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Honoring the Heroes Behind the Badge with Project K-9 Hero

This Memorial Day weekend, Paragon Cares is proud to spotlight the incredible mission of Project K-9 Hero, an organization dedicated to protecting and caring for retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs.

These dogs spend their lives serving alongside law enforcement officers and members of the military, often in dangerous, high-stress environments. From explosives detection and narcotics work to patrol and protection, they carry out critical responsibilities with courage, loyalty, and unwavering dedication.

What many people do not see is that the effects of service often continue long after retirement. Many working dogs face lasting injuries, chronic health conditions, anxiety, and trauma that require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.

Project K-9 Hero exists to ensure these retired Heroes are never forgotten. Through financial support, medical coverage, rehabilitation programs, and advocacy, the organization provides retired working dogs with the care and dignity they deserve after years of sacrifice.

Stories like K-9 Tambo and K-9 Majlo serve as powerful reminders that service comes at a cost, even for the dogs who stand beside those protecting our communities and country. Their loyalty never wavered, and organizations like Project K-9 Hero make sure that same loyalty is returned to them in retirement.

At Paragon, we believe compassion for animals extends far beyond thegrooming salon. It means recognizing the lives of animals who serve others and supporting the people and organizations fighting to give them the care they deserve.

This Memorial Day, we encourage our community to take a moment to honor these retired K-9 Heroes and learn more about how you can support their mission.

Learn more or donate at: ProjectK9Hero.org 🇺🇸🐾

Empowering Groomers, Elevating Standards, Changing Lives

The Global Student Impact of Learn2Groom

At Paragon Pet Grooming School, education has always been about more than technique. It is about access. It is about confidence. And most importantly, it is about people.

Through a powerful partnership with LC’S Foundation, Paragon was able to extend one year of full access to the Learn2Groom platform to students who otherwise may never have had the opportunity to receive professional grooming education. What followed was something far greater than skills training. It was transformation.

This initiative did not just teach groomers how to groom. It empowered them to believe they belonged in the profession, equipped them with professional standards, and elevated the level of care they provide to pets and clients within their communities.

From Passion to Professional Confidence

For many students, Learn2Groom became the bridge between passion and mastery.

Across the board, participants reported a significant increase in confidence and clarity in their work. Structured lessons, expert demonstrations, and real world grooming scenarios helped groomers better understand coat types, handling techniques, breed standards, and safe tool use.

One student shared:

“I’ve gained more knowledge, more confidence, and a deeper understanding of proper grooming techniques. I’ve never been this good at grooming dogs before.”

That confidence did not stay behind the screen. Students began applying professional techniques immediately in their day to day grooming work, raising both the quality of grooms and the standard of care pets received in their regions.

Education That Goes Beyond the Groom

What makes Learn2Groom unique is its holistic approach.

Students did not just learn how to execute a groom. They learned why technique matters. Lessons covered hygiene, safe handling, styling, efficiency, and even the business and professionalism side of grooming. For many, this was their first exposure to grooming as a true career path rather than a job.

One participant reflected:

“Your lessons, demonstrations, and detailed guidance have significantly improved my grooming skills, from handling techniques to styling, hygiene, and customer care.”

This kind of education creates ripple effects. Better groomers, safer pets, stronger businesses, and more confident professionals who are proud of their craft.

The Power of Mentorship and Community

A defining element of this program was mentorship, particularly the leadership and generosity of LaTonya Smith, founder of LC’S Foundation.

Students repeatedly cited mentorship and personalized encouragement as a critical part of their success. Knowing someone believed in them enough to open the door to education made a lasting impression.

As one student shared:

“This experience has shaped my journey and elevated the quality of work I produce. I am honored to have been part of this community.”

Through Learn2Groom, students did not just gain access to videos. They gained access to a global grooming community that values education, integrity, and growth.

A Global Reach With Lasting Impact

The impact of this initiative spans borders and backgrounds.

Students from different countries, cultures, and career stages all shared a common outcome. Growth. Every participant cited a positive contribution to their grooming performance and professional clarity.

For many, this opportunity reaffirmed their passion for grooming and inspired them to continue learning, improving, and giving back to their communities.

Why This Matters

At its core, this program reflects what Paragon believes to be true.

When you invest in education, you invest in people.
When you empower groomers, you elevate animal welfare.
And when access is expanded, lives change.

The partnership between Paragon Pet Grooming School, Learn2Groom, and LC’S Foundation stands as a reminder that education, when shared generously, can create global impact one groomer at a time.

With deep gratitude to the students who shared their stories, and to the mentors who made this opportunity possible, we remain committed to building a more skilled, confident, and compassionate grooming community worldwide.

Help Paragon Mentor LaTonya Smith Empower Better Pet Care Worldwide!

Paragon Cares is proud to shine a spotlight on LC’s Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to making a lasting impact on the well-being of pets and the people who care for them. Its mission is to strengthen the bond between pets and their owners through education, professional grooming, and specialized training, both in local communities and internationally.

Paragon Professional Grooming Mentor, LaTonya Smith, was inspired to create the foundation to continue earlier work in Africa with other non-profit initiatives.

“I saw firsthand the lack of pet care resources in these regions and the potential. There was a clear need for education, professional grooming, and better pet care services, and I knew I wanted to make a difference—not just in Africa, but also here in the United States,” LaTonya said.

Earlier this year, LC’s was able to provide groomer training sessions in Ghana and share professional groomer training resources from Paragon Pet School. Check out some of the pictures and video gallery below!

We hope you’ll join us in helping LaTonya & LC’s achieve their mission to:

1. Expand Educational Programs: Develop courses that empower pet owners and professionals with the knowledge they need to provide top-notch care for their pets. These programs will be offered both online and in-person, locally and internationally.
2. Offer Grooming Services to Pets in Need: Provide free or low-cost grooming to pets in underserved areas, ensuring they receive the essential care they need to stay healthy and happy.
3. Establish Global Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations in Ghana and Nigeria to train pet care professionals, provide grooming services, and raise the standard of pet care.
4. Build a Global Network of Pet Care Professionals: By training groomers and pet care providers, both in the U.S. and abroad, we aim to create a network of experts committed to improving the well-being of pets worldwide.

You Can Help Make a Difference!

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, LC’S Foundation accepts tax-deductible donations that directly support its mission. These contributions allow the foundation to offer educational programs, provide grooming services to pets in need, and expand its reach to underserved communities, both locally and abroad. We hope you’ll consider visiting LC’s GoFundMe page and make a donation!

Project K9 Hero Updates on K9 Veterans Day

National K9 Veterans Day is celebrated on March 13th on the official birthday of the US Army K9 Corps, which was formed in 1942. Joseph White, a retired military working dog trainer, originated the idea for the day.

It’s a perfect day to help out a cause with paws that’s close to the hearts of the Paragon Cares Team – Project K9 Hero. PK9H aims to ensure the best quality of life for our nation’s retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs by providing assistance with medical costs, prescription food, rehabilitation, rehoming, and end-of-duty services. The team operates a safe haven at its 177-acre Rehabilitation & Rehoming Facility. Paragon has helped the team creating a grooming space onsite!

Please support Project K9 Hero by MAKING A DONATION today!

Here are some other ways Project K9 Hero is putting donations to work:

New Rehabilitation Specialist:

Derek Copeland has joined PK9H to put his 20 years experience in the working dog field, as a Handler, Trainer, Kennel Master, and Program Manager within the United States Air Force and the United States Space Force to the service of retired K9s.

Derek has had advanced training and education with Canine Psychology/Cognition, which he will be applying in his daily duties at the Project K-9 Hero Rehabilitation and Rehoming Facility in Tennessee. This addition to the organization will allow the team to work with each Hero in our care, and manage the triggers that led them to the Project in a positive manner, to accelerate the rate in which we can find their forever home. This will allow PK9H to take in more deserving Heroes annually, who may not have a safe place to retire in, or be facing euthanasia.

 

Your Donations Help Find Happy Homes for Heroes

Example: Military Working Dog “Johny” (Y065), was medically retired from the U.S. Army MWD Program in December of 2023. At that time, Johny was facing euthanasia, due to a history of aggression and unwarranted bites on his handlers. After rehabilitation at the PK9H facility in Tennessee, Johny was re-homed to a couple who are active Police K-9 handlers in Lansing Michigan.
“Paige and Luke have done an absolutely AMAZING job with Johny getting him acclimated to their home, and both of their Police K-9s.”
PK9H will continue to pay for his medical care, prescriptions, office visits, and any surgeries he may need for the remainder of his life.

 

Introducing K9H Scholarships

High School students may apply to the Jodi Johnson Memorial Scholarship, which was created to remember the life of founder Jason Johnson’s sister. Jodi was a smart and outgoing woman who excelled in athletics, academics, music and community involvement. Jodi was also a lifelong animal lover who was an outspoken supporter for our work at Project K-9 Hero.

The Veterinary Medicine Scholarship was created to support graduate students who are in their second year or beyond at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and who support the mission of helping retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs.
Applications may be submitted until June 15th, 2025.

Help Pup Relief Tour International Give the Gift of Grooming Tools


Join the ParagonCares team in helping the Pup Relief Tour advocate for animal welfare and develop the grooming profession in its Africa 2025 Mission! The quest is to outfit 50 grooming students at two developing grooming schools with a complete toolkit to launch their careers. You can participate by either supplying tools directly, by purchasing at the Amazon Wishlist, or donating to the Pup Relief Tour’s GoFundMe campaign linked below. For more information, email [email protected].

Background:

The Pup Relief Tour Africa 2025 is a humanitarian initiative focused on providing essential grooming services to dogs in underserved communities across Africa. It’s mission is to improve the well-being of dogs by providing grooming services.

  • 85% of pet owners in rural African areas report lack of access to professional grooming services, which leads to an increase in skin diseases and infections in pets.
  • 60% of dogs in underserved communities suffer from preventable health issues such as parasites, infections, and matted fur.
  • The initiative includes establishing two permanent grooming schools for long-term training and education of local groomers in Nigeria and Ghana.
  • The PRT Team will provide continuous education and certification for local groomers, ensuring sustainability in grooming practices. Students will have access to industry-leading tools, trainers and resources, including partnership with Paragon’s Groominar® Network.

 

Here’s a List of Tools Needed:

Help the Pup Relief Tour International 2025 Campaign

Paragon is proud to support the Pup Relief Tour’s International grooming initiatives! Here’s a quick peek of what the team is up to in 2025 – scroll through the instagram slides to see ways to support the initiative. Check back soon for details on our tool drive and how your old equipment can help new groomers get started abroad!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Pup Relief Tour Inc (@puprelieftour)

Project K9 Hero: A Lifesaving Mission Worth Supporting on Giving Tuesday

As Giving Tuesday approaches, it’s time to turn our attention to the brave heroes who tirelessly serve and protect our communities—military and working dogs. These loyal canines often go unnoticed but play a crucial role in protecting our lives. One organization that’s making an impact in the lives of retired service dogs is Project K9 Hero.

The Mission of Project K9 Hero:

Project K9 Hero is a non-profit organization with a noble mission: to provide a peaceful retirement and quality healthcare for retired military and working dogs. These incredible animals serve alongside our brave men and women in uniform, risking their lives to protect and defend our nation. They detect explosives, locate missing persons, and perform a variety of other life-saving tasks.

However, once these dogs retire, they often face a significant lack of support and funding for their medical care. Project K9 Hero steps in to bridge this gap. Their work ensures that these retired heroes can enjoy their well-deserved retirement years comfortably, receiving the medical care they need.

Why Project K9 Hero Needs Your Support:

  1. Lifesaving Medical Care: Many retired military and working dogs suffer from health issues due to their time in service, including injuries, chronic pain, and other ailments. Project K9
  2. Hero provides these heroes with access to the best veterinary care and covers the costs, ensuring they live a happy, healthy, and pain-free retirement.
  3. Financial Assistance: Project K9 Hero assists retired dog handlers by providing financial aid to cover the medical expenses of their canine partners. This support is vital in easing the burden on the shoulders of those who have already sacrificed so much for our nation.
  4. Public Awareness: Project K9 Hero plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the vital contributions of military and working dogs. By supporting their work, you’re helping shine a light on the often-underappreciated heroes who protect us every day.

How You Can Help on Giving Tuesday – And Any Day!:

On Giving Tuesday, you have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these heroes. Here are a few ways you can support Project K9 Hero:

  1. Donate: Consider making a generous donation to Project K9 Hero. Every dollar counts and will directly contribute to the well-being of retired military and working dogs.
  2. Spread the Word: Share information about Project K9 Hero on your social media platforms and with your friends and family. Raising awareness can inspire others to contribute to this worthy cause.
  3. Volunteer: If you have the time and skills to offer, consider volunteering with Project K9 Hero. Your time and expertise can make a meaningful impact.
  4. Purchase Merchandise: Many non-profits, including Project K9 Hero, offer merchandise for sale, with proceeds going toward their cause. Consider buying a t-shirt, hat, or other items to support the organization.

 

This Giving Tuesday, let’s unite to support Project K9 Hero and ensure that our four-legged heroes receive the love, care, and support they deserve. These brave canines have selflessly served our nation, and now it’s our turn to give back. By donating to Project K9 Hero, you’re not just supporting a noble cause; you’re honoring the service and sacrifice of these incredible animals. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every military and working dog enjoys a well-deserved retirement.

Paragon is proud to say that we stand behind and support the mission of Project K-9 Hero. So, mark your calendar for Giving Tuesday and consider giving to Project K9 Hero. Your support can help save and improve the lives of these unsung heroes. Join us in making a difference this Giving Tuesday, and let’s show our gratitude to the dogs who have faithfully served our nation. Learn more about the Project K9 Hero mission in this excerpt of their annual report.

 

Download PK9H Report

Paragon School of Pet Grooming Proudly supports Project K-9 Hero!

“Protecting Those Who Protected Us.”

Dogs have long been our loyal companions, but for some, they are much more than that. They are service dogs, therapy dogs, and first responders, making a difference in the lives of countless individuals. Project K-9 Hero is here to shine a light on these remarkable canines and ensure they receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Project K-9 Hero is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting retired police K-9s, military working dogs, and service dogs. These dogs have devoted their lives to serving and protecting us, and now it’s our turn to give back.

The Mission, Vision and Purpose

Project K-Hero was born out of a deep love and appreciation for dogs, and it all started with a simple idea – to show honor and support for our  Police K-9 and Working Dogs in their retirement, giving them a life they deserve. Project K-9 Hero wants to provide them with the best quality of life by providing assistance with medical costs, rehabilitation, adoption, food and end-of-duty services.

Their mission is to protect those who protected our families, communities, and our America. Their vision is to ensure the best quality of life for our nation’s retired Military Working Dogs and Police K-9 Heroes by providing assistance with medical costs, food, rehabilitation, adoption, and end of duty services.

Project K-9 Hero has three main purposes:

  1. To ensure each K-9 Hero is rewarded with health and the way of life that they deserve for their faithful and loyal service.
  2. To educate the public on the costs and responsibilities of adopting a retired K-9 Hero.
  3. To help cover or offset all medical, food, and end of duty costs for retired K-9 Heroes.

How can you help support Project K-9 Hero’s noble cause?

Supporting Project K-9 Hero is supporting those who have selflessly served us. Here are several ways you can make a difference:

  1. Donate: Your financial contributions go a long way in helping these retired heroes. Every dollar helps provide medical care, basic needs, and more.
  2. Sponsor a Dog: Consider sponsoring a specific retired working dog, providing ongoing support for their well-being.
  3. Spread the Word: Share Project K-9 Hero’s mission and achievements on social media, with friends, and in your community. The more people who know about their work, the more support they can garner.
  4. Volunteer: If you have the time and skills, consider volunteering for Project K-9 Hero. They often need assistance with events, fundraising, and education initiatives.
  5. Purchase Merchandise: Many organizations offer Project K-9 Hero merchandise, and a portion of the proceeds goes to support their cause. Buying merchandise is a great way to show your support and raise awareness.

Project K-9 Hero is a vital organization that ensures our four-legged heroes receive the care and recognition they deserve. By supporting them, you’re not only showing your appreciation for these incredible dogs but also actively contributing to their well-being. Together, we can ensure that these heroes continue to live happy and comfortable lives after their noble service.

Get Involved with Project K9 Hero!

Whether you support the cause by purchasing merchandise, making a donation, or donating equipment an in-kind labor, we invite you to reach out to Project K9 Hero to support this initiative..

VISIT PROJECT K9 HERO

ICYMI: Pup Relief Tour Team Shares Nigeria Dog Groomer Training Story

Paragon Pet Pro Coach Joe Zuccarello and VP Lorri Keller were joined by the Pup Relief Tour Team in our last Facebook Live. If you missed it, here’s a replay!

Special thanks to the PRT Team for elevating the profession of grooming!

“DogFather of Harlem” ⭐️ Brian Taylor from Harlem Doggie Day Spa HDDS, and the PRT Ambassadors: ⭐️ Gianna Richardson from Gia Styles Grooming Styles Grooming ⭐️ LaTonya Smith from LC’S Detroit Pet Salon & LC’S Mobile Pet Spa ⭐️ Labree Blaxon from Fluffy By Nature Pet Grooming.

 

Check Out This Gallery of the Pup Relief Team in Nigeria

If you were able to join our Facebook Live with the Pup Relief Tour Team, thank you! Here are a few images of their tour-de-grooming-force! Stay tuned for an update on more ways to help this global groomer initiative!

Special thanks to the PRT Team for elevating the profession of grooming!

“DogFather of Harlem” ⭐️ Brian Taylor from Harlem Doggie Day Spa HDDS, and the PRT Ambassadors: ⭐️ Gianna Richardson from Gia Styles Grooming Styles Grooming ⭐️ LaTonya Smith from LC’S Detroit Pet Salon & LC’S Mobile Pet Spa ⭐️ Labree Blaxon from Fluffy By Nature Pet Grooming.