[ SHOWGSD-L ] Texas A&M in search of their next mascot - not necessarily a collie! Know anyone?
- From: "Cyndy" <cyndy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <CHGermanShepherdShowDogsList@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, <Showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 1 Jun 2008 15:21:54 -0500
Texas A&M, my alma mater, is looking for their next mascot. Reveille VII, a
collie, was retired at the end of the spring semester. Reveille is treated
like a queen, and considered an ?officer? of sorts within the corps unit.
She goes to classes and football games, and makes special appearances.
During the summer she goes home with her handler. She lives with the same
group of students ? the same corps unit so there is always continuity in her
life. I?m really thinking they want another collie, but are open to other
breeds. If you know someone who has a dog who meets the requirements below ?
service dog training, about 18 months old, bitch, etc. please email Marty at
HYPERLINK "mailto:mholmes87@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"mholmes87@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Cyndy Davis ?84
HYPERLINK "http://www.texasdogs.com"www.texasdogs.com
Texas A&M?s next mascot should have physical characteristics like those of a
collie or golden retriever and a personality suited to the mascot?s duties,
a committee recommended Thursday.
After the impending retirement of Reveille VII was announced earlier this
semester, a 16-person study committee was formed to make recommendations on
the type of dog that should serve as the university?s new mascot. The
committee included students, faculty, staff, former students and
representatives of the Corps of Cadets, athletics and the Federation of
Texas A&M Mothers? Clubs. The committee also included a Texas A&M
veterinarian and animal behavior expert.
The committee?s recommendations, released today in a memorandum from Vice
President for Student Affairs Dr. Dean L. Bresciani to A&M students, faculty
and staff, said the next mascot, regardless of the breed selected, should
have the following ?essential characteristics?:
* Medium to large size.
* Healthy.
* Outgoing.
* Likes people and is at ease in crowds.
* Not afraid of noise.
* Not highly reactive.
* Positively motivated.
The committee also recommended that the new mascot be female, 1½ years or
older, have service dog training, and in appearance be either Collie-like ?
?not unlike Reveille II? ? or have a ?noble appearance ? not unlike a Golden
Retriever.?
The committee also noted ?ongoing concerns? for the mascot?s health and
behavior and asked that ?additional professional training protocols and
oversight be established, implemented and periodically evaluated, including
a transition period to help Reveille successfully acclimate to and carry out
her role as the mascot of Texas A&M University.?
In his memo, Bresciani said the university would immediately begin an
extensive nationwide effort to identify and evaluate potential canine
mascots, using the committee?s guidelines and with assistance from Texas A&M
veterinarians. He said he expects a recommendation on a specific mascot by
the end of the summer and the introduction of the new mascot in the fall.
Marty Holmes '87, assistant executive director of The Association of Former
Students, praised the process that has been established to select the next
mascot.
?All stakeholders, including former students, were represented on the
committee and had the opportunity to provide input on the long-standing
tradition of Texas A&M?s mascot,? Holmes said. ?The Association works
closely with Reveille, the mascot corporal and Company E-2 and, through
donations from former students, provides financial assistance to support
Reveille?s travels. We look forward to continuing that relationship with, as
Dr. Bresciani said in his memo, an official mascot that is an integral part
of the Aggie Family.?
HYPERLINK
"http://media.www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2008/05/05/News/co
llieLike.Dog.With.Service.Training.Will.Replace.Reveille.Vii-3363889.shtml"R
eveille coverage from The Battalion
HYPERLINK
"http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5748074.html"Reveille
coverage from the Houston Chronicle
HYPERLINK "http://www.theeagle.com/local/A-fetching-lady"Reveille coverage
from the Bryan-College Station Eagle
Below is the complete text of Dr. Bresciani?s memo.
1 May 2008
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Texas A&M Students, Faculty & Staff
FROM:
Dr. Dean L. Bresciani, Vice President for Student Affairs
SUBJECT:
Update Regarding Selection Process for New Aggie Mascot
Reveille VII, the current keeper of Texas A&M?s decades old mascot
tradition, will formally retire later this month at the conclusion of the
spring semester. As many of you know, shortly after her retirement plans
were announced, a 16-person study committee was formed with the support of
President Elsa A. Murano to make recommendations on the type of dog that
might best serve as the university?s new mascot. Those invited to
participate in the committee included students, faculty, staff, former
students and representatives of the Corps of Cadets, Athletics and the
Federation of Texas A&M Mothers? Clubs. The committee also included a Texas
A&M veterinarian who is a nationally known animal behavior expert.
The group?s first and foremost charge: ensure that we responsibly continue
the long-standing tradition of having an official mascot that is an integral
part of the Aggie Family ? attending classes and living in a home-like
environment on campus where the mascot will be loved and nurtured. The
committee recently completed its work, and after further consultation with
President Murano and a broad spectrum of senior campus leaders and advisors,
I am pleased to share with you our plans on how we will proceed:
Essential Characteristics
First, regardless of the type of dog selected to serve as the University
mascot, she should possess the following characteristics:
1. Medium to large size ? This body type is more consistent with the
symbolism of a University mascot and is more suitable to her ability to
perform the duties associated with the role.
2. Healthy ? Even at a reduced level of activity, the demands of the
position require that the mascot be in good physical condition. Furthermore,
any genetically related health concerns should be properly prescreened by a
veterinarian.
3. Outgoing personality (upbeat) ? One of the endearing qualities of a
mascot is its approachability and positive demeanor.
4. Likes people and is at ease in crowds ? It is important that the
University mascot portrays a genuine affection for people of varying ages in
one-on-one and large group settings.
5. Not afraid of noise ? Loud and frequent sounds are associated with a
number of the University?s traditions; therefore, it is critical that the
mascot be at ease in these environments.
6. Not highly reactive ? Given the nature and frequency of interaction
with the mascot, it is important that she not respond in a defensive or
aggressive manner when faced with quick movements or sudden motion.
7. Positively motivated ? The mascot should respond to instruction
based on affirmation and encouragement.
Recommended Mascot
Second, in order to prescreen for essential characteristics, establish an
appropriate level of training, and maintain the important symbolism of a
University mascot, Reveille should be either:
1. A mature (approximately 1½ years of age or older) female with a
Collie-like appearance (not unlike Reveille II), service dog training and
the essential characteristics noted above.
OR
2. A mature female (approximately 1½ years of age or older) with
service dog training, essential characteristics noted above, and the
physical attributes and noble appearance consistent with the role of the
University mascot (not unlike a Golden Retriever).
We are not inclined to consider a puppy at this point due to the following
factors: 1) the length of time it takes to properly train and transition a
puppy into this role ? approximately 18 months; 2) the inherent
uncertainties of the personality of a puppy; and 3) past experiences with
this approach not achieving desired results.
Training and Oversight
Third, we recognize that steps have been taken to better manage the
environment in which Reveille functions; however, given ongoing concerns for
her health and behavior, other changes may be needed. Therefore, we will ask
that additional professional training protocols and oversight be
established, implemented and periodically evaluated, including a transition
period to help Reveille successfully acclimate to and carry out her role as
the mascot of Texas A&M University. The Vice President for Student Affairs
will have responsibility for assuring that these protocols are developed and
monitored.
As we move forward in our effort to select a new mascot, we will immediately
begin an extensive nationwide effort to identify and evaluate potential
canine mascots, using the guidelines detailed above and with assistance from
Texas A&M veterinarians. I anticipate that we will identify the best
suitable mascot and put forward a recommendation by the end of the summer.
Therefore, I am hopeful that we will introduce the new mascot to the Aggie
Family this fall.
President Murano and I would like to commend the members of the committee
for a job well-done and thank them for their tireless efforts while serving
in this important capacity.
We look forward to introducing Reveille VIII to the Aggie Family!
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