Paragon Press: September 2026

September 2026

Outside four dogs are on a platform. There is one cream cobber dog, a Frenchie, a black lab, and a yellow lab. Respectively their names are Flapjack, Griswold, Forest, and Frank

Along with the cooler weather, September brought many exciting events, including a brand-new partnership! There’s no need for an introduction to these amazing stories, so let’s dive right in!

Fortune's Journey

Fortune's dog trainer, his two weekend companions, Paragon staff, and Melissa stand with Fortune for a group photo,.

After thousands of hours of training, nearly two years of care, and a million treats, we are delighted to announce that Fortune has been matched and is now working as a hearing service dog.

Every good hero has an origin story, and here is Fortune’s.

After being hand-selected, Fortune traveled from Iowa to Paragon Service Dogs to begin his service dog journey, an immense feat! Fortune was determined to succeed, but he needed some help. To help him on this tremendous endeavor, there was a very special trainer waiting for him—Chris Towne.

Fortune was raised at Wyoming Medium Correctional Institute (WMCI) in Torrington, Wyoming, as part of Paragon’s PAWS’Abilities program. There, Chris was ready to teach him all the foundational skills he would need to succeed.

The PAWS’Abilities trainers go above and beyond, caring for and training our service dogs in training 24 hours a day. For Fortune, that included providing special care after he injured his leg. Chris carried the large lab whenever he needed to go outside, found ways to entertain him while his mobility was limited, and kept him sharp on his training throughout his recovery. All that work paid off!

When we welcomed Fortune into advanced training, Paragon trainers were thrilled to meet a dog with solid skills, an optimistic personality, and a love of working. During the week, Fortune trained on-site, went on outings, and continued to solidify his sound alerts. But every weekend, he needed not only a place to stay, but also extra guidance as he learned to live in a house and navigate the world.

That’s where Barb, her husband Tom, and Colleen came in. Fortune was incredibly lucky to receive not only the love and care of one weekend companion, but two homes! From Thursday to Monday, Fortune stayed with either Barb or Colleen, alternating weeks. They didn’t just give Fortune a place to stay—they remained dedicated to his training, bringing him along to as many Paragon volunteer outings and classes as possible.

Fortune’s weekends were full of adventure, with the perfect amount of play and relaxation. Together, Chris, Barb, Tom, and Colleen helped mold an eager puppy into one of the best demo dogs Paragon has ever had.

Fortune gave presentations to large groups, participated in outdoor events, and attended tons of festivals during his time at Paragon. Soon, he was ready for the next step: Team Training!

Puppy Fortune lays in his inmate handler, Chris. Chris smiles at the camera.

Chris, a inmate handler, carries Fortune. He puts his hand under Fortune's mouth to catch any treats he drops.

Fortune at eight weeks old pushes his noise at the camera. He has a plastic bone next to him.

Fortune's weekend companions, Barb and Colleen, stand next to him smiling. He is wearing his Paragon Vest.

Team Training

Melissa walks with Fortune outside down a dirt path. Both are looking at each other lovingly.

Team Training is a difficult, intense, and truly magical time at Paragon. This September, we had the joy of welcoming Melissa to Paragon for two weeks to train and in the end graduate with Fortune!

The week began with some important bonding time. For the last few months, Fortune had been taking his cues from and giving his attention to his Paragon trainer. Now, it was time for him to bond with his new partner!

At first, Fortune tried to alert to his Paragon trainer, but it didn’t take long for him to shift his focus to Melissa. Throughout the week, they had many outings planned to give Melissa and Fortune real-world experience with situations they may encounter throughout their lives together.

During the first week, one of their major outings was going out to eat and exploring the local library. With every restaurant layout being different, it was vital practice to determine where Fortune would be most comfortable and tucked safely out of the way.

By the second week, Melissa and Fortune were in sync. Melissa’s treat delivery was becoming fluent, and Fortune was adjusting his body to match her movements.

This week included two major outings: Scheels, a huge store, and Denver International Airport! Both were busy and chaotic, making them excellent opportunities to practice and prepare the team for all the adventures they may encounter as they travel through life together.

Finally, at the end of an exhausting two weeks, it was time for graduation. Melissa, Fortune, his weekend companions Colleen and Barb, and a few Paragon staff members celebrated over a wonderful meal.

Graduation is a magical moment full of goodbyes, but also hellos. We learned more stories about Fortune and his quirks, while also learning about the adventures ahead and the difference he is about to make in Melissa’s life.

Click to Follow their Team Training Adventure

Melissa and Fortune, a yellow lab, pose together near the luggage carousel at the airport.

Melissa and Fortune pose on a metal bench in the shape of a butterfly. There is a brick wall in the background.

Melissa beams while petting Fortune, a yellow lab. He looks at the camera smiling.

Melissa and Fortune, a yellow lab, pose in front of a taxidermy moose. He looks up at her lovingly.

A Fortunate Pair: Melissa and Fortune

As a brilliant caseworker, avid reader, and crochet master Melissa has always given her all to every challenge. She was born with hard of hearing, and over time her hearing loss progressed leaving her Deaf. With each change in her hearing came a new set of challenges.

From ASL to lip reading, Melissa continually adapted as her hearing loss progressed. For the last few years, she relied on her bilateral cochlear implants to navigate the world. But recently, her most used tool became difficult to wear for long periods of time. Once again leaving her to search for a new solution.

So, Melissa reached out to Paragon Service Dogs in hopes of finding another way to participate in the world of sound.

Meanwhile, an eager Lab named Fortune was beginning his training. Quickly he proved a excellent demo dog at events and explored the world with confidence. It was clear he was the perfect match and would embrace any adventures Melissa embarked on.

And so, they began their story together.

Over the two weeks of team training, Melissa shared how having Fortune could finally allow her to be at ease for the first time. Knowing that he will alert her when it’s time to wake up, when it’s time to leave, or when someone is at the door extinguishing the persistent worrying buzz. The endless checking of the clock, the door, and the phone can finally dissipate—all thanks to Fortune.

Melissa shares: “Having Fortune is such a blessing. He provides me with a sense of safety, helps me be more present in everyday life, and increases my confidence and independence. Welcome to the Gallagher family!”

Great job, Melissa and Fortune! We are incredibly excited for your future together!

Melissa smiles down at Fortune a yellow lab beaming. He looks up at her lovingly in this professional photo.

Melissa lays on a blanket with a demum jacket on. She is gazing into Fortune's, a yellow lab, eye as he lays next to her.

Melissa in a blue and green dress smiles at the camera. Next to her is Fortune, a yellow lab, looking at the camera intensely

Melissa lays on the blanket her head near Fortunes. He states at the camera intensely.

Granby, a golden lab, poses in front of a lake. He is wearing a Paragon vest and a rainbow bandana.

Dog Diaries: Granby

Hi everyone!

This week has been my first time in advanced training! I’ve loved meeting my new trainer, Leah. She is a lot of fun and gives me really good treats for my hard work! I know Leah and I are already best friends!

My favorite time is when special volunteers come to give me attention! They take me on walks, just me! I’m truly having a wonderful time!

Best,

Granby

Paragon Service Dogs and the PAWS'Abilities Handlers present...

Puppy Chronicles

Huxley

Hello there, it's me Huxley!

It's been a while since you last heard from me. I got injured playing with my buddies about a month ago but I’m doing great and am on the mend. I've been on light duty just hanging out with my trainer, which has afforded me the ability to bond with him more and also get some good, calm socialization outside in the fresh air and sunshine. I do go on my daily walks for rehab and exercise but they're kept short for now. After my next vet check-up hopefully that will change and I can get some off leash time and stretch the legs out a bit.

Until next time, so long!

Huxley (and my PAWS’Abilities Handler Chris Towne)

A yellow lab sits on a cot. He looks at the camera with a serious expression

Hank

Hey folks, it's Hank again.

Since last time I've grown a bit, gettin' big and strong! My studies sure have come a long way and I love working for my trainer and learning new stuff. Yeah, there ain't nothing that beats taking a good ‘ol nap, eating some food and getting treats after a long day's work. I've been working real hard giving it my best so when the time comes I can make everyone proud and ace the big test!

Well it's been great catching up and I'll see you down the road.

Hank (and my PAWS'Abilities Handler Shawn Hamilton)

A yellow lab named Hank lays on a cot. He is wearing a purple Paragon vest that says "Hank" on it.

Thank you for Reading!

It was such a delightful and heartwarming September! Graduation is one of the best reminders of the love, care, and training our dogs receive throughout their journey. Each placement, like Fortune and Melissa’s, reminds us just how impactful these service dog partnerships can be.

But their story doesn’t end at graduation. Paragon will continue to support each team for the lifetime of their match, helping ensure they continue to thrive together.

Thanks for being part of this journey!

With gratitude,

Paragon Service Dogs

Our Company | Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Policy