Request a WAGS Dog

"Increasing independence" is more than a dog picking up something for someone, opening a door or lying quietly as an "unobtrusive helpmate."  We've witnessed our WAGS dogs changing people's lives in "quality of life" ways they never dreamed possible.  Some of these outcomes for those assisted by our Service Dogs include:

                    √     Making is easier to go out in public
                    √     Accepting their disability more
                    √     Becoming more assertive
                    √     Meeting new people and making friends
                    √     Feeling happier and better about their life

 Any person with a physical disability who wishes to live more independently, and who is able to provide for a dog physically, emotionally and financially is eligible and encouraged to apply for a WAGS dog.

 If you would be interested in any one of the four types of WAGS dogs listed below, please email WAGS Program Director Kelly O’Ferrell at koferrell@wags.net or call 608-250-9247 Ext 3 for more information and to talk about how a WAGS Dog could change your life. 

SERVICE DOGS are partnered with an adult who is at least 21 years old and is the sole handler of the dog.  Service Dogs have skills appropriate for home and public, and accompany their partner to work, college and other public venues. If, after talking with WAGS Program Director Kelly O’Ferrell, you believe a WAGS Service Dog could change your life, download the Service Dog Application.



FAMILY SERVICE DOGS are partnered with individuals who are unable to act as primary handler of the dog.  In this case, a parent or guardian acts as primary handler.  Family Service Dogs have public access provided the primary handler is present.  If, after talking with WAGS Program Director Kelly O’Ferrell, you believe a WAGS Family Service Dog could help someone you know, download the Family Service Dog Application.
HOME HELPMATE DOGS are partnered with individuals who require service dog skills (retrieving, turning lights on/off, opening/closing doors, alerting for help, etc) in their home.  Home Helpmate Dogs do not have public access.  If, after talking with WAGS Program Director Kelly O'Ferrell, you believe a WAGS Home Helpmate Dog could change your life, download the Home Helpmate Dog Application.




THERAPY DOGS are placed with individuals or families who want to take a well trained dog to visit nursing homes and assisted-living centers, participate in R.E.A.D. programs, present programs to teachers for children with special needs, or other visitation programs.  WAGS Therapy Dogs also live with professionals working with clients who have physical, emotional or developmental disabilities.

WAGS Therapy Dogs reside in the home of the handler and do not have public access.  If, after talking with WAGS program Director Kelly O'Ferrell, you believe a WAGS Therapy Dog could change your life, download the Therapy Dog application.




 


NON-GRADUATE/RETIRED DOGS:  Despite our careful selection and training, from time to time we do have a dog that, due to health or temperament, cannot be placed in any of the four WAGS dog roles.  A non-graduate dog is usually released between 1-2 years of age. They are spayed or neutered and are current on vaccinations. On a rare occasion a client asks us to help them find a home for their retiring Service Dog.  These dogs are typically older dogs.  Those interested in adopting a non-graduate/retired dog need to fill out a non-graduate/retired application and complete the application process.  Click HERE to read stories from families who have been blessed with a WAGS non-graduate/retired dog.