Countless individuals in our city experience trauma that leaves them in need of support. One unique approach to providing that support comes in the form of service dogs. Host Brian Konrad speaks with Christina Johnson as they explore the inspiring story of Jackson, a service dog at the Sanare Centre, and the profound impact he has on the lives of children and adults facing difficult situations.

Jackson isn’t just any service dog; he’s a jack of all trades! From supporting survivors in court to providing comfort during therapy sessions, his impact is profound. He recently helped a young boy find his courage to engage in therapy, just by being there.

00:00 - Introduction:
01:17 - Contributions from community donors to Jackson’s arrival
02:45 - Jackson’s multifaceted support roles in therapy, court, and education
03:44 - Heartwarming stories of Jackson’s support during trauma sessions
05:12 - How Jackson was selected and trained by Summit Service Dogs
06:35 - Training process for Jackson’s specialized role at Sanare Centre
07:22 - Everyday life of a service dog: working and resting routines
08:56 - Highlighting sexual violence awareness and the statistics in Alberta
09:50 - The under-reporting of sexual violence and resources for support
11:06 - The impact of service dogs on survivors’ healing process
12:26 - The effort to engage men and boys in preventing gender-based violence
13:27 - Improving societal responses to disclosures of sexual violence
14:45 - Ways the community can support survivors and raise awareness
15:46 - How to intervene as a bystander using the Four D's
17:13 - Practical advice on preventing drug-assisted assaults and everyone’s role
18:31 - Contact information for the Sanare Centre and how to request Jackson's support
19:00 - Jackson’s unique talents - brain games, therapy support, and community engagement
22:23 - Celebrating Jackson’s success in a fun game of Kerplunk

Jackson isn’t just a dog - he’s a lifeline. From sitting through court sessions with child survivors to attending therapy sessions, visiting schools, and even playing Kerplunk to ease anxiety, Jackson demonstrates how animals can bring healing and hope to trauma survivors. Christina shares touching stories of how Jackson has transformed the centre’s approach to care, creating safe spaces for children and adults to feel comforted and supported.
The episode also explores the broader mission of the Sanare Centre:
• Raising awareness about sexual violence, especially during Sexual Violence Awareness Month
• Providing specialized criminal justice navigation and support for survivors
• Engaging men and boys in ending gender-based violence through the Empowerment Leadership Program
• Offering practical guidance for bystanders to safely intervene in potentially harmful situations
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how trauma-informed care works, the power of service animals in healing, and the importance of community involvement in supporting survivors.
Whether you’re an animal lover, advocate for sexual violence awareness, or simply want to hear inspiring stories of hope and resilience, this episode is for you.
Resources & How to Help:
• Learn more about the Sanare Centre: www.sanarecentre.ca
• Call: 403-548-2717
• Follow Sanare Centre Instagram www.instagram.com/sanarecentre
• Facebook www.facebook.com/sanarecentre for updates and donor recognition
Support the Mission:
• Attend community awareness events
• Donate to support programs and service dogs like Jackson
• Volunteer or participate in local initiatives
Key Takeaways:
• Service dogs like Jackson provide critical emotional support in trauma and court settings
• Sexual violence affects 1 in 3 Albertans, yet 95% of incidents go unreported
• Cultural change and community engagement are essential to ending gender-based violence

Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast

Support the show