Michigan Supreme Court - WKTV Journal

Jeanne Lewis, proud owner of Rosie the dog and co-founder of West Michigan Therapy Dogs, now in its 25th year. (WKTV/Colleen Pierson)

By Colleen Pierson
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org

There was a proclamation from Governor Whitmer, numerous awards given out to volunteers, and lots of tail wagging going on.

I was at the Kent County Courthouse on April 30 to celebrate two powerful milestones — eight years of the Courthouse Therapy Dog Program and 25 years of service by West Michigan Therapy Dogs (WMTD). The event featured Michigan Supreme Court justice Elizabeth M. Welch, who presented an official resolution honoring both of the programs profound impact in our community.

On any given day, a courtroom can feel intimidating — sterile, formal, and heavy with emotion. For children and vulnerable adults, the experience of testifying can be overwhelming and very stressful. But in Kent County, something remarkable has been quietly reshaping that reality for the past eight years: the steady, comforting presence of therapy dogs.

Therapy dog Rosie was on-hand at the celebration at Kent County Courthouse. (WKTV/Colleen Pierson)

At the heart of this initiative is a simple yet deeply human truth: connection matters.

“You can’t replicate, you can’t buy it — that human-animal connection,” said Heather McCormick, President of West Michigan Therapy Dogs. Her words reflect what many in the courtroom have witnessed firsthand. “I have seen a child testifying, and a dog puts their head on their lap — brings calm. They offer so much.”

What they offer goes far beyond companionship. Since it’s launch in 2018 in partnership with Kent Circuit Court and the 61st and 63rd District Court, the program has expanded across the county, placing specially trained therapy dog teams in courtrooms where they are needed most. These dogs provide a steady presence that helps reduce anxiety, improve focus and improve stress levels of witnesses.

State of Michigan/Michigan Supreme Court Special Tribute to West Michigan Therapy Dogs.

Judge Kathleen Feeney, who initiated the use of therapy dogs in the courtroom in 2017, has seen the transformation unfold.

“We saw so many changes in the courtroom with the dogs,” she explained. “Kids had increased confidence while testifying. The dogs provide comfort. Victims think more clearly, and they realize they are not alone.”

The therapy dogs don’t interrupt proceedings or change the facts of a case, but they transform how people experience one of the most difficult moments of their lives; testifying in a court case.

West Michigan Therapy Dogs began with vision and compassion 25 years ago. Jeanne Lewis, proud owner of Rosie the dog and co-founder of the group, helped establish the organization with a clear purpose.

“I started the group to promote what dogs are capable of. They have so much to offer.”

For volunteers like Ron Roden, whose golden retriever Kaiser has become a beloved presence, the work feels almost instinctive.

“Kaiser was born to do this,” Roden said with pride. “He loves to give people hugs and will just lay his head on shoulders for a calming effect.”

Ron Roden with therapy dog Kaiser. (WKTV/Colleen Pierson)

Therapy dogs are used in hospitals, schools, airports, grief centers, libraries and courtrooms, just to name a few.

The courtroom is a place often defined by tension and testimony, these dogs bring something rare—comfort without condition, presence without pressure, and healing without words.

And sometimes, that’s exactly what’s needed most.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Following the Friday, Oct. 2, decision by the Michigan Supreme Court to strike down Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s COVID-19 related executive orders, the Kent County Health Department issued a statement today that, in part, said that “orders for isolation and quarantine are not affected by the Supreme Court’s ruling.”

The Oct. 5 statement, attributed to Dr. Adam London, Director of the Kent County Health Department (KCHD), was in response to the supreme court ruling that the Governor did not have the authority to issue executive orders under emergency declarations past April 30 of this year.

“Actions such as orders for isolation and quarantine are not affected by the Supreme Court’s ruling,” Dr. Landon said in the statement. “These actions are authorized under the Michigan Public Health Code, a law that was enacted by the Michigan Legislature in 1978. The KCHD will continue to use public health orders and enforcement actions as appropriate under law as this agency has done for many decades.”

The KCHD statement also “stresses” the importance of adhering to the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Those strategies include wearing facial coverings in indoor public places, maintaining social distance, frequent hand washing, and staying home if you are sick.

“The KCHD is confident Kent County residents will continue to take the steps necessary to place their families, friends, and coworkers at the least possible risk for contracting COVID-19,” according to the statement.

Also according to the statement, the KCHD “is hopeful the Legislature and the Governor will work together to protect public health in a collaborative and expedited manner. The KCHD is communicating closely with officials at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and other local health departments to identify pathways forward which respect rule of law and are protective of the health and safety of our communities.”

Gov. Whitmer, also today, Oct. 5, issued a statement that address the issue of continued health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. (Governor’s office)

“Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Director Robert Gordon filed a motion with the Michigan Supreme Court (today) requesting that they clarify that their October 2nd ruling does not take effect until Friday, October 30th. … Ensuring this transition period will allow the governor, local health departments, and the Michigan Legislature to work together to put protections in place that will keep Michiganders safe and protect our economy.”

More information on the KCHD’s COVID-19 resources and information can be found by visiting accesskent.com/Health/coronavirus.