Jack Carlton, Outreach Coordinator & Trainer for Paragon Service Dogs, along with Heather McLaughlin from Client Services and Shandy, a service dog in training, shared insights into the world of service dogs for individuals with disabilities. Shandy is being trained to assist clients with hearing loss.
Service dogs for the deaf were not introduced until the early 1970s. Paragon, formerly known as Hearing Dog, Inc., has evolved to reflect its broader mission of serving diverse communities while maintaining a focus on hearing service dogs. This transformation allows for more dog placements, tailored training programs that leverage each dog's unique abilities, and an expanded impact across communities.
Jack highlighted PAWS’abilities, a unique prison puppy-raising program in partnership with the Wyoming Medium Correctional Institute, where inmates help train future service dogs.
Since its founding, Paragon has partnered with over 1,400 hearing-impaired individuals and custom-trained dogs across the U.S., Canada, and internationally, while also supporting similar programs in Norway, Japan, and Australia. This evolution strengthens the organization’s foundation and enhances long-term sustainability through greater volunteer engagement and expanded services. You can learn more about Paragon Service Dogs, and volunteer opportunities by visiting their website.