Meet Augustana's new four-legged mascot
Simplified: Ace the Augie Doggie made his debut this week as Augustana University. Here's how the six-month-old English cream golden retriever scored his college job.
Tell me more
The "Augie Doggie" is not a new concept – it's previously been a mascot of Augustana basketball and football games.
- The idea to bring it back originated with alumnus Wayne Petersen, who works with the Minnesota Wild includes oversight of the team's Adopt-A-Dog program. Petersen is also working to help promote the university's new Division I hockey program.
“I think it’s pretty cool,” Petersen said. “Obviously, Ace will not just be affiliated with the hockey team, but will be affiliated with all the teams, all of campus. I think it’s awesome that Augie Doggie is making a comeback.”
Ok, but more about the dog, please
Oh yeah, obviously that's why you're here.
Ace gets to go to work on campus with his handler Augustana alumna and Chief of Staff Pamela Miller.
Before becoming the Augie Doggie, the B-Squad Dog Rescue rescued Ace and his brother from a commercial breeder in Missouri, and he lived with a foster family.
He's also got his own Instagram handle @doggieofaugie, because of course he does.
What happens next?
Ace – whose mascot job is sponsored by Nyberg's Ace – will receive training from Paws Pet Resort and in-kind veterinary care from Best Care Pet Hospital.