Paws (Northeastern mascot)

Paws or Paws, the Husky is the current mascot of the Northeastern University Huskies. Northeastern debuted the Siberian husky as the school's official mascot and school's nickname on March 4, 1927.

In the fall 2003, Northeastern announced the introduction of a new costumed mascot named Paws, who appears at various University sporting events as well as other University and community functions. Paws was designed to replace the student-elected Mr. and Mrs. Husky with a more athletic and charismatic mascot who would apply and try-out for the role. Introduced at a time when Northeastern did not have a live mascot, Paws is today joined by King Husky VIII.

King Husky, also known as Husky I or Husky the First, was born March 17, 1926 and came to Northeastern on March 4, 1927 after a committee was formed to choose a mascot for the University. Then-Vice-President Carl Ell chose a Siberian husky pup from legendary dog sled racer Leonhard Seppala and King Husky was introduced to the student body by Frank Speare during a day-long celebration which included a parade through the streets of Boston. King Husky I reigned for 14 years and his successors have appeared at countless athletic events, been the subject of television features, and won many honors at the most prestigious kennel club shows. King Husky died of natural causes on March 26, 1941.

Following the death of King Husky I, Queen Husky I was named school mascot on April 16, 1941. Queen Husky I succumbed to illness only a few months later, in July 1941.

King Husky II was named successor to Queen Husky I in January 1942. King Husky II was the first mascot acquired from the Chinook Kennels of Wonalancet, New Hampshire. King Husky II served for 10 years before being retired by the University.

King Husky III was named University mascot on September 24, 1952. He served as mascot until the summer of 1955 when he fell ill and was euthanized. Controversy surrounded the death of King Husky III as the University did not release information about the animal's death until after students had returned for the fall semester. Students viewed the lack of information as a cover-up and the editors of the student paper, the Northeastern News, planned to write an inflammatory story which was stopped by the Administration. Outraged over the perceived censorship, four student editors quit.

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