Reveille VII
Today as I was perusing through random data in the internet, I grew curious as to our pet mascot here at Texas A&M University since I have only seen her a grand total of two times here at my stay at the university this first semester.I realize this semester we have a new incoming mascot called Reveille VIII so I looked at Reveille’s history. What I must say drew my attention though was Reveille the VII since she had behavioral problems.
I understand one of these problems is that she grew nervous around masses of people, like in football games and that she once bit her handler after having her tail stepped on. I understand these problems are not to be taken lightly but I also wonder just how much at fault the previous Reveille was and just how much at fault her handlers were.
While I feel sorry and am truly apologetic to the person who got bitten, I really also do feel that if we as human beings were suddenly startled and scared, wouldn’t we also be reduced to our first instincts? Isn’t it natural for us to expect that a dog will always be a dog and they feel fear and happiness just like we do. So why should we point fingers and look at Reveille VII with disapproving faces when she was only acting like her nature dictated for her to do. Moreover, shouldn’t we also try to keep those problems from recurring again?
This semester we in Aggieland enjoy a new mascot. Her name is Reveille VIII. My room mate says she saw her yesterday and she looked scared amongst the masses. So is Reveille VIII going to have to be scared too. I hope not. And I hope that if she is scared, we try to make her feel safe and comfortable because just like I’m a freshman here at Texas A&M, I suppose Reveille VIII is too and just like I sometimes feel lost in this new campus, I imagine so must she.
We must remember Reveille VIII lived in a smaller home before she came here and therefore, we must accept the fact that as an animal, she may someday get scared and react as her true nature dictates and therefore we shouldn’t judge her because humans do act in similar ways too.
June 9th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Great article. Thanks for the great resource.