R.E.A.D.® Program

Wags for Hope, an affiliate program with Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA), brings the R.E.A.D.® initiative to Frederick County, where trained pet teams volunteer with local schools, libraries, and youth groups to help children build literacy skills in a supportive setting. Wags for Hope is proud to be the first animal volunteer group to offer R.E.A.D.® sessions in Frederick County. Each team is carefully evaluated and specially trained to serve as a calm, nonjudgmental listener, helping make reading less intimidating and more enjoyable for children. Dogs in the program are certified with ITA for life, provided WFH re-certifications are submitted to ITA to maintain membership. Additional training and costs are involved.