Jon Nordin didn’t start the dog rescue—but he married the woman who did. A Ranger-qualified Army paratrooper with a background in logistics and calm under fire, Jon thought he was buying a companion German Shepherd named Rolex. Instead, he got a once-in-a-lifetime dog who nearly broke him... and saved his life.

In this episode, Jon opens up about what it’s been like to support Jenny's mission from the very beginning—through marriage, three kids, late-night emergencies, medical crises, countless shituations, and his least-favorite foster dog ever (looking at you, Brigid). He shares how his military training kicks in at unexpected times (like the Bothell 4th of July Parade) and spills the tea on what really happened with Gracie.

This is a story about service beyond the uniform—answering a different kind of call, and about how one very challenging dog (and one very determined woman) set into motion a life of purpose, sacrifice, and second chances—for both people and dogs.

POD MENTIONS:

2025 IACP Conference
Dr. Melanie Uhde
Von Waldberg Kennels
Camp Happy Paws
'There are ways to get better, I promise you”: No-cost treatment for vets with PTSD [FOX 13]
Viral Dobie Poops the Bed Video [Instagram]
In Seattle, it’s cats, dogs and kids — in that order [Seattle Times]

PARTNER MENTIONS:

Animal Advocacy Rescue Coalition (AARC)
Search Dog Foundation
K9 Kennel Boss

ADOPTABLE DOG MENTIONS:

Beau [Dog Gone Seattle]
Gracie [Dog Gone Seattle]

Ask us anything via Email to soyouwanttorunadogrescue@gmail.com

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CHAPTERS:

00:00 2.27: The Calm in the Chaos -- Jon Nordin on Love, Rescue, and a Life of Service

01:49 First male guest on the podcast because "we're sexist"

04:08 Barn Hunt rat tube puppies

08:58 Not Your 9 to 5: July 4th almost lost dog

23:22 Introducing Jon Nordin

24:42 Origins - Rolex and the Ranger who wasn't prepared

49:12 Jon goes to work at Amazon

53:11 Rolex transformation and PTSD lifeline

58:06 Beyond spreadsheets and behind the scenes day to day

01:03:16 The true Gracie story

01:06:37 A different kind of service

01:13:41 BTS: Why was there no soap?

01:16:39 The smell of death

01:19:25 A dying dog's bite

01:23:58 Worst foster dog ever (Brigid)

01:31:01 This is real life

01:32:05 Power of attraction to an awesome community

01:33:28 Values our children are learning from rescue

01:36:13 Favorite foster dog

01:38:16 Common Thread: Happy to be here!

01:38:54 Another favorite: Pointy ear guardian types

01:40:11 Rolex pretend home invasion and protective shepherds

01:44:18 Vision for future of rescue

01:46:30 Legacy and what comes next

01:49:31 Transformation runs through us

01:51:03 A future PTSD program

01:56:36 Audeamus

02:04:32 Behind the Scenes

02:08:13 Marital Bickering

02:08:53 IACP K9 Kennel Boss Pitch