Lion-like dog honored by Old Dominion

NORFOLK, Va., Jan. 14 (UPI) -- A Labrador-poodle mix groomed to look like Old Dominion University's lion mascot was honored by the Virginia school at a basketball game.

Charles the Monarch, whose owner, Daniel Painter, had him groomed to resemble a lion in honor of the school, set off a flurry of 911 calls last week from people who spotted him walking in Norfolk and thought he was an actual small lion, The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot reported Monday.

The calls caused Charles to become a national celebrity and he was honored during halftime of the Old Dominion women's basketball game at the Ted Constant Convocation Center.

Debbie White, senior associate athletic director for external relations at Old Dominion, said officials may be open to future partnerships with Painter and Charles.

"I think we'll play it by ear," White said.