What began as a solution to a unique challenge in East Africa has grown into a purposeful and deeply rooted Montana business. In 2005, Kim Greene founded Svalinn Working Dogs while living in Kenya, where local laws prohibited her from carrying a firearm for personal protection. Faced with real security concerns, Kim turned to canine companions—beginning the journey of developing highly trained personal protection dogs. What started as necessity soon evolved into a passion: to raise and train loyal, balanced, and reliable dogs who protect without compromising companionship.
By 2013, Svalinn’s story moved westward. After a brief stint in Jackson Hole, Kim and her team sought more space and eventually found their way to Livingston, Montana in 2016. The 170-acre ranch where Svalinn is now based provided not just room to train and live—it offered something deeply familiar. “Montana reminded us of Africa,” Kim shared, reflecting on the expansive views, wildlife, and rolling hills. “The open skies and rugged terrain felt like home.” That connection—between places, purposes, and people—is at the heart of everything Svalinn does.
One of the most powerful expressions of this connection is Svalinn’s ongoing relationship with the Big Sky Farmers Market, a seasonal summer gathering held in the heart of the Big Sky community. For Kim, the market is more than an outreach opportunity—it’s a cornerstone of her training program and a reflection of her values.
“We were part of the market before it became what it is today—before what I call ‘Farmers Market 2.0,’” Kim said with a smile, referring to the market’s evolution into a vibrant, multifaceted event that now runs though the entire downtown and draws thousands of residents and visitors each week. Her commitment to the space runs deep. As a veteran vendor, Kim sees and understands the market as a vital community anchor. “It’s where Big Sky comes together. Old Montana families, newcomers, artists, and small business owners all converge here—it’s become a special places where everyone feels welcome.”
That sense of inclusivity and unity is precisely what makes the Big Sky Farmers Market so special to Svalinn. While a great opportunity to engage with new clients, Svalinn’s primary focus is on socialization—for its dogs. Montana winters are long, and rural life often lacks the hustle and bustle needed to expose dogs to a variety of sights, sounds, and people. The market offers a rare, controlled environment that is critical for training both young and seasoned dogs alike.
“It’s not just a PR opportunity—it’s part of the dogs’ curriculum,” Kim explained. “It’s the only consistent place where our dogs can interact with strollers, food smells, musicians, sudden noises, and crowds—all in one evening. It’s a real-world classroom.”
But it’s not just the dogs that benefit. Community members are eager participants in this unique form of social training. “People who come regularly know our mission,” Kim said. “They don’t just pet the dogs—they help us. They understand that when they interact with a Svalinn dog, they’re part of its development. That’s pretty powerful.”
A recent highlight illustrated that connection beautifully: nine Svalinn dogs—ranging in age from 9 months to 10 years—attended the market with their respective owners. Some were still in training, others had long since graduated. Yet they all stood as a testament to the continuity of Svalinn’s work and the relationships formed in the Market and heart of this community.
For Kim and the Svalinn team, the Big Sky Farmers Market isn’t just an event—it’s a living extension of their philosophy. A place where trust, protection, and community come together under the summer sun and open skies. Just like Montana. Just like Africa. Just like home.
To learn more about the all-new Big Sky Farmers Market visit HERE
