The Human-Canine Alliance (TH-CA) cover art

The Human-Canine Alliance (TH-CA)

The Human-Canine Alliance (TH-CA)

By: Stacie J. King
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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. 🐾

© 2025 The Human-Canine Alliance (TH-CA) Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Rethinking Loneliness: Introducing Reciprocity

    Rethinking Loneliness: Introducing Reciprocity
    Nov 10 2025

    In this real-time update episode, Stacie shares what’s been happening behind the scenes at The Human–Canine Alliance—from exciting app demo progress to a key fundraising milestone and global momentum in how loneliness and mental health are being addressed.

    At the heart of this update is a powerful new lens: reciprocity. Inspired by Dr. Robert Zarr’s work on social prescriptions, we explore how wellness isn’t just about treatment—it’s about connection, shared purpose, and evidence-based, community-rooted care.

    Plus, hear how Manulife, one of Canada’s largest health insurers, has become the first in the world to support a national nature prescription program, validating the global shift toward non-clinical interventions for mental health.

    If you’ve been following TH-CA’s journey—or are just tuning in—this episode will bring you closer to the movement and the momentum behind it.

    🌐 Subscribe to The Alliance Insider: JOIN OUR PACK!

    🌐 Learn more & get involved: America’s Untapped Solution for Mental Health: Rescue Dogs
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Why Doctors Are Prescribing Nature—and the Science Behind It

    Why Doctors Are Prescribing Nature—and the Science Behind It
    Oct 20 2025

    What if your doctor could prescribe you a walk in the woods? 🌲

    In this episode of The Human-Canine Alliance Podcast, host Stacie King sits down with Dr. Robert Zarr — physician, researcher, certified forest therapy guide, and founder of Park Rx America — to explore the groundbreaking movement of social prescribing and the science behind nature as medicine.

    Discover how a simple “park prescription” can improve mental health, reduce chronic disease, and reconnect entire communities to the healing power of nature. Dr. Zarr shares how these prescriptions are co-created between doctor and patient, how technology supports ongoing engagement, and why equity and access are critical to making wellness inclusive for all.

    Together, Stacie and Dr. Zarr also explore the natural synergy between human-canine relationships and nature-based wellness — from walking your dog as a therapeutic act to redefining our connection with the “more-than-human world.”

    Ready to experience the healing power of nature for yourself? 🌿
    Visit ParkRxAmerica.org and write your own prescription for wellness today.

    America’s Untapped Solution for Mental Health: Rescue Dogs

    🌐 Subscribe to The Alliance Insider: JOIN OUR PACK!

    🌐 Learn more & get involved: America’s Untapped Solution for Mental Health: Rescue Dogs
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • AI-Powered Rescue Dog Matchmaking: App Demo Funded & Next Steps

    AI-Powered Rescue Dog Matchmaking: App Demo Funded & Next Steps
    Sep 24 2025

    This week, Stacie shares big news: thanks to early supporters, The Human-Canine Alliance has secured enough funding to create the first demo of our AI-powered matchmaking app.

    The app’s mission? To connect people with compatible rescue dogs, trained for their specific needs — a proven, drug-free path to mental health and rescue.

    In this episode, you’ll hear:

    • How our first week of fundraising sparked interest from community leaders and mental health innovators
    • Why creating a demo is a critical step toward trust, design, and prototyping
    • The stages of app development — from blueprint to beta testing
    • How you can support this movement: subscribing, donating, sharing, or becoming a campaign reward partner

    We’re not just building an app — we’re building a future where rescue dogs are prescribed, not euthanized.

    America’s Untapped Solution for Mental Health: Rescue Dogs

    🌐 Subscribe to The Alliance Insider: JOIN OUR PACK!

    🌐 Learn more & get involved: America’s Untapped Solution for Mental Health: Rescue Dogs
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
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