Man’s best friend.
A phrase that captures the loyalty and unconditional love dogs bring into our lives, a kind of love many college students deeply miss when they leave their own pets at home.
But, here in Corvallis, Oregon, the Heartland Humane Society has found a heartwarming way to fill that gap through its Fetch a Friend program.
The Fetch a Friend program, which was started in May 2025, gives community members the chance to take dogs from the shelter out for the day. This includes Oregon State University students.
Whether it’s a hike or a trip to the coast, these short adventures offer meaningful benefits for both dogs and humans alike.
The Fetch a Friend program offers a sense of comfort and connection, especially for students missing their pets back home.
“So many college students that say, ‘I have a dog back home. I can’t have it here in my new situation, and I really miss hiking with the dog,’” says Emily Durant, an employee at the Heartland Humane Society.
“They’ll come on a Saturday and take them on a walk to the park,” Durant adds.
But the program doesn’t just help students. It makes a real difference for the dogs, too.
Kayla Ramsey, another Heartland employee, explains that the dogs are often calmer and happier after their outings.
“They usually sleep right after they get back.”
Many shelter dogs spend long hours awaiting adoption, and these adventures provide much-needed exercise, socialization, and exposure to potential adopters.
“We’ve also had people see the dogs outside, like on walks, and then come in interested about them,” Ramsey adds. “So, they’ve gotten adopted that way, too.”
The program can also be a great opportunity for families or students who are interested in fostering or adopting, but want to start with a low-pressure trial experience before-hand.
For students juggling classes, jobs, and extracurriculars, this program can also serve as a gentle nudge to slow down and reconnect with nature and the things they love to do.
The Fetch a Friend program can serve as a reminder that companionship doesn’t always have to come from home, it can come from Heartland.
Visit the Heartland Humane Society website, to fetch your friend.
Don’t have a whole day to spare? The Heartland Humane Thrift Store also generates income to the shelter, providing another way to support the program.
