Paragon Press October 2025 | |
|
| |
It's Spooky Season!
With summer’s heat fading away and the spooky season upon us, we’ve been busy embracing all things autumn from pumpkin patches to costume contests! Join in the fun and hear all the seasonal adventures we’ve had!
| | | | |
|
Visiting a pumpkin patch isn’t just a beloved fall tradition for people, and this year, our dogs joined in the fun and got to experience some Halloween-themed activities!
Once a month, our volunteers head out on an adventure, giving both dogs and volunteers the chance to build foundational skills in a fun, real-world setting.
This season, we welcomed Fiona, Eddie, and eight amazing volunteers to VT Pumpkin Patch in Boulder. The place was buzzing with families, tractors, and carriage rides, the perfect environment for Fiona and Eddie to practice staying focused amid all the fall excitement.
Next up was a maze made of hay bales, full of twists and turns that could challenge even the best-trained pups. Fiona and Eddie handled it like pros, confidently navigating every corner!
It was a wonderful outing where our volunteers worked together to create a positive, enriching experience for everyone involved. What an incredibly joyful day! Great work, everyone!
|
| Paragon Service Dogs is accepting applications for staffed trained hearing dogs. If you are interested in applying, please review our eligibility criteria and program description. | This year, Buddy decided to throw a costume party and invite all the dogs! The event was filled with friends, toys, and even a mystery. It’s happening on our Facebook and Instagram pages and runs through October 31st. The dog with the most reactions and comments will win a special treat! Head over to our social media to cast your vote and join the fun! | | |
Colorado Gives Day is Here!
Colorado Gives Day is the biggest giving event in the state, and it’s an opportunity for you to join other Coloradans who are coming together to make a meaningful impact. This year, we need your support more than ever, your gift can help combat loneliness, grant safety, and inspire possibilities by helping us train and place our hearing dogs free of charge.
Early Giving Starts Today
From November 1 through December 9, every donation you make is boosted by a $1M+ Incentive Fund, thanks to Colorado Gives Foundation and FirstBank. The more we raise, the bigger our share. Plus, if you set up a new monthly recurring donation, Colorado Gives Foundation will match your first monthly gift up to $100 (and up to $250K total across all organizations)! It’s an exciting way for you to double the impact of your continued support.
How to Get Started:
- Visit our donation page.
- Click ‘Donate’ and choose to do a one-time donation or select the option for a monthly donation.
- If you select monthly, your donation will be matched automatically.
| | | | |
As you may know, our PAWS’abilities program, our prison puppy raising and training program in partnership with the Wyoming Medium Correctional Institute (WMCI). This program is absolutely essential to our mission. This incredible program not only cares for our dogs from puppyhood but also nurtures and teaches them the foundational and advanced skills they need to succeed. Recently, one of our master inmate handlers, Nic, displayed attention to detail, problem solving, and a creative solution reminding us what a truly outstanding impact he has.
Finch, our 7-month-old Havanese puppy, is taking the world by storm! His spunky, playful personality keeps everyone laughing, especially his Master Inmate Handler, Nic. Raising such a small puppy comes with unique challenges, and early on, Nic noticed that none of our harnesses fit Finch quite right. Finch would often roll or scratch, trying to get them off, or they would get in the way.
Determined to find a solution, Nic put his creativity and craftsmanship to work, designing a custom leather harness just for Finch. After putting the new gorgeous harness on, immediately the scratching and discomfort dissipated! Finch proudly showed off his new gear and got right back to practicing his cues with enthusiasm.
Nic’s dedication to Finch, and all six dogs he’s raised, is truly amazing, and this is only a small example of his outstanding work with us. As one of the two original Master Handlers, he has been a key part of PAWS’abilities since the beginning. He trained Augie our first PAWS’abilities dog helping launch the program to the success it is today. He also made a beautiful custom harness for our Paragon Ambassador, Cosmo, and continues to guide and advise other handlers to learn about dog training and set our dogs up for success. THANK YOU, Nic, for helping our mission be a success.
| |
Adventures in the Sunflower State!
We love hearing updates from our graduated pups who are out exploring the world! Recently, we received an update from Courtney and Caro that’s just too delightful not to share. Oh, what an adventure they had!
The journey began with a windy seven-hour road trip to the Sunflower State of Kansas. At each truck stop along the way, Caro successfully ignored the dog parks and all the bustling activity. When they arrived in Wichita, Caro was introduced to Brownie, a shepherd, and Octavia the cat. He was the utmost gentleman and greeted them calmly and quickly became friends.
Moving to a new location presents a unique challenge for hearing service dogs. At home, they have the locations of doors, ovens, and microwaves memorized. To help Caro adjust, Courtney showed him where the microwave, oven, and front door were upon arrival, preparing him to locate and respond to these new cues.
Once settled, the Kansas adventures began! First up was Dinosaur Land that is home to more than 50 life-sized dinosaur animatronics complete with screeches, roars, and other prehistoric sounds. Caro maintained his focus throughout the exhibit. Next came a trip to the zoo, where he practiced ignoring meerkats, lions, jaguars, and wild dogs. Finally, they explored the Van Gogh exhibit, filled with lights, music, and projections, and Caro calmly ignored the moving lights on the floor. From glass elevators to big arcades there were so many new obstacles and experiences for the team.
It was quite the adventure for Courtney and Caro! We love watching our teams grow and bond through every new experience. “He deserves to be celebrated,” Courtney said, reflecting on Caro’s great success in Kansas.
| | | |
Dog Diaries: Griswold
Hi there, friends!
I’ve been told I have the biggest ears in the whole wide world, and honestly, I think they make me extra cute! This month I’ve been working hard with Sam (my wonderful PAWS'abilities handler) on all my cues, especially my recall (I run super fast when I hear my name!).
I also got to visit my buddies in advanced training recently. They said I’ve grown a ton—but shhh, I still think I’m a tiny puppy! Everyone was impressed on how engaged I was seeing so many new things!
Your truly,
Griswold
| | |
Thanks for Reading!
Thanks for joining in on all the fall fun! We had a wonderful time celebrating this season. Coming up in November, we’re hosting one of our largest team trainings yet! Three teams will be joining us at our facility for two weeks of intensive training, and we can’t wait to share their journeys with you. Stay tuned for November’s newsletter, packed with inspiring team training stories!
With gratitude,
Paragon Service Dogs
| | | | |
Our Company | Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Policy |
| | | |
