Reveille X, the beloved mascot of Texas A\&M University, recently underwent a procedure that left the Aggie community heartbroken, anxious, and ultimately proud. News broke that the purebred Rough Collie, who has loyally represented Texas A\&M since 2021, had been diagnosed with a medical condition that required the surgical removal of one of her eyes. The decision, though incredibly difficult for the caretakers, veterinarians, and university officials who oversee her well-being, was made in the best interest of her long-term health and comfort. It’s a moment that has stirred deep emotions not just among current students, but alumni, fans, and even rival fanbases who understand the power and symbolism of a college mascot — especially one with the revered legacy of Reveille.
Texas A\&M has long held Reveille in the highest regard. Known as the “First Lady of Aggieland,” the mascot is more than a ceremonial figure. She is revered, protected, and treated with respect that borders on royal. Cadets from the Corps of Cadets serve as her handlers, and she sleeps in a bed that rivals any dorm setup. Her presence on the sidelines during football games, her regular appearances at university functions, and her symbolic link to Aggie traditions make her an emotional cornerstone of the Texas A\&M identity. That is why the news of her medical condition struck such a visceral chord with the 12th Man and beyond.
According to university sources and veterinary specialists involved in her care, Reveille X began displaying signs of discomfort in one of her eyes earlier this summer. Initial concerns suggested minor irritation or an infection, but further examination led to a more serious diagnosis. Though university officials have not disclosed the precise name of the medical condition due to privacy considerations, reports confirmed that it involved a degenerative disease or injury that could not be resolved through medication or non-invasive therapy. The only viable option to prevent prolonged suffering or additional complications was the surgical removal of the affected eye.
The operation was performed at Texas A\&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine, one of the most respected veterinary institutions in the nation. The surgery itself was declared a success, and Reveille is currently in recovery surrounded by a dedicated team of handlers and veterinary professionals. Her spirits, according to sources close to the program, remain high. She’s eating, wagging her tail, and has already resumed light activities. The outpouring of support, from flowers to social media tributes, has also been a source of healing for the students and cadets who work with her daily.
Reveille’s role is unlike that of any other mascot in college football. She’s not a sideline prop or occasional media appearance. She lives on campus, shares close quarters with her handler — a cadet who earns the esteemed title of “Mascot Corporal” — and receives a level of care that speaks to her iconic stature. Handlers often form unbreakable bonds with Reveille, and the cadet currently responsible for her was reportedly deeply affected by the news. The experience has become a lesson in leadership, empathy, and the emotional responsibility that comes with serving as the daily steward of such an important figure.
What makes this event so impactful is the long-standing tradition and reverence surrounding Reveille at Texas A\&M. The tradition began in 1931 when cadets adopted a stray dog that had wandered onto campus. Since then, every Reveille has served as a living embodiment of Aggie values: loyalty, service, and pride. Each iteration is given the Roman numeral designation, and when one passes or retires, a new Reveille is carefully selected through an extensive process that ensures she’ll be up to the rigorous but meaningful task.
Reveille I is buried on campus, along with her successors, in a special cemetery near Kyle Field. Each grave is marked by a marble headstone and faces the scoreboard so that, as the story goes, every Reveille can still see the Aggies play. That sacred burial ground is a testament to how seriously the university treats the tradition and its responsibility to care for the mascot, even through difficult medical decisions like this one.
Reveille X, in her time as mascot, has already made a tremendous impact. She’s walked in parades, comforted homesick freshmen, posed for thousands of photos, and graced the field at some of the biggest games in Aggie history. She has stood as a symbol during moments of triumph and unity, including the tributes paid to Coach R.C. Slocum, the announcement of the new Kyle Field expansion, and the return of legendary Aggie football alumni. Her face is on merchandise, banners, promotional videos, and even made into stuffed animals handed out to Aggie kids. So when something happens to Reveille, it’s not just an animal undergoing surgery — it’s a cultural moment for Texas A\&M.
University President Mark A. Welsh III issued a heartfelt statement thanking the veterinary team for their expert care, praising Reveille’s resilience, and affirming the school’s commitment to ensuring she continues her service with dignity and comfort. “Reveille is the heart of Aggieland,” Welsh wrote. “And just like any member of our family, we will stand by her through any challenge. Her strength inspires us all.” The post was shared thousands of times across platforms and drew responses from former Aggies, current students, and even fans of rival programs, with many expressing their admiration for how the school handled the news with transparency and compassion.
As part of her recovery, Reveille X has been given a slightly lighter schedule over the next few months. While she will continue her duties as mascot, appearances will be carefully curated to ensure she is not overwhelmed or stressed. The Cadet Corps has adjusted their protocols, and several upperclassmen have volunteered to assist the current handler to ensure Reveille’s transition is as smooth as possible. She is also being slowly acclimated to various sensory changes that come with losing an eye. According to veterinarians, most dogs adjust remarkably well to such procedures and can live full, healthy, and happy lives — something the university expects for Reveille moving forward.
What stands out in all of this is the unified response from the Texas A\&M community. In an era where college sports often revolves around business, TV rights, NIL deals, and coaching drama, the simple, unifying affection for a dog reminds everyone of what truly matters. Aggie Twitter erupted in support, sharing photos of past visits with Reveille, childhood memories, and even poems written in her honor. Professors paused lectures to offer updates. The student newspaper featured her story on the front page, and even professors from the vet school offered impromptu Q\&A sessions on canine eye conditions to curious students.
Even the athletic department got involved in lifting spirits. Football coach Mike Elko said in a recent press conference that he’d be “honored” to have Reveille lead the team out for the season opener, assuming she’s well enough. He added that Reveille’s toughness and grace reflect the character he wants in his players. It’s no surprise — in College Station, Reveille’s influence goes beyond the sidelines and into the very core of what it means to wear maroon and white.
Other schools have mascots, but few if any carry the kind of institutional weight that Reveille does at Texas A\&M. She has her own page in the yearbook, her own portrait in university halls, and her own retirement ceremony when her time comes. Former Reveilles live pampered, well-cared-for lives post-retirement, often in the homes of faculty or with previous handlers. There’s no doubt that when the day comes for Reveille X to step down, her sendoff will be filled with emotion, honor, and tears — as it always is.
For now, though, the Aggie community can rest easy knowing that their First Lady is recovering, healing, and still proudly representing the traditions that make Texas A\&M unique. The road ahead may come with adjustments, but if anyone is equipped to handle the challenge with grace and resilience, it’s Reveille. Her one-eyed gaze may soon become a symbol of strength, perseverance, and the unwavering heart of Aggieland. As many students have already said in heartfelt posts: “She may have one less eye, but she still sees everything that matters — tradition, loyalty, and love.”
The story of Reveille’s surgery and recovery will be remembered as one of compassion, courage, and care. It’s a reflection of what Texas A\&M stands for: Integrity, Excellence, Leadership. Even in moments of adversity, the Aggies do not falter. They honor their own, stand together, and protect what they cherish. Reveille X is not just a dog. She is a living legacy. And now, she is an even more powerful one — a warrior, a symbol, and a gentle reminder that real strength is sometimes born from healing.
