Waggin' Hearts Therapy Dogs aid burn victims

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Rappahannock News

By: Brenda Lawrence

On August 17, 11 volunteers from Rappahannock and surrounding counties, traveled to the Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp in Keezletown, Virginia.

They spent the morning running, swimming and relaxing with the children attending the week long camp for burn victims. The mission of these special volunteers was to look beyond the painful scares and into the hearts of the children to bring out the smiles and laughter.

The special volunteers are the canine members of the Waggin' Hearts Therapy Dogs.


These special volunteers are registered with a national organization for therapy dogs. Most of the Waggin' Hearts dog and handler teams are registered with Therapy Dogs, Incorporated. In order to be eligible for registration, the team must be tested on temperament, control, and acceptance of individuals using wheelchairs, canes and walkers after which they are accompanied on three facility visits.

The group is fortunate enough to have two approved TDInc Tester/Observers who help prospective members through the process.

The Waggin' Hearts currently has 43 registered dog and handler teams from Rappahannock, Culpeper, Madison, Warren, Fauquier and Page counties. Members of the group visit 17 nursing facilities located in Front Royal, Madison, Luray and Warrenton. Once a month, they make visits to the Rappahannock and Warrenton senior centers.

Many teams participate in reading programs at public schools in Rappahannock and Madison, and at public libraries in Front Royal and Culpeper. During the reading programs, the dogs sit or lay quietly as the children read aloud, while the handler looks on to provide assistance, encouragement and praise. Children gain confidence while reading to the dogs.

In addition to their regularly scheduled visits at nursing facilities, schools and libraries, the members find time to volunteer at special events like Burn Camp, the Posh Pet Festival in Front Royal, ,Spring Weekend and Under Seven events sponsored by Special Love, the organizers of Camp Fantastic and Mary's Family, a respite for families of disabled children.

On September 16, the Waggin' Hearts will hold their 2nd Annual Horse and Dog Lovers Giant Yard Sale. They will be celebrating Responsible Dog Ownership Day, with Canine Good Citizen testing as well as Therapy Dog testing.

This fundraiser allows them to purchase small items for special occasions for the residents that they visit in nursing homes, and bookmarks, pencils, etc for the children who read to our dogs.