Mission Aboard!

Northern Illinois University and the NIU Alumni Association announce the addition of Mission II to the Huskie Family.

Northern Illinois University and the NIU Alumni Association—including big brother Mission—are happy to announce the arrival of Mission II to the Huskie Nation.
 

Mission II was born on Saturday, July 6, weighing in at 14.5 ounces. He is from Aoi Kita Kaze Siberians, a preservation breeder located in Southern Wisconsin.

Mission II will make his first 'official' appearance on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Fatty's Pub & Grille as a part of our Dawgma beer tastings. Mission II will join Mission at the remaining seven tastings, so please RSVP through myniu.com/dawgma.

There will be a transition period for Mission and Mission II, before Mission retires in 2021 at the age of 10 years old. During this transition, Mission II will accompany him to all eligible events for experiential learning and proofing.

"We have long been searching for the heir apparent to Mission, and there is no question that we have found the right Huskie," NIU Alumni Association Executive Director Reggie Bustinza said. "Mission has set very high expectations, but there is no doubt in my mind that Mission II cannot only meet those demands, but surpass them.

"We are happy that Mission will have plenty of years to enjoy his retirement."

Mission II will also be trained by head trainer and Mission program consultant Lisa Boland on a daily basis and will attend puppy classes at Enjoy Your Dog in Downers Grove, Illinois, for additional specialization and practice. He will be starting with basic puppy obedience, camera skills, social cues, interactions and confidence building.

"I'm most looking forward to seeing Mission and Mission II do the job together during the training period," Boland said. "It will be wonderful to watch 'Mini-Mish' learn from Mission, and see them work as a team.

"Mission has set a very high bar in mascotting, and Mission II will be working very hard to follow in his footsteps," Boland continued. "I am so proud of Mission and the work that he's done as the official NIU mascot.

"I am thrilled to have the privilege of guiding his successor to best represent Huskie Nation."