Introducing Hero: A New Therapy Dog at JOHN Veterans and First Responders Program
Our newest addition to the JOHN (Just One Hero Needed) Veterans & First Responders team!
When Matt VanLiere became Executive Director of the JOHN Veterans and First Responders program at Sanford Behavioral Health, he knew there was one thing missing. As a former police officer and person in recovery, Matt understands the unique needs of those who have served. He has seen what the specialized programming at JOHN can do for clients. The color returns to their skin and eyes; they begin engaging with others again, laughter comes more easily, and hope starts to take shape.
Matt wondered: What if we brought a rescue dog into the facility and trained it to be a therapy dog? Because for some clients, words don’t come easily, but a therapy dog lying quietly at their feet might make the room feel safer. Additionally, the journey of a rescue dog, finding safety, trust, and a second chance, mirrors the stories of many who walk through our doors.
Introducing Hero and Harbor Humane Society:
Matt called his former Ottawa County dispatcher, Cindy Gruppen, who now works for Harbor Humane Society, and the rest will go down in JOHN history. Matt says it feels full circle. Cindy says, “It was actually my time at Ottawa County Central Dispatch that led me to work in animal welfare. When I was working as a dispatcher, I took phone calls from people wanting to surrender animals, and animal control doesn’t work at night. So sometimes I would respond to those calls after hours and rescue the dogs myself! One time, I scooped up 10 little puppies out of some guy’s bathroom and brought them home with me. Getting the puppies adopted was my first connection to Harbor Humane.”
Powerful Connection
Cindy Gruppen, Development Manager, Harbor Humane Society
There is a connection between the human aspect of adopting and the need for animals to have families. Often, people in animal welfare focus solely on the animal, but the picture is much bigger than that. Harbor has come a long way in recognizing the connection and the importance of community. Hero is a great example of cooperation between animal shelters; he was a stray that came from one of our partner shelters in Tennessee. They reported that he was as sweet as pie and highly adaptable, making him a great candidate for a therapy dog. We are excited to be a part of something truly transforming. “ Cindy Gruppen, Development Manager, Harbor Humane Society
Alayna Kelty, Social Media Coordinator, Harbor Humane
I started working at Harbor Humane in January of 2022, and within a month, I adopted a dog. Yes, that fast!. It was actually the first dog I ever adopted from a shelter, and it definitely changed my view. Now, all the animals I own are adopted (I have three). We have a TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook profile @harborhumane. We want honest collaboration between shelters and the community. Alayna Kelty, Social Media Coordinator, Harbor Humane
Warm Welcome
Clients and staff have warmly welcomed Hero, and he is already settling into life at JOHN. It’s a bit of a Horatio Alger story, a rags-to-riches tale, as he curls up on a rug in the historic mansion at 221 John Street in Grand Rapids’ Heritage Hill. Matt VanLiere says, “At Sanford Behavioral Health, we see every day the powerful connection between humans and animals. When a dog or cat settles beside you, your body begins to slow. Your breathing steadies. Your mind quiets. There’s an immediate comfort in that presence. With Hero, there’s an added layer: a shared understanding of trauma that deepens the connection in ways words often cannot.
Therapy Dogs at Sanford Behavioral Health
At Sanford Behavioral Health, we have long appreciated the benefits of therapy dogs. Over the years, we have employed therapy dogs Santino, Appolonia, and Lola in our various facilities. Therapy dogs interact with people of all ages and provide comfort and support. Therapy dogs positively interact with all three influences of human health and wellbeing: biological, psychological, and social.
Follow us on Instagram: Therapy Dogs of Sanford
The benefits of being with a therapy dog include:
- A decrease in stress and anxiety
- A marked decrease in depression, loneliness, and feelings of isolation
- Increased happiness
- An outward focus, caring for someone/something, and doing it well, feels good
- Positive mental stimulation.
- Increased self-esteem, along with a stronger sense of acceptance and social involvement
Being with a therapy dog makes you feel better – here’s why:
- Studies show that interacting with an animal can decrease blood pressure and heart rate
- Time with a dog decreases the stress hormone cortisol
- It boosts feel-good chemicals like beta-endorphin, dopamine, and serotonin
- Caring for a dog can stimulate a person to get exercise
- Handling a dog can improve fine motor skills and balance
- It creates a sense of accomplishment
Welcome, HERO, and thank you, HARBOR HUMANE SOCIETY!
Not sure where to start? Call us 24/7 for information, admission to JOHN, or to talk. Our team will help you find the right care, even if it’s not with us!
