Dancer made it clear from Day 1 that she had absolutely no intention of following anyone else’s rulebook. Part Labrador, part Kangaroo (or so we suspect), she didn’t just have energy—she launched into life. A fireball with four paws, Dancer bounced through puppyhood with a blend of enthusiasm, intensity, and joy that filled every room she entered.

Because of her big personality and even bigger energy, her trainer had the privilege of working with her longer than most, watching her transform from a barky, can’t-sit-still puppy into a focused, intentional working dog. She learned to channel her spark—and Tia is a huge part of that story thanks to a college professor who introduced her to the idea of hearing dogs and eventually led her to Dancer.

Tia shares, "In college, I just felt so unsafe and scared of the world because of my hearing loss. I knew I needed a [hearing] dog."

Tia is the kind of human every trainer hopes for—sharp, athletic, thoughtful, and fully committed. From the start, it was clear that Dancer’s enthusiasm, bravery, and eagerness to work mirrored Tia’s sense of adventure and determination. Throughout Team Training, Dancer proved again and again that she was ready to spring into action the moment she was needed. One such need Dancer reliably fulfills, expressly requested by Tia, is alerting to a baby’s cry. Such tailored training makes Dancer uniquely suited to support not only Tia but also Tia’s daughter, Wylder, at any time of day or night.

Their journey was beautifully described by their trainer, Joe: “Watching Tia and Dancer bond was like watching puzzle pieces click into place. Each day they became more in sync—Dancer finding her place inside Tia’s life, and Tia leading her with calm and confidence. Add Wylder to the mix, and you don’t just have a team—you have a family.”

Tia brings a steady, grounding presence that beautifully balances Dancer’s natural spark. Her calm, confident leadership creates an anchor for Dancer—helping her channel her big energy into focused, purposeful work. Dancer is the steady link for Tia between sound and silence, always making sure she stays connected to what matters most.

That balanced connection is what makes this team not only extraordinary but officially ready to face adventures confidently and navigate a future full of independence—with extra tail wags along the way courtesy of Dancer.