Texas A&M cadet who saved Reveille rewarded with $1,300 boots (GIF)

Taking care of Texas A&M’s mascot Reveille isn’t just a job, it’s a responsibility. And with that responsibility comes a pledge to protect the purebred collie by whatever means necessary.

Sophomore Ryan Kreider, a member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, did just that and his heroism was rewarded with free $1,300 senior boots.

During last week’s game between the Aggies and SMU, Kreider saw SMU receiver Der'rikk Thompson coming right at Reveille and he threw his body in front of the dog and blocked Thompson into a nearby wall.

Kreider actions deserve a closer look:

Brig. Gen. Joe Ramirez Jr., the commandant of the Corps, was watching the game on television when he saw Krieder's act of heroism. That’s when he offered to buy Krieder’s custom-made boots. Albert Caudillo, owner of Victor's Shoe & Boot Repair in Bryan, Texas, told the Associated Press that a pair of senior boots average $1,326.

"Cadet Ryan Kreider made ALL Aggies VERY proud today! What a selfless way for a cadet to take care of our beloved mascot, Miss Reveille," wrote Ramirez on his Facebook page. "As a result, the Commandant is going to buy Ryan's Senior Boots. Fellow cadets can give him junior/senior privileges as they deem appropriate, but I am so proud of what he did, that I'm willing to do something a little more 'substantial' to show the appreciation of ALL Aggies for his selfless act. Ryan, thanks for being such a superb example of what being a member of the Corps of Cadets and being an Aggie is all about! Your senior boots are now compliments of the Commandant! Well done, Ryan! Aggie nation is VERY proud of you!"

Here’s a quick idea of the tradition behind senior boots. It’s quite the honor and to have them purchased by the commandant is probably a rare act. But it’s worth it if Reveille gets to bark another day.

For more Texas A&M news, visit AggieYell.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday

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