This interview is from the June 26th, 2009 Columns online newsletter. I thought it was cute. Go dawgs!
Meet Dubs, the UW’s Live Mascot
By Derek Belt
EDITOR’S NOTE: Last year, the UW needed two rounds of voting to decide that Dubs would be the permanent name of Washington’s live mascot. Dubs I, an Alaskan malamute born last November, should be full-grown by the time he makes his debut at the Husky football game against LSU on Sept. 5. In the wake of his two-page photo spread in the June issue of Columns, Dubs stopped by the Alumni House to reflect on his first six months on the job. This Q & A is exclusive to UWAA members.
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Hello, Dubs. Thank you for taking some time to speak with us. How is your day going?
It’s great. I just came from my trainer’s house. Today we learned how to do push-ups after the football team scores a touchdown. I’m going to give Harry the Husky a run for his money on that one.
I’m not so sure Harry’s going to let you do that. He’s kind of famous for that.
Yeah, we’ll see.
So what else have you been up to?
I’ve been busy, that’s for sure. I go outside a lot and play with my toys. I love breakfast, too. I listen to the Husky Marching Band during breakfast, and then I usually go for a walk. I spend a lot of time in my kennel, but I love it. My Husky bed is in there and I can see outside and watch what’s happening in the backyard. Sometimes there are ducks in the backyard, but that’s OK because they’re friendly ducks, not Oregon Ducks. Then it’s lunchtime and after that it’s dinner. It’s a tough life.
Tell us how your training is going.
I’m learning a lot. Diane Rich is a great trainer. Her philosophy is to “catch your dog doing something right,” which is great for me because I’m always doing something right. I guess you could say I’m a top Dawg. It’s all about reinforcing good behavior (with treats!) and gaining experience in the face of distractions like marching bands, football players and 70,000 screaming fans. So far, so good.
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Since you arrived on campus in February, the Husky men’s basketball team captured the Pac-10 title and the UW softball and men’s crew teams won national championships. Coincidence?
I doubt it. Just look at this face. Who wouldn’t be inspired to perform at a championship level when you’ve got this gorgeous mug cheering you on? Oh, I’m just kidding. I really am so happy for all of our sports teams and especially for those who won titles this year. Our players and coaches work so hard, and to see them succeed is really amazing.
Your big debut is Sept. 5 at the Husky football game against LSU. Are you nervous?
Actually, I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve been training hard for months and will be all grown up by then. Just wait—I’m going to huff and puff and blow those LSU Tigers down. I really respect these new football coaches. I like Sark’s style and I think Nick Holt and my friends who run the Iditarod have a lot in common. His bark. His bite. He’s definitely one of us.
Do you have any highlights from your first few months as the UW’s live mascot?
Media day was a lot of fun. And I really enjoyed the Spring Football Game. I can’t believe all those people came out just to see me. Very exciting! It’s a great gig and the benefits package is amazing. Chew toys that look like footballs. Sideline passes to all Husky home games. Free belly rubs for life. I’ve got it all right here. Did you know that I was named the No. 1 mascot in the Pac-10 by The Sporting News and the No. 1 mascot of the 2009 NCAA basketball tournament by Petside.com? Not bad for the new guy.
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What about some of the challenges you face?
Some pups might not like the spotlight, but I think it comes with the territory. Win or lose, it’s my job to support the UW. That means our fans, our coaches, our players and our University in general. I’ve got to keep a level head and be there for people when they need me the most. I can’t just go around sniffing everything. I really have to be in a constant state of happy. I’d say that’s a challenge, for sure.
How much does this job mean to you?
Being the live Husky mascot is the greatest honor a Husky pup can have. To know that I am just the 13th live mascot to represent the UW is really special. And giving these alumni and fans something to cheer for is why I do what I do. I love the UW and I’m so happy to have this opportunity. Now, if only I can get Athletic Director Scott Woodward to let me do those push-ups.
Speaking of Harry the Husky, what kind of relationship do you have with the UW’s other mascot?
For a biped, he’s pretty cool. I like his enthusiasm and I respect his tenure here. But seriously, watching him bounce around on two legs like that gives me the creeps. That’s just not something I thought I’d see. He’s really popular with the kids, though, so I have to give him a bone for that.
Dubs, you are one in a million. Any closing remarks?
Have a great summer everybody, and I’ll see you all Sept. 5 at Husky Stadium. Go Dawgs!
Want more? Follow Dubs on his official blog.
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