Dentists Doing Good

Dr. Daniel J. Peters: Four Legged or Two, We Could All Use a Little Help When Times Get Ruff

How did you get started volunteering at Kent County Animal Shelter/involved with their organization? DP: We got our family dog Kendra from KCAS eleven years ago. As many of you know, about the time that my injured wrist ended my clinical career, I also suffered a life-threatening illness. The road to recovery was exceedingly difficult physically, mentally, and emotionally. Kendra believed that her love was all that was necessary to make me better and literally walked me through that time in my life. I volunteer in her honor.

How long have you been volunteering there? DP: I started in August of 2020.

What is your favorite part of working with this organization? DP: In my opinion, dogs beat therapy. I interact with dozens of primarily young dogs each week, get great exercise, and often get to enjoy outings with certain higher stressed dogs outside of the shelter. Seeing a stressed-out shelter mutt chill out away from the shelter is very cool.

Do you have pets at home? DP: Kendra is still my walking buddy and our grandpuppy Goldie often comes over for sleepovers.

Dan and his buddy Rusty, a shelter dog, got out of the shelter for a while to take in the sights (and the selfies) in downtown Grand Rapids.

How can someone get involved with the local shelter/ What are ways that dentists could get involved? DP: Oh my goodness, there are so many ways! Walk dogs. Care for cats. Foster dogs and cats long term or even just for overnights and holidays. Adoption counseling, laundry, cleaning, office/clerical work, etc. There is a donation bin outside of the shelter for blankets, towels, beds, etc. and an Amazon wish list page for treats, leashes, puppy formula, etc. If you want to take the easy way out, throw money at us!

Do you have information for someone interested in fostering or adopting an animal (website, phone number, etc.)? DP: https://www.accesskent.com/Health/AnialControl/volunteer.htm Daniel Peters, DDS, is a retired general dentist and partner in Peters Family Dentistry, and is currently a job coach/ lifestyle coach for DBS Companies. He is the vice president of the MDA Foundation as well as treasurer, Re-Member 501(c)3 serving the Lakota Nation on Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota. Dan received his BS degree in biology and dental school degree from the University of Michigan.