COLLEGE STATION – Texas A&M University's mascot that was retired in 2008 died Thursday. Reveille VII was 12 1/2 years old.
University officials said Reveille VII had been hospitalized earlier in the week and underwent emergency surgery.
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Texas A&M mascots are placed in the daily care of the Corps of Cadets' Company E-2. Reveille is considered "the first lady of Aggieland" and the highest ranking member of the Corps.
Reveille VII, was an American Collie, as is her successor, Reveille VIII, the university's current mascot
Since being retired, Rev. VII lived with College Station residents Tina and Paul Gardner. Paul graduated from A&M in 1996.
"The Gardners took incredible care of Reveille VII the last five-and-a-half years and that certainly contributed to her longevity and exceptional quality of life," said Dr. Stacy Eckman, the veterinarian who had cared for Rev. VII's medical needs for the past two- and-a-half years.
Dr. Eckman said Rev. VII had been treated for several years for arthritis, as well as other conditions over the last few years.
Texas A&M said a memorial service for the former mascot is being planned.