A new training center has just opened in Columbus, Ohio. Working Animals Giving Service for Kids (W.A.G.S. 4 Kids) received its first W.A.G.S. puppies in September and is busy preparing them for placement. W.A.G.S. 4 Columbus is a direct branch of W.A.G.S. 4 Kids: all dogs are being trained and placed to W.A.G.S. 4 Kids standards under the supervision of the W.A.G.S. 4 Kids Training Director, Rodney Houghton.

Rodney Houghton joined the W.A.G.S. 4 Kids Accredited Apprenticeship Service Dog Training Program in December of 2008 at North Central Correctional Institution in Marion, OH. "It was a way for me to give back to someone in need. Being incarcerated, the community like to look at you as the worst of the worst...useless. It's a great opportunity to give back, especially to kids with disabilities. It's made me a better person." says Houghton.

Now, he  has lost count of how many dogs he's had the opportunity to train - how many children and families whose lives have been changed. He just knows, he's one of them.

"Sometimes it's hard to put into words. The first time I received a letter from a child who had received a dog that I had been a part of training...it was overwhelming. It brings tears to your eyes. To finally be able to put a face with the name of the child and hear their story of how much that dog truly affected their lives, it's really humbled me. It made me realize how important this program really is. It's definitely a blessing"

"It not only changes the lives of the child that the dog's going to go to, but it also changes the life of the inmate too. It gives them a purpose in life, makes them feel valuable. We appreciate the opportunity that W.A.G.S. gives us to give back to the community."

Columbus residents interested in obtaining approval for a service dog from W.A.G.S. 4 Kids will request an application to the main location in Berea, Ohio.

Donating to help with Columbus Location

Donations to help with our program in Columbus can be made through the website or by check through the main training center in Berea, Ohio with W.A.G.S. 4 Kids Columbus on the memo line.

Volunteering

People who would like to volunteer or help locally in Columbus can use the Contact Us page and indicate in the comments they would like to help out at our Columbus location, and we will have someone get back with them.