NBC4 Columbus Puppy Paris is now a full-time service dog!

On January 16, Paris graduated with his partner, Josh, who he will help live a more independent life as an adult with quadriplegia.

Paris is Josh’s third Canine Companions service dog and the fourth puppy raised in partnership with NBC4.

“Paris will be helping me mainly with picking stuff up and opening doors, as well as just emotional and other support that goes along with that,” Josh says.

“Having a service dog kind of makes you more of a social person, so you get out and interact with people more in your community as well.”

NBC4 played a crucial role in Paris’ journey to becoming a service dog, hosting him in the news studio every Friday morning until he was a year-and-a-half old. Paris was on-air with the NBC4 staff for the morning news, often helping Meteorologist Joe Speir share the day’s weather “Furcast” while he demonstrated cues like “sit,” “shake,” “heel” and “side.”

NBC4 also shared important milestones, such as celebrating Paris’ first birthday, highlighting his progress from Puppy Class to professional training and covering his graduation ceremony.

Throughout five months of professional training, Paris learned skills designed to assist Josh, such as picking up dropped items and stepping onto his wheelchair’s footplate to deliver them, opening heavy doors and carrying items alongside an electric wheelchair.

Josh shares his gratitude for Paris’ puppy raiser, Elaine, and the NBC4 Team who helped set Paris up for success.

“I just know that this is a great organization that helps a ton of people, and I know it takes a ton of work even before we get the dogs,” Josh says.

“I know there’s hundreds of hours put in and I’m just really appreciative of the people who do that and want to thank them.”

See NBC4’s full coverage of Paris’ journey from puppy to service dog:

NBC4’s fourth puppy arrives in Columbus*

NBC4’s puppy Paris celebrates first birthday*

Canine Companions, Star Wars join forces in New Albany*

Canine Companions’ Paris to leave NBC4 for professional training*

Paris set to graduate, become full-time service dog*

NBC4’s Puppy Paris graduates*

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