Did you know that the University’s first unofficial mascot was a dog?  His name was Chris, and he was a performing police dog.  Owned and trained by Richard Armel, then a member of the OSU cheerleading squad, he was introduced in the fall season of 1941 to jump through hoops and perform other tricks at football and basketball games and rallies.

OSU's unofficial mascot, Chris, jumps through a cheerleader's paper drum, 1941

OSU’s unofficial mascot, Chris, jumps through a cheerleader’s paper drum, 1941

Chris barks at the opponent's mascot, 1941

Chris is not impressed by the Pitt Panther mascot, 1941

Chris appeared to have made it through only the fall season at OSU, but he certainly made an impression on the other team mascots. (See above.)

Okay, that’s enough of the history portion of our blog for this week.  Now, let’s see the doggies!

A dog is checked by veterinarians at the OSU Clinic, 1984

A dog is checked by veterinarians at the OSU Clinic, 1984

Student sits on bench on the Oval with two dogs

1986

An OSU vet performs a check-up, 1986

An OSU vet performs a check-up, 1986

OSU Vet School dog wash, 1987

OSU Vet School dog wash, 1987

1987, Dog carries a students backpack for her

1987

Student on rollerblades being pulled along by his dog

1990s

Student sitting with a puppy

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