Kindness First: Celebrating Karen Pryor’s 92nd Birthday

Julie GordonAll, News & Events, People

kindness first: celebrating karen pryor's 92nd birthday

Karen Pryor's 92nd birthday not only marks a milestone in her life but also serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy she has crafted through her tireless advocacy for kindness and compassion.
Linda Ryan
At the heart of Karen's mission is her unwavering belief in the power of kindness to effect positive change. From her early days in dolphin training to her later efforts advocating for a more compassionate world, Karen has consistently championed the idea that kindness should always come first. As her daughter Gale aptly puts it, Karen's true purpose has always been to make the world a gentler, more understanding place. Karen herself stated, "Putting kindness first has enabled me to make positive changes that fact, opinion, or emotional appeal alone would never have accomplished."
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Putting kindness first has enabled me to make positive changes that fact, opinion, or emotional appeal alone would never have accomplished.
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Despite her battle with dementia, Karen's influence remains palpable, touching the lives of countless individuals who have been inspired by her teachings. Through her writing, teaching, and advocacy, Karen has instilled in others the importance of empathy and compassion, in their interactions with animals and with one another. Nowhere is Karen’s legacy more evident than with the faculty members and graduates of the KPA Dog Trainer Professional program; they not only help to carry out her work in their respective communities, but also continue to bring joy to Karen through visits with their dogs. Regular visits, such as those from KPA CTP Shannon Riley with her client, Emily Barany, and Labrador Teddy, have meant so much to Karen and her family.

As we celebrate Karen's remarkable life and legacy, let’s embrace her principles of kindness and compassion. By spreading her message and supporting animals and programs close to her heart, such as Guide Dogs for the Blind, the first guide-dog organization to use positive reinforcement in their training, we can honor Karen's legacy and continue her mission of making the world a better, more compassionate place for all beings.

Happy 92nd birthday, Karen, and thank you for showing us the profound impact of putting kindness first!