Meet the dogs that are part of MU Health Care's Wags therapy dog program.
Bella
Date of Birth: April 19, 2010
Breed: Cockapoo
About Bella: Bella is a snuggler who likes to sweeten you up before stealing your toys (and socks). She loves to chase her dog-sister Sophie around the house before spending the day snoozing on the couch. Her favorite snacks are carrots and ice cubes.
Chloe
Date of Birth: April 19, 2010
Breed: Cockapoo
About Chloe: Chloe loves to be petted, but watch out – she loves to give kisses too. She loves playing fetch with her tennis ball, and her favorite toy is a blue stuffed monster. Chloe’s favorite treats are carrots, peanut butter and ice.
Ella
Date of Birth: March 28, 2017
Breed: Golden Retriever
About Ella: Ella is the social butterfly of therapy dogs. If there were report cards in school, her teacher would most likely indicate “visits with friends too much.” All joking aside, Ella LOVES everyone. She loves bootie scratches, belly rubs and having her paw held. Ella is always happy to greet friends at the door, usually with the closest stuffed animal she can find as a welcome gift.
George
Date of Birth: December 6, 2012
Breed: English Bull Terrier
About George: George is named after General George Patton who was very fond of the breed. George enjoys going to doggie school at Ann Gafke’s Teacher’s Pet where he is part of the drill team and is known as the class clown. He also enjoys playing with his toys and being a big lap dog. He loves visiting patients at the hospital.
Ginger
Date of Birth: December 8, 2014
Breed: English Bull Terrier
About Ginger: Ginger’s great-great-great-grandfather is Rufus, who won Westminster best in show in 2006. She attends Ann Gafke’s Teachers Pet and is an active member of the drill team. She is known for her many dresses, tutus and painted nails. Ginger is a sweet dog with a sense of humor. If she doesn’t want to do something she will fall over like a fainting goat.
Henley
Date of Birth: October 19, 2017
Breed: Doberman Pinscher
About Henley: Henley may be 75 pounds but he is confident that he is a lap dog! His favorite things include snuggles, string cheese, playing with his doggie brother and chewing sticks. Henley is a member of Ann Gafke’s Teacher’s Pet Drill team, where he learns choreographed dances with his doggie pals. His favorite tricks are “Hands Up”, “High Five” and “Bow”.
Keylo
Date of Birth: November 14, 2017
Breed: Husky Mix
About Keylo: Keylo was rescued from the Sedalia Animal Shelter and is a member of Ann Gafke's Teacher's Pet Drill Team. Keylo is high-energy and loves playing in the snow, fetching balls and chasing squirrels. He is known for his pretty blue eyes and inquisitive, stern look. Keylo's best tricks are shaking, bowing and giving high-five's.
Lucy
Date of birth: August 6, 2016 (just a guess!)
Breed: German Shepherd Dog
About Lucy: When Lucy was rescued by the Humane Society, she had been wandering on her own for two weeks, starving for food and love. Now she lives to give the love back! She spends her days going on long walks, patrolling the back yard and protecting her baby. Lucy loves caring for anyone in distress. She’s a big girl and shows her affection by giving heavy leans. She especially enjoys back and chin scratches.
Reuben
Date of birth: May 7, 2010
Breed: Jack Russell Terrier, broken coated, tri colored
About Reuben: Reuben is such a happy dog. He brings out smiles wherever he goes. Reuben comes into a room ready to entertain. Reuben loves to dance and do other tricks. He loves to have the base of his tail scratched and his belly rubbed.
Ruby
Date of Birth: February 18, 2018
Breed: Cockapoo
About Ruby: Ruby is a boisterous little girl who loves to climb, especially across the back of couches. She loves chasing her dog-sister Chloe and chewing on just about anything. Every day is an adventure for happy Ruby. Her favorite treats are peanut butter and carrots.
Rusty
Date of Birth: August 9, 2011
Breed: Golden Retriever
About Ginger: Rusty came by way of Ann Gafke when he turned two, after a family had to give him up. It’s all about the attention with Rusty, making him perfect for therapy visits. The more loving he gets, the more he wants! Rusty’s favorite game is his version of fetch. He thinks it’s great fun to have you chase him around as he plays keep away. Rusty has a little brother, a two-year-old Persian cat, who is just a little dog in a cat suit. The two of them are quite the pair together! Rusty is a best friend for life.
Sophie
Date of Birth: October 29, 2008
Breed: Cockapoo
About Sophie: Sophie is a sweet girl who enjoys belly rubs and climbing on the back of the couch. She loves kids, playing fetch and eating her favorite snacks: carrots and ice cubes.
Taz
Date of Birth: June 4, 2017
Breed: Australian Shepherd
About Taz:Taz loves to be active. He is a big fan of playing frisbee and doing agility training. At home he loves chasing his friend “Little Cat”. Taz also spends a good deal of his time at West Middle School in Columbia.
Tehya
Date of birth: July 7, 2015
Breed: Berger Picard Shepherd
About Tehya: Tehya, being a herding breed, likes to watch and take in what is going on around her. Tehya has a great smile when she is relaxed and happy. A fast way to be friends with her is to have her smell your hand then pet her under the chin and neck area.
Wyatt
Date of Birth: December 8, 2011
Breed: British Cream Golden Retriever
About Wyatt: Wyatt enjoys carrying his own leash on walks, retrieving the newspaper and lounging on the front porch. His favorite games are tug of war, fetch and shaking hands. Wyatt loves visiting patients at the hospital and gets very excited as soon as he knows he’s going.
Ziggy
Date of birth: February 28, 2019
Breed: Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog/Poodle)
About Ziggy: Ziggy was born, bred and engineered for affection. Her favorite pastimes are “working a room” by going from person-to-person and exchanging love, then starting all over again giving high fives. She also loves playing with Lexi, her Aussiedoodle sister.