For W.A.G.S. 4 Kids, the tradition began 15 years ago. Each time a service dog is placed with their child partner we share their first moments by saying, “Let the magic begin.” That “magic” is the bond between the dog and child as they start their journey together. That magic would not be as impactful if it weren’t for all of our families sharing their stories with us – the good, the bad, the difficult, the triumphant.

In October of this year W.A.G.S. 4 Kids proudly premiered a fresh look with an updated logo and tagline: “Growing Possibilities, One Child at a Time.” The new logo features a child on a swing with their trusty service dog beside them. The new logo encompasses how W.A.G.S. 4 Kids is growing and branching out, along with the children we serve. W.A.G.S. 4 Kids trains and provides service dogs for children with mobility disabilities, and also trains and provides service dogs for children on the autism spectrum – ASD is now about 85% of the children we work with.

The child in the updated logo represents each and every kid in the W.A.G.S. program – past, present and future. The child could have a mobility disability or developmental disability; we know that many challenges are not defined by their visibility. The logo tells a story, but the story can be different based on the viewer. Ultimately, the child pictured in the logo is all of the children we have helped, and all of the children we can continue to help with a service dog that is trained specifically for their unique needs.

“It all comes back to the idea of the deeper meaning of branching out,” said Sera Nelson, Director of Development and Special Events. “I feel as far as we’ve come, we are just scratching the surface of what these dogs are capable of doing. As for our kids, the possibilities are within their grasp. We are honored and privileged to be part of their journey, as they shape ours.”

For the first time, filmed inside the Grafton Correctional Institution, watch the actual inmate trainers, hear the children and their families. Here’s what we have accomplished together in the new W.A.G.S. 4 Kids “Growing Possibilities” Documentary produced by Purple Films.

Over the years logos, taglines and videos may change, but deep down W.A.G.S. 4 Kids remains rooted in our mission to be here for your family, for your needs, for your child and in your home. The charity that Cleveland grew is still growing, with the support of our families, sponsors, donors and everyone that has helped along the way. All of you are branches in the W.A.G.S. Family Tree and we are so excited to continue to grow with you as we branch out into the future. Share our story and plant the seeds of possibility.

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving, from our W.A.G.S. 4 Kids family to yours.