From cuddly therapy dogs and community fundraisers to costumed contests and creative photo challenges, dogs are taking center stage this May in West Michigan. As part of National Pet Month, a flurry of events celebrates not only our four-legged friends but also the people and programs that work tirelessly to improve lives through the power of the human–canine bond.
Fostering Change, One Puppy at a Time
On Wednesday, May 14, Gotcha Covered of Grand Rapids hosted Little PAWS Create Big Changes, a free community event in support of Paws With A Cause (PAWS). The event spotlighted the organization’s growing need for volunteer foster homes for future assistance dogs.
Guests had the chance to meet the puppies-in-training, hear from experienced foster volunteers, and learn how to get involved. The evening also included giveaways, dog treats, and desserts from Connie’s Cakes.
“We’re incredibly grateful for Gotcha Covered and their commitment to supporting the PAWS mission,” said Michele Suchovsky, CEO of Paws With A Cause. “This event will help us reach more people and share the opportunity to change a life by fostering a future PAWS assistance dog.”
In addition to hosting the event, Gotcha Covered donated window coverings for PAWS’ newly renovated training apartments, an essential part of preparing service dogs for real-world environments.
The celebration comes with a note of solemnity this year following the passing of PAWS founder Michael D. Sapp Sr., who, along with his late wife, Antoinette “Candye” Sapp, launched the organization in 1979. What began as a mission to train a Hearing Dog for friends evolved into a nationally recognized nonprofit that has placed more than 3,500 assistance and facility dogs.
“Mike’s leadership and vision created an enduring legacy at Paws With A Cause,” said Suchovsky. “We remain deeply grateful for his contributions and are committed to honoring his memory by continuing the mission he so passionately founded.”
Donations in Sapp’s memory can be made at pawswithacause.org.
Bark for the Park Returns to Kentwood
The festivities continued Thursday, May 15, at Kellogg Woods Park, where the City of Kentwood welcomed dogs and their owners for the annual Bark for the Park celebration.
The free event included pet vendors, an agility course, a photo booth, and a pet craft station. New this year was the Kentwood’s Cutest Pup photo fundraiser. Attendees voted with dollars for their favorite furry contestant, with proceeds going toward improvements at Kellogg Woods Dog Park.
“Kellogg Woods Dog Park remains a welcoming and well-loved place for pet owners to play and bond with their dogs,” said Recreation Program Coordinator Shelby Henshaw. “Bark for the Park is a fun community event that brings together neighbors, friends and dog lovers.”
Therapy Dog Offers Comfort to First Responders
While events celebrate dogs in the spotlight, others like Hope, a five-year-old Goldendoodle, provide quiet support behind the scenes. As part of American Medical Response’s local mental health strategy in Grand Rapids, Hope helps first responders cope with the emotional toll of their work.
“She knows who needs her,” said Dustin Vandermeer, Hope’s handler and operations supervisor. “Crews come in from tough calls or long shifts, and somehow Hope finds the right person to sit next to.”
Hope is one of 42 therapy dogs in the Global Medical Response (GMR) Therapy Dog Team, specially trained to provide emotional support to EMS crews and hospital workers. Since its launch in 2016, the program has become a national resource for critical incident response and community engagement.
“Hope helps remind us that it’s OK to feel,” Vandermeer said. “We’re changing the culture — and dogs like Hope are helping us get there.”
Hats & Hounds Benefit Set for May 22
Paws With A Cause returns to the spotlight with Hats & Hounds: A Boot-Scootin’ Benefit on Thursday, May 22, at Wildwood Family Farms in Alto. The evening will feature bluegrass music, raffles, southern-inspired cuisine, and a contest for Best Dressed Hound & Handler. Tickets are $25 and include food and drinks.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet PAWS clients and learn about the life-changing impact of assistance dogs. “There is a growing need for assistance dogs,” said Ashley Diersch, Chief Advancement Officer. “With the challenges of inflation and the uncertainty with the economy, we need more help from our community.”
Pets are welcome, provided they are fully vaccinated and leashed.
More information and tickets are available at pawswithacause.org.
$2,000 Prize for the Best “Dogs Playing Poker” Recreation
Pet owners with a playful side can enter VegasInsider’s “Dogs Playing Poker” Photo Contest for a chance to win $2,000. Running through May 30, the competition invites pet lovers to stage a real-life recreation of the iconic paintings.
“This competition is all about creativity, personality, and celebrating the iconic ‘Dogs Playing Poker’ paintings in real life,” a VegasInsider spokesperson said.
Entries can be submitted via email to earnedmedia@bettercollective.com. Full contest rules are available at vegasinsider.com.
Whether supporting service dog training, advocating for mental health, or just dressing up for fun, the month of May offers West Michigan plenty of reasons to celebrate dogs and the many ways they improve lives.
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