This month, we celebrated another profoundly meaningful milestone in Paragon’s year — our largest Graduation Ceremony yet.

With over 100 attendees, the room was filled with the joyful energy of longtime friends of Paragon as well as many new friends whose presence made the event all the more exciting for us.

From the moment guests stepped inside, they were welcomed by soft, elegant lighting that illuminated our signature purple and green theme and created a warm, heartfelt atmosphere. Throughout the event, we watched beautiful moments unfold — old friends reconnecting, new friendships forming, and countless stories being shared about the dogs who have touched so many lives.

We opened with a spotlight on the PAWS’Abilities program, our partnership with the Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution (WMCI). We were deeply honored to have Warden Seth Norris and his wife, Melody, join us for this special presentation. We are profoundly grateful to Warden Norris for his steadfast support and belief in PAWS’Abilities. His support has allowed this work not only to take root, but to truly flourish — and for that, we are truly grateful.

The presentation was opened by Officer Bethany Sanders, who's leadership integrity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication guide the PAWS'Abilities program everyday. Her speech was a beautiful reflection of why PAWS’Abilities matters — to the dogs, to the handlers, and to our broader community. We then shared a deeply moving video that featured our PAWS’Abiities handlers speaking candidly about what PAWS’Abiities means to them and to the prison at large Their words were touching, humbling, and awakening — offering a rare, heartfelt glimpse into how this program impacts lives from many perspectives. They described the purpose it brings, the responsibility it teaches, the healing it offers, and the humanity it helps restore.

JJ, one of the handlers, shared that PAWS’Abilities “allows men who have made mistakes to give back to their communities and have some kind of purpose. In here, it gives you back the human element, which we sometimes lose.” This sentiment echoed throughout the video, each voice adding depth and meaning to what PAWS’Abilities represents.

As an extraordinary gesture of appreciation, the handlers also created a stunning piece of handcrafted metal art for Paragon — a beautiful work capturing our signature Labrador silhouettes. It is now one of our most treasured gifts, a tangible symbol of the love, pride, and purpose this program inspires.

As the event continued, we enjoyed exceptional food, a fun Salute to our Puppy Raisers led by Chloe, our Volunteer Coordinator and heartfelt camaraderie and companionship. And then it was time to move into our celebration of our four graduating teams. Courtney & Caro, Christina & Danny, Beth & Pruitt and Tia & Dancer.

Each team was honored with a graduation video highlighting the journey of their dog from puppyhood, and the countless moments and people who helped bring them to this milestone. Then came the heartfelt Passing of the Leash — a tradition that means so very much to us at Paragon. The leash moves from the puppy raiser to weekend companion volunteers, puppy sitters, to the Paragon trainer, and finally to the client — symbolizing the full journey of dedication, learning, and love that shapes each service dog.

Graduation is always a celebration of resilience, partnership, and hope. But this ceremony — with more than a hundred witnesses, four incredible teams, and the profound presence of our PAWS’Abilities community — was truly one for the history books.

A Graduation filled with gratitude.

A Graduation filled with purpose.

A Graduation we will carry with us for a very long time.

Tia is both hilarious and unstoppable, and she truly takes the world in stride! During team training, we welcomed not only Tia but also her beautiful 6-month-old daughter, Wilder. Throughout the two weeks, it became clear just how talented Tia truly is. At lunch, she managed to hold and feed Wilder, give Dancer guidance and treats, eat her own lunch, while carrying a conversation with everyone around her. Moms are truly superheroes!

And of course, no superhero is complete without a sidekick. “In college, I just felt so unsafe and scared of the world [because of my hearing loss]. I knew I needed a dog or something.” Tia explained. A college professor introduced her to the idea of hearing dogs, launching her quest for the perfect partner.

Enter Dancer—a yellow Lab with an enthusiasm for adventure that perfectly matches Tia’s. Throughout training, Dancer proved again and again that she was ready to spring into action at any moment. Paragon trainers knew she’d be a wonderful match for Tia in part because they share an adventurous spirit while still being so focused and purposeful. One of the sounds Tia had asked us to train Dancer to was a baby’s cry—making Dancer uniquely suited to support both Tia and Wilder any time of day or night.

Their team training experience was beautifully described by their trainer Joe. "Watching Tia and Dancer bond was like watching puzzle pieces click into place. Each day they became more in sync. Dancer finding her place inside Tia’s life, and Tia leading her with calm and confidence. Add Wilder, Tia's daughter, to the mix and you don’t just have a team you have a family. "

Now, Tia, Wilder, and Dancer have officially begun their adventures together!