I love to run!

Football season is underway. Woo woo! My favorite job is running the football team out of the tunnel. People sometimes comment that they think I should run off leash - that I am well trained and I will run to my handler at the other end of the field. This is true, so why can't we cut the leash? The thing is, I am a dog with a mind of my own. What if someone left a gate open and I decided to keep running? What if I decided to run to the nearest hot dog vendor instead of my handler? What if I saw a duck and decided to chase it? What if there was a delay of game because nobody could catch me?You get the point.

Nobody has ever asked me if I WANT to run off leash. The truth is, I am perfectly happy running on leash. I LOVE to pull and running the field is the only time I get to do it. This is what I was bred to do - pull a sled across the snow. Husky Stadium is my arctic tundra. When I am running across that field pulling my handler behind me, I am SO happy. And besides, I bet nobody ever asks why Ralphie doesn't run off leash.

Don't I look happy?

It's National Dog Day!



For me, every day is National Dog Day. I have a great life. I have a comfy home, I eat well, get lots of exercise and play time plus I have a great job and lots of love. Today is about celebrating all dogs everywhere and especially remembering the ones who need help. Consider donating to your local dog rescue or shelter today!

(Not) A Hot Dog

One question I'm being asked a lot lately is, "Dubs, how are you doing in the heat?" People have all sorts of suggestions for helping me keep cool such as taking me swimming or shaving all my hair off. I don't really like swimming and I would probably be even hotter if my coat was shaved (not to mention I would look pretty silly!). While it is true that I have a lot of fur (a double coat to be exact), it actually helps keep me from getting too hot because it's my insulation. I still have to be careful not to overexert myself when it's hot though, which is truly a hardship.

So don't worry about me. Of course, snow is best but sun isn't too bad! In fact, sometimes on a warm day I will purposely seek out the only sunny spot in my yard. If you'll notice, even the cat is in the shade.

Dear Blog Followers

Dear Blog Followers:
You are a loyal bunch. You've been with me since the beginning. You've watched me grow up. You've cheered me on. However, I fear that I am letting you down. I don't post on my blog very often anymore. There are so many other options for sharing photos, which let's be honest, is what most people want from me. If you want to see photos of me, you can follow me on Facebook (DubsTheMascot), Twitter (@uwmascot) or Instagram (@uwhuskymascot).

But, my dear loyal blog followers, I know that you know, I am not just a pretty face. I have things to say. From now on, my blog will have more words than pictures. I have matured and while I cannot type, because after all I am a dog, I can use the power of my mind to get my humans to type for me. I'm very clever that way. So stay tuned. I know you will. Thank you for following me. - Dubs

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2461599-best-animal-traditions-in-sports/page/3

Thanks Bleacher Report for the great article. But, um, that's not me in the photo. Just so you know.

This is what I look like running on the football field.

Where is my butler? The door won't open itself you know.

I haven't shown my face on the blog for a while. (Sorry!) So here's my face.

Visiting the inspiration for the Seahawks logo at the Burke Museum.

I have Seahawks fever!

I've been dreaming of a white Christmas.

This is my kind of weather!

I'm having birthday cookies with my friends.

Trick or treat? Did someone say treat?

I am ready for conference play! Go Dawgs!

Arts Dawg - I'm a well rounded mascot.

New game day uniform!

Our backyard.

I had a great summer and now I'm ready for some football!

I enjoyed my summer vacation. I went lots of places -- from the Oregon Coast to San Juan Island to British Columbia.

I love running on the beach.

I got recognized in Roche Harbor!

Looking for orca whales by Lime Kiln Lighthouse. Didn't see any.

Hiking in British Columbia.

The mountains in Canada are big.

They love me in Canada! And I love their gas stations!

Ice bucket challenge!

I've been on vacation (more on that later) but while I was away this happened.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRNvp84oJ4k&feature=youtu.be

The Fountain, the Mountain and the Dawg.

Happy Graduation Class of 2014!

Congratulations and a big thank you to my handlers Anne-Lise Nilsen and Sylvia Stellmacher. I'll miss you!

I plan on sniffing every one of those trees.

Pupperazzi!

Sorry I haven't posted in a while - I've been busy getting my picture taken! I love getting my picture taken. You know why? One picture = one treat for me. Yum - I bet my paycheck tastes better than yours!

Ah, Spring!

Photo by Chrissie Chang.

Check out my snowy chin whiskers.

These are my snowshoes.

Go Hawks!

I'm starting 2014 with the Husky Women's Basketball team.

Happy New Year! Go Dawgs!

Happy Husky-days!

It's the Fight Hunger Bowl! My favorite.

I'm going to eat lots of turkey today but I'm saving room for cougar!

Happy Thanksgiving and I'll see you at the Apple Cup. Go Dawgs!

I hope my birthday wish comes true!

Big Four Mountain behind me and my 5th birthday ahead of me.

Bow Down!

Sure, I could post some cute picture of me eating a duck or tell you that I've been eating duck all week (I have) but today, I simply say, "Bow Down to Washington!"

Photo by Chrissie Chang.

Take that, Stanford!

Your mascot is a tree. I mean really, you're asking for it. On an average day I can make my mark on you at least 20 times before I've even had breakfast! And Saturday is not an average day - it's Game Day! Go Dawgs!

Feeling right at home. I love my new stadium!

I am hungry for some football!

Mmmmm. Tastes good.

It's National Hot Dog Day!

I thought that meant I'd get a special treat. But instead I'm just hot. Pant...pant. Almost 90 degrees today.

Ruffing it.

Of course I brought my favorite W bowl.

Went fishin' for a stick for dinner.

Slept in a tent.

I love camping!  I want to camp s'more. (I also tried to eat some of those but did not get any!)

Congratulations Class of 2013!

Happy Graduation to two of my handlers, Brad and Kevin. I'll miss you!