Karen Leavitt, Host of "The Sky's the Limit" World Talk Radio Program, Interviews Guests Sheila Duncan & Melanie Fleming

Karen Leavitt, host of “The Sky’s the Limit,” talk radio program on World Talk Radio – Voiceamerica.com, interviews featured guests Sheila Duncan and Melanie Fleming of “Trouble The Dog” (www.troublethedog.net) fame. The show will air on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 8:00 pm EST. Sheila Duncan is co-creator of the star children’s character - Trouble The Dog and author of the children’s book, “Here’s Trouble.” Duncan enlisted the help of Marketing and Public Relations Consultant, Melanie Fleming and together they have turned trouble into hope with an inspiring new children’s book, “Where There’s Trouble, There’s Hope.”

“I love introducing inspiring people who have changed the world in such a positive and meaningful way,” said Karen Leavitt. “These women have been a ray of light and hope for children and families around the globe…providing comfort to thousands – from right here in New England to California, Haiti, Guatemala - even Africa and China.”

The show, to air June 1st (8:00 PM EST), will enable the audience to learn about the amazing, selfless journey that Sheila Duncan and Melanie Fleming have embarked on to help children and families. The journey all started in the eyes of a child. In 2006, Duncan was at home with her niece, Kendra, who was only 12. Kendra experienced profound loss that year. She lost her Dad, grandmother and family dog to cancer within a very short period of time. A program came on TV about children with cancer. Sheila tried to change the channel, but her niece said, “Wait! We need to help those kids!” She drew a small puppy and named him “Trouble” to help other kids with their “troubles.” Sheila had a plush Trouble dog produced to bring comfort to children going through tough times.

Trouble The Dog has provided comfort to thousands of families - victims of tragedies or natural disasters, patients in hospitals, children receiving services through foster care, residents of nursing homes and injured veterans. Trouble has visited with children at the MassGeneral Pediatric Oncology Unit, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Ronald McDonald House, Boston Children’s Hospital, Dana Farber, Children's Miracle Network. St. Jude’s, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and Camp Phoenix for pediatric burn survivors.

“With everything going on in the world today, we felt that children need a message of hope and a buddy they can confide in,” said Duncan.

“The Trouble plush dog provides a source of comfort for kids and the new book is a sweet story – perfect to read with your children – that inspires children to believe in themselves and follow their dreams,” added Fleming.

“We are working with a several agencies and are hoping to start a program to help ease a situation when foster care needs to get involved. How great would it be to have a Trouble plush dog and book waiting for a child in every foster home?” said Duncan.

“I love to align with bright souls who are doing wonderful work,” said Leavitt. “Trouble has helped so many children facing serious illness. I’ve learned that he can also help children who are homeless, abused, autistic or kids that just need a friend to talk to.”

You can purchase storybooks or plush dogs as a birthday gift, a get well package or just to say “I Love You” or “You’ve Got a Friend.” You can also purchase a dog or book to send to a child at a local hospital or shelter – to any child who needs a comforting hug.

To learn more – visit: www.troublethedog.net

Photo: Sheila Duncan and Melanie Fleming

Sheila Duncan, left, is co-creator of the star children’s character - Trouble The Dog and author of the children’s book, “Here’s Trouble.” Duncan enlisted the help of Marketing and Public Relations Consultant Melanie Fleming, right, and together they have turned trouble into hope with an inspiring new children’s book, “Where There’s Trouble, There’s Hope.”