Campus canine celebrity Welles, who is the loyal service dog for NMU Veteran Services Coordinator Mike Rutledge, received the 2025 Silver Tag Award from UPAWS at its annual gala in April. He was recognized for his longtime service, and for his “comforting and supportive presence” on campus and in the community."
Welles was trained to assist Rutledge—a U.S. Army veteran—with the impacts of post-traumatic stress disorder, getting up and down, and picking things up off the floor. Rutledge said he's had several surgeries over the last six years or so, and Welles was very helpful during his recovery. The dog is actually trained to take things out of a laundry basket and put them in the dryer so his owner doesn't have to bend over too far.
“I have always allowed students on campus and people in the community to interact with him because I can see the immediate effect he has on their mood,” Rutledge said. “[Dean of Students] Mary Brundage has even commented that Welles has, on more than one occasion, gone into her office and sat down next to a student who was highly distressed over some issue or the other, all on his own. He just sensed something was not right and immediately picked out the person. His puppy-like persona cheers everyone up.”
Welles has also been the unofficial mascot of the Wildcat volleyball team for about seven years, barking when the team is introduced prior to the start of the match, and when they win. Rutledge said it elevates the players' spirits. His second, younger dog, Quinn, is learning from the best, following big brother Welles' example of how to interact with people and provide attentive service in different contexts.
"When classes are in session at NMU, the largest concentration of veterans in Marquette County is on campus. There are about 300 military-connected students at Northern.”
Rutledge is on the board of Upper Peninsula Together With Veterans, which brought the touring group 1° of Separation to NMU and several U.P. locations last spring. It presents a comedy show and suicide prevention program aimed at ending the stigma of mental illness. Rutledge also collaborates with other organizations that help area residents who have served in the military—outreach that extends beyond his role assisting student veterans and elevating NMU's position on national Military Friendly Schools rankings.
Mike Rutledge, NMU Veteran Services Coordinator, stands with his two service dogs, Quinn (left) and Welles (Right)
Rutledge, a U.S. Army retiree, is a member of the American Legion, VFW and the Disabled American Veterans. He is also in the Marquette County Veterans Alliance, a group composed of members representing all of the veteran service organizations that helps to coordinate activities and make sure everyone is notified about them.
At the 1° of Separation show, the Michigan Veterans Affairs agency had service officers onsite in case a veteran attending was motivated to seek help through the VA system. There were also mental health counselors and a chaplain present for those who may have felt the need to talk through what they had been experiencing. Rutledge said the suicide rate for veterans is a little bit higher than the overall population—about 17 per day.
“More than half of the veterans who commit suicide had not reached out to the VA at any point; they had untreated depression and PTSD,” he added. “So the idea is to convince them it's okay to seek help. Some are reluctant because of the toughness and grit required during their military life. But if we can get them enrolled in the VA and connect them with other veterans, maybe we can prevent some of these tragic incidents from happening."
"If the comedy and suicide prevention shows reached one person, it was well worth the investment.The primary target audience was veterans, but we also reached out to first responders, fire, police and people who work in the medical community, who also tend to have a higher suicide rate. The nine shows held in various locations went very well. I am sure we will work to bring the group back.”
Over Rutledge's decade of employment with NMU, he has helped veterans on campus and in the community take advantage of all benefits available to them by virtue of their military service. He is also the stateadviser fothe Student Veterans of America service organization. Under his leadership, NMU has made seven consecutive appearancesamong the Top 10 small public institutions nationwide designated Military Friendly Schools by VIQTORY Media. Last year, NMU achieved the No. 2 ranking. It is also recognized as a Military Friendly Spouse School. U.S. News and World Report ranked Northern as one of the top 25 best colleges for veterans in the country.
