What started out as a visit from a puppy and a half-joking remark about needing a dog in the department ended with the addition of two of the most-loved employees of the Minnetonka and Crystal police departments. 

Sampson and Moe are full-time facility dogs. Their primary purpose is to help support officer wellness and community connection. What’s that mean? They are part-time tail-waggers and full-on morale boosters that bring all the cuteness, cuddles and K-9 charm anyone could ever need. 

The departments support the dogs with money from the Law Enforcement and Fire Department Therapy Dog Grant Program offered through our Office of Justice Programs (OJP). 

“Public safety is demanding work, and our first responders carry the weight of that responsibility every day. Programs like the Law Enforcement and Fire Department Therapy Dog Grant are one way we can support them,” said Natty Hels, OJP grant manager. “By helping departments bring therapy dogs into their work, we’re investing in officer wellness, resilience and stronger community connections. These grants align with Department of Public Safety’s mission to promote safe, healthy communities and support those who serve on the front lines.” 

Moe and Sampson are two of the eight dogs making an impact by easing stress, supporting well-being, and creating moments of connection that strengthen both officers and the communities they serve.

Sampson, who has been with Minnetonka Police Department for nearly two years, and Moe, who joined Crystal Police Department in January, are more than just facility dogs —they’re family. Both are collie mixes, around 6 years old, who were rescued after being found chained in a North Minneapolis backyard. Project Delta, a nonprofit that pairs rescue dogs with first responders and veterans, selected them for their calm and gentle nature. 

Now, Sampson and Moe live at their departments 24/7. They have beds, toys and treats scattered throughout the offices and are a steady presence for officers and staff. Both dogs are trained to detect elevated cortisol levels — a sign of stress — and offer comfort through their calm presence. They’ve completed rigorous training and attend monthly sessions to maintain their obedience and social skills in crowds. 

“They just know when someone needs them,” said Detective Samantha Thompson, Sampson’s handler at Minnetonka. “I’ve watched officers completely change after spending just a few minutes with Sampson. He’s helped people open up, decompress and return to their shift with a clearer mind.” 

As a detective, Thompson has also worked with Sampson to provide comfort for those who have been victims of crime. 

“It’s difficult at times for people to relax and talk with us and sometimes it just takes me asking them if they like dogs. If they do, we bring Sampson in, and you can see the fear and anxiety fade immediately.” 

Sgt. Jake Albers, Moe’s handler at Crystal, agrees. 

“Moe has brought a new energy to the department. He gives officers a reason to pause and take a breath,” said Albers. “And when we bring him to public events, you can see the walls come down. He makes it easier for us to connect with the community.” 

In the future, Sgt. Albers plans to bring Moe in as officers and staff discuss and relive tense situations. 

Sampson and Moe are having an impact beyond Minnetonka and Crystal. Numerous police departments around Minnesota and Wisconsin have reached out to learn more about the benefits of adding a facility dog.  

Whether it’s comforting a staff member after a difficult call or greeting families at a community event, Sampson and Moe are helping bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public — one paw at a time. 

Learn more about the benefits of therapy dogs at Law Enforcement and Fire Department Therapy Dog Grant Program.