Some say every dog has its day.
This year, that day was Sunday, Sept. 15 when Elon University students and community members gathered outside of Elon Community Church for the first annual Dog Day Mixer.
Students were treated to fresh food, live music and homemade ice cream — and not to mention the appearance of church member’s dogs for students to pet and play with — at the event meant to introduce students to the church community.
The event was planned by the church’s University Relations committee with the intent to welcome students to the church and offer a friendly environment to any students who may be in need of a community outlet.
“We want to be a resource for the students,” said Dolores Truitt, a committee member. “The students walk by the church all four years they are here. It’s a bit intimidating to walk into a church you don’t know anything about. “
The committee’s slogan is “outreach through southern hospitality and being a good neighbor.” Through events like the Dog Day Mixer, the organization hopes to show its availability to students regardless of their religious backgrounds.
When thinking of ways to communicate with Elon students, the committee consulted members of the student body who are in the church’s congregation.
“We started out by asking them what they missed the most (about home),” said Sherry Scott, committee chairman. “They said pets, so we figured we could bring our pets.”
There were originally plans for an event where hot dogs would be served, according to Randy Orwig, pastor of Elon Community Church.
“Originally that event [and the Dog Day Mixer] were going to be two different days,” he said.
But when the committee proposed a day where community members could bring their dogs to play with the students, they decided to combine both ideas.
The event was a success, according to committee members, and community members loved the idea.
“A lot of students have pets at home and this is their way of dealing with missing them,” said Bob Abraham, a church member who brought his 2-year-old Border Collie mix, Samantha.
Dozens of students were walking by the church and stopped when they saw the dogs.
Freshman Alex Pollock came with her friend and enjoyed the hospitality of the church congregation.
“It’s adorable – there’s such a sense of community,” she said.
Freshman Alex Hunter said she heard about the event in a church service she attended at Elon Community Church. Hunter enjoyed herself, as well.
“I think it’s really nice for the students,” Hunter said. “This was really thoughtful of them.”
Events like this are critical to maintaining a good relationship with the University, Orwig said. With the recent opening of the Numen Lumen Pavilion, he feels it is important for the church to make itself available to students.
“We just want to be good neighbors,” he said.
The church is working with members of the Pavilion to ensure events are not scheduled at conflicting times.
The University Relations committee plans to hold another event for students on Oct. 5. It is entitled “Welcome to your Neighborhood” and will feature local artists, recreational activities and food from local Burlington restaurants.