Wags For Hope

08/25/2024

Pawsome 🐾 🐾 Day yesterday at Brunswick Library.

08/24/2024

08/23/2024

WHERE IN THE READ WILL WAGS FOR HOPE BE TOMORROW??????

**Lucy and Friends are Getting Ready for Read to a Dog at Brunswick Library Tomorrow!**

**Saturday, August 24th**
**Brunswick Library**
**10:30 AM to 11:30 AM**

Join Lucy the Therapy Dog and her friends from Wags For Hope at Brunswick Library for a special Read to a Dog event!

**What is READ?**
READ (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) is a program designed to help children improve their reading skills by reading aloud to therapy dogs. The presence of a non-judgmental, calming dog helps children build confidence and makes reading a fun and enjoyable experience.

**About Wags For Hope**
Wags For Hope is a local organization that brings joy and comfort to the community through visits by therapy animals. These specially trained dogs visit schools, libraries, nursing homes, and hospitals to offer emotional support and companionship.

Come join us for a fun and heartwarming morning of reading and furry friends! We hope to see you there!

Frederick County Public Libraries Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) Wags For Hope Friends of the Brunswick Library

08/19/2024

**Wags For Hope Reading Event - Sunday, August 18**

The Wags For Hope reading event held on Sunday, August 18, at the C. Burr Artz Central Library was a resounding success. The event drew a full house, with children and families eagerly gathering to read alongside our wonderful therapy animals.

The room was filled with excitement as kids took turns reading to our therapy dogs, who sat patiently and attentively, providing the perfect audience. The presence of these gentle animals created a warm and welcoming environment, encouraging even the shyest of readers to participate.

The enthusiasm of the attendees was palpable, making this event one of our most memorable yet. We’re thrilled to have had such a great turnout and look forward to bringing more events like this to the community in the future.


Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) Frederick County Public Libraries

08/19/2024

**Wags For Hope in Partnership with the Thurmont Police Department Visited with a Sunday School Class - Sunday, August 18**

On Sunday, August 18, Wags For Hope had the pleasure of meeting with the Sunday School class at First Baptist Church. Our therapy dogs, who always bring joy and comfort, were accompanied by our newest therapy animal, Everlast the Alpaca. The kids were thrilled to interact with both the dogs and Everlast, forming instant bonds with their new furry and fluffy friends.

The highlight of the visit was undoubtedly the excitement on the children's faces as they got to pet and learn about Everlast. The therapy alpaca charmed everyone with his gentle demeanor and unique presence, adding a special touch to our usual visits.

To make the day even more memorable, each child received coloring pages featuring their new therapy animal friends. The kids eagerly took them home, excited to color in the images of Everlast and the therapy dogs, keeping the joy of the visit alive.

It was a heartwarming experience for all, and we look forward to many more visits with these wonderful kids and our therapy animals.

Thurmont Police Department

08/18/2024

Where in the READ 📚 is Wags For Hope Today?

Come Read to Team Regan at C Burr.Artz Central Library at 1:30 pm till 2:30 pm.

Frederick County Public Libraries
Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.)

08/17/2024

🐾 Calling all pet lovers! 🐶 Join us for the AWLFC Paws and Claws 5K and 1 Mile Walk in scenic Frederick, MD! Experience a fun-filled morning with your furry companion while supporting a great cause. 🌟 Register now and let’s walk for a pawsome cause! 🐕

https://www.active.com/frederick-md/running/distance-running-races/awlfc-paws-and-claws-5k-and-1-mile-walk-2024

08/12/2024

Even if only one person shows up for a "Read to a Dog" event, it's worth it. That single interaction can make a significant impact, both for the person and the therapy dog. Therapy dogs offer a unique form of support and comfort, which can be incredibly beneficial in many ways.

The true value of a therapy dog lies not in the number of people they meet, but in the quality of the connection they make. Even a single interaction can be a source of joy, comfort, and growth for both the visitor and the dog.

Wags For Hope Frederick County Public Libraries Friends of Thurmont Regional Library Thurmont Regional Library Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.)
Lucy The Therapy Dog

*Permission given to post pictures

08/10/2024

On Thursday, August 8th, the Emmitsburg Branch Library was filled with warmth and joy as Sparkle and Woodie, two remarkable therapy dogs, participated in the "Read to a Dog" event. The energy they brought was simply amazing, making the experience unforgettable for everyone involved.

Sparkle, with her calm demeanor and gentle nature, provided a comforting presence that helped children feel at ease as they read their favorite stories aloud. Her attentive eyes seemed to follow each word, encouraging young readers to immerse themselves in the tales they were sharing.

Woodie, on the other hand, was a bundle of joy and enthusiasm. His playful energy made reading a fun and engaging activity, especially for those who might have felt a bit nervous at first. Woodie’s wagging tail and occasional playful nudge were all the motivation the kids needed to keep reading, and his love for listening was evident in every interaction.

Together, Sparkle and Woodie created an environment where reading was not just a task but a delightful and rewarding experience. Their presence turned the library into a place of learning, connection, and happiness. The children left with smiles on their faces and a renewed love for reading, all thanks to these two incredible dogs who made the event truly special.

Frederick County Public Libraries Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) Emmitsburg Branch Library Sparkle The Therapy Dog

08/09/2024

Wags for Hope had a great time at National Night Out with our partnership with the Thurmont Police Department. We look forward to next year's event!

08/09/2024

Where in the READ 📚 will Wags For Hope be on Saturday, August 10th?

**Event Announcement:**

Wags for Hope's Team Lucy, along with her friends Maya and Woodie, will be at the Thurmont Library on August 10th from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm for a special event—**Read to a Therapy Dog**.

**About the R.E.A.D. Program:**

The Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program is designed to improve children's reading skills and boost their confidence by having them read aloud to therapy dogs. The presence of a calm, non-judgmental dog creates a relaxed and supportive environment, making it easier for kids to practice reading without fear of making mistakes. By reading to a therapy dog, children often find reading more enjoyable, which helps to foster a lifelong love of books and learning.
Frederick County Public Libraries Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) Thurmont Regional Library Friends of Thurmont Regional Library Main Street Thurmont

08/09/2024

Where and When are the READ to a Therapy Dog at?

08/07/2024

Join us for a special event at the Emmitsburg Branch Library on August 8th from 6 pm to 7 pm with Wags For Hope. This program features Certified Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ).

READ dogs are specially trained therapy animals that help improve children's reading skills and boost their confidence. These friendly dogs provide a non-judgmental audience, making reading a more enjoyable and less stressful activity for young readers. The presence of a READ dog can create a relaxed and fun atmosphere, encouraging children to practice reading aloud.

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your child's reading experience with the help of these amazing therapy dogs.

Can you guess the Therapy Dogs in this picture?

Frederick County Public Libraries Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) Emmitsburg Branch Library

08/06/2024

Join Wags For Hope for National Night Out on August 6th from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Thurmont Police Department, located at 800 E Main St, Thurmont, MD 21788. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live.

This year, Wags For Hope is proud to partner with the Thurmont Police Department. Come out and meet our dedicated team and therapy dogs, learn more about our programs, and enjoy an evening of fun and community spirit. We look forward to seeing you there!

08/02/2024

Start your day with a Superhero Book!!!!

Come to Middletown Library and READ 📚 to one of our Super Therapy Dogs!!!

WHEN? Saturday August 3rd
10:30 AM till 11:30 AM

Frederick County Public Libraries Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) Middletown Public Library Friends of the Middletown Library

07/29/2024

Where in the READ 📚 will Wags For Hope be this Saturday?

**Event Announcement: Read to Therapy Dog Regan**

Join us for a special event at the Middletown Library! On Saturday, August 3rd, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, come and read a superhero book to Therapy Dog Regan.

This is a wonderful opportunity for children to practice their reading skills in a fun and supportive environment. Don't miss out on this chance to meet Regan and share your favorite superhero stories! We look forward to seeing you there!

Frederick County Public Libraries Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.)
Friends of the Middletown Library
Middletown Public Library

07/29/2024

Awesome! Way to go Team Chewie!

07/29/2024

Way to go Rico The Therapy Dog with Wags for Hope!

Rico found a tribute to reading whilst out on a walk! They stopped to enjoy a moment with this charming statue of kids diving into books. 📚🐾

07/26/2024

Where in the READ will Wags For Hope be tomorrow?

SATURDAY, JULY 27th
Friends of the Brunswick Library
10:30am till 11:30am

Come Read 📚 to Brownie and his friends!

Frederick County Public Libraries

07/23/2024

Welcome Team Everlast!

Everlast is a 9-year-old Alpaca, who has recently transferred to Wags for Hope. He is our first "large animal", and we are thrilled to have him and his favorite human Lynn Cherish. Lynn and Everlast successfully passed their Wags for Hope evaluation.

Lynn and Everlast have been visiting in the Frederick area for several years. I met up with them while at one of the Frederick Health events earlier this year. He showed himself to have a gentle and approachable temperament!

Did You Know??

Alpacas are social creatures with a gentle and friendly nature. They have an exceptionally soft fluffy coat that is lighter and warmer than sheep's wool. .

Alpacas hum! It’s a common vocalization, often signaling curiosity, contentment, anxiety, or caution to each other.

Welcome to Lynn and Everlast - Our Wags for Hope teams can hardly wait to meet you!

07/20/2024

Where in the READ 📚 will Wags For Hope be on Sunday??

C Burr.Artz Central Library
1:30 pm till 2:30 pm

Come Read to Team Trapper and his friends!

Frederick County Public Libraries

07/19/2024

Where in the READ 📚 will Wags For Hope be on Saturday, JULY 20?

Friends of the Point of Rocks Library

Read to Team Mabel and Team Raymond from 11:00am-12:00pm.
1635 Ballenger Creek Pike
Point of Rocks MD 21777

Hope to see you there!

Frederick County Public Libraries

07/17/2024

Wags For Hope, an organization dedicated to improving lives through animal-assisted activities, has several upcoming events featuring Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ) teams. These events are designed to foster a love of reading among children while providing them with the comfort and encouragement of a friendly, non-judgmental canine companion.

By participating in events hosted by Wags For Hope and interacting with certified READ teams, children can experience the joy of reading in a supportive and encouraging environment. These events not only improve literacy skills but also contribute to the emotional and social development of young readers.

Check out our upcoming events at the Frederick County Public Libraries.

Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.)
Wags For Hope
Friends of the Point of Rocks Library
C Burr.Artz Central Library
Friends of the Brunswick Library
Middletown Public Library

07/12/2024

Where in the READ will Wags For Hope be on Saturday, July 13th?

Come Read to Therapy Dog Maya at Thurmont Regional Library !

1130am till 12:00pm!

Grap a summer time book and READ to Team Maya and her friend Team Woodie.
Friends of Thurmont Regional Library
Frederick County Public Libraries

07/11/2024

Where in the READ will Wags For Hope be Tonight?

Emmitsburg Branch Library
At 6pm til 7pm.

Come Read to Woodie the Therapy Dog!

Frederick County Public Libraries
Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.)

07/05/2024

Where in the READ will Wags For Hope be?

SATURDAY, JULY 6TH
MIDDLETOWN LIBRARY
10:30am-11:30am

COME READ TO THERAPY DOG ASPEN AND HER FRIENDS!

Wags For Hope READ Therapy Dog Teams are all certified Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.).

Frederick County Public Libraries Friends of the Middletown Library Middletown Public Library

07/04/2024

Team Juno is Retiring!

Juno is a 13-year-old Labrador Retriever. She has worked as therapy dog for 11 years. Team Juno transferred to Wags for Hope in 2021 and we have appreciated their commitment to their new community. Joette and Juno have touched many lives as a therapy dog team. We wish Juno a long, treat filled retirement.

Thank you for your dedication to Wags For Hope Team Juno.

07/04/2024

Wags For Hope would like to introduce Team Woodie.

Uskollinen Friendly Woodland Forrest
Affectionally known as "Woodie."

Woodie, the handsome Belgian Tervuren Shepherd, and his handler Judy Whelan have been with Wags for Hope since 2021.

The hard work of team Woodie has been recognized by the American Kennel Club, and we at Wags for Hope celebrate their efforts as well! Woodie has received his Canine Good Citizen (CGC), his Tricks Novice (TKN) and his Therapy Dog Novice (THDN) titles from the AKC. Way to go team Woodie!