What happens when you combine four sassy Scottsdale women who share a passion for saving dogs?
The Dog Moms of Scottsdale is a reality TV show following the day to day rescue adventures that unfold as they change the world one dog at a time.
AS SEEN ON
Marika and Stella Already Reach Millions
OUR STORY
Hardworking entrepreneurs, Marika and Brian's life had a major plot twist when Marika almost died from Stage 3 cancer. Grateful to be alive, but not sure what regular life was anymore, the couple decided it was time for a change. They adopted Stella, a rescued pit bull mix, sold everything and left the gray midwest for the promise of sunshine and a life of meaning in Scottsdale, AZ.
JOIN US
Our Mission
Now with a clean bill of health, Marika, with the support of husband Brian, is determined to make her second chance at life count by returning the favor and giving homeless dogs a second chance too.
Marika and Brian, with the help of the rest of The Dog Moms of Scottsdale, are determined to make a difference to the lives of dogs and people.
WHO THEY ARE
The Dog Moms
These four share more in common than friendship and a bottle of wine. They are passionate dog lovers who each have their own story about how a dog's love changed their life.
Sadly the sheer volume of homeless dogs seems to have no end in sight, which keeps The Dog Moms of Scottsdale on their toes and ready to spring into action. Balancing professional careers and being emergency responders to dogs in crisis is a challenge.
It ain't always easy, but it's always worth it.
Make no mistake, despite their enviable zip code in prestigious Scottsdale, AZ, these ladies are no shrinking violets. When a dog's life hangs in the balance, these everyday women transform into half animal advocate and half animal vigilante as they scrap to protect the innocent and give a voice to the voiceless - One Dog At A Time.
GIVING BACK
The Founders & Focus
Determined to pay the gift of Stella forward, Brian and Marika foster at-risk dogs. Moreover, Marika and Stella leverage their sizeable social media audience to advance three important agendas:
- Encouraging people to adopt from shelters and give homeless dogs a loving fur-ever home
- Raising funds to support spay and neuter initiatives
- Advocation for pit-bull-type dogs
THE DOG
Social Media Star @incredibullstella
Stella was dumped like garbage in a field, picked up as a stray, and sent to a shelter. Being a pit bull mix, the odds were against her getting out of the shelter alive.
Fortunately, Stella and Marika found each other, and little did they know how they would ultimately rescue one another.
Stella's social media accounts launched at the beginning of 2017 and just two years later, she has amassed more than 65,000 followers and been featured on The Dodo, Animal Planet, DogTV and more.
Over the past year alone, the pair has chalked up more than 25 million collective video views.
Additionally, Stella was awarded the prestigious 2018 Pet Hero Award from the Arizona Pet Project.
THE WIFE
Survivor, Advocate - Marika Meeks
Surviving cancer left Marika feeling lost and suffering from anxiety and depression - until she adopted Stella. The dog that had been dumped in a field suddenly changed the family's life and set them on a course they could have never imagined.
Determined to live her best possible post-cancer life, Marika walked away from being a life-long entrepreneur and now dedicates all her time to helping dogs and people in need.
Marika and Stella reach a world-wide audience and although their story always involves dogs, she says her channel isn't about dogs, but rather the dogs are a conduit to bring people hope.
She would like nothing more than for other families to enjoy the special bond that her family has with Stella.
Favorite Wine: Red BlendSoul Dog: Stella (of course)Sign: Aquarius
THE HUSBAND
The Reluctant Convert - Brian Meeks
Brian had one request when he and Marika got married and that was the couple would not have pets. After watching his wife fight for her life and seeing her desire to adopt a dog, Brian agreed to adopt Stella.
Brian witnessed first-hand not only how his own family has changed for the better as a result of adopting a rescue dog, but how Stella's audience is impacted by the couple's rescue work.
Realizing the power that pets have to help us all live happier, healthier and longer lives. Brian now participates in rescue efforts and the matchmaking his wife does to help other families find their new best friend.
Favorite Wine: CabernetSoul Dog: N/ASign: Virgo
THE MOMS
Marika Meeks
Maybe her British up-bringing accounts for her sense of humor that amuses some and confuses others, but that doesn't stop Marika from laughing at her own jokes.
It's all fun and games until there's a dog in trouble. Little did she know that almost dying from cancer would take her life on a journey she could never have expected.
Now with Stella by her side, the pair work every day helping dogs and people all over the world.
The original Dog Mom as named by DogTV, Marika leads the rest of the Dog Mom crew on each rescue adventure.
Favorite Wine: Red BlendSoul Dog: Stella (of course)Sign: Aquarius
THE MOMS
Erica Cartwright
Dog Mom extraordinaire, Erica and her husband have eight rescue dogs. Dogs are such a big part of their life that they built their home specifically with dogs in mind, complete with a dog-friendly pool. Erica is the super model Dog Mom and is always ready to spring into action when a dog needs help.
Behind her quick wit, beauty and hair flips, Erica gets her hands dirty at her day job managing construction projects and stepping in on a regular basis to rescue stray animals that cross her path.
Favorite Wine: ChardonnaySoul Dog: SueSign: Aquarius
THE MOMS
Betsy Olson
Betsy's love of dogs goes back a long way. With two dogs of her own, she is always looking to add a new rescue pup into the mix.
She's always down for a road trip when there is a dog in need. Skilled in fire arm training, Betsy is in charge of getting us where we need to be in one piece.
Being driven in business has made her a successful Real Estate Broker and Jeweler, and she puts the same drive and determination into saving dogs.
Favorite Wine: Pinot GrigioSoul Dog: ArchieSign: Scorpio
THE MOMS
Coleen McDowell
Coleen keeps everyone laughing with her quirky sense of humor and boundless energy.
Coleen's hair salon is a buzz of activity! Not only does she keep us all presentable, but her love of dogs and entertaining means this social butterfly is in charge of organizing the fund-raising efforts for The Dog Moms of Scottsdale.
Just like you would expect from a hairdresser, Coleen is a confidant to many and despite her lack of technical know-how, her wisdom and advice are priceless.
Favorite Wine: CabernetSoul Dog: StepheSign: Virgo
THE MOM Jr.
Carly Hamilton
Carly is following in her mom's foot steps and is always game to help out the The Dog Moms.
A recent college graduate from Arizona State University, Carly is one smart cookie and her quirky sense of humor makes everyone laugh.
In addition to being another set of Dog Mom boots on the ground, Carly helps behind the scenes too, helping to organize events and handling social media!
Favorite Wine: ReislingSoul Dog: PorterSign: Cancer
DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE DOG MOMS OF SCOTTSDALE
DOG RESCUE
With over 80,000 followers, The Dog Moms or Scottsdale receive daily dog rescue requests.
EVENT PLANNING
It takes money to rescue dogs. For The Dog Moms of Scottsdale, successful fundraising is a must.
RESCUE RESCUES
The Dog Moms of Scottsdale help rescues to further their own mission to help rescue dogs.
A VIRAL SENSATION
AWARDS
Stella received the 2018 Pet Hero Award from the Arizona Pet Project and Marika won the DogTV 2019 Dog Mom of The Year.
NEWS, PUBLISHERS & CELEBS
We've been picked up and shared by celebrities and news stations and have a major publisher publishing our book in August 2019!
EXAMPLE: SAVING LUCY
A pregnant mama, due to be euthanized when we picked her up. Watch her clips on the links.
