Spring Break
A&M's great mascot debate
Abstract:
"I think Reveille VIII should be an American collie because it's tradition, and isn't that what A&M's all about?" freshman general studies major Emily Hudson said....
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- Next 38 Comments
Mike
posted 3/06/08 @ 3:53 AM CST
How about adopting a random ass one from the pound? You could throw a big ceremony, whichever dog starts barking to the War Hymn is now the mascot or some other corny thing. Or just go with a poodle.
Murph
posted 3/06/08 @ 7:09 AM CST
Is there a chance of genetically engineering a maroon and white dog?
InkDemon
posted 3/06/08 @ 9:22 AM CST
Originally posted byMurph
Is there a chance of genetically engineering a maroon and white dog?
Great idea! How about "engineering" a dog into a "Big Sarge" head.
Tim
posted 3/06/08 @ 8:08 AM CST
If we have to work this hard to maintain traditions, we are doing something wrong. Traditions are labors of love, not things that have to be planned out to the last detail in committee.
In my opinion, the Reveille tradition lost its soul when it wss decided that Reveille "had" to be a collie. Reveille I was a mutt, and while this doesn't mean that all Reveille's need to be mutts, it does mean that the dog's genetics should not play that big a role in choosing our next mascot.
In my opinion, the Reveille tradition lost its soul when it wss decided that Reveille "had" to be a collie. Reveille I was a mutt, and while this doesn't mean that all Reveille's need to be mutts, it does mean that the dog's genetics should not play that big a role in choosing our next mascot.
'Newt' Dyer-- '52
posted 3/06/08 @ 8:30 PM CST
Originally posted byTim
If we have to work this hard to maintain traditions, we are doing something wrong. Traditions are labors of love, not things that have to be planned out to the last detail in committee.
In my opinion, the Reveille tradition lost its soul when it wss decided that Reveille "had" to be a collie. Reveille I was a mutt, and while this doesn't mean that all Reveille's need to be mutts, it does mean that the dog's genetics should not play that big a role in choosing our next mascot.
When we were there,(it was a couple of years after "SHE' died) we had no one in particular as a mascot. There were several mongrals that escaped from the Vet Scool's knife for a month or so but one ended up with 3 legs and we did indeed love to watch him run on two (2) legs once he was really movin' out! We gave all those poor mutts all the privaliges on "The Campus" that all the fancy Collies have had. We have enjoyed the Collies but it did seem strange to some of us when they showed up to take the place of the cute little Revele that started 'the TRDITION!'
John B.
posted 3/06/08 @ 8:31 AM CST
How about a Border Collie? It is a herding dog, they are smart, very athletic, and are very fun dogs. Also, there is the off chance some people might find it easier to swallow simply because the word "Collie" is in the breed name. Sounds kind of ridiculous, but you never know.
R. T. (Bill) Goldston, DVM '67
posted 3/06/08 @ 10:02 AM CST
Originally posted byJohn B.
How about a Border Collie? It is a herding dog, they are smart, very athletic, and are very fun dogs. Also, there is the off chance some people might find it easier to swallow simply because the word "Collie" is in the breed name. Sounds kind of ridiculous, but you never know.
I completely agree with the Border Collie. They have officially been declared the most intelligent dog, long lived, athletic and extremely easy to train.
Aggie Mom
posted 3/09/08 @ 8:39 AM CST
Originally posted byJohn B.
How about a Border Collie? It is a herding dog, they are smart, very athletic, and are very fun dogs. Also, there is the off chance some people might find it easier to swallow simply because the word "Collie" is in the breed name. Sounds kind of ridiculous, but you never know.
I totally agree that a border collie fits the bill. However, I guarantee you that some PC purist will take offense, finding some immigration inference in the name... What is this world coming to?
Courtney DeMaio
posted 4/30/08 @ 6:33 PM CST
I have a border collie and she is the most loyal, amazing dog I've ever had. I think it would be a great idea for the university to adopt a border collie from an animal shelter.
How about a Border Collie? It is a herding dog, they are smart, very athletic, and are very fun dogs. Also, there is the off chance some people might find it easier to swallow simply because the word "Collie" is in the breed name. Sounds kind of ridiculous, but you never know.[/QUOTE]
How about a Border Collie? It is a herding dog, they are smart, very athletic, and are very fun dogs. Also, there is the off chance some people might find it easier to swallow simply because the word "Collie" is in the breed name. Sounds kind of ridiculous, but you never know.[/QUOTE]
DJK
posted 3/06/08 @ 8:54 AM CST
Are you people nuts? Selecting a mutt to be the next Revellie is like asking the school to change it's color from maroon to burnt orange. This is not a diversity issue, it's an identity one, and anyone who says otherwise should be ashamed.
Don't worry about the training---that's what we have the Fightin' Texas Aggie Mascot Company for!
Don't worry about the training---that's what we have the Fightin' Texas Aggie Mascot Company for!
Kathy Durso
posted 3/06/08 @ 9:28 AM CST
I agree with this comment "Selecting a mutt to be the next Revellie is like asking the school to change it's color from maroon to burnt orange. This is not a diversity issue, it's an identity one, and anyone who says otherwise should be ashamed."
Keep up this kind of thinking and the next thing you know we will have nothing unique left to A&M. We will be just like every other school.
Come on Aggies! Let's pull together on this. Reveille has most recently been a collie and she should continue to be a collie.
Keep up this kind of thinking and the next thing you know we will have nothing unique left to A&M. We will be just like every other school.
Come on Aggies! Let's pull together on this. Reveille has most recently been a collie and she should continue to be a collie.
aggie '04
posted 3/06/08 @ 9:48 AM CST
Originally posted byDJK
Don't worry about the training---that's what we have the Fightin' Texas Aggie Mascot Company for!
Because they have shown such a good job training the last 2.
DJK
posted 3/06/08 @ 10:37 AM CST
aggie '04
You think you or a group of non-regs could do better? Forgive Rev for behaving like a dog.
Maybe we should let the new mutt revelle be trained by a frat. They could dress her up in greek stuff at the football games, and play drinking games with her on the weekends.
Then, when she's had to endure that for a year, we could pass her off to another student group, for example, the Aggie Allies (use your imaginations here). The next year, rev can be escorted to the games by the Fightin' Texas Aggie -American student group.
Perhaps in a few years, we'll ditch the idea of using a dog because a football field is not the natural environment for a vicious predator canine. We could have a more non-threatening mascot, like a castrated longhorn bull. It'll just sit there all sedated and depressed, waiting for a trip to the slaughterhouse. Yeah, that's what I want representing my school!
You think you or a group of non-regs could do better? Forgive Rev for behaving like a dog.
Maybe we should let the new mutt revelle be trained by a frat. They could dress her up in greek stuff at the football games, and play drinking games with her on the weekends.
Then, when she's had to endure that for a year, we could pass her off to another student group, for example, the Aggie Allies (use your imaginations here). The next year, rev can be escorted to the games by the Fightin' Texas Aggie -American student group.
Perhaps in a few years, we'll ditch the idea of using a dog because a football field is not the natural environment for a vicious predator canine. We could have a more non-threatening mascot, like a castrated longhorn bull. It'll just sit there all sedated and depressed, waiting for a trip to the slaughterhouse. Yeah, that's what I want representing my school!
Dave Webb
posted 3/06/08 @ 12:08 PM CST
Originally posted byDJK
Are you people nuts? Selecting a mutt to be the next Revellie is like asking the school to change it's color from maroon to burnt orange. This is not a diversity issue, it's an identity one, and anyone who says otherwise should be ashamed.
Don't worry about the training---that's what we have the Fightin' Texas Aggie Mascot Company for!
Hey DJK,
Guess what? I'm not ashamed of myself. I'm all for getting a pound puppy for the next Reveille instead of some crazy inbred Collie, that seemed to inhabit the last place of honor as our esteemed mascot. Sure, you can disagree, but don't attempt to "shame" me for it. LAME.
DJK
posted 3/06/08 @ 2:04 PM CST
I don't have to "attempt" to shame you, your comments shame you themselves.
renee
posted 3/06/08 @ 2:31 PM CST
Originally posted byDJK
Are you people nuts? Selecting a mutt to be the next Revellie is like asking the school to change it's color from maroon to burnt orange. This is not a diversity issue, it's an identity one, and anyone who says otherwise should be ashamed.
Don't worry about the training---that's what we have the Fightin' Texas Aggie Mascot Company for!
Every school that has a dog as its mascot has a purebred. By switching back to an adopted mutt, A&M would not only be restoring Reveille I, but would be standing out from the rest of the pack.
DJK
posted 3/06/08 @ 11:52 PM CST
renee
We don't need to switch back to anything. If anything, the Batt is having a slow news day, and is trying to spark a debate on a non-issue. I'll bet this so-called "debate" just started today.
We don't need to switch back to anything. If anything, the Batt is having a slow news day, and is trying to spark a debate on a non-issue. I'll bet this so-called "debate" just started today.
renee
posted 3/07/08 @ 3:08 AM CST
Uh sorry no, the debate has been going on for awhile. Just a couple weeks ago the Eagle even did an online opionion poll, and guess what-- the mutt won.
AggieCoach.com
posted 3/07/08 @ 10:18 AM CST
Originally posted byDJK
Are you people nuts? Selecting a mutt to be the next Revellie is like asking the school to change it's color from maroon to burnt orange. This is not a diversity issue, it's an identity one, and anyone who says otherwise should be ashamed.
Don't worry about the training---that's what we have the Fightin' Texas Aggie Mascot Company for!
Dude, check out "Reveille" on wikipedia. Reveille I was a MUTT.
Cindy Dorsten
posted 7/17/08 @ 2:13 PM CST
The marketing major who stated that Collies are spastic and hard to train is showing her true colors. Collies are actually one of the original breeds, and arwe considered one of the most intelligenmt, if not THE most intelligent, dogs and are easy to train provided the trainer is competent. Even an incompetent trainer manages to train a dog fairly well. I think what we really have is a highly stressful situation (HUGE crowds and unrealistic expectations) that we are requiring of these dogs. It's a myth thaqt mixed breeds are smarter. At least with purebreds, breeding tells.
Mixed breeds are a random mix. I'd like to see Reveille continue as a Collie, but perhaps the "job requirements" be modified not to be so nutty and super stressful. Cindy
Mixed breeds are a random mix. I'd like to see Reveille continue as a Collie, but perhaps the "job requirements" be modified not to be so nutty and super stressful. Cindy
Originally posted byDJK
Are you people nuts? Selecting a mutt to be the next Revellie is like asking the school to change it's color from maroon to burnt orange. This is not a diversity issue, it's an identity one, and anyone who says otherwise should be ashamed.
Don't worry about the training---that's what we have the Fightin' Texas Aggie Mascot Company for!
Karla
posted 3/06/08 @ 9:01 AM CST
I've said it before - the first Rev was a mutt so going with the Collie is what really broke the tradition. There are plenty of shelters in Texas and more than enough dogs in need of a great place to live.
AggieCoach.com
posted 3/06/08 @ 9:15 AM CST
Change to bulldog, like the U.S.M.C.
http://www.usmcbulldog.com/bulldog.html
http://www.usmcbulldog.com/bulldog.html
Amanda
posted 3/06/08 @ 9:31 AM CST
Originally posted byAggieCoach.com
Change to bulldog, like the U.S.M.C.
http://www.usmcbulldog.com/bulldog.html
Why would we want the exact same mascot as another school? A&M is unlike any other school; our mascot should be unique as well! No one else has a mutt! Restore Reveille I's legacy; make Reveille VIII a mutt!
AggieCoach.com
posted 3/07/08 @ 9:03 AM CST
The USMC is the United State Marine Corp, dude! Not some JC!
Ryan '06
posted 3/06/08 @ 9:37 AM CST
I am so sick of diversity. Why is it that any time anyone wants to change one of our beloved traditions they start railing about diversity? Don't get me wrong here, I think diversity is a good thing and I hate the racist stigma some people associate with A&M, but this is getting ridiculous. I can understand our university wanting to attract students and professors from all walks of life with many different things to offer, that's important and noble for any major university. But come on, selecting a mutt because it would better represent diversity? Give me a break. Where does it end? What's next? Are we gonna tear out the Century Tree and replace it with a palm tree so our trees can be more diverse too? Sometimes I catch myself thinking that diversity is a joke the t-sips made up so that they could laugh watching us poor Aggies scramble around like a bunch of blind lemmings trying to be diverse.
I have owned collies since I was a child. They are very smart dogs and incredibly easy to train. The problems the Reveilles have had are the same problems any dog would have in her position. Being a mascot is not an easy life for a dog. Rev gets a new master every year; she's carted all across Texas meeting and greeting hundreds of new, strange people constantly; she lives in a dorm with a bunch of college kids; her surroundings change continuously; she is expected to attend sporting events in buildings full of thousands of screaming people and expected to remain quiet and calm. Dogs are social animals just like us; they want to make friends and don't like it when those they love go away; they want to be able to understand the world they live in; continuous and rapid change upsets them; and something they don't understand they are bound not to like. Think of a child in a foster home who is constantly forced to move to a new place, a new home, a new school, a new family, a new set of rules, and new way of life. Collies were selected because they are beautiful dogs and because they are actually very smart and trainable, they are also much more laid back and docile than many other breeds. So go ahead and adopt a random dog from the pound (I would recommend the SPCA) in the name of diversity, but don't be surprised when that new dog has the same problems and issues (or worse) that the collies did.
I have owned collies since I was a child. They are very smart dogs and incredibly easy to train. The problems the Reveilles have had are the same problems any dog would have in her position. Being a mascot is not an easy life for a dog. Rev gets a new master every year; she's carted all across Texas meeting and greeting hundreds of new, strange people constantly; she lives in a dorm with a bunch of college kids; her surroundings change continuously; she is expected to attend sporting events in buildings full of thousands of screaming people and expected to remain quiet and calm. Dogs are social animals just like us; they want to make friends and don't like it when those they love go away; they want to be able to understand the world they live in; continuous and rapid change upsets them; and something they don't understand they are bound not to like. Think of a child in a foster home who is constantly forced to move to a new place, a new home, a new school, a new family, a new set of rules, and new way of life. Collies were selected because they are beautiful dogs and because they are actually very smart and trainable, they are also much more laid back and docile than many other breeds. So go ahead and adopt a random dog from the pound (I would recommend the SPCA) in the name of diversity, but don't be surprised when that new dog has the same problems and issues (or worse) that the collies did.
Bob '10
posted 3/06/08 @ 11:09 AM CST
Originally posted byRyan '06
I am so sick of diversity. Why is it that any time anyone wants to change one of our beloved traditions they start railing about diversity? Don't get me wrong here, I think diversity is a good thing and I hate the racist stigma some people associate with A&M, but this is getting ridiculous. I can understand our university wanting to attract students and professors from all walks of life with many different things to offer, that's important and noble for any major university. But come on, selecting a mutt because it would better represent diversity? Give me a break. Where does it end? What's next? Are we gonna tear out the Century Tree and replace it with a palm tree so our trees can be more diverse too? Sometimes I catch myself thinking that diversity is a joke the t-sips made up so that they could laugh watching us poor Aggies scramble around like a bunch of blind lemmings trying to be diverse.
I'm pretty sure the diversity bit was a tongue-in-cheek joke, relax.
Laur
posted 3/06/08 @ 4:39 PM CST
Originally posted byRyan '06
I am so sick of diversity. Why is it that any time anyone wants to change one of our beloved traditions they start railing about diversity? Don't get me wrong here, I think diversity is a good thing and I hate the racist stigma some people associate with A&M, but this is getting ridiculous. I can understand our university wanting to attract students and professors from all walks of life with many different things to offer, that's important and noble for any major university. But come on, selecting a mutt because it would better represent diversity? Give me a break. Where does it end? What's next? Are we gonna tear out the Century Tree and replace it with a palm tree so our trees can be more diverse too? Sometimes I catch myself thinking that diversity is a joke the t-sips made up so that they could laugh watching us poor Aggies scramble around like a bunch of blind lemmings trying to be diverse.
I have owned collies since I was a child. They are very smart dogs and incredibly easy to train. The problems the Reveilles have had are the same problems any dog would have in her position. Being a mascot is not an easy life for a dog. Rev gets a new master every year; she's carted all across Texas meeting and greeting hundreds of new, strange people constantly; she lives in a dorm with a bunch of college kids; her surroundings change continuously; she is expected to attend sporting events in buildings full of thousands of screaming people and expected to remain quiet and calm. Dogs are social animals just like us; they want to make friends and don't like it when those they love go away; they want to be able to understand the world they live in; continuous and rapid change upsets them; and something they don't understand they are bound not to like. Think of a child in a foster home who is constantly forced to move to a new place, a new home, a new school, a new family, a new set of rules, and new way of life. Collies were selected because they are beautiful dogs and because they are actually very smart and trainable, they are also much more laid back and docile than many other breeds. So go ahead and adopt a random dog from the pound (I would recommend the SPCA) in the name of diversity, but don't be surprised when that new dog has the same problems and issues (or worse) that the collies did.
GREAT response!
Ian
posted 3/06/08 @ 6:20 PM CST
I
"Diversity" issues seemed to be springing up when I was a student (Class of '93). Seems like it is all the rage now from what I understand from my brother who is there now. Look... A&M has had a collies for 5 generations of dogs. What would happen if t.u. decided not to have Bevo and went with an ostritch or a platypus to demonstrate their devotion to diversity? Do you think they would.. unlikely. Look. Make the call. Get a collie. Don't be afraid to make a decision. Are you going to tick someone off? Of course? Get used to it. It's called life and not everyone is going to be happy with a decision, but you know what, they will be respectful that you had the guts to "call it" and not get stuck in analysis paralysis. Get on with it.
Originally posted byRyan '06
I am so sick of diversity. Why is it that any time anyone wants to change one of our beloved traditions they start railing about diversity? Don't get me wrong here, I think diversity is a good thing and I hate the racist stigma some people associate with A&M, but this is getting ridiculous. I can understand our university wanting to attract students and professors from all walks of life with many different things to offer, that's important and noble for any major university. But come on, selecting a mutt because it would better represent diversity? Give me a break. Where does it end? What's next? Are we gonna tear out the Century Tree and replace it with a palm tree so our trees can be more diverse too? Sometimes I catch myself thinking that diversity is a joke the t-sips made up so that they could laugh watching us poor Aggies scramble around like a bunch of blind lemmings trying to be diverse.
I have owned collies since I was a child. They are very smart dogs and incredibly easy to train. The problems the Reveilles have had are the same problems any dog would have in her position. Being a mascot is not an easy life for a dog. Rev gets a new master every year; she's carted all across Texas meeting and greeting hundreds of new, strange people constantly; she lives in a dorm with a bunch of college kids; her surroundings change continuously; she is expected to attend sporting events in buildings full of thousands of screaming people and expected to remain quiet and calm. Dogs are social animals just like us; they want to make friends and don't like it when those they love go away; they want to be able to understand the world they live in; continuous and rapid change upsets them; and something they don't understand they are bound not to like. Think of a child in a foster home who is constantly forced to move to a new place, a new home, a new school, a new family, a new set of rules, and new way of life. Collies were selected because they are beautiful dogs and because they are actually very smart and trainable, they are also much more laid back and docile than many other breeds. So go ahead and adopt a random dog from the pound (I would recommend the SPCA) in the name of diversity, but don't be surprised when that new dog has the same problems and issues (or worse) that the collies did.
"Diversity" issues seemed to be springing up when I was a student (Class of '93). Seems like it is all the rage now from what I understand from my brother who is there now. Look... A&M has had a collies for 5 generations of dogs. What would happen if t.u. decided not to have Bevo and went with an ostritch or a platypus to demonstrate their devotion to diversity? Do you think they would.. unlikely. Look. Make the call. Get a collie. Don't be afraid to make a decision. Are you going to tick someone off? Of course? Get used to it. It's called life and not everyone is going to be happy with a decision, but you know what, they will be respectful that you had the guts to "call it" and not get stuck in analysis paralysis. Get on with it.
Susan
posted 3/07/08 @ 9:55 AM CST
Originally posted byRyan '06
The problems the Reveilles have had are the same problems any dog would have in her position.
Not really... collies tend to be high-strung and because of all the inbreeding are prone to epilepsy and other neurological conditions.
If the mascot has to be a purebred dog, it should probably be from working dog or service dog breeds, since they have been bred to handle exactly the type of conditions that a school mascot will face -- loud noises, crowds, and chaotic environments.
Training is also a big issue. Collies are easily trained, yes, to do things like sit, stay, heel, walk on a leash, etc. Any idiot can train one to be a pet. Training a dog to behave in extreme situations requires professional training. Ask any animal behavior specialist.
Ryan '06
posted 3/10/08 @ 8:53 AM CST
Originally posted byRyan '06
I am so sick of diversity. Why is it that any time anyone wants to change one of our beloved traditions they start railing about diversity? Don't get me wrong here, I think diversity is a good thing and I hate the racist stigma some people associate with A&M, but this is getting ridiculous. I can understand our university wanting to attract students and professors from all walks of life with many different things to offer, that's important and noble for any major university. But come on, selecting a mutt because it would better represent diversity? Give me a break. Where does it end? What's next? Are we gonna tear out the Century Tree and replace it with a palm tree so our trees can be more diverse too? Sometimes I catch myself thinking that diversity is a joke the t-sips made up so that they could laugh watching us poor Aggies scramble around like a bunch of blind lemmings trying to be diverse.
I have owned collies since I was a child. They are very smart dogs and incredibly easy to train. The problems the Reveilles have had are the same problems any dog would have in her position. Being a mascot is not an easy life for a dog. Rev gets a new master every year; she's carted all across Texas meeting and greeting hundreds of new, strange people constantly; she lives in a dorm with a bunch of college kids; her surroundings change continuously; she is expected to attend sporting events in buildings full of thousands of screaming people and expected to remain quiet and calm. Dogs are social animals just like us; they want to make friends and don't like it when those they love go away; they want to be able to understand the world they live in; continuous and rapid change upsets them; and something they don't understand they are bound not to like. Think of a child in a foster home who is constantly forced to move to a new place, a new home, a new school, a new family, a new set of rules, and new way of life. Collies were selected because they are beautiful dogs and because they are actually very smart and trainable, they are also much more laid back and docile than many other breeds. So go ahead and adopt a random dog from the pound (I would recommend the SPCA) in the name of diversity, but don't be surprised when that new dog has the same problems and issues (or worse) that the collies did.
You might want to do a little research. Collies ARE a working dog breed. They were bread to be sheep hearders. They and thier cousin boarder collies are still being used in Ireland, Wales and Scotland. Thier long history as cattle-working dogs is yet another reason they are excellent representatives for our school.
Our inbred collies were all smart enough to not need a leash. I have always owned collies but I have also owned/lived with other breeds including spaniels, terriers, retrievers, labs and beagles and I can honestly say that the collie is the most laid-back and low-maintenance of the breeds I have been in contact with.
The most recent issue of National Geographic includes an article that explores the complexities of animal minds and introduces readers to a pair of boarder collies in Germany with the cognative capacity of a two year old human and a vocabulary of more than 400 words (words they know and respond to not speak, obviously). Now I'm not saying that all collies are that smart or that any of the Revellies have been that smart but there are humans that don't have a vocabulary of 400+ words and there is plenty of evidence that says that collies are smarter than the average dog. Getting rid of collies because some aren't as brilliant as others or because one in five ended up with epilepsy is about as foolish as ending the collie line in the name of diversity. I would be willing to bet that our animal mascot is smarter than any other animal mascot in college sports includeing the Texas Tech Red Raider (and I don't mean the horse he rides on).
Robert '07
posted 3/06/08 @ 9:41 AM CST
We should just have a Dobermann Pinscher if we want to instill fear into others. I like the mutt concept for all the reasons mentioned in the article, be it back to Rev I or the Aggie caring spirit, or go with an Iraqi dog. Hey, we could go for a Afghan Dog <-- Big shepherds, then it could be the war there plus a big shepherd like Rev II. Or we could stick the tradition that grew from having "Lassie". We're like the little boy in the show.
Either way, I know My mascot was Rev VII, an American Collie that would on occassion bite someone. Spoiled ...
Either way, I know My mascot was Rev VII, an American Collie that would on occassion bite someone. Spoiled ...
Doberman Mommy
posted 3/06/08 @ 3:23 PM CST
Originally posted byRobert '07
We should just have a Dobermann Pinscher if we want to instill fear into others. I like the mutt concept for all the reasons mentioned in the article, be it back to Rev I or the Aggie caring spirit, or go with an Iraqi dog. Hey, we could go for a Afghan Dog <-- Big shepherds, then it could be the war there plus a big shepherd like Rev II. Or we could stick the tradition that grew from having "Lassie". We're like the little boy in the show.
Either way, I know My mascot was Rev VII, an American Collie that would on occassion bite someone. Spoiled ...
In regards to your first sentance...
great, lets just inflate the bad reputatin that Doberman's already have... AWSOME IDEA.... NOT
Im not sure if you realize it, but dogs arent mean becuase they just want to be... it all stems from training and socialization.
Laur
posted 3/06/08 @ 3:28 PM CST
And in regards to your second sentence look up 'Afghan hound' and then look up 'German Shepherd' and tell me they look alike.
Stephanie
posted 3/06/08 @ 10:00 AM CST
I've got the perfect puppy who needs a home -- really a sad story. I'll even leave her out on 6 to make a good story!
swizzlestix
posted 3/06/08 @ 10:12 AM CST
I yell real loud for te Aggies, but have to admit, I think having a collie as a mascot is pretty lame. That breed looks pretty, but who the hell wants a pretty mascot?? A mascot should convey power and pride, and should not look like an ad for Herbal Essence hair conditioner. We need a tough, smart looking mutt.
Lacey '06
posted 3/06/08 @ 10:26 AM CST
C'mon!! There are so many other ways to promote diversity. Do we have to change such a great tradition? I've always loved that Reveille has been a Collie. I just can't imagine Reveille being anything besides a Collie. I think a lot of Ags feel the same way.
Beau
posted 3/06/08 @ 10:53 AM CST
Why not get a mut that looks like a collie...that way everyone wins causu you know everyone is a winner now a days!
Beau
posted 3/06/08 @ 10:55 AM CST
why dont the get a mut that looks like a collie? That way everyone wins!
RealAggie
posted 3/06/08 @ 11:01 AM CST
While it is ridiculous that diversity be invoked when choosing a new mascot, in general, only bigots are threatened by diversity. This school and this country are changing for the better, and leaving you behind. See you in my rearview mirror, WHOOP!
RH '08
posted 3/06/08 @ 11:08 AM CST
I'm all for Rev VIII being a bald eagle.
Meghan
posted 3/06/08 @ 11:10 AM CST
If "mutt" was good enough for Reveille I, it's good enough for Reveille to infinity.
Tradition is what A&M is all about...but the whole collie thing sounded like an accident to begin with (since the preference was the German Shepherd).
If we're all about tradition, you'd think Reveille I would be the leading example if we go back to the very beginning.
Tradition is what A&M is all about...but the whole collie thing sounded like an accident to begin with (since the preference was the German Shepherd).
If we're all about tradition, you'd think Reveille I would be the leading example if we go back to the very beginning.
DJK
posted 3/06/08 @ 11:17 AM CST
Originally posted byMeghan
If "mutt" was good enough for Reveille I, it's good enough for Reveille to infinity.
Tradition is what A&M is all about...but the whole collie thing sounded like an accident to begin with (since the preference was the German Shepherd).
If we're all about tradition, you'd think Reveille I would be the leading example if we go back to the very beginning.
So, none of the traditions that were built upon Reveille I count anymore?
Meghan
posted 3/06/08 @ 4:35 PM CST
Originally posted byMeghan
If "mutt" was good enough for Reveille I, it's good enough for Reveille to infinity.
Tradition is what A&M is all about...but the whole collie thing sounded like an accident to begin with (since the preference was the German Shepherd).
If we're all about tradition, you'd think Reveille I would be the leading example if we go back to the very beginning.
Hmm, I'm not sure if I understand what you're asking... but what I'm saying is if the original Reveille was a mutt, I don't see why other Reveilles can't be that as well.
DJK
posted 3/06/08 @ 11:45 PM CST
Meghan
Rev I became the first Aggie mascot in the 1930's. Rev III was the first pure bred collie, and she served in 1966. We have had a collie for the last 42 years---the last 5 Revellie's.
You're right, at this point, we could have a non-collie be the next Revellie, but "dog diversity" is a pretty poor reason to change things. What's the purpose? To let the poor disenfranchized inner-city German Sheperds know that they could be Revellie too one day? Does the university need to meet a Border Collie quota?
Rev I became the first Aggie mascot in the 1930's. Rev III was the first pure bred collie, and she served in 1966. We have had a collie for the last 42 years---the last 5 Revellie's.
You're right, at this point, we could have a non-collie be the next Revellie, but "dog diversity" is a pretty poor reason to change things. What's the purpose? To let the poor disenfranchized inner-city German Sheperds know that they could be Revellie too one day? Does the university need to meet a Border Collie quota?
Alicia
posted 3/07/08 @ 3:15 AM CST
Originally posted byMeghan
If "mutt" was good enough for Reveille I, it's good enough for Reveille to infinity.
Tradition is what A&M is all about...but the whole collie thing sounded like an accident to begin with (since the preference was the German Shepherd).
If we're all about tradition, you'd think Reveille I would be the leading example if we go back to the very beginning.
Randy Durham of the class of '71 put it beautifully on a different message board:
"I have personally observed every mascot except for Reveille I. This issue has grown over time to be a very personal and emotional one for me. We all love our collie mascots: they are beautiful dogs. But, I think the branding of our mascot as solely a collie has painted us into a corner: a corner that sends the wrong message about being an Aggie to our students and the rest of the world.
The Aggie Miracle is the concept that, no matter how humble your beginnings or who your parents were, you can come to Texas A&M and get the tools you will need to achieve greatness. Picking a championship-line purebred mascot departs from that principle. We must get back to the tradition's beginning: the next Reveille needs to be an adult dog (tested for temperament) rescued from being euthanized at a "kill facility" animal shelter. You can't get a more humble background than that, and what a noble gesture!
I know that most Aggies have only known collies, and the branding issue is a legitimate one. Therefore, I would suggest rescuing a collie mix from a shelter. You get away from the elitist ramifications of a purebred, are able to keep your brand identity, and perform a noble gesture all in one move."
By going back to our original tradition, A&M would have something no other school has. Every school that has a dog as its mascot has a purebred. Picking a mutt not only makes for a beautiful story, but is more in line with our down to earth, root for the underdog values.
Ryan '06
posted 3/10/08 @ 9:05 AM CST
Originally posted byMeghan
If "mutt" was good enough for Reveille I, it's good enough for Reveille to infinity.
Tradition is what A&M is all about...but the whole collie thing sounded like an accident to begin with (since the preference was the German Shepherd).
If we're all about tradition, you'd think Reveille I would be the leading example if we go back to the very beginning.
I have seen "Collie Rescue" organizations on-line. The problem with these animals though is that most (if not all) have previously been abused and require extensive rehabilitation. Even after rehab most would probably not do well in a "Reveille" roll.
Ag '84
posted 3/06/08 @ 12:18 PM CST
An Aggie named David Hartwig lives up the road and has some experience with handling dogs. You may remember Skidboot, his nationally famous dog who performed at the TAMU vet school open houses a few hears back. The story is in the man, David Hartwig, and not the dog. He can demonstrate to E2 how to handle any dog we choose to be loved and respected because she deserves to be, and not because we are ordered to do so. He has offered his help, but needs to know who to talk to. He knows a lot about Texas Heelers, a breed very similar to the origial Rev I.
Watch him at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2BfzUIBy9A
He is a good man and an Aggie to boot. It might be a good day trip for the committee and E2.
Watch him at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2BfzUIBy9A
He is a good man and an Aggie to boot. It might be a good day trip for the committee and E2.
Terry
posted 3/06/08 @ 1:13 PM CST
Why not apply to adopt a collie through the breed rescue association? Then you're keeping with tradition AND doing something good.
Jelipe '02
posted 3/06/08 @ 1:22 PM CST
I think having a German Shepherd as the new mascot would be a great fit to this university. Just my .02 centavos.
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Cody Marx Bailey
posted 3/06/08 @ 3:28 AM CST
"We're putting together a broad committee with experts in tradition and mascotology."
Come on... this is ridiculously stupid to even worry about.