Does your apartment community have a "mascot"?

During our SUPERNAR yesterday, someone asked about community mascots:

"what are your thoughts on having a mascot in the leasing office? I recently shopped a community that had a little puppy and I fell in love with her immediately and I didn't even care to see the models, I wanted to sign the lease right away!" ~ Rachel

I thought it was a great question to share here! What do you think about having an apartment community mascot?

I have had people horrified of dogs and cats. I don't think they make good mascots. Really, scared to death!!!

How about a Beta fish or a bird? A bird that talks would be great!! Especially if you could teach it to say "Welcome Home" or "Lease Today." Or just "Hello!"

It would be "memorable."

My seniors community had a bird that we names Chester (for Chester Village). Unfortuanately several residents complained of "bird allergies", which is a true medical condition, but VERY rare, so we donated him to another home. I guess my dog Harry is kinda our mascot. He is a certified (and insured) therapy dog so I bring him in every other Friday when I'm only working a few hours. This is an 80lb rottie/shar-pi mix, so he can be intimidating, however there were several residents who had a terrible fear of dogs, and he has been able to win over. When I worked yesterday I thought there would be a revolt as I didn't bring him with me. I am careful to keep him in my office or that of my assistant, and he knows not to great people unless he's invited. We've been doing this for about 2 years now. So far the only issue is he has developed an addiction to the Otis Spunkmyere cookies that are given to him behind my back.