A fluffy new bombshell has entered the villa.
The long-anticipated Goldie III has finally arrived at the University of Tulsa! The puppy’s big reveal took place on National Golden Retriever Day on Feb. 3, 2026. Goldie III is playful, rambunctious and ready to meet the Hurricane community. This summer, she will work with a professional trainer to learn how to be the best canine ambassador yet, and she will begin “orientation” in August with the incoming Freshman Class of 2030.
The newest Goldie is the third golden retriever to hold the name. TU first debuted the Canine Ambassador program in 2013 with the introduction of the original Goldie, TU’s first live mascot in decades. She was revealed right before the beginning of the 2013-2014 football season and went on to serve the team and university for eight years. The launching of the Canine Ambassador Program aimed to connect with students and to provide a fun way to relieve stress throughout the school year. The original Goldie passed away in 2021 after a short battle with cancer.
Goldie II joined the Golden Hurricane community in October 2021. She kept a busy schedule, from attending various events across campus to excitedly greeting touring visitors. After four years of dedicated service, Goldie II graduated with the Class of 2025 and is now enjoying her well-earned retirement.
Goldie III is pictured frolicking around in the Reynolds Center gymnasium on Feb. 3, 2026. Courtesy of @utulsa on Instagram.
The Collegian talked to some students at the activities fair on Feb. 3, 2026, asking about their opinions on Goldie III’s arrival. There are many differing opinions on the new Goldie and the ethics of carrying on the tradition of having a live mascot.
“I actually think it’s super unethical for the university to continually invest in pure-bred dog breeds that have health problems. We don’t need two mascots, we need to stop dragging puppies around like gamified toys,” Makayla Crownover, a junior Political Science and Media Studies double major, stated. Crownover clarified, “I still think that Goldie III is super cute, though.”
“I love the new Goldie! The school’s tactic of announcing her on National Golden Retriever Day was a fun choice, too,” said Emma Jane Farmer, a freshman Philosophy and Religion major.
“It was really great to see how excited everyone was, as a freshman. I can’t wait to see her at activities around campus! I think that Goldie III is so adorable,” stated first year English and Creative Writing major, Carter Wayne Greenfield.
Goldie III is a lot more than just a blonde girl with four paws. She is also a therapy dog that the student body can expect to see at selective spring time events. Keep up with her journey by following the UTulsa events social media pages, where her presence will be announced at specific activities.
