About Us
If we don’t tell these stories, they’ll disappear unheard.
We’ve seen what happens when an animal’s voice finally breaks through—fear softens, trust returns, and a life once overlooked becomes a source of healing and connection.
We’ve watched people transform too: the moment they realize an animal chose them, the way music opens hearts, and how storytelling bridges beings who share emotions even without a shared language.
We believe in reducing suffering wherever we can—shelters, rescues, families, communities. Wherever there is pain, you bring light.
Animals deserve a real voice. Through story, song, and presence, we give them the dignity of being seen.
Stories and songs change hearts. One story can shift a community. One song can soften someone who thought they were closed. One rescued animal can spark a hundred acts of compassion.
This work is sacred. It’s not a business model—it’s a calling, born from our gifts and the animals who need us.
Stand with us. Help lift the stories that change hearts and save lives.
Greg Markelz is a passionate advocate for animals, known for his unique ability to write, produce, and perform songs that give animals a voice through music. His work centers on telling stories from the perspective of animals, translating their experiences, lessons, and unspoken hopes into powerful, engaging stories and songs.
Animals Unplugged Show Founder & Co-Host
Storyteller | Songwriter | Guitarist | Vocalist | Music Producer
Inspirational Keynote Speaker
Greg’s journey into animal advocacy through music began with a song inspired by his rescue dog, Chipotle. When his guitar instructor remarked that Chipotle’s song, the telling of his life story, sounded like an anti-cruelty commercial, Greg recognized something deeper: animals were waiting, and music opened a doorway where their unheard stories could no longer be ignored.
That realization led to the creation of CnG’s SongRoads, a campaign dedicated to supporting animal rescue through story and song. “CnG” stands for Chipotle and Greg, and “SongRoads” reflects the long, meaningful journey they walked together.
When Chipotle crossed the Rainbow Bridge, Greg made a promise to continue that mission. Today, that promise remains clear and unwavering: to help save 1 million animals by 2030, by giving voice to the ones still waiting.
Mary Erlain is an animal resuce advocate whose life has been shaped by the rescue animals she calls family. As co‑host of Animals Unplugged, she brings a rare blend of compassion, leadership, and lived experience to a mission centered on giving rescue animals a voice, and honoring the people who step in to help them heal.
Animals Unplugged Show Co-Host
Inspirational Keynote Speaker | Author | Business Coach & Consultant
Mary’s work shines a light on the emotional truth of rescue: what animals endure, what they teach us, and how they transform the humans who choose them. Through thier stories and connections, she helps audiences feel the dignity, fear, hope, and resilience carried by animals who cannot speak for themselves. Her gift is translating those experiences into narratives that open hearts, inspire action, and strengthen communities.
Mary's Pyr Paws & Kitty Claws nickname embodies the heart of her mission. As pictured, Zeke (Mary's heart dog) was an example of resilience, softness, and quiet wisdom. This reminds her daily why these stories matter and why every rescued animal deserves to be seen.
A lifelong advocate, Mary believes rescue is sacred work. She champions the everyday heroes in shelters, rescues, and foster homes—the people who show up where suffering lives and bring safety, trust, and love back into reach. Her storytelling honors both sides of the bond: animals finding home, and people finding purpose.