Ozarks Life: The origin of the Houn Dawg name in Aurora [Video]

AURORA, Mo. (KY3) – Just a block off the square in Aurora, in the shadow of a water tower, proudly stands a colorful mural.

In the bottom corner of the mural is the town’s mascot, the Houn Dawg.

“Someone with a lot of energy,” said senior Riley Morton.

“Tough, relentless, determined,” Ethan Whitlock also a senior said.

“It’s someone who is hardworking, determined, supportive of their peers,” senior Bri Karch said.

But how did the Houn Dawg come to be the mascot of the school? If you’re wondering, it predates the Elvis Presley song.

Aurora High School teacher, Kim McCully-Mobley can tell you.

Born and raised in Aurora Kim loves history. She says early records of the Houn Dawg date back to the 1800s.

The 2nd Missouri Infantry from southwest Missouri was considered a bunch of Houn Dawgs because of their relentless spirit and would often sing their fight song while deployed.

“Every time I go to town, folks, don’t kick my dog around. Makes no difference, he’s …