Officers and Staff
Rob Velde
Director
contact
Megan Welle
Assistant to the Director
contact
Kathy Dingman
Investigator
contact
Travis Clark
Police Officer
contact
Behmler 6
320-589-6000
Email
Archie
Therapy Dog
UMM's very own therapy dog Archie is a Goldendoodle and was born January 1, 2020. He lives with his handler Officer Kathy Dingman and her family and accompanies Officer Dingman to work when she is scheduled. Archie attended Canine Cabin Training Camp for 6 weeks in the summer of 2020. He worked on obedience drills and other skills that helped him prepare for his therapy dog certification. Archie passed his therapy dog test in the summer of 2021 with flying colors! He and Officer Dingman are now a certified therapy dog and handler team with Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program.
Archie is busy throughout the school year. He is often invited to Office of Residential Life floor programs where the residents can spend time with him and de-stress. He hosts a Pet Away Your Stress event, every Monday night in Louie's Lower Level at 7pm. He also is a regular presence in the Student Center where he tables every Tuesday from 11:30am-1:00pm. He gives away UMM Public Safety t-shirts with his likeness on them, Archie trading cards, Archie stickers and other promotional items. Archie assists on calls to help people in a mental health crisis and comforts victims of crime. He is an important and integral part of our UMM Community.
The UMM Candace Day Altonen Therapy Dog Program is made possible by generous contributions. If you are interested in learning more about how you can support Archie and the Therapy Dog Program, please contact Public Safety at 320-589-6000, email Lt. Rob Velde, or the Office of Development at ummdev@morris.umn.edu or 320-589-6386. You may also give directly to the Candace Day Altonen Therapy Dog Program Fund.