When they say education has gone to the dogs, it’s not what you might think. USC announced it will admit its first-ever dog on a full-ride soccer scholarship! Duke Hines, a Jack Russell Terrier from Santa Monica, California, was recruited by a University sports coach who saw him at the dog park.
“When I saw his recall, and the way he could block a ball, I knew we needed him on the soccer team,” says the coach. “But when I proposed it to the board, they said we can’t have a dog on the soccer team. That’s when I had the idea to start USC’s first all-dog soccer team.”
USC is known for giving dogs jobs. Duke will join the likes of Professor Beau, the school’s Well-Being Ambassador.
The soccer team will be co-ed, but all members are required to be spayed or neutered. The coach says they’re hoping to make it to Puppy Bowl 2020.
Duke is the first-ever dog admitted to USC on a sports scholarship. He will major in barketing. This marks a small step for dogs and a big leap for dog-kind.
April Fools!
Dogs don’t need college. What they do need is exercise, mental stimulation, and love. Here are some ways you can help your dog live their best life:
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- Spend time with them! Whether you can dedicate an afternoon of park play or 10 minutes of belly rubs, bonding with your dog is a huge life reward for them.
- Socialize your dog. Whether you take them to daycare, a sports class, or to the park with friends, socialization is valuable to dogs.
- Give them a purpose. Of course, dogs serve a huge purpose in our lives: to love and give us companionship. But often times, dogs don’t get the mental stimulation they need. Give your dog a sense of purpose by giving them a puzzle to complete, a ball to retrieve, or a trick to learn. You will both be happier for it!
If you want to watch a cool video of this Jack Russell Terrier blocking a soccer ball, click here.