Christina approaches life at full speed. As a business owner and entrepreneur, she’s used to navigating the world with boldness, energy, and a little bit of joyful chaos. But even the strongest adventurers sometimes need the right partner to help them navigate moments of vulnerability. That partner arrived at exactly the right time—prancing, wiggling, and ready to love—when Danny came into Christina’s life.

Christina first connected with Paragon when her long-time hearing dog, Carmen, was preparing for retirement. Carmen, originally placed by International Hearing Dog, had spent more than a decade keeping Christina safe—alerting her to fire alarms, timers, door knocks, and all the sounds that weave daily life together.

But as Carmen began to lose her own hearing, Christina felt vulnerable again for the first time in years. The quiet worry of missing important sounds began creeping back in, and the protective layer Carmen provided started to thin. Christina knew she needed a new partner, not to replace Carmen, but to help her stay safe while allowing Carmen to retire with dignity.

Danny came to Paragon as a gift from Can Do Canines, whose thoughtful breeding and early nurturing, supported by hundreds of hours from her puppy raisers, shaped her gentle, loving disposition. As Danny’s trainer remarked, “Danny doesn’t just wag her tail—she wags her entire body, radiating joy and openness.”

From the moment Danny entered Christina’s world, their connection was undeniable. Whether spending the day practicing skills or curling up together at night, they bonded instantly. Throughout Team Training, Christina and Danny practiced many sound alerts, attended full days of lectures, executed hands-on drills, and went on public outings, building Danny’s trust in Christina, and Christina’s confidence in Danny blossomed right alongside it.

Christina shares, "I look forward to building on what I learned with Carmen and being a hearing dog team with Danny—where truly the sum is greater than the parts."

Passing the public access and sound tests with ease, this team represents everything we hope for. A dog who loves big and gives her all. A partner who leads with kindness, patience, and strength. Such a bond reminds us why this work matters. These two are built for adventure—and built for each other.