News & Stories
News & Stories
In the News
Community Spotlight: WMTD
This short feature highlights how West Michigan Therapy Dogs brings comfort, smiles, and connection across West Michigan through certified volunteer dog teams. Volunteers share their passion for serving in hospitals, schools, libraries, and community events – showing how each visit makes a difference, one wag at a time.
Maeve’s Story: From Shelter Dog to Therapy Dog
Maeve’s journey from a shy shelter dog to a certified therapy dog shows how second chances can change both a dog’s life and the people they serve. Now working alongside her handler Jarl, she brings calm, comfort, and connection to communities across West Michigan.
25 Years of Comfort. A Lifetime of Impact.
For 25 years, West Michigan Therapy Dogs has provided comfort, connection, and compassion to communities across West Michigan through the dedication of volunteer therapy dog teams. As WMTD celebrates this milestone anniversary, the organization reflects on its lasting impact while looking ahead to continuing its mission for generations to come.
Growing Together Through Therapy Dog Work: Kate and Brycen’s Story
For Kate and her son Brycen, volunteering with West Michigan Therapy Dogs has become more than community service — it’s a meaningful way to connect with others and with each other. Through the junior handler program, Brycen has grown in confidence and compassion while creating lasting moments of comfort for people across West Michigan.
West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc. Celebrates Double Milestone
West Michigan Therapy Dogs marked National Therapy Animal Day with a celebration at the Kent County Courthouse honoring 25 years of service and eight years of the courthouse therapy dog program. The event highlighted the growing impact of therapy dog teams in helping ease stress and provide comfort for individuals navigating the court system, as the organization looks ahead to its official 25th anniversary on May 19.
Meet Julian and Julia: A Story of Connection, Growth, and Gentle Presence
Julian and Julia’s journey as a therapy dog team highlights the power of connection, trust, and simply being present for others in moments of need. Through growth, patience, and a deepened bond, they continue to bring comfort and compassion to their community one visit at a time.
Therapy Dogs: Sharing Our Story with The Rapidian
We were thrilled to recently be featured in a wonderful article by The Rapidian that shines a spotlight on the mission and heart behind West Michigan Therapy Dogs. It’s always a joy to share what we do and more importantly, why we do it with the community we love. The...
Celebrating 25 Years of WMTD: Our Proudest Moments
This year marks a special milestone for West Michigan Therapy Dogs - 25 years of bringing smiles, comfort, and connection to our community. Since 2001, our volunteer teams have walked into hospitals, libraries, schools, and countless other spaces with one mission: to...
From Shelter to Service: The Journey of a Therapy Dog
Every therapy dog has a story. Some are raised from puppyhood with a service role in mind. Others - like Rufus - begin life in a shelter, never imagining they’ll one day bring comfort to hundreds of people. A Rocky Start Rufus arrived at a West Michigan animal shelter...
How Therapy Dogs Bring Comfort in Times of Crisis
When life feels overwhelming, sometimes comfort comes in the form of a gentle nudge, a soft wag of a tail, or a warm head resting on your lap. That’s the quiet magic of therapy dogs - and at West Michigan Therapy Dogs (WMTD), we see it happen every day. The...
WHAT IS PET THERAPY?
Pet therapy is a broad term that includes animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and other animal-assisted activities. AAT involves animals to help individuals, many with health problems, to cope or recover, whether it’s cancer, mental health issues, physical disabilities, and more. Animal-assisted activities are volunteer-based and meant to provide comfort and enjoyment to senior citizens, children, and others.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc. (WMTD) is a group of volunteers who provide Animal Assisted Activities to various groups in Western Michigan. Our services are free, and we do not accept monetary reimbursement for any of the services our members provide.
DONATE
We are a 501(c)(3) organization, and donations help us continue growing and reaching our goals. If you are interested in supporting our mission so we can serve more people in West Michigan, consider donating.