Saturday August 21 was a sad day for the University of Butler, college basketball fans, and mascot aficionados, as Blue II, the Bulldogs’ mascot, passed away due to complications from congestive heart failure at the age of nine. Blue II was a fixture at home games, some away games, and the 2010 and 2011 final four games until his retirement on May 20, after which he made appearances around campus and on various social media platforms. The face of the university’s athletics, Blue had his own Twitter, and blog, both of which display final sentiments of passing from Blue himself.
University President James M. Danko had nothing but great things about the school’s beloved pup:
Blue epitomized The Butler Way. Without saying a word, Blue demonstrated perfect loyalty, team spirit, and steadfast pride in representing the University to the world. And he always made people smile, We will miss him very much.
To honor him, Blue’s portrait will be on display at Starbucks in Butler’s Atherton Union from 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, through the weekend. Blue II will be replaced by his brother, Blue III, nicknamed Trip.
R.I.P. little buddy, and may your bark reverberate through the halls of mascot dog heaven.
About Ronald Haraka