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The Kia ora coo-ee : the magazine for the ANZACS in the Middle East, 1918

Mascots

Mascots.

It is proposed to publish biographies of regimental mascots, with portraits. In order that this "gallery of celebrities" may be complete, each unit is requested to forward to the editors a brief article and photographs, dealing with its own mascot.

"Cacolet." A.C.F.A.

He was neither a gift nor a purchase, we list "acquired" him. It was on Cairo station that "Cacolet" joined up. He was trotting along the platform, at a loose end, when one of us spotted him and whistled. "Cacolet's" ears pricked up, he answered the call, and we had him in our carriage in a jiffy. A sturdy black-and-white pup, smooth-haired terrier type, we took him on the strength at first glance. He was a jolly, friendly little beggar, and helped to brighten the weary hours of travel on the desert railway. When we got settled down in camp, "Cacolet" had the time of his life. He was always eager for fun, and helped to keep us tidy over our dress. If he spotted the end of a puttee tape, he was on it in a flash. Red Cross socks of varied hues seemed to fascinate him. He chewed up dozens of them. Clothes spread out to dry on bivvy ropes were apt to disappear. After all, "Cacolet was only a pup then, and we forgave him these minor sins.

When he had been with us for about three months, he had developed into a fine looking dog, still a bit loose-jointed, but well-knit, glossy haired, and with a shapely head. He never went short of mungaree. Jim B., his principal pal, would have shared his last biscuit with "Cacolet", and I guess we would all have done the same. Our mascot was pretty catholic in his affections; he popped into every bivvy, with a laugh in his eyes and vigorous tail wagging. But he had two pet aversions, jerbils and lizards. If we stated the numbers he has killed, well, you wouldn't believe us. He was one of the dogs of war and doubtless placed rodents and lizards in the same class as Jackos—things to be wiped off the globe.

"Cacolet" was rather pally with "Biddy," the pet donkey of a unit camped near us. Biddy's own history is like a romance. She was puchassed in a Cairo by-way for P.T.IO, and taken into the wilderness. She was so small then, that a burly Sergeant could carry her in his arms. "Biddy" was a mischievous little devil, and she formed an alliance with "Ginger", a sand-cart mule of wicked propensities. Also, she made friends with a man, "Wee Jock," and had great games with him. Jock would chase her, and she would let him come within range of her hind heels, when the Scotty generally stopped a playful kick. If he turned his back on her, ten to one "Biddy" would plant her teeth in the slack of his pants, and haul him along for a few yards. "Biddy" has seen plenty of active ser-vice. She was in the early Gaza stunts, and behaved admirably. Bombs and shells made her kicks up her heells—her way of expressing annoyance—but she never turned tail in face of danger. A little white Gyppo donk, she has the heart of a lion.

"Cacolet" recently went out on a stunt alone and has not been heard of since. He is posted as missing. Sorrow, of course, but we have a new mascot, a Bedouin puppy named Ricketty Kate. She cost a piastre; in view of Cairo leave, rather reckless expenditure, but Kate is a bonzer pup.