Maeve may look like she was born for therapy work, but her journey began as a stray dog waiting for a second chance.
She is four years old now, but not long ago, Maeve was found wandering in the Grandville area and brought to the Kent County Animal Shelter. According to staff, she had already been there for about a month when Jarl first heard about her. They described her as timid and quiet, a dog who kept to herself and did not appear especially engaging – part of the reason she had waited so long for a home.
At the same time, Jarl was navigating his own grief after unexpectedly losing his corgi companion of 11 years. The house felt different in the quiet that followed, and although he planned to wait at least six months before adopting again, that timeline changed quickly.
“I lasted 28 days,” he says.
When Jarl first met Maeve at the shelter, she was shy and uncertain, but willing. On their very first walk together, something stood out. Maeve walked beautifully on a leash, responded to basic commands, and gently accepted a treat from his hand. Beneath her hesitation was a calm, attentive dog just waiting to be seen.
And then there was her unmistakable “crazy fur,” as Jarl affectionately calls it, which made her impossible to forget.
By the end of that walk, the decision was made.
A Calm Companion at Home
After bringing Maeve home, her personality settled into something steady and deeply comforting. What had been described as timid began to reveal itself as calm companionship and quiet presence. Maeve quickly became a constant sidekick, especially as Jarl works from home.
“Maeve has been a Godsend for me,” he says. “I needed her as much as she needed me.
Finding a Purpose in Therapy Work
As Maeve grew more comfortable, therapy work began to feel like a natural next step. Friends involved with West Michigan Therapy Dogs saw what Jarl already knew – Maeve had a calming presence that seemed to put people at ease.
Her intelligence, steadiness, and responsiveness made her an ideal candidate. She picked up commands quickly and seemed to intuitively understand how to behave in new environments.
“I wanted to give back to the community,” Jarl explains. “She’s a very sweet dog, and this seemed like the perfect way for others to benefit from her personality.”
After completing the required six-month waiting period, Maeve passed her assessment in December. Training began in January 2026.
Bringing Comfort to the Community
Since then, Maeve has stepped confidently into her role as a therapy dog, visiting a wide range of community spaces and offering quiet comfort wherever she goes.
Her visits have included Grand Valley State University’s Exam Jam, the Michigan Veterans Home, Grand Rapids Christian High School, Clark Retirement Community, and Project Night Lights outside Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. This summer, she is also looking forward to participating in the Ruff Readers program at Ada Public Library.
Jarl notes that Maeve seems to enjoy every visit, but she also has a favorite part of the job: a well-earned pup cup from a nearby ice cream shop after many outings.
A Moment That Stays With Them
One of the most meaningful moments in Maeve’s journey happened during her very first visit to the memory care unit at Clark Retirement Community.
Without any prompting, Maeve approached a resident and flawlessly performed a “Paws Up” command. The moment caught Jarl completely off guard.
“My jaw dropped,” he recalls.
For him, it was a reminder of what makes therapy dogs so remarkable. Sometimes it isn’t training or direction – it’s timing, presence, and connection that seem to happen instinctively.
A Story of Second Chances
Maeve’s story is also a reminder that incredible dogs can be found in shelters everywhere. Dogs who may seem shy, quiet, or overlooked often just need the right person to see them differently.
“There are so many other ‘Maeves’ that just want to be loved,” Jarl says.
A Life Shared Together
Today, Maeve spends her days offering comfort, companionship, and connection to the people she meets – and staying close to the person who first gave her a chance.
She is never far from Jarl’s side while he works from home, a steady presence through both ordinary days and meaningful visits in the community.
“We’re a pretty good team.” – Jarl Brey
Maeve’s story started in a shelter and became something life-changing. You can be part of stories like hers: adopt, support your local shelter, or learn more about volunteering with West Michigan Therapy Dogs below.