The new residential commons model has introduced some change on campus with the Faculty in Residence (FiRs) who are living in each residence hall, but they aren’t the only new inhabitants.

A few animal-loving FiRs are bringing their pets along for the ride, giving some residence halls new mascots.

Mark Fontenot of Lloyd, Rita Kirk of Armstrong, Will Power of Crow, Ann Batenburg of Virginia-Snider and Beth Wheaton of Cockerell-McIntosh will be living with their dogs, as well as student leaders Katie Bell, Tiffany Richardson and Krystal Jones.

Wheaton is welcoming her dog Lone Star to Morrison-McGinnis commons this fall.

He’s a Brindle colored Whippet with a white spot of fur, which Wheaton calls his star, on the back of his neck. He’s 8 years old and has lived with Wheaton for most of his life. He loves chasing squirrels and meeting residents who attend open house in the first floor lobby of Cockrell-McIntosh.

“Lone Star is more than the Cockrell-McIntosh mascot,” said Wheaton. “He is each person’s pup and he believes that there is always room at Cockrell-McIntosh!”

If you need your puppy love fix, these FiRs and their furry roommates will be happy to accommodate.