NIU’s new husky mascot from Marengo

Northern Illinois University’s new husky mascot is coming from a dog breeder in Marengo.

The school said last month that it was retiring Diesel the husky dog after nine years. He’ll be replaced by a 2-year-old husky named Mission from Aliak Kennels in Marengo. Kennel owner Karen Street tells The Daily Chronicle that Mission has “certainly got the energy” to keep up for four quarters of a football game.

Mission had troubles when he was younger. The pup’s rear legs were growing inward. But Street says she switched his food and sent him to physical therapy. She says he’s outgrown his leg issue and is now healthy.

Mission will live in Marengo when he’s not acting as NIU mascot. His handlers in DeKalb will be NIU Army ROTC students.