Article by H. Keith Hellems, M.D. ’62 [email protected]
cell 540-878-6661
From floppy-eared puppies to a bearded fish with more personality than some brothers, our fraternity house has welcomed a menagerie of furry—and finned—friends over the decades. While some pets quietly chewed on their toys in the corner, others earned their spot in our annual composites, forever immortalized in black and white (and the occasional splash of color).
Over the years various animals were taken in as house pets. This had varying success since it required someone to actually take care of the house guest. While reviewing the yearly composites it was clear that some were honored with their photo being included. The following is a collation of those making the composite. All were dogs except for Blub Blub the Bearded Fish in 1988-89 and a cat named “Blue” who was in the 1972 composite. We could not locate a 1972 composite or a picture of “Blue” after inquiry to the members in that timeframe.
It is my understanding that there have been various house “animals and pets” which lived in the house over the years that did not make it into the annual composite. I want to do a follow-up article on this theme so help me out with a short or long anecdote about these offline DX members. Thanks – Keith Hellems.
Our earliest photo features a loyal dog whose name may be lost to time, but whose wagging tail set the tone for welcoming four-legged ambassadors into our home.
Henry proved so charming, he posed for both the 1955 and again in 1956 with fresh photos. This spirited pup clearly knew the camera loved him.
Nick followed in Henry’s pawprints, appearing in the 1960 and 1961 composites. His stoic gaze in 1960 was so memorable, the editors reused it in the following year.
Three years straight, Ursis M. Beelyk held court in our photos—proof that a dog’s loyalty can earn him a long-term spot in Delta Chi history.
1972 – Blue the Cat
Our only known feline housemate, Blue’s sleek presence was celebrated in the elusive 1972 composite. If you have a snapshot of Blue, let us know!
When puppies were in vogue, ours joined the fun—though his true identity remains as playful as his name.
Kaos strutted into the 1977–78 composite, striking a fresh pose again in 1978–79. Always unpredictable—just like his name.
Dark, sleek, and undeniably cool—Midnight brought an air of mystery to our halls in back-to-back composites
Perhaps the most unforgettable of all, Blub Blub swam into the hearts of the 1988–89 class. His noble fins and subtle beard inspired Wayne G. Nelson ’89 to write a moving eulogy, ensuring our aquatic friend’s legend lives on.
Kimball’s gentle eyes peeked out from the page, reminding us that every pet adds its own flavor to Delta Chi life.
These dynamic duos kept the tradition alive, appearing in consecutive composites and reminding us that good things come in pairs
Blub Blub the Bearded Fish was especially favored by the 1988-89 class. It was given a wonderful eulogy by Wayne G. Nelson ’89 which I include below. It was obviously a Fish to be remembered.
Share Your Stories!
We know many other beloved pets—quiet companions who cheered us on, offered comfort after tough exams, or simply made us laugh. Whether you’ve got a two-sentence anecdote or a full-blown saga, we want to hear about your Delta Chi pets that never made it into the yearbook. Drop me a line, and let’s celebrate our furry, feathered, and finned brothers together!
