The search for Reveille VIII continues.
With only a month and a half until the start of their football season, the new Texas A&M mascot, Reveille VIII, has not been chosen following the retirement of Reveille VII this past spring. Apparently this has been no easy decision, as much debate has surrounded the selection of the next Aggie representative.
While the last five mascots have all been purebred American collies, the first dog who represented the university was a mixed-breed who had been hit by a car and was nursed back to health by the Corps of Cadets in 1931. Though many people have suggested that the college continue to select collies, others instead want to go back to the university’s roots and employ a non-purebred dog, which could be adopted from a rescue or shelter.
According to a
memorandum to the university students and staff this past May, a committee was formed to provide suggestions on a replacement. The following characteristics were considered essential for the new dog; a large or medium size, good health, sociable personality, friendly and comfortable in crowds, at ease with loud noises, not defensive, and motivated by positive reinforcement. Texas A&M representatives also recommended that the new mascot be an adult female (at least 1 ½ years old) displaying either a collie-like or golden retriever-like appearance and have received service dog training.
However, months later, university officials are still searching for the right successor. Kevin Jackson, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, noted that they have some “strong leads,” but will still require student and staff interaction with the dogs prior to any final selection.
They have narrowed the choices to ten training facilities, only one of which is in Texas. Possible candidates for the mascot position have completed much of the training necessary to become service dogs, but were not capable of the more advanced tasks, so have been released from the program and made available for re-homing.
It is a proven fact that many shelter and rescue dogs make fabulous service animals. Let’s hope that the Texas A&M selection committee not only takes the behavioral and physical recommendations into consideration, but also keeps the university’s original tradition of a
rescued mascot into mind when the lucky canine is chosen to become Reveille VIII.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
While you may have no influence in the selection of the new Reveille VIII, you can still voice your opinion on who could possible become the “First Dog.”
Senator Barack Obama has promised his family a dog once the presidential election is complete. Whether he is elected as President or not, a man with as much influence as Sen. Obama could help bring awareness to the many, many homeless pets throughout the nation who are in need of loving families.
Please
sign this petition, which urges Sen. Obama to choose to adopt from a shelter or rescue.
If you too are considering a new pet, help save a life and choose adoption. Do not purchase from a store or breeder. Search through the thousands of homeless animals posted on
Petfinder.com to find a shelter or rescue organization near you.
For more information:
•
Mascot Controversy at Texas A&M•
TheEagle.com: A&M focuses mascot search• Join the
Obama Family Dog community on the Best Friends Network
Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Staff
Photo credit: taken by Jennifer Hayes