On May 19, 2026, West Michigan Therapy Dogs proudly celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter century of bringing comfort, connection, and compassion to individuals and communities across West Michigan.
Founded in 2001 by Jeanne Lewis and Terrilynn Lymburner, what began as a small group of dedicated volunteer teams has grown into a trusted presence in hospitals, schools, libraries, courthouses, senior living communities, airports, juvenile centers, and many other spaces where comfort and human connection are needed most.
This year’s anniversary theme, “25 Years of Comfort. A Lifetime of Impact.”, reflects not only the work WMTD does, but the lasting effect each interaction can have. While a therapy dog visit may last only a few minutes, the comfort and connection created in those moments often stay with people long after the visit itself.
What began with two volunteer teams visiting a single nursing home floor has grown into an organization supporting more than 100 programs across five West Michigan counties. Today, more than 150 volunteer therapy dog and handler teams support adults, children, seniors, and vulnerable individuals during moments that can be stressful, emotional, or uncertain — always providing visits at no cost.
Even the shortest visits can have an impact far beyond the moment itself. Whether helping a student feel calm during finals, bringing comfort during a difficult day, or creating connection through a simple interaction, these meaningful moments leave a lasting impression on the people and communities WMTD serves.
“For 25 years, we’ve delivered moments of comfort when they’re needed most,” said Jeanne Lewis, Co-Founder of WMTD. “While each visit may be brief, the impact often lasts far beyond it.”
Pioneering Therapy Dog Programming in West Michigan
Over the past 25 years, WMTD has helped pioneer therapy dog access and programming throughout West Michigan. Long before therapy and facility dog programs became widely recognized in schools, hospitals, and courthouses, WMTD teams were already providing reading support for students, stress relief during difficult moments, and compassionate presence for individuals navigating crisis and uncertainty.
The organization’s work supporting victims within the Kent County Courthouse system has been recognized by both Kent County and the State of Michigan, while its programming at Gerald R. Ford International Airport has been featured by the American Kennel Club.
Like many organizations, WMTD has also adapted through challenges, changing community needs, and even a global pandemic. During COVID-19, when many people felt isolated and overwhelmed, WMTD remained committed to supporting the community however it could. Teams visited healthcare workers across all shifts, including overnight hospital staff, offering moments of encouragement and relief during an incredibly difficult time.
In the years since, WMTD has continued building, growing, and evolving to meet the changing needs of the communities it serves.
Powered Entirely by Volunteers
WMTD’s work is powered entirely by volunteers – from therapy dog and handler teams visiting facilities across West Michigan to the individuals supporting operations, training, evaluations, marketing, fundraising, outreach, and scheduling behind the scenes.
Every training class, every test, every visit, every fundraiser supported, and every hour volunteered has contributed to the impact WMTD has today. The organization’s impact would not be possible without the time, compassion, and dedication of its volunteers, many of whom have served their communities for years.
That consistency is sustained through volunteers who not only serve in facilities, but also help train, evaluate, mentor, and prepare future therapy dog teams while sharing WMTD’s mission throughout the community. Volunteers continually step into leadership, instructor, tester, and support roles to ensure every team is prepared and certified to safely and compassionately serve the community.
“Our volunteers and community partners have made this milestone possible,” said Heather McCormick. “Their dedication, generosity, and passion for serving others ensure we can continue showing up for people when it matters most. We are incredibly grateful for every volunteer, therapy dog team, partner facility, and supporter who has helped shape WMTD over the past 25 years.”
Looking Ahead
As WMTD looks ahead to the next 25 years, the organization remains committed to continuing to provide comfort, connection, and compassion to the individuals and communities who need it most.
That commitment includes strengthening volunteer training programs, expanding opportunities for service, and adapting to the evolving needs of the community so that WMTD can continue serving West Michigan for generations to come.
The volunteers who built this organization laid the foundation for everything WMTD is today. WMTD is deeply grateful for every person and every therapy dog who has been part of this journey – past and present. Because of their dedication, WMTD continues to provide moments of comfort when they are needed most, one wag at a time.
Whether through volunteering, supporting a therapy dog team, or making a donation, community support helps ensure that WMTD can continue to provide moments of comfort when they are needed most. Learn how to get involved or support WMTD’s mission today.