Voices & Opinion

I’m Rhett. I Have a Few Thoughts on BU’s New Comfort Dog

BU’s Boston terrier mascot welcomes Bean, but lays down a few rules for the golden retriever puppy

Let’s get one thing straight. Boston University already has a mascot. A handsome (if I may say so) black-and-white Boston terrier. He’s been BU’s mascot for more than 100 years. Everybody loves him. They take selfies with him, high-five him on the sidewalk, and sit next to his statue near the BU Beach. Everything was perfect. 

And then I saw the news.

That’s right. I’m that mascot. I’m Rhett. And I had to read in BU Today, of all places, that apparently I’m not enough for campus. Another dog is coming named Bean, some blonde-haired, fur ball golden retriever they call a “comfort dog.” Seriously? What am I, chopped liver?

Okay, look, I get it. Comfort dogs can truly help people. I read some study in the National Institutes of Health (yes, I can read) that says older adults who own pets become “more involved in daily life activities” and children complete activities they normally avoid “due to their relationship with the dog.” Another article told me that hospital patients who spent just 10 minutes with a therapy dog reported lower levels of anxiety and depression. Fine. Great. I can be mature about this. BU is big enough for the two of us. But first I need to get a few things off my hairy chest.

I’m not jealous. But remember, I’m the alpha dog here. I am 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds. I eat BC Eagles for lunch (though I do love the occasional corndog). That means I can be a little territorial and get a little overexcited. Sorry about that puddle by the BU Bridge—I couldn’t help myself staring out at the Charles. And the puddle behind Marsh Plaza, that was me, too. And by the tables at Nickerson Field. And…oh never mind. 

So the ice at Agganis Arena and Walter Brown Arena, those are my territories. I’m the official mascot for BU Athletics. I was high-fiving NHL prospects long before Bean was even a gleam in her mother’s eye. I skate. I can walk out on the ice without face planting. I’m on a first-name basis with current Bruins and former BU star Charlie McAvoy. I have a feeling Bean’s fluffy little paws won’t do so well on the ice, and she’ll be slip-sliding all over the place. 

As for the Dog Pound? Those are my peeps. So best to leave the ice arenas to me. Capiche?

Also, about the Rhett Bench. They unveiled that in 2019. It means a lot to me and I’d prefer if other dogs weren’t sniffing around my paws there. After all, I was BU’s original “comfort dog.” Once you’ve been here for 100 years (and we’re talking human years), maybe you’ll get a statue, too.

A few other things you should know about me. I’m sort of a big deal. I’ve been on ESPN, CBS, CNN, NESN. I was once named an All-American mascot. Did you ever notice if you take the first few letters of the word Terrier, as in BU Terriers, and turn them around, it spells Ret? 

A couple of last thoughts. To be a star like me at BU, you have to look great in scarlet and white. If you need help finding a sweater your size, I’m happy to take you shopping at the BU Bookstore. They love me there, and I get the Terrier discount. Also, this is important—no pooping on Nickerson. Ever. I learned that lesson the hard way. I was in the dog house for a week after that unfortunate incident. Woof.

And here’s one final tip: Commencement at BU is huge. You’ll have a blast (as long as you don’t poop on Nickerson). But I also get a little sad. Saying goodbye is hard after four years of friendships. If I have to admit it, having a trained, experienced comfort dog around for Commencement weekend might actually be nice. Not for me, of course. I’ll be fine. But for some. 

So, welcome to BU, Bean! I’ve never been much of a writer, but putting this all down on paper is helping me work through my feelings. If I do need a little extra support, maybe we could go for a walk together. I can show you my favorite places to roll around in the dirt. And who knows? I’ve never had a roommate before. Maybe it’s time. 

Do you shed?

Rhett is the official BU Athletics mascot.