History and Significance of the Texas A&M Dog Collar Mascot

The History of the Texas A&M Dog Collar Mascot

Texas A&M University is well known for its rich traditions and distinct culture. One of the most iconic Aggie traditions is their unique dog collar mascot. Unlike most other colleges that have costumed mascots, A&M has a rough collie dog named Reveille who serves as the official mascot. Reveille always wears a special maroon and white dog collar that has become a symbolic representation of the Aggies.

The First Reveille

The tradition of Reveille as Texas A&M's mascot began unintentionally during World War II. In January 1943, a group of cadets from A&M were returning from Navasota when they hit a small black and white dog with their car. They picked up the injured but lively dog and brought her back to the vet school at A&M to care for her injuries. The cadets planned to drop the dog off at a local farm once she recovered, but instead she became so attached to them that she stayed.

The cadets named the dog "Reveille" after the military morning bugle call, since she loved waking the cadets up bright and early. Once Reveille was healthy, she was officially adopted as the mascot of Texas A&M. She was given a custom maroon leather collar with the class of 1943's name engraved on it to represent her status.

The First Reveille's Impact

That first Reveille quickly became a beloved member of the Texas A&M community. She freely roamed campus and sat in on classes with students. She was even known to sleep and eat in the Corps dorms with cadets. Reveille I embodied the Aggie spirit with her friendly, independent personality.

In early 1944, Reveille I led a march from cadet training at Kyle Field. She unexpectedly stopped the march and barked, facing the scoreboard. The regiment paused to see what she was looking at - it turned out she had detected a private who had forgotten his rifle and stopped the march to wait for him. This moment solidified Reveille's status as the "First Lady of Aggieland."

Reveille I set the standard for proper mascot behavior - when she attended football games, she refused to bark or pace during the game, only letting out a howl when A&M scored. She took her representation of the Aggies seriously.

The Custom Collar

In 1945, the first custom collar was created for Reveille by the Association of Former Students. This served as a formal symbol designating her as the official mascot. The solid maroon leather collar featured a brass plate engraved with "Reveille I, First Lady of Aggieland."

When Reveille I passed away in January 1946, a funeral on campus was held in her honor. The custom collar was placed on her successor Reveille II, establishing the tradition. Each succeeding mascot inherits the custom collar to carry on the legacy.

Traditions Surrounding the Mascot Collar

Over the years, Texas A&M has developed unique traditions surrounding the ceremonial mascot collar:

• Each new Reveille receives a new collar, engraved with her successor number and "First Lady of Aggieland."
• When Reveille is attending a football game, the custom collar must be worn. If she is not wearing the collar, she is considered "off-duty" and will behave as a normal dog.
• Cadets salute Reveille when she is wearing the maroon collar to show she outranks them.
• If Reveille barks while wearing the collar, it means the Aggies will win the game.
• When Reveille dies, her collar is retired with her in a special display at the Stevenson Companion Animal Life-Care Center.

The mascot collar is sacred - it represents the honor and nobility associated with the esteemed position of representing the Aggies.

Unique Mascot Tradition

The tradition of having a rough collie mascot is exclusive to Texas A&M. Most universities have costumed mascots or live animals native to their region. A&M stands out with a purebred collie living amongst the cadets and attending classes. Reveille is even considered a member of the Corps of Cadets.

Having a dog mascot is a tremendous responsibility - each Reveille is cared for by specialized cadet handlers who ensure she is healthy, well-trained, and ready to represent the Aggies. Her needs and schedule are prioritized above all else.

While other schools may have live animal mascots, none have the prestigious status held by Texas A&M's First Lady. The custom maroon and white collar sets Reveille apart, designating her place of honor in Aggieland.

Reveille's Impact on School Spirit

Over 80 years since the first Reveille came to Texas A&M, she remains a beloved part of the Aggie family. Each generation of students embraces Reveille and the meaningful tradition she represents.

Seeing Reveille at football games, university events, and around campus fills Aggies with pride. The spirit and loyalty she exemplifies is contagious - students strive to demonstrate those qualities in their academic pursuits and service.

The custom maroon and white mascot collar bearing the name "Reveille" instantly evokes feelings of camaraderie, integrity, and excellence associated with Texas A&M. For students, seeing their mascot proudly wearing the collar instills confidence and motivation to do their best.

Many universities just have abstract mascots - costumed characters or animals with no real connection to the current students. But Reveille is flesh and blood, living and learning right alongside Aggies. Her presence is a constant reminder of the Aggie Code of Honor and all A&M stands for.

WhenAggies see that regal dog collar, they are filled with nostalgia for the generations before them who had the joy of interacting with Reveille. Simultaneously, they are excited to welcome the newest version of their beloved mascot.

Bringing People Together

Reveille represents a shared tradition that unites all Texas A&M students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The mascot serves as a common point of pride and fellowship.

Whether you graduated decades ago or are a newly enrolled freshman, seeing Reveille reminds you that you are part of the Aggie family. The maroon and white dog collar visually reinforces those bonds.

Reveille truly epitomizes the Aggie Spirit - the sense of loyalty, respect, and community so integral to the A&M experience. Whenever the collar is passed to a new First Lady of Aggieland, the spirit it represents lives on.

Even those beyond A&M admire and recognize what Reveille means to the university. She represents ideals like honor, courage, and selflessness that resonate with people across the state of Texas and beyond.

The Future of a Tradition

After over 80 years, it is clear that Reveille and her symbolic collar have become an indispensable Texas A&M tradition. Each new generation of Aggies derives motivation from what Reveille represents - striving to emulate those principles and make the former students and cadets who came before them proud.

With custom maroon and white collar in place, Reveille will continue leading marches, attending class, and spreading Aggie Spirit for years to come. The First Lady of Aggieland carries on the tradition every time she steps out wearing the one-of-a-kind dog collar associated with this prestigious role.

Texas A&M has maintained many long-standing traditions that shape the unique culture of Aggieland. Reveille's collar connects each generation to those who came before them and represents the Aggie Code of Honor. Whenever it is passed down to the next Reveille, the heart and soul of A&M marches forward.

FAQs

How did the tradition of Reveille start at Texas A&M?

In 1943, some cadets hit a stray dog with their car and brought her to the vet school. She recovered and they named her Reveille after the morning bugle call. She became attached to the cadets and was unofficially adopted as the mascot.

Why does Reveille wear a special collar?

In 1945, the Association of Former Students created the first custom collar to formally designate Reveille as the official mascot. It established the tradition of passing down the collar.

What is the significance of Reveille's collar?

The maroon and white collar represents Reveille's status as the First Lady of Aggieland. It is a symbolic tradition that embodies the Aggie spirit and code of honor.

What is unique about Texas A&M’s mascot?

Most schools have costumed mascots or regional animals. Only A&M has a purebred collie that lives amongst cadets, attends class, and wears a special collar.

Why is Reveille so meaningful to Aggies?

She represents shared traditions and ideals that unite all Aggies. Her presence motivates students to emulate those principles of honor, courage, and loyalty.