$32,965 raised by 137 donors
94% complete
$35,000 Goal
WELCOME TO PARAGON SERVICE DOGS!
Paragon aims to create reliable and enriching service dog teams for individuals with disabilities (age 18 plus, meeting minimum criteria) to lead more fulfilling, independent lives with greater safety, positive community engagements, and increased inclusion and accessibility.
Paragon serves our clients, engages our community, and builds support through the following activities:
Training Programs
Volunteer Program
Outreach and Education Program
Paragon client Harvey waited over three years to match with Hearing Dog Astro. Harvey shares, "Wow, it just hit me how helpful Astro will be at alerting me to sounds in my life. I did not realize how incredibly remarkable a hearing dog would be!" Paragon client Daryl expresses that with Hearing Dog Kenny as a partner in his daily life, "The world is full of endless possibilities." Sarah, a Paragon client, reports that Hearing Dog Penny "has been such an amazing help for me. Having her with me out in public reduces my anxiety so dramatically. It helps the invisible nature of my hearing loss become more visible. I'm never alone now, and that is a huge comfort." Paragon client Jan tells of how Hearing Dog Enzo has renewed her sense of independence, security, and zest for life. "Enzo is a priceless gift! We are a TEAM! I have been out more with Enzo in the last two weeks than in the last two years alone!"
MSW intern and Puppy Raiser Olivia shared her experience being a Puppy Raiser for hearing dog hopeful Birdie. "Being a puppy raiser has meant so much to me! I am proud to support the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community by training a dog that will provide them with a sense of security and safety. It means I have a built-in best friend with whom I can do everything! It has allowed me to create an amazing bond with a dog and be surrounded by amazing people who value animal welfare. I know that once my trainee gets placed with her person, it will be such a happy moment to see her change someone's life forever!"
The mission of Paragon Service Dogs is to empower individuals with disabilities through the purposeful training of specially selected pups, the meticulous pairing of dog and handler, and the unwavering support of the dog/handler team for the lifetime of the match.
The Paragon team is committed to being a true advocate in the community for those we serve while providing our teams with lifetime support. We continuously strive to bridge the gap for individuals with disabilities. Being dedicated to those we serve means we work on the guiding belief that finances should never be a determining factor for access to our services. Therefore, Paragon service dogs are selected, raised, cared for, trained, matched, and placed at no cost.
The training of dogs to assist the d/Deaf and hard of hearing did not exist until the early 1970s. The first hearing service dogs were trained in Minnesota by a founding member of Paragon Service Dogs following a request from a hard of hearing woman whose dog, which had naturally alerted her to sounds, passed away. In 1974, as interest grew, the founders embarked on a pilot study in Colorado. After four years of collaborations with the d/Deaf community, testing different dog breeds, and developing a sound training method, the study results demonstrated that dogs were a viable choice to assist people who were d/Deaf or hard of hearing. Thus, Hearing Dog, Inc. was formed in 1978; however, its name soon changed to International Hearing Dog, Inc. (IHDI) to include its work in Canada. In 2024, IHDI transitioned its name to Paragon Service Dogs. Doing so reflects our aspirations to set the highest standard in providing specialized service dogs and amplify our mission by expanding services to cater to a broader spectrum of individuals in need of service dogs.
Over forty-five years later, Paragon persists in successfully creating resilient service dog teams and has successfully partnered, at no cost to our clients, over 1,400 hearing service dog teams.
In keeping with its pioneering roots, Paragon has been a mentor and model for similar programs in Norway, Japan, and Australia. In 2023, Paragon achieved Assistance Dogs International Accredited Membership status, recognizing our strong commitment to upholding the highest professional standards of excellence within the Assistance Dogs Industry. Paragon operates as a premium service dog agency offering services beyond training and placement, including follow-up support, public education, outreach, and volunteer programs. Such programs are vital to increasing awareness of the role of service dogs and fostering greater inclusivity and accessibility in society.
Organization name
Paragon Service Dogs
other names
Interanational Hearing Dog, IHDI, Hearing Dog, Inc.
1978
Tax id (EIN)
84-0779444
Category
Human Services, Animal-Related
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
14737 County Road 3US