Desperately seeking dog. No puppies. FM preferred.
Girl power rules at Texas A&M University. The hunt is on there for a new canine mascot as the current job-holder, Reveille VII, is retiring. The college is willing to consider either a collie type, like the present Reveille, or a golden retriever. But A&M vice president Dean Bresciani said a female mascot definitely is preferred, "because they are mellower."
We knew that.
Here is the full, and fun, story from the Houston Chronicle.
Wanted: one dog, must hate orange
A&M has job opening up as Reveille VII passes on leash
May 1, 2008
By ALLAN TURNER
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
It's a dog's life, and it ain't half bad. Glamour, pomp and pamper; a loyal and petting public; and all the travel you can stand.
If that sounds like the job for you, wag your tail.
Texas A&M's collie mascot, Reveille VII, is retiring, and the Aggies are on the scent of a successor.
On Thursday, the university's 16-member study committee - made up of students, professors, Aggie moms and others - issued a seven-point report on characteristics the new top dog should possess.
Not mentioned, but maybe the most important trait of all, is simple four-footed stamina.
"There is no university mascot that is used as intensively as Reveille," said Dean Bresciani, vice president for student affairs. "She goes to every university event imaginable. She goes to Aggie Mothers Clubs, A&M clubs around the state, and out-of-town and local sporting events; she appears in parades and at weddings and funerals. She travels more than the university president."
Reveille candidates first will be checked by veterinarians, then evaluated by the Aggie Corps of Cadets corporal who will be in charge of the new dog. "We just want to make sure there's not bad chemistry," Bresciani said. After a bit of mascot training, Reveille VIII will debut in the fall.
The study committee recommended the new mascot be a dog of collie-like appearance or a golden retriever. All candidates need be at least 18 months old. Puppies need not apply.
Reveille has been part of Aggie tradition since 1931, when a dog Bresciani described as a "mutt" first filled the role as Aggie emissary to the world.
Reveille VII, who has held the post for about seven years, will be adopted by an undisclosed College Station-area family.
Bresciani said A&M is seeking a female mascot because they tend to be "mellower."
"There's less instinct to dominate," he said. "This is a dog who will be in a variety of situations, including being around children. Females have less need to control."
The dog will be selected, too, for a cheery demeanor and an ability to cope with large, chaotic crowds.
"Some dogs - just like humans - are energized and happy around other people," Bresciani said. "Other dogs find that intimidating. This one will be surrounded by so many people, it's hard to fathom.
Personally, being at Kyle (Field) when we're playing against the University of Texas is intimidating to me. I can only imagine what it's like for our four-footed friends."
ANGIE BRENNAN, a Sun-Sentinel page designer,
lives with four dogs and one boyfriend. And has a lifetime of animal stories to share.
DIANE LADE, a reporter on the Sun-Sentinel's Help Team, has lived with cats, dogs, reptiles, fish, an iguana, and an armadillo.
CYNDI METZGER, editor of the Sun-Sentinel's Outlook section, is smitten with Bella, her poodle who regularly ignores requests to sit, stay and get off the ivory-colored sofa. 
JOHN TANASYCHUK, a Sun-Sentinel lifestyle writer, has lived with cats as long as he can remember. He and his partner currently share their home with three.
