Nicholls State University’s beloved Boots Clune died at age 13 on June 29, 2025.

Nicholls announced in a news statement that President Jay Clune’s cherished collared Colonel, Boots Clune, passed today. Nicholls asked that the community keep the Clune family in their thoughts and prayers as they process their grief.

“Boots was more than a companion to the Clune family; he was ‘brother’ or ‘baby’ to sisters Gabrielle and Caroline,” the statement read.

Boots’ life began in 2012 near the shores of Pensacola, Florida. He lived as a wild card with a playful heart and soon found his forever home with the Clune family. He entered and graduated from obedience school in 2014. Even so, his flair and chaotic good remained unchanged.

Boots’ journey changed trajectory in 2018 when he first stepped paws onto Nicholls’ campus, where his fame quickly spread across the community. He is well known for his playful nature with many people and creatures across the campus.

SGA President Cruz Cassard released a Proclamation for Boots Clune Remembrance Day, stating that “Boots Clune was more than just another dog… he was an integral member of the Nicholls State University family.”

“We must join together to honor the campus-wide impacts of the First Dog,” Cassard wrote.

Though Boots will no longer attend campus alongside us, he will forever remain part of the Nicholls community – in our memories and our hearts.