Over the years the CVM has had five different mule teams. They are Hillda and Louise, Hillda and Louise II (Jill and Shirley), Tim and Terry, Boone and George, and Bess and Rose.

Hillda and Louise

Hillda and Louise were the original mascots of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. In 1984, Dean Robert Kahrs brought the team to the university. They were purchased from an 87-year-old Fayette farmer, Howard Sartin, who was in failing health and was looking for a home for his last pair of mules. The Mule Team became the goodwill ambassadors of the College of Veterinary Medicine. They traveled throughout the state, attending parades, picnics, petting zoos, and giving wagon rides. Hillda and Louise were retired to pasture in 1996. Louise passed away in June 2011. Hillda passed away in April of 2017 at the age of 41.

Hillda and Louise II (Jill & Shirley)

Virginia Etheridge donated Louise and Hillda II (Jill and Shirley) to the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. Jill and Shirley were purchased from John Roy Chipman of Perry, Missouri, and both are past champions in Missouri State Fair competition. Jill and Shirley celebrated their retirement in March of 2003. They now reside in Rolla, Missouri on the farm of Dr. Justin Berger, a CVM alum.

Tim and Terry

Tim and Terry were purchased for the College of Veterinary Medicine by Sydenstricker Implement Co. in December of 2003. They were purchased from Max Eagleburger of Elkland, Missouri. Tim was born April 13, 1993, and Terry was born May 5, 1993. For nearly two decades, they represented the College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Missouri by appearing in different events across the state.

Bess, Rose, Boone, and George

In 2020, the Mule Club was having a challenging time locating a new team of trained Missouri Mules to take over for Tim and Terry. Bess and Rose were purchased, 2 years old and untrained, and arrived on campus in April of 2020. Two months later, the club located a pair of trained, 5-year-old mules in Jamesport, Missouri. The college welcomed Boone and George in June of that year. In addition to taking over parade, festival and event duties across the state, Boone and George have taken on the role of training Bess and Roses. These four mules love the spotlight and attention just as much as their predecessors and will be happy to serve as our college’s ambassadors for years to come.