ROSEBURG, Oregon – Finals are never a walk in the park, and while many students are taking tests and finishing up their lab reports, a group of Umpqua Community College (UCC) students wanted to help their stressed peers to paws and relax.

These UCC students organized an event that allowed their fellow classmates and school faculty members to visit shelter dogs on campus grounds. The intention behind this event was to de-stress students as well as provide Saving Grace pets with love and affection outside of the shelter. On the first day, there were four dogs that attended, and on the second there were three.

We organized this event for a project in our Small Group Discussions class. The assignment was to create a volunteer project that would benefit UCC students. We were coming up on finals week and wanted to help students de-stress. said Caleb Hobson, one of the UCC students behind this event.

There was a really good turnout. We were unsure how many people would come by. added Jonathan VanDermark.

There was a much bigger turnout than expected, and unfortunately we had to close the event a little early because the dogs were getting worn out from all the attention they were receiving. said Kirsten Willis.

Caleb Hobson, Gema Jaime, Kirtsen Willis, and Jonathan VanDermark became so involved in their project, that they became official Saving Grace Volunteers. This means they went through all the required training and spent days at the shelter helping. Alongside these students were Randy Stults and Karen Mayo, both Saving Grace volunteers.

Rolo (pictured at top) was brought into Saving Grace on March 15, 2018. His current adoption price is $196. The adoption fee covers the pet’s spay or neuter surgery, microchip and registration, and 30-45 days of pet health insurance. Saving Grace will administer core vaccines and flea treat every adoptable pet. Some pets also receive special veterinary care, rabies vaccines and dog licenses!

All dogs brought to the event were available for adoption. A more extensive list of available pets can be found on the Saving Grace Website. Adoption hours at Saving Grace are: Tuesday – Saturday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Story by Katelyn Barry, Student Writer

About Umpqua Community College

Nestled in the beautiful North Umpqua River Valley, Umpqua Community College is the regional center for higher education in Douglas County, Oregon. UCC provides high quality college degree programs, workforce development, and community learning opportunities.

Contact

Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center
450 Old Del Rio Road
Roseburg, OR 97471
Phone: 541-672-3907