Published on November 11, 2025

Q&A: Meet Archie

ARCH (Alternative Response for Community Health) is a collaboration between Mary Greeley, the city of Ames, and Iowa State University. Staffed by people trained in mental health and crisis stabilization, ARCH provides a more specialized approach to 911 calls that don't fit the criteria for a police or other emergency response. 

Archie waits in the ARCH vehicle, window down his head peaking out, the vehicle is parked outside of Mary Greeley Medical Center

Archie, the newest member of the ARCH team, tells us about his important role.

Archie, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a Golden Doodle and right now I am 6 months old. I’m going to be a crisis therapy dog with ARCH.

Archie, a crisis therapy dog in-training, with his human, Nick Toornstra, a Mary Greeley paramedic.That’s exciting.

It is. I get the zoomies just thinking about it.

What will you do with ARCH and how are you preparing?

I’m going to school at Crisis Canines of the Midlands. I’m learning how to be a Crisis Response Therapy Dog, which sounds so cool. I’m learning how to follow directions and how to be calm when everything might be scary and noisy. I’m also learning how to ride safely in police cars and ambulances.

Sometimes people are having a really bad day. Maybe they are angry or afraid or super stressed out. Instead of police, ARCH can respond to these situations. I can be there to help make the person feel calmer and less scared, which will help them talk to the professionals and get what they need.

Also, people who respond to emergencies like police and paramedics and firefighters can feel stress and stuff, too. I can also help them.

This is serious work and I guess you could say that I’m stress relief on four legs.

Where are you stationed?

I live with Nick Toornstra, who is one of the top people with ARCH and a paramedic at Mary Greeley. I’m training with Nick, and I get to live with him and his family. I come to work with Nick sometimes. Nick is pretty much my best friend. And I’m everybody’s best friend because I’m a dog.

Where will you work?

I will work mostly in Ames but if there is a situation outside of Ames or even Story County where I can be of help, I will definitely be there.

Are you prepared to become a celebrity?

If it means getting petted a lot, I’m totally ready for it. Nick is getting stickers made to give to kids. And I think I’m going to be on Mary Greeley social media tons.

One last question? Who’s a good boy?

I am. Duh.

The ARCH program is funded in part by the Mary Greeley Foundation.