The furry heir apparent carries on the ‘bulldog spirit’
For the first time since the start of the century-old tradition, the University of Redlands has selected a female pup to be the University’s next live bulldog mascot.
“In 1917, the University embraced the bulldog as the living embodiment of the strength, loyalty, and tenacity that drives our success,” says Shelli Stockton, director of alumni and community relations. “Since that time, a number of special bulldogs have served as our official—and sometimes unofficial—canine ambassadors. In a new and welcome twist to the tradition, our female puppy is next in line for that role.”
The search for the new mascot took several months. “We needed a friendly, confident bulldog puppy who was in good health, comfortable with people, and good with other dogs,” says Mary Littlejohn, assistant director of alumni and community relations and the mascot-in-training’s handler.
The University reached out to the community for help in naming the pup, and more than 3,300 votes later, the brown, white, and black pooch had a name: Adelaide (or “Addie” for short). The name honors the founding first lady and wife to the first U of R president, Jasper Newton Field.
Addie shadowed the late official mascot, 8-year-old Thurber (2009-2017), at the beginning of the school year to learn the art of posing for “selfies” with members of the University community, wearing a maroon and grey cape, and inspiring Redlands fans and athletes.
