Gettysburg program brings freshmen, dogs together for orientation

Pets helped welcome students to Gettysburg College this year and made headlines around the state. During the first three weeks of classes, college employees were encouraged to bring their dogs to campus for "Dog Days." Students were invited to meet the dogs and their owners. The goal was for students to forge connections with members of the College community. The Associated Press picked up the story and it was included in dozens of newspapers throughout Pennsylvania. Harrisburg's ABC WHTM-27 News also showed up to capture the action.

"If you get to know the dog, you can get to know the person," said Kathy Bradley, director of the Health & Counseling Center and associate dean of College Life, who dreamed up Dog Days. "If a student has one connection on campus - from a custodian to the president - we're more likely to retain that student. And it addresses students' homesickness and well-being."