Matt has always been an unstoppable force, taking life head-on. But being Deaf had caused everyday moments to become tinged with anxiety. Simple interactions, like his wife getting his attention, often startled him. Even an activity that once brought him peace and rejuvenation began to lose its magic. 

Matt often enjoyed taking nightly strolls, but the fear of being followed or not hearing someone approach left him feeling hypervigilant and on edge. The walks that once brought him comfort were becoming a source of worry. 

Hoping to feel safer and bring a renewed sense of peace to his daily life, Matt reached out to Paragon. 

As the Paragon team worked to find his perfect match, Eddie, a Cobberdog, was beginning his own journey to becoming a service dog. Determined to ensure Matt and Eddie were the right match, Paragon staff made a special trip to Texas to introduce the two. It quickly became clear that Eddie was a perfect fit. From the start, the pair seemed naturally in sync, ready to navigate the world together. 

A few months later, Matt joined Eddie at Paragon for team training, where they learned to work together and build their partnership. Soon, they celebrated an exciting milestone: graduation! 

Back home, Matt and Eddie have been doing wonderfully. Everyday moments that once brought restlessness and anxiety are now met with greater confidence and calm. Eddie has learned to alert Matt when his wife calls his name, helping eliminate the startle response that once occurred regularly. 

From his daily commute to his evening strolls, Eddie alerts Matt to important sounds, helping him feel more aware of his surroundings. His nightly walks have become rejuvenating again, allowing Matt to enjoy the moments he once cherished with a greater sense of safety and peace of mind. 

Together, Matt and Eddie are rediscovering the freedom to enjoy life’s everyday moments, one step at a time.

Matt shares: “[After Eddie] I’m more relaxed at home, the feeling of being unsettled is much less, and he makes me calmer, as I have the confidence he’ll alert me to any sounds that come up. He’s helped me become more comfortable in my own home!”