🎙️ Safe Talk Podcast: S4E11 Jenny interviews Carol Salveson of Project Kenny 🐾
Join Jenny Hunter in this heartfelt episode of Safe Talk as she interviews Carol Salveson, founder of Project Kenny, a nonprofit organization dedicated to pairing veterans and first responders with expertly trained service dogs. Together, they delve deep into the transformative process of helping veterans with PTSD find safety and stability through canine companionship.
Carol opens up about the journey of losing her son, a Green Beret, to suicide and how she turned her grief into a mission of hope and healing. She shares detailed insights into Project Kenny's approach:
* Customized Training: Service dogs are tailored to the unique needs of each veteran, responding to specific PTSD symptoms like anxiety or emotional distress.
* Preferred Breeds: Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Doodles are the favorites due to their friendly temperament, eagerness to please, and food motivation. However, Project Kenny evaluates dogs of all breeds and sizes, focusing on temperament and aptitude for service work.
* Empowering Veterans: Local participants can train their own dogs with expert guidance, fostering deeper connections and understanding.
* Success Stories: From calming road rage to breaking cycles of panic, these dogs bring veterans back to a functional and safe state, often preventing crises from escalating.
Carol and Jenny also discuss the critical role of talking openly about trauma and the stigma surrounding suicide, emphasizing that talk saves lives.
🌟 Key Takeaways:
* The incredible impact of service dogs in grounding veterans during PTSD episodes.
* The importance of tailored training, patience, and the community's role in supporting these partnerships.
* The rigorous selection process for dogs, ensuring they’re socialized and suited for service work.
* How volunteering with Project Kenny can make a tangible difference in Casper, Wyoming, and beyond.
📞 For more information, contact Project Kenny at info@projectkenny.org or visit ProjectKenny.org.
Tune in to this episode for an inspiring conversation that showcases the power of connection, compassion, and courage. 💙🐕
🎥 Check out the wonderful 10 minute documentary “A Dog Can Make a Difference” featuring Carol at Project Kenny!
Congratulations to filmmaker Spencer Matches for taking home the top prize in the Service Dog Salute category at the 2024 NY Dog Film Festival with his inspirational documentary short A Dog Can Make a Difference! https://youtu.be/aaXoy7ncJEY?si=W4z9MMpk8RvYU4J-
Hear the recollections of Military Veterans living with Post-Traumatic Stress who couldn’t fathom how a dog could possibly make a significant difference in their lives. Then watch as these heroes recount how their PTSD service dog’s love and specialized training have not only reduced their PTSD symptoms, but also worked to transform their lives and the lives of those around them.