Barli the BrED Dog

Cover photo submitted by Marianna Fajt-Schrack

Photo by Brynne Norton

Article by Madeline Teeter

NEWBERG, Ore. – While at college, it is not uncommon for students to experience homesickness, missing their pets as well as their families. This absence can be difficult to fill, given there are less opportunities to interact with pets on a college campus than people.

“I miss my pets every day, mostly the dogs,” said Kellan Hogan, a sophomore. “They have a love and affection few humans can match and a dorkiness none can.”

For some, not having pets at college can be one of the biggest adjustments to living on campus. “My pets are probably the thing I miss most about being home,” said Jayden Ancheta, a freshman.

Marianna Fajt-Schrack, area coordinator (AC) for Brandt Hall and Edwards Hall (BrEd), helps to alleviate the absence of pets by bringing her dog, Barli, to dorm events and taking him for walks to greet students.

“Barli’s existence does wonders for my mental health and being around him makes me feel calm in a way nothing else can,” Ancheta said.

Even brief interactions with Barli can brighten a student’s day. “He always makes me happy! It's so fun seeing him and it really makes everything a bit better when I'm having a hard day,” said Susy Anderson, a junior.

Barli isn’t the only one cheering up students. Fajt-Schrack herself is available for students who want someone to talk to.

Speaking of her own college experience as a first-generation student, she said, “College was an opportunity where people were really seeing me for the first time.” Now, she helps students at George Fox University (GFU) to be seen and heard.

After college, Fajt-Schrack became a social worker at a hospital. The prospect of becoming an AC had not yet occurred to her as a possibility. “Through a movement of the Holy Spirit, GFU was put on my heart,” Fajt-Schrack said. “It fits so many of my skills and passions.”

However, taking on the role would require significant change in her life, as she grew up in Pennsylvania and went to college in New York. Working at GFU would mean moving to the opposite side of the country, away from her family.

Fajt-Schrack adopted Barli soon after her move. He helped her to overcome the anxiety of the change. “Barli teaches me to slow down and rest,” she said. She explained that coming from the East Coast hustle culture, having Barli to keep her grounded in the moment was and continues to be valuable.

When describing the role of an AC, Fajt-Schrack said, “Our job oversees the welfare of communities holistically. We’re learning how to be a good neighbor.”

Not only does she want to create a safe space for students, but one where they can have fun as well. “I want to help people get out of the mundane cycle of going to class, eating and sleeping. I want them to feel alive and joy again,” said Fajt-Schrack.

One aspect of her role that she appreciates is how she is able to always be around for students. “A reason why I really love this job is that this job is lived in ministry,” Fajt-Schrack said. “The opportunity to be with people in their hardest moments and their most joyous moments.”

Connecting with the idea of meeting students in the highs and lows, Fajt-Schrack said that Barli can adjust to the energy level of those around him. “When people are excited, he’ll be excited for them,” she said.

At large gatherings, Barli tends to get boisterous given the high levels of energy students bring to the event. However, he has a calmer side as well. “I’ve seen him be more aware of when someone is struggling than anyone else,” said Fajt-Schrack.

Many students hold love in their hearts for Barli. The quotes below show how personally Barli and Fajt-Schrack have impacted students’ lives for the better.

• “Barli is super comforting. It's like he knows when you are having a bad day,” said AnnaBella Sterne, a sophomore. “He'll just prance on over and give you all the comfort and love.”

• “On my worst, highest stress days, he brings me a sense of ease and he never fails to make me smile,” said Braden Tippets, a junior.

• “He just pours his heart and soul into everything. He is so very loved by the GFU community,” said Sophia Gresli. 

• “Marianna is just as happy and joyous as Barli, which is a lot,” Hogan said. “They both make my day brighter if I see them.”

“Barli gives me the opportunity to be more involved in their lives,” Fajt-Schrack said. She added that she does her best to gauge when others are comfortable around Barli, given not all students are comfortable around dogs. This observation of students’ comfortability is a facet of Fajt-Schrack’s focus on students and their needs. 

Senior Jackson DeBritz has experienced this attention from Fajt-Schrack. “She always strives to connect with me. Earlier this week we got to catch up a bit as I was walking back from class. It meant a lot.”

Gresli, a Sophomore, has had Fajt-Schrack as an AC since her freshman year and remarked on always feeling supported by Fajt-Schrack. “Marianna is an amazing person, I loved having her as the AC my freshman year in Edwards,” Gresli said. “I always felt like I could talk to her about anything, and she never judged me when I got emotional. She is very supportive. We are so grateful to have her.”

“I want my whole life to be used as ministry, including Barli,” Fajt-Schrack said. “I feel so blessed that I get to be an advocate for Christ for you guys and pray for you.” 

Whether it is brightening someone’s day through a brief interaction, or sitting down to have a heart-to-heart conversation, Fajt-Schrack and Barli are working to bring joy to the campus.