Fret not, UConn fans and animal lovers: Jonathan the Husky has made it to Houston for the Final Four.
The Huskies are the only team left that has not only made a Final Four, but also won a men’s NCAA title. Connecticut’s last men’s basketball national championship came under Kevin Ollie after an unprecedented run in 2014.
The live mascot of the University of Connecticut — officially named Jonathan the XIV — seemingly wasn’t going to be able to take the trip due to being just a very big boy with lots of fluffy fur. A tweet from the official account of the mascot shared a picture of a very sad Jonathan.
When they tell you that you won’t fit on the plane. #seekingflighttotexas #bigboyproblems #FinalFour #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/KezaL3w49s
— Jonathan the XIV (@JonathanHusky14) March 27, 2023
Immediately, the powers that be mobilized. Just three days after the initial tweet, the same account shared a smiling Jonathan aboard a flight to Houston, thanking UConn, the NCAA and Delta for making his pooch dreams come true.
Hey #huskynation I’m flying to Houston tonight!!! Thank you to @uconnhuskies , @NCAA and @Delta for all your support. Special shout-out to Jennifer & Sarah of Delta Airlines for their kindness Let’s do this! #marchmadness pic.twitter.com/6iBlnl67uT
— Jonathan the XIV (@JonathanHusky14) March 30, 2023
Since arriving in Houston, Jonathan has become a tourist and has taken to the streets to see all the sights.
#tourist @SpaceCenterHou pic.twitter.com/9uMbqyuUtB
— Jonathan the XIV (@JonathanHusky14) March 31, 2023
Congrats on the biggest win of the tournament, UConn. Here’s hoping Jonathan has the absolute most fun.