Dear WAGS 4 Kids Community,
As we mark 22 years of W.A.G.S. 4 Kids, this moment offers an opportunity not only to reflect on where we’ve been—but to clearly define where we are and where we’re going.
Where We Are
Over the past year, our organization has continued to operate from a position of strength, stability, and growth.
In 2025, we placed nine service dogs with children and families across our service area—each partnership representing not just a milestone, but the beginning of a long-term relationship built on training, trust, and support. Since our founding in 2004, that number has grown to more than 150 placements, each one reinforcing the impact of this work and the need for it to continue.
Our reach remains strong across 38 counties in Ohio, with continued demand from families seeking access to service dog programs that meet them where they are.
"That demand is not slowing—it is growing."
And it is shaping how we think about scale, access, and sustainability moving forward.
The Work Behind the Work
We continue to invest in the full scope of our program—from the earliest stages of puppy development through advanced training and long-term placement support.
This work requires time, resources, and a level of consistency that can only be sustained through a committed and engaged community.
And that community continues to show up.
In 2025, we saw that commitment reflected in powerful ways—from the continued success of our community-driven events to the emergence of new leadership through initiatives like Hope Heroes.
What began as a student-led project became a $50,000 investment in our mission—reinforcing the idea that impact is not defined by age, but by action.
What It Looks Like in Real Life
Not just in milestones, but in moments:
- The moment a child reaches for their dog in a crowded room and finds calm
- The first time a parent says, “That felt easy.”
- The quiet shift from navigating each day with uncertainty to moving through it with greater confidence and independence
These moments are the outcome of a system that works—one built on training, partnership, and long-term support.
Where We’re Going
As we move into our 22nd year, our focus is clear:
- We will continue to expand access to service dogs for children across Ohio
- We will continue to strengthen the systems that support each dog and family throughout their journey
- We will continue to invest in the long-term sustainability of this work—ensuring that what we are building today is still here for the families who will need it tomorrow
"This is not short-term work. It is generational work."
Thank You for Standing With Us
None of this is possible without the people who choose to stand with us.
Thank you for your continued support, your trust, and your commitment to this mission.
With appreciation,
Sera Nelson
Executive Director
W.A.G.S. 4 Kids
