Black labrador Drake, alumna owner win Dog Days of Summer contest

The first annual Dog Days of Summer campaign concluded last month with more than a dozen beloved Campbell pets helping to raise more than $1,200 in support of students through the Fund for Campbell.

Drake – the “fur-son” of Dr. Crystal N. Dowless, ’09 (PharmD) – was crowned top dog in the month-long fundraiser which invited Campbell alumni, friends, and supporters to nominate Campbell pets, then vote on their favorites with their dollars. The funds contributed to direct aid scholarships for students in 2024-25.

Described by his alumna mother as free-spirited and goofy but highly intelligent, Drake is a registered black American labrador with the legal name “Jacolby Drake Dowless.” As Drake and Crystal live locally, Buies Creek is a huge part of Drake’s life. Drake, in turn, makes his mark on Buies Creek’s campus and passersby.

“Drake has loved taking walks around campus since he was a pup, sniffing every inch of the way and hoping folks will stop to pet him and get a high-five,” Crystal said. “His favorite Campbell memories include the tree lighting at Christmas and Canines in The Creek baseball games.”

Drake is a huge Camels fan who flips around in circles barking in response to the phrase, “Go Camels!” Crystal said he’s also a huge fan of Homecoming weekend and will be on cloud nine at the dog-friendly Alumni Block Party.

On less festive days, he can be seen relaxing outside Butler Chapel, listening to the water.

“If he were to get away, we would most likely find him splashing in the fountain,” said Crystal.

Given Drake’s loving nature, Crystal said she’d like to start walking Drake on campus during exam week and inviting students to pet him and calm their nerves.

Crystal said she chose to enter Drake into the Dog Days of Summer fundraiser because she recalls how important scholarships were to her when she was a student.

“Plus there’s the fact that Drake is so handsome,” she noted. “During our photo shoot to prep for the Dog Days contest, I got an awesome pic of him with my orange sunglasses. We loved checking in to see who our competition was and posting reminders on social media to help promote the event.”

For their winning efforts, Drake and Crystal received a special Campbell canine swag basket and they will receive special recognition this fall.

A member of the Alumni Board of Directors and a preceptor for the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Crystal is unwavering in loyalty to her alma mater.

“Campbell provided me with an outstanding education to help me be a leader in my career,” she said. “Those 7 years were some of the hardest yet most amazing and rewarding years of my life. I remember all of the memories and feelings I had as a student and want to continue to provide those same opportunities to students today.”

Gifts to the Fund for Campbell allow the University to embark on exciting new opportunities while continuing to address immediate needs of Campbell people, programs and places. Click here to make a gift and help advance Campbell’s mission of graduating leaders.