Spring has sprung! As the days grow warmer, our dogs are buzzing with activity. From exciting new arrivals to incredible accomplishments, we have so much to share this month! So, grab a seat in the sunshine and enjoy these stories.

This month, we welcomed a little bundle of joy, Fiona! She traveled all the way from Iowa to meet her new puppy raiser parents and has already begun her training journey. A crucial part of a service dog in training’s life is exploring different environments, and her puppy raisers are doing a fantastic job allowing her to navigate the world at her own pace.

Recently, Fiona attended her first puppy outing at Dick’s Sporting Goods, where she calmly experienced shoes, clothing displays, and automatic doors for the first time. We were so impressed by her attentiveness and how well she checked in with her puppy raiser. Stay tuned to watch her progress and see all the amazing things she’ll accomplish!

Our volunteers are the heart of our program. This month, we’re celebrating two dedicated puppy raisers, Jim and Trina. Jim, a fire department captain, and Trina, a physical therapist, have always been committed to helping others, making their dedication to raising puppies a natural extension of their passion for care. They began their journey with us three years ago, and since then, they have helped raise four incredible pups and are now caring for sweet Fiona, our newest puppy in training.

Puppy raising can be challenging, time-consuming, and exhausting, especially with a young puppy, but Trina and Jim continue to give their all to every dog they raise. Their dedication is so evident in their commitment to our pups' safety, growth, and learning.

Trina and Jim beautifully described the most rewarding part of their volunteer work, “What we find most rewarding is the connections and learning process in raising the dogs.  It is so amazing to see your hard work pay off after timeless hours of training.  The puppies have such different personalities, and we love watching them grow.“   

Thank you, Trina and Jim, for your unwavering commitment and compassion!

We had the special opportunity to welcome our client Roxanne and her hearing dog, Camo, to our facility for their recertification. After graduating from our program, each of our clients complete regular recertifications and need to pass their sound alerts and public access skills test. This process is typically done remotely, so it was a special treat to have Roxanne and Camo visit us all the way from Canada.

As soon as they arrived, Camo immediately recognized the familiar surroundings. With his tail wagging wildly, he eagerly greeted each staff member one by one. He even had a heartwarming reunion with Paragon's Ambassado dog, Cosmo, his best friend!

After a joyful reunion, Roxanne and Camo headed to Walmart, where they aced their public access evaluation. They then passed their sound alert test with flying colors, a true testament to the dedication and practice Roxanne has put in since bringing Camo home. It is easy to see how strong their bond has become! We couldn’t be more proud of them!

March holds a special occasion for five of our dogs, E. A. Pruitt, Eddie, Echo, Ender, and Epic, turned 1 year old all within three days. Such a special event requires celebration and that’s just what our Wyoming inmates did. This celebration was full of pup cakes and cookies with each dog’s name carefully iced onto them. Equipped with party hats it was an amazing occasion celebrating what progress each dog has made over the last year. Happy Birthday pups!

 We are thrilled to announce that three of our dogs have been matched, the final step before team training, with their future partners.

As our dogs near the end of their training, they undergo a thorough evaluation to determine the best possible match. This process considers not only their skills and abilities but also factors such things as energy level, size, breed, and personality to ensure a perfect fit with their future partner. Since being matched, they’ve been working on adding the personalized sounds requested by their new person and polishing all of their cues. 

Join us in celebrating Dandy Shandy, Doc, and Danny as they take this exciting step toward their forever partner! 

Recently, Sue and her hearing dog, Artie, embarked on an exciting Florida adventure! Sue has always had a fearless spirit, but after using a cochlear implant for 15 years, she struggled to hear localized sounds. When she applied for a hearing dog, Paragon staff knew she needed a companion just as adventurous as she was. That’s when she was paired with Artie, and from there, the adventures began!

With a shared love for nature, Sue and Artie have been exploring the endless activities Florida has to offer. They’ve embraced city life by visiting farmers’ markets, attending outdoor concerts, and even enjoying a jazz performance at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Through all their activities, Artie remains vigilant, alerting Sue to her phone and any approaching passersby to ensure her safety.

As many of you know, Sue and Artie don’t just stick to land, they also love kayaking! With plenty of praise and treats, they glide peacefully through the water, taking in the beauty of nature together. Side by side, they make an unstoppable team!

Hello!

Next week, the trainers say I’m going to "Paragon College” and I’m so excited! I’ll be heading to the Paragon facility for advanced training. From Monday to Thursday each week, I’ll be staying overnight and training each day.

I’ve been practicing going on outings with my puppy raisers and attending puppy class. The Paragon staff says I’ve been doing a wonderful job and that I’m calm and focused when I’m working.

I’ll be sure to let you all know how my first day of school goes!

E. A. Pruitt

As another month comes to a close, we’re excited for the upcoming team training! We love watching our dogs develop the skills that truly make a difference. Stay tuned for next month’s updates and inspiring stories!

With gratitude,
The Paragon Team 🐾❤️

14737 County Road 3, Longmont, Colorado 80504