Nightly Scroll with Hayley - Episode 53: "Dixie The Praying Dog Honors Our Vets" Summary

Release Date: May 22, 2025
Host: Hayley Caronia

Introduction

In this heartfelt and patriotic episode of Nightly Scroll, host Hayley Caronia welcomes listeners to a special edition dedicated to honoring veterans and celebrating the inspiring journey of Dixie the Praying Dog. Set against the backdrop of Memorial Day, Hayley introduces her special guest, Brian Calvert, and his remarkable dog, Dixie, whose work has touched countless lives.

Brian Calvert’s Journey and Dixie's Origin

Brian Calvert shares a deeply personal story of tragedy and resilience that led to the creation of Dixie’s mission.

• House Fire Tragedy (00:34):

  "I lost my home and three dogs to a house fire. Probably one of the worst, by far, the worst day of my life."
  Brian recounts the devastating house fire in 2012 that claimed his residence and beloved pets, marking a turning point in his life.

• Hunting Accident and Epiphany (03:34):

  "Somebody's trying to tell me something. You need to do something different with your life."
  Following a severe hunting accident where he was trapped and nearly lost his life, Brian felt a divine call to honor his lost dogs and support veterans, leading to the birth of Dixie’s mission.

Dixie’s Role and Impact

Dixie, a 9-year-old Blue Tick Coonhound, serves multiple roles that bridge therapy, support, and honors for veterans.

• Therapy and Honor Flights (08:45):

  "When Dixie turned 1, our neighbor girls were volunteers for Indiana Flight. They thought Dixie could be our therapy dog."
  Dixie escorts World War II, Vietnam, and Korean War veterans on honor flights, providing comfort and companionship as they visit national monuments.

• Emotional Connection with Veterans (13:36):

  "When these guys come in, 90% of them are tearing up... they're tearing up or they're coming over and hugging her and kissing her."
  Dixie’s presence brings profound emotional relief and gratitude to the veterans she meets, making each honor flight a memorable and healing experience.

Media Presence and Expansion

Brian discusses how Dixie’s work extended beyond local events to national recognition and media involvement.

• Social Media and Public Appearances (11:18):

  "We kept getting invited to all these veterans' organization events around the city and sometimes out of the state. It just caught on as, hey, that's that praying dog."
  Dixie became a beloved figure on social media, leading to increased invitations for public appearances and recognition.

• Television Opportunities (19:31):

  "In 2019, Hollywood found us through social media... They wanted Dixie on the show."
  Dixie and Brian were approached by a casting agency for a TV show, highlighting Dixie's star power and multifaceted abilities as a therapy and tracking dog.

Personal Transformation and Healing

The bond between Brian and Dixie has been transformative, providing mutual healing and purpose.

• Overcoming Anxiety and PTSD (27:00):

  "Dixie is most definitely saved my life."
  With Dixie’s companionship, Brian overcame severe anxiety and PTSD, transitioning from reliance on medication to finding strength in his mission to help others.

• Empowering Veterans (28:20):

  "The dog has changed veterans' lives. So it's pretty special how it's all come full circle."
  Brian emphasizes how Dixie’s work not only aids veterans but also inspires others to find purpose through adversity.

Challenges and Resilience

Despite widespread admiration, Dixie and Brian face challenges, including political backlash and social media negativity.

• Political Backlash (28:31):

  "If you're having a bad day, I have her pages set up to where you can go and watch them. I've actually had soldiers that are overseas going through some rough times that have told me they can go watch her videos on social media and it gets them out of their funk."
  While Dixie receives immense support, they also encounter negativity tied to political affiliations and patriotic displays, which Brian navigates with resilience.

Future Plans and Aspirations

Looking ahead, Brian hopes to expand Dixie’s impact and continue supporting veterans.

• Meeting the President (28:31):

  "I would love to meet President Trump... I hope I get to meet him again soon. That would be very, very cool."
  Brian aspires to elevate Dixie’s mission to national recognition, including potential meetings with prominent leaders.

• Continued Service (13:36):

  "Next weekend will be Dixie's 33rd honor flight that she's volunteered for."
  Dixie remains committed to her mission, with ongoing plans to support more veterans through honor flights and therapeutic interactions.

Conclusion and Memorial Day Tribute

Hayley concludes the episode with a profound tribute to veterans, expressing deep gratitude for their sacrifices.

"We honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives to keep the homeland safe and to protect all of the comforts and freedoms we get to enjoy as citizens of the greatest nation in the entire world."
(31:24)

Hayley acknowledges the personal connections and sacrifices made by veterans and their families, reinforcing the episode’s central theme of respect and gratitude.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience Through Tragedy: Brian Calvert’s journey from personal loss and trauma to finding purpose through Dixie highlights the healing power of service and companionship.

• Dixie’s Multifaceted Role: As a therapy dog and honor flight escort, Dixie provides emotional support to veterans, bridging gaps between past sacrifices and present appreciation.

• Impact of Media and Social Platforms: Dixie’s presence on social media and media appearances amplifies her mission, reaching a broader audience and inspiring others to support veterans.

• Navigating Challenges: Despite facing political backlash, Brian and Dixie remain steadfast in their mission, demonstrating resilience and unwavering commitment to their cause.

Notable Quotes

• Brian Calvert on Tragedy and Purpose (03:34):

  "Somebody's trying to tell me something. You need to do something different with your life."

• Dixie’s Emotional Connection (13:36):

  "Every time that those guys come in, it still gets me right here every time."

• Brian on Dixie's Impact (27:00):

  "Dixie is most definitely saved my life."

• Hayley’s Memorial Day Tribute (31:24):

  "We honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives to keep the homeland safe..."

Further Support and Information

Listeners interested in supporting Dixie’s mission or learning more can visit:

• Website: DixieThePrayingDog.com
• Social Media: Search for "Dixie the Praying Dog" across platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.

Memorial Day Message:
Hayley Caronia extends her deepest gratitude to all veterans and their families, honoring their sacrifices and celebrating the freedoms they protect. She encourages listeners to support veterans through various means, highlighting the impactful work of Dixie the Praying Dog in providing comfort and recognition to those who have served.

Thank you for tuning into this special edition of Nightly Scroll. Stay informed, engaged, and inspired as we continue to celebrate the heroes among us.