A tail of hope: WMU Therapy Dog Clinic receives $45,000 grant

KALAMAZOO, Mich—In a year marked by significant competition among nonprofit initiatives, one small but mighty program stood out: The Therapy Dog Clinic at Western Michigan University. This innovative clinic has just been awarded a multi-year grant of $45,000 over three years from the Kalamazoo Community Foundation—a testament to its growing impact and promise. 

Founded in August 2022, the Therapy Dog Clinic was born from a simple yet powerful observation: therapy dogs, already present in WMU’s Resiliency Center for Families and Children and Unified Clinics, were making a measurable difference. Their calming presence, gentle demeanor and intuitive responses helped children and families navigate trauma and stress with greater resilience. Backed by research and driven by compassion, the clinic was established to expand these benefits across the university and the broader community. 

At the helm of this effort is Dr. Angela Moe, whose vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the clinic’s mission. The newly awarded grant will directly support her work in providing support services to individuals receiving services at Unified Clinics as well as helping future therapy dog teams prepare to serve the community. These dogs are more than pets—they are partners in healing. Trained to provide emotional support, they help improve communication skills, reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of safety and connection. 

“The funds will ensure services can continue to be delivered, free of charge, to Kalamazoo County youth undergoing developmental trauma assessments, outpatient mental health therapy and occupational therapy,” Dr. Moe explains. “Focused on operational costs and expansion, the funding will also ensure that WMU students with an interest in animal-assisted services and treatment will have opportunities for experiential learning and mentorship through the Therapy Dog Clinic." 

The grant from the Kalamazoo Community Foundation not only validates the clinic’s work but also ensures its sustainability. Over the next three years, the funding will support the training of more therapy dogs, expand outreach efforts and deepen the clinic’s integration into therapeutic programs across WMU, the Unified Clinics, Resiliency center and the surrounding community. 

As the Therapy Dog Clinic continues to grow, so does its impact. With each wagging tail and gentle nudge, these dogs are changing lives—one paw at a time.