About The Kennek Foundation

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About The Kennek Foundation

The Kennek Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to bringing about hope, resilience and inspiration in the lives of those most vulnerable going through tough times.

The Kennek Foundation works much of its magic through the adorable plush pup, Trouble the Dog. Distributed to first responders through the generosity of Foundation donors, Trouble is a valuable source of comfort to children facing crisis situations — a “tool in the toolbox” — of police, fire, and ambulance personnel that can make all the difference to a child.

In a Multi-State Effort, Kids Help Police Officers Help Other Kids with “Trouble”

In November, K-9 Officer Kent Yee of the Quincy, MA Police Department was present for the delivery of 13 Trouble plush dogs to the Quincy PD.

Officer Kent Yee with Lexi, his K9 partner

These donations were made possible thanks to fundraising done by Caleb and Kaitlyn Anderson, twin nine-year-olds from Indiana, who were introduced to Trouble at the 2019 Dream Ride in Connecticut. There, they were inspired by Virginia Master K-9 Trainer Tom Hendrickson’s presentation about Trouble. So inspired, in fact, that the twins fundraised and donated 13 plush Trouble Dogs to Officer Hendrickson’s Hampton, VA Police Department, as well!

The fundraising message created by nine-year-old twins Caleb and Kaitlyn Anderson

In Quincy, the twins met Officer Yee through their multiple trips to Boston Children’s Hospital, which continue as Caleb battles a rare immune disorder.

Caleb and Kaitlyn Anderson were joined by Chief Paul Keenan of the Quincy Police Department when they delivered their donation of 13 Trouble the Dog plush toys

Recently, Officer Yee took a plush Trouble Dog to help comfort a four-year-old girl who is spending time in Boston Children’s Hospital’s intensive care unit.

Young patient at Boston Children’s Hospital with her new pal, Trouble the Dog

Following Officer Yee’s delivery of Trouble, the girl’s grandmother wrote the following note to The Kennek Foundation:

Kent Yee, who is a Quincy police officer, brought “Trouble” and the book to my granddaughter (4 yrs old) who is in the ICU at Children’s Hospital suffering from pneumonia and bad flu. Today I was there and read the book to her. She loved the puppy and the book. She especially liked the character “Hope.” God bless your work, because these kids get the message!

Donation from NH Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities Funds Distribution of Plush Trouble Dogs to First Responders in New Hampshire

Sheila Duncan, Founder of The Kennek Foundation (third from left) joined (l. to r.): New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s David McGrath, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, Manchester, NH Mayor Joyce Craig, NH Speedway Children’s Charities’ Hillarie Scott, and mascot Milo on stage for the grant distribution ceremony. “Thank you, Speedway Children’s Charities – New Hampshire,” Duncan said. “Together we can continue to deliver plush Trouble the Dog toys to first responders in New Hampshire for children in crisis. We are grateful!”

Concord, NH Police Get Gift of Trouble

New Hampshire TV station WMUR9 reported on the donation of Trouble dogs made to the Concord police, courtesy of The Kennek Foundation and Speedway Children’s Charities NH. See the televised report here.

Left to right: Sheila Duncan, Officer Ryan Howe Concord, NH Police Department, Hillarie Scott, Director Speedway Children’s Charities of New Hampshire.

Interviewing Officer Ryan Howe

Left to right: Sheila Duncan, Officer Ryan Howe Concord, NH Police Department, Hillarie Scott, Director Speedway Children’s Charities of New Hampshire

Sheila Duncan on air

Trouble makes the news!

K9 “Buckshot” and Trouble the Dog Provide Comfort in a Time of Need

Certified therapy dog, Buckshot, and his handler, Tom Hendrickson, of the Hampton, VA Police Department are on the streets helping children going through tough times. Hours after a plush Trouble the Dog was delivered to this beautiful little girl, she had to visit the hospital due to a respiratory issue. Trouble was there to help her through.

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> More news from The Kennek Foundation

The Kennek Foundation works much of its magic with the help of an angel in disguise... Trouble the Dog. Trouble is an ultra-soft keepsake toy that is 100% made in the USA. He comforts children experiencing "trouble" in their lives -- big or small. Trouble has been applauded by CNN and MSNBC as a "socially conscious toy"; a "comfort toy" and as a "therapy dog" by the Boston Herald. The children's book, "Here's Trouble" teaches kids about hope and resilience while demonstrating the power of unconditional love.