An Inspired Chat with Lauren McCormick of Grand Rapids

Lauren McCormick shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of my day job, what’s been bringing me the most joy is volunteering as a communications and marketing consultant with West Michigan Therapy Dogs since 2018. It’s been so rewarding to support their mission and see the impact our therapy dog teams make in the community, and mentoring their interns has brought me extra joy along the way.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lauren McCormick, and outside of my career in marketing and public relations, I volunteer as a communications and marketing consultant with West Michigan Therapy Dogs (WMTD). I first joined WMTD as an intern in 2016, and after graduating college in 2018, I’ve continued to support the organization ever since, even while moving and living in different states. In my role, I help share the incredible stories of our therapy dog teams, grow community awareness, and guide WMTD’s marketing, communications, and fundraising efforts.

What makes WMTD so special is the way our volunteer handler-dog teams bring comfort, connection, and healing to people of all ages in hospitals, schools, libraries, and beyond. One of my favorite parts of this role is mentoring our interns. It’s inspiring to see the next generation of communicators gain hands-on experience while contributing to such meaningful work.

Right now, I’m especially excited about laying the groundwork for WMTD’s 25th anniversary in 2026 — a celebration of our history, our community partners, and the incredible impact of our therapy dogs over the years. We’re always looking for donations and new volunteers to join us in this mission, and you can learn more at www.wmtd.org.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
moment that really shaped how I see the world was during COVID-19, when the local therapy dog organization in San Diego, where I was living at the time, wasn’t able to visit because of restrictions. I knew how much comfort those visits brought, so I stepped in with my own dog to fill the void and bring joy to residents living with dementia at my former employer. My experience with West Michigan Therapy Dogs had already shown me the profound impact these interactions can have, and I knew my dog’s temperament would make her perfect for the role. Seeing the joy she sparked was a full-circle moment for me. It cemented how simple kindness can be, how each of us has a gift to share if we just make the time, and how deeply rewarding it is to give back. That experience reminded me that healing often comes in the smallest gestures; a wagging tail, a gentle presence, and the willingness to simply show up for others.

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
When I was sad or scared as a child, my animals were always a source of comfort. No matter what I was feeling, they had a way of making me feel safe and less alone. That experience showed me firsthand how powerful the bond with an animal can be, which is why I believe so strongly in the impact of pet therapy for people of all ages. For children especially; whether they’re testifying in court, spending time in a children’s hospital, or bravely fighting cancer, having a therapy dog by their side can provide comfort in moments of fear and uncertainty. Through West Michigan Therapy Dogs, I’m grateful to help support this work, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know we’re making those difficult experiences a little more bearable.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I really admire all of the West Michigan Therapy Dogs volunteers for their character, not their power. They’re humble about what they do, yet the service they provide alongside their furry companions is profoundly powerful. What stands out most to me is their selflessness — no matter what’s happening in their own lives or how busy they are with work and family, they still make time to show up and make a difference for someone else.

Many of our volunteers also bring incredible skills from their professions and life experiences, and those talents are vital in helping us run an organization that is fully volunteer-driven and supported by donations. I encourage everyone to find ways to share their time and talents, even if they don’t have a dog or can’t picture themselves in a role like this. There are always ways to make an impact and support nonprofits, and every contribution truly matters.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m with my own dogs; they’re my world and my constant source of calm. I also find a deep sense of peace after helping West Michigan Therapy Dogs accomplish something meaningful for our mission, like reaching a fundraising goal. In those moments, I know my time and effort made a difference, and that feeling of contributing to something bigger than myself makes it all worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wmtd.org
• Instagram: @westmichigantherapydogs
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/west-michigan-therapy-dogs-inc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westmichigantherapydogs

Image Credits
Lauren McCormick