The Kennek Foundation places ultra-soft comfort dogs in the hands of first responders, so a police officer, firefighter, or paramedic can give a frightened child something to hold onto and keep.
"Children whisper their fears and concerns into Trouble's ear, and he continues to comfort them."
Trouble comforts children experiencing "trouble" in their lives, big or small. He arrives with "Here's Trouble," a children's book about hope and resilience. Media outlets have called him a socially conscious toy, a comfort toy, and a therapy dog. To a child in crisis, he is simply a friend.
Donors and corporate sponsors fund a batch of Trouble dogs. Community fundraisers, including the annual motorcycle ride, keep the supply moving.
We put Trouble dogs directly into cruisers, firetrucks, and ambulances, and train departments on our "Trouble on the Scene" program.
At a fire, an accident, or a moment of fear, a first responder hands a child a friend to keep, long after the sirens are gone.
Comfort dogs ride in cruisers, firetrucks, and ambulances across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Virginia, and beyond, ready the moment a child needs one.
A single gift sponsors comfort dogs for a department near you. Every dollar goes toward hope in a child's hands.
Give now →Police, fire, and EMS: request comfort dogs and start "Trouble on the Scene" in your community.
Request the packet →Join the annual Trouble the Dog Motorcycle Ride, our signature fundraiser that puts dogs in the hands of first responders.
Ride details →Partner with us like Speedway Children's Charities and the Stone Family Charitable Foundation have.
Start a conversation →The Kennek Foundation is named for Ken Duncan, whose entrepreneurial generosity inspired his daughter, Sheila Duncan, to carry his spirit further. She created the Trouble character in 2006 and has worked since to bring hope to children and families facing their hardest days.
Read our storySponsor a Trouble dog and put comfort in the hands of the next first responder who needs one.