Hairy Dawg’s Origin Story: An Oral History

Dr. Stan Beecham – the Original Hairy Dawg

Tom had taken a football helmet and spray painted it gold like Notre Dame’s helmets were. And then he took a saw and cut into the helmet as if a claw had ripped a piece of the helmet off.

So during the game, I walked around with this helmet carrying it. In the melee after the game, somebody stole it and took off. So there’s somebody out there in Bulldog land who has this Notre Dame helmet hanging up in their house. If any of y’all know who it was, I’m glad it’s still around, but let them know they’re a thief! (laughing)

Tom Sapp – Creator of Hairy Dawg

During the game, Hairy got on ESPN. And people were calling the university asking about the costume, and UGA was nice enough to refer them to me.

And it was several calls where I said, well, what is it that you want me to do for you? I was an art director at the time, I was also an illustrator. And they said, well design us an original concept character. Michigan State was one of the first people to contact me. And Sparty is still there.

Stan Beecham

I don’t really feel like the legacy of Hairy Dawg has anything to do with me. I mean, I was lucky enough that I got to be a part of the story. But, Hairy Dawg is really about Tom Sapp and what he did. I mean, he really made it happen.

Tom Sapp

It’s been an interesting journey. I’ve told people I didn’t plan it. It’s kind of one of those things that found me and I love that I have this opportunity.

I love what I do [designing mascots]. Every day is a new challenge in this business, but Hairy’s the cornerstone, and will always be the cornerstone. I’ve got three Hairy Dawg heads in my basement right now ready to finish, to keep him consistent over all these years. And that’s one of the real keys to having a long-term mascot, consistency. Most people don’t realize he’s 40 years old this year. He’s been with the program for 40 years. Very, very proud of that.