Issue date: 3/17/08 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Fred Lambuth [Click to enlarge]

On a fateful night in 1931, a group of cadets traveling through Navasota on the way back to College Station ran over a small black and white dog. Not wanting to leave the dog behind, the cadets picked her up and brought her home with them so they could care for her. When the bugle sounded the next morning, the little dog began to bark, earning her name, Reveille. Shortly thereafter, the stray mutt became the mascot and First Lady of Texas A&M.

After the death of Reveille I, the tradition continued, but has abandoned much of what made it special in the first place. In the selection of Reveille VIII, A&M should return to the root of the tradition and pick a spirited mix down on its luck over a beautiful collie already born into a comfortable life of dog luxury.

The transition of Reveille from a mutt in need of a second chance to a purebred is contrary to the spirit from which the tradition was born. When the cadets, who ultimately named Reveille, took her in, they weren't looking for a pedigreed show dog, but a lovable mascot. Why hasn't this continued to be the goal in the selection of Reveille?

It was not until Reveille III that the mascot became a collie, but lineage and appearance have been key considerations in her selection ever since. The repeated behavioral issues of Reveille VII are a perfect example of what can happen when these concerns are given priority over the dog's individual temperament when making the choice. Reveille VII has become notorious for biting people and barking loudly at games; and, despite repeated stints in obedience school, continues to fail to conduct herself in a manner suitable for the First Lady of Texas A&M. Her retirement marks a chance to correct the mistake of straying so far from the legacy of Reveille I.

At any given time, the Brazos Valley Animal Shelter is full of wonderful dogs in need of loving homes. While the litters of expensive, purebred collies from which Reveille has been chosen for the past four generations will always be able to find good homes, dogs that find themselves at shelters may not be so lucky. By changing our standards for selecting Reveille, A&M would not only be able to find a puppy with a personality worthy of the royal treatment Reveille receives, but they'd be giving a dog another chance at life; which is, after all, the basis of the tradition's origin.

As a registered trademark of the University, a collie bearing the school logo is a widely recognized symbol of Texas A&M. The amount of money the school has spent in establishing the collie as such a representation is perhaps the best reason for Reveille to continue being a collie, but this does not necessarily make it a good reason. Making decisions about traditions based on such coldly economic concerns is unjustifiable in its contradiction of the Aggie spirit. Who wouldn't agree that a lovable mascot the school can rally around is more important than whether or not outsiders immediately recognize her association with the school?

Because the office of the vice president of student affairs is forming a committee to decide this matter, it is very likely that we might see a change in Reveille soon. Current students of A&M, this is our chance to leave our mark on our school. Find your student senator at senate.tamu.edu, keep an eye on The Battalion for updates about the committee and get involved.

Every other school with a dog as a mascot chooses a purebred. Texas A&M is like no other school - our choice of mascot should stand out as well. Let's remind the world why the Reveille tradition is so special - make her a mutt.

Amanda Kiser is a senior sociology major.

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