So You Want to Run a Dog Rescue
A Podcast with Dog Gone Seattle
Get ready for a rollercoaster ride! Join Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh, the women taking names and putting out fires behind the scenes at Dog Gone Seattle, for an inside look at the chronicles of rescue, the successes and abject failures, comedies and errors, and everything in between. Each week we will share daily anecdotes from our phones and the crazy folder, talk shop, and answer your dog-rescue related questions.
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"Not your 9 to 5"
They say rescue never sleeps and if there’s going to be a lost dog or an eaten sock, it’s going to happen after hours! We can’t wait to tell you all about it.
The Crazy Folder
We have a whole folder dedicated to the “crazies” and that goes for dogs and humans. You’ll need to see the #receipts to believe these.
Your Questions Answered
Ask us anything about running a dog rescue. Plus, every episode we’ll deep dive into a topic and probably rant and rave a bit just to keep it real.
Meet Your Hosts
Jenny Nordin
About Jenny
Jenny Nordin is a lifelong animal advocate with over a decade of experience in dog behavior, training, and rehabilitation. Her journey began in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, where she spent years volunteering before finding her calling in helping dogs. Since then, she has personally fostered and worked hands-on with more than 500 dogs, earning a reputation for her calm, confident approach to even the most challenging cases.
In 2017, Jenny founded Dog Gone Seattle, a foster-based rescue that has helped over 6,000 dogs find homes—but her deepest sense of reward comes from mentoring and supporting fosters through their own transformative experiences. She believes wholeheartedly in the power of community and connection, and loves watching people grow in confidence as they learn to advocate for dogs in their care.
Jenny holds a B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Political Science from Duke University, and a Master’s in Communication from the University of Washington. Before launching her rescue full-time, she built a career in consumer product development, always keeping one foot in the rescue world until she was ready to dive in completely.
She continues to invest in her own growth through seminars and programs from top trainers including The Collared Scholar, Valor K9, The Good Dog, and Solid K9 Training. Jenny lives in Bothell, WA, with her husband Jon, their three children (Ronan, Cora, and Calliope), two German Shepherd foster-fails (Mando and Kusse), and a revolving cast of foster dogs who keep life interesting—and full of purpose.
Ashlyn Kauh
About Ashlyn
Ashlyn brings over 15 years of experience in the pet industry, with a professional background rooted in animal care, nutrition, and holistic wellness for companion animals. Her work has spanned collaboration with pet owners, veterinarians, and rescue organizations to develop individualized plans addressing everything from dietary sensitivities to chronic medical conditions—with a special focus on medically complex and special needs dogs.
A lifelong advocate for animal welfare, Ashlyn has been a vocal champion for misunderstood breeds, particularly those unfairly labeled as “dangerous.” Through education, advocacy, and her hands-on work with Dog Gone Seattle, she challenges public misconceptions and promotes thoughtful, informed dog ownership.
Ashlyn joined the Dog Gone Seattle board in 2019 and became the organization’s first full-time employee in 2020. She now serves as Director of Operations, overseeing all day-to-day rescue functions and spearheading programming at the new Community Center in Bothell, which opened in 2025. Before joining DGS full time, she served as Regional Manager for All The Best Pet Care, where she honed her leadership in pet nutrition and retail operations.
Committed to lifelong learning, Ashlyn continues to deepen her knowledge in canine behavior, training methodologies, and integrative care. She believes that empowered, educated dog owners are the key to long-term success—especially in rescue and rehabilitation cases.
Ashlyn has a soft spot for large working breeds, especially Dobermans, and shares her Snohomish, Washington home with her high school sweetheart, their two children, and a lively assortment of animals—including Calcifer, her 8-year-old Doberman; Hokie, a pitbull-chihuahua mix; two cats, several rats, a tenrec, a flock of chickens, and a rotating crew of insects and spiders. Her life is joyfully full of animals, nature, and the beautiful chaos of rescue life.