we don’t do temporary fostering. When you surrender your dog, you surrender your dog, and you don’t get it back,” said Knight. 

He then said it took him three years to start fostering dogs whose owners were in rehabilitation centers. Knight also shared that he eventually merged his program with the rescue, Dallas Pets Alive, which helps with finding fosters and paying for medical bills. 

During the CNN interview, Knight noted that Dogs Matter also offers an “aftercare program,” where a recovery coach is provided free of charge for a year. 

If you want to help Knight’s cause, you can donate here!

Congratulation Stephen! Here at Woof Republic, we’re so amazed by what you do!