In the Spolight

An anonymous reader asked, "Blue, I think you are adorable!! I'm sure with a job like yours you get invited to do all kinds of things... What have been some of your most exciting moments in the spotlight??"

Great question! The first few years on the job haven't been dull, I can assure you, but most of my time in the "spotlight" has been of the local variety. Although, I'm looking to make my big break this March in San Antionio, Texas for the Men's NCAA Final Four. Coach Stevens, members of the basketball team, if you're reading this, see what you can do to help me out. Okay?

Just thinking back off the top of my furry head, some of the obvious things that come to mind are my appearances at Butler sporting events. Whether it's leading the football team onto the field (pictured), greeting the starters on the basketball court, doing my "tricks" during a timeout at center court (pictured), or serving as the halftime entertainment at a soccer match where I displayed my own soccer tecniques, those are all great instances where I steal the show.

Of course, there's more than athletic events, there's also the performing arts. I've been a part of the limelight at several events such as YMCA Geneva Stunts, YMCA Spring Sing and JCFA's REJOICE! where the students sang "Blue Christmas" and I came out on stage riding a sleigh with Santa Claus. (picture below by Claire Corbin Photography)

I also make appearances at university/campus events for University Advancment, Admissions, Student Affairs, and much more. I've been used in class presentations, atttended press conferences, and black tie galas (pictured). At the press conference to announce the hiring of Butler Athletic Director, Barry Collier, I let out a loud bark during the middle of that event. I'm not sure what came over me, I just felt like letting the media and attendees know that I approved of the hire.

Oh yeah, and there's Butler's Homecoming activities too, where last year I hosted the "Family Fun Fest," and the annual "Bulldog Beauty Contest presented by the Ovid Butler Society," as well as had my own Corvette in the parade.

I've also been known to be a bit of a media hound too. From TV, to radio, to newspapers, to magazines, to the internet, I'm blowing up! It's not uncommon to see my mug on the local Indy major network affliates when they cover Butler basketball highlights after a game.

I can remember one time Dave Calabro of WTHR NBC Channel 13 (and Butler grad) was doing a live shot from Hinkle Fieldhouse before a home game. He wanted to get me on camera, so going to a break, he rolled a basketball (one of my favorite things) on the floor for me to attack. I didn't disappoint. It was so funny that he featured it on his "Check It Out" spot in the 11 p.m. broadcast. Guess you had to be there.

This past month I did get some national TV exposure as well as I made a couple of appearances on ESPN's SportsCenter.

This season and last you can hear me on the radio broadcasts of the men's home basketball games. Those can be heard at WXNT AM 1430. That's me barking for the Ovid Butler Society and Bulldog Club commercials.

I've also made two or three appearances in Indianapolis Montly, with my most recent coming in the Feb. 2008 issue, page 100. No issues of Dog Fancy yet or Time's Dog of the Year yet, though.

I've been in the newspaper quite a few times including this past Sunday's edition of the Indianapolis Star. I also make appearances in Butler's student produced paper, The Butler Collegian.

Okay, that's all I can think of right now, but now that I think about it, I need to renegotiate my contract! That's a lot of stuff I've done in just under four years. My stock is hot, baby! Get Ari Gold (pictured) on the line, I need some representation!

I'm sure there's more that I've done, times I've been the center of attention, instances where I stole the show, etc., I just can't think of them. If your reading this and something comes to mind that I didn't cover, then use the "comments" section to share.

Hairy Inquiry

bulldawgamy writes, “Hey Blue! I think you are soooo cute. Anyways, I was wondering if you shed alot? I remember a year or two ago when some students were petting you in the dawg pound and you shed like crazy---hairs everywhere :) Did your new diet fix this problem?”

First of all Amy, if it’s been a “year or two ago” since you’ve seen me or petted me yourself, then that’s a year or two too long!

Second, sorry I am just now responding to your question. I had a couple of ball games to attend recently. I started writing my response while my dad was watching the Rolex 24 at Daytona (go Vision Racing!) and didn’t get finished until President Bush’s State of the Union address. Again, my apologies for the delay.

It’s true. I shed. A lot. I can’t really help it. It’s just a characteristic of the English Bulldog breed.

Consider those little hairs I leave behind a souvenir…something to remember me by.

If you think the shedding is bad, just be glad I didn’t slime you as well. Sometimes I’ve been known to get worked up or excited, which means I start breathing heavier, and salivating more. And when that happens sometimes things tend to get slimed.


Check out my dad’s pant legs sometimes. Between the hair and the slime, I wreak havoc on those wool suits! Think "Turner and Hooch."

Speaking of my dad, I’m not the only one in the family who sheds. My dad sheds too, but unfortunately for him, his hair doesn’t grow back like mine. Hair today, gone tomorrow.

Shedding is natural for dogs. The hair loss allows the new coat to come in. All dogs shed; some more then others. Actually, the English Bulldog's shedding is listed as "average."

My shedding is constant, but the degree of hair loss comes and goes. I don’t really know if it can be controlled, but I bathe weekly, eat food high in Omega-3 fatty acids, and if my parents remember, I will get brushed.

I don’t know how much those things help, but I don’t think they can hurt.

My dad always says he wishes that he invented the lint roller. I don’t know if that’s because he thinks that would have made him wealthier or if it’s because he thinks he could get them for free if he invented them. Maybe both.


Speaking of business opportunities, if scientists could figure out the hair growth hormone (the new HGH) in me, maybe we could bottle it and people like my dad wouldn’t have to sweat that receding hairline anymore. We could put the Hair Club for Men president right out of business. Still a “client,” buddy?

I digress, back to my fur coat. People often ask if I ever get my hair cut/groomed. The answer is no. English Bulldogs are short-haired by nature. There’s no need for a trim for me. So I’ve got that going for me. Which is nice.

Say Cheese!

Another game, another photo opportunity. Your online edition of the Indianapolis Star (http://www.indystar.com/) again features my mug. Only this time, it's post oversized bone pickup, unlike pre bone pickup shot from last game.

Once again, Heather Charles took the picture which can be viewed along with her other game action shots here: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=MULTIMEDIA

Ironically, the photo also accompanies David Woods' post-game story which focuses primarilly on senior guard, A.J. Graves. You can read that here: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080127/SPORTS06/801270373/1068

Why is that ironic? Just see my post from earlier in the month regarding the relationship between Graves and I. No big deal, just kind of humorous. Congrats to A.J. for a game well played yesterday.

Speaking of the game, the Dawgs punished the Flames of Illinois-Chicago 73-57. Thanks to that and a loss by Cleveland State, Butler is back leading the standings in the Horizon League.

Go Dawgs!

Mr. February

It's no centerfold, but it is a magazine appearance nonetheless! For you local Naptown and Central Indiana residents, be sure to pick up a copy of the February Indianapolis Montly...on news stands now!

Flip to page 100 of this month's pet-themed issue and there I am, featured as one of Indy's biggest celebrity pets!

I had to tell my dad that "celebrity pet" did not necessarily imply that he was indeed a "celebrity" and I was his "pet". He was crushed. I think I bruised his ego a little bit, but after all, he is pretty much just my manager/driver/servant. He works for me!

You can read the piece here: http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/article.aspx?id=20204

They mention that my parents are trying to teach me how to ride a skateboard like my "famous YoutTube counterpart." They are referencing Tyson, the Skateboarding Bulldog. He's one cool dude and tallented bully! I can only hope to learn to ride half as good as he can. Skate or die, Tyson!

My parents are trying to teach me to ride, and I am quite fond of the board, but rather than ride, I enjoy strutting around with the board in my mouth and biting the wheels. Their instructions are clear, but the ability to focus has never been one of my strong suits. We'll keep after it, but I've got a long road ahead of me...pun intended.

You'd think I'd be able to use my celebrity status to get a guy like Tony Hawk or Rob Dyrdek to come give me some tips and pointers. Hey Tony/Rob, if you're reading this, hit me up at blue2@butler.edu. Can ya help a brother out?!

If I had opposable thumbs and a free hand, I might even try the Marty McFly method of skateboarding...just hitch a ride and let the gas powered machines do the work. I wonder what would have happened if he got the skateboard up to 88 mph. Heavy stuff, Doc.

Anyway, as the weather gets warmer, I'll keep everyone up to date on my skateboarding lessons. I'll try and get some pictures and video of that uploaded here as well. Should be good for a laugh if nothing else. Until then, stay warm and cozy up to a nice issue of Indianapolis Montly.

Like a Dog on a Bone

If you've cracked open your online edition of the Indianapolis Star at http://www.indystar.com/ and checked out the game recap info and photos from last night's Butler men's basketball contest against Loyola of Chicago, then perhaps you saw your's truly.

Indy Star photographer, Heather Charles, captured me on my pre-game ritual charge to the Dawg Pound to pick up my over-sized bone. That's Butler student, Ty Anderson, getting ready to make the hand-off and my old man jogging behind.

In case you were wondering, the Bulldogs dispatched the Ramblers 63-50.

Next up are the Flames of Univ. of Illinois - Chicago at 2 p.m., tomorrow, at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Come on over to campus for the game and you can watch me make my run to the bone first-hand.

For Indy Star coverage of the game, visit here: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080125/SPORTS06/801250447

For the Indy Star game photos, visit here: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=MULTIMEDIA

For Indy Star Butler Beat Writer, David Wood's Butler Insider Blog, visit here: http://blogs.indystar.com/butler/

Want to talk Butler Hoops? Visit here: http://p214.ezboard.com/Butler-Basketball/fbuhoopsfrm1

Girls, Girls, Girls

My good friends, newly weds, and Butler grads Noelle & Daniel recently posted,

"Sounds like the dream life of every Butler Bulldog! Do you have a girlfriend Blue??"

Not only do I live the dream life of every Butler Bulldog, I pretty much live the dream life. Period.

Living the dream, baby. Living-the-dream!

Now, on to your question...

It’s been said that a gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell. Good news for you, I’m a dog, I do whatever I want. In the words of George Clinton and the Parliament-Funkadelic, "Why must I feel like that? Why must I chase the cat? Nothin' but the dog in me." In other words, I've been known to like the ladies. Ya dig?

But, about those "girlfriends." Officially, I’ve never really had a girlfriend. Technically, I’ve had a lot of ladies in my life.

I’m cute, I’m cuddly, I’m a mascot and I’m a BMOC. Ladies love me.


My main lady in my life, besides my birth mother, Margie, (pictured below) is my adopted mother, Tiffany.

Tiffany taught me how to treat a lady and she said it was okay for me to date, but I’ve still yet to find “the one.”

I used to have a “relationship” with Kristen Nichols when she was on the cheerleading squad. Unofficially, she was my “girlfriend,” but we’ve since moved on. It was a mutual break-up, and we’re still good friends though. Besides, it was all fun and games…she is a human after all!

So when it comes the humans, I just enjoy the love from everyone. It’s platonic. But, I don’t really have a girlfriend on the K9 side either.

A good friend and Dawg Pound cohort, Loren Snyder, adopted a nice female English Bulldog recently. Her name is Bella. We went on a first date, but that didn’t go so well. We found that two Type A personalities don’t necessarily mix. She’s a nice lady, and we can be friends, but she’s too much woman for this man to handle.

I have an ongoing crush on Hoops Green. Hoops belongs to Butler men’s basketball guard, Mike Green. I haven’t seen her since Mike was playing ball in Alaska and Hoops was walking through campus with her sitter. We hit off right away. She’s hot, no question. And I think she was in to me, but we just don’t get to see each other very much. Distance just seems to make the heart grow fonder.

Ah well, I’m not giving up on love, but I’m still just three! I'll wait until I'm longer in the tooth to be settling down. That’s a big commitment…all those expectations, demands, emotions, etc.

Like the late Christopher George Latore Wallace, a.k.a. Biggie Smalls, i.e. Notorious B.I.G. once said, “mo money, mo problems.” True. So true.

So I guess it’s best that I just kick it as a one-man-band for the time being. I am most definitely single and ready to mingle, but you just can’t force true love. I know that "Mrs. Right" is just going to find me when I least expect it.

Sleepless in Indianapolis,

Blue II

Did Somebody Say "Treats?"

An anonymous guest writes..."Dear Blue II, What are some of your favorite treats/foods?"

Ah yes, the infamous "T" word. Say it, and my ears perk up. Say it again and might even cock my head and look at you very intently. Pull out the bag of treats and I'm salivating like I belong to Pavlov.


Unfortunately, my old man scaled back the treat intake, both in quantity and brand. I used to work the system by wandering around the office and giving that irresistible "feed me" face to any sucker that would look my way.

I had people feeding me right and left. Even Butler University President, Bobby Fong, keeps treats for me in his office.

It was all going as planned until my my digestive tract and eating habits caught up with me. In spite of eating all of those treats, I still managed to maintain a steady weight at 60 lbs., but that was because I was so full from treats by the time I got home from work I skipped dinner.

In addition all of those different makes and models of treats gave me flatulence that could choke a horse. I mean, this gas could bring a tear to the eye it was that pundgent. I was already known for clearing out a room from time to time and my treat intake was just compounding the issue. Finally, enough was enough.

It all came to a head this past fall as Susan Smith of City Dogs Grocery (49th & College - Indpls.) came forward and offered to provide me with a food sponsorship. The sponsorship is a partnership between Smith's City Dogs store and Eagle Pack Pet Foods.

Due to allergies, I was already on a special blend of prescription dog food, primarilly made of salmon and potato when I got the call from Susan. As it turns out, Eagle Pack had a blend of food, also fish-based, (those fatty acids help my skin and coat) that would work for me. It's an anchovy, sardine and salmon mix from their Holistic Select line.



So when we began switching foods, my dad limited any foreign substances, including treats, to ensure that the switch went well. Sure enough, the discipline on food intake and limited to no treats solved the gas issue. Thus, it's pretty evident to tell when someone slips me a little contraband.

But, a dog cannot go without treats! That's just cruel and unsual punishment. So we found some treats that compliment my current diet. Also made by Eagle Pack and sold at City Dogs Grocery, the Holistix Menhaden Biscuit is on the approved list.

You ask about other favorite foods...of course, I'm generally not allowed table scraps, people food, or whatever you want to call it, but I still have my favorites. I may have been born at night, but it wasn't last night. I know the good stuff.

I love anything made with milk. Milk, ice cream and cheese are all favorites. I have a nose for those things as well. I am also a huge fan of eggs, plain spaghetti noodles and rice. Other than that, I pretty much like it all except lettuce and pretzels.

Okay, enough about all of this talk of treats and food! I can't take it any more. I don't want to suffer a relapse. Hunger management isn't a dog's strong suit. They say that reason should direct and appetite should obey, but they forgot, I'm a dog...therefore I don't reason.

All in all, I've been coping well with life without treats, or life without A LOT of treats, anyway. The lack of gas, if nothing else, has been good for everybody. I like treats as much as the next dog, but I suppose the refrain has been for the best.

BTW, thanks for the question. I saw where I was asked about a girlfriend...I will tackle that one later in the week. Keep up the comments and the questions and thanks for reading. Until next time...bon appetit!

A Day in the Life

As promised, here's a run-down of my typical day...

7:00-7:15 a.m. – My parents get up and out of bed…I don’t move.


8:00-8:20 a.m. – My dad literally picks me up out of bed and sets me on the floor. I then do my best to try and wake up and open my eyes. From there, I groggily make my way through the house, (usually I try to detour towards my bed in the living room) to the garage and in the car. There’s lots of eye blinking and blank stares during this process.



8:20-8:30 a.m. – On the 7-10 minute drive to work, I typically just sit in the front passenger seat of the car and just stare out the front window and shut my eyes a lot. If I’m really tired, I’ll just climb back to the back seat and put off the reality of having to wake up and face the world. (Note: On weekends, I can be asleep by 9 p.m. and still have to be woken up by 11:30 a.m. the next day. I’m that good.)

8:30 a.m. – Time to make my way into to work. This is where I take care of business, if you know what I mean. From there, it’s on into Jordan Hall and down to the office.

8:35-9:00 a.m. – I get my work day started by making my rounds through the office. I go visit people, look for some good rub-downs, massages, and any handouts. Once I see who has reported for duty, etc., I head back to the office I share with my dad and I see if dad has put out my food and water. Sometimes I dig in right away and sometimes I save it for later…depends on what time I ate the night before and how I’m feeling.



9:00 -11:30 a.m. – This timeframe can involve a number of things, most likely of which includes napping. I also like to bark at my co-workers until they are forced to play with me, shred boxes, go “potty,” show off for visitors and students, etc. By lunch time I’m usually starting to wake up.

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – My dad takes his lunch hour sometime within this two hour period so whatever he does usually dictates what I do. Sometimes I just hang out in the office with him as he eats at his desk. If he goes to workout at the HRC, sometimes I join him there or I might stay back, and there are times when we get to go run errands like visit the bank and such.

1:30-5 p.m. – More sleeping, barking, playing, visits from students, faculty & staff, and at least one more potty break. Also, more meetings with colleagues as you can see by Kyle Smith and I discussing some paperwork below. It’s a dog’s life!



5 p.m. – 7 p.m. – HRC time. Most days my dad heads back over to the HRC for another workout. I’m cool with the HRC. They have a cage behind the control desk for me to hang out at, and I have toys and a water bowl stashed there as well. Depending how much I slept that afternoon determines my mood there. My favorite part about the HRC is getting to go on laundry runs with the student workers. I love that elevator! It’s like magic. To have legs like mine and be able to skip the stairs is pure bliss.

7-8 p.m. – Dinner time at the Kaltenmark residence. If it’s a tough day, then I crash on the living room floor or on my bed. If I’m hungry, I’ll see if anything falls on the kitchen floor while they cook.

8-9 p.m. – I try to squeeze one last play time from my parents. Lots of barking, dragging my blanket and toys around the living room, etc.


9:00 p.m. til bedtime – I am sound asleep in the living room, either on the couch, my bed or on the floor. My parents have to turn up the TV to drown out my snoring. Just before bed, they’ll do their best to wake me and get me to go potty one last time. It’s a chore for them and me. After that, my dad lifts me up on the bed and the rest is history…another day in the books.


I guess that pretty much sums it all up. It might sound kind of boring, but remember, I’m a dog. Not bad, huh?

Working Like a Dog

I get asked a lot about what I do all day, how much I come to campus, etc.

Well, like a lot of you, I’m a working stiff too. That’s right, I show up to work 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., nearly every day. Granted, I take a lot of naps and walks during that time, but I’m still in the office, so that counts for something, right?



First I’ll tell you the story and the setup, then I’ll take you through a typical daily routine in my next post.

So my dad, he’s the Director of Annual Giving at Butler. That’s a section of Development which falls under the University Advancement umbrella. In a nut shell, he hits alumni and other university constituents up for money. So break yo’ self and send him a gift already!

Our office is in the basement (those glass half full types call it the “Garden Level”) of historic Jordan Hall where other Development and Advancement offices are located as well.

I pretty much have the run of the place down there, but I call my dad’s office home base. Below is a picture of me and my closest office colleagues from the Office of Annual Giving.

Pictured:

Kyle Smith - Assistant Director of Annual Giving (left)
Michael Kaltenmark - Director of Annual Giving (right)
Shelby Roscoe - Sr. Secretary - Annual Giving (back left)
Leslie Renner - Assistant Director of Annual Giving (back right)

Anyway, my predecessor, Butler Blue I, (also a member of the Advancement team, but resided in the Office of Alumni & Parent Programs in Robertson Hall) used to only come in on Friday’s. I think they were affectionately called “Bulldog Fridays.”

Well, I was headed down that same path, only coming in on Fridays, but luckily everybody became too attached and too used to the idea of having me around.

My first day on campus was May 20, 2004, also the day (that's me, first day on the job, down below) my dad picked my up from the breeder (Kong King Kennel of Lizton, Ind.). I weighed 7-10 lbs. and was only about 7 weeks old. If you read up on English Bulldogs, you’ll find that we aren’t the most sociable breed. In fact, we can be quite skittish and scared of the most mundane, inanimate objects.

So to ensure that I would be tolerant of all things and all people, my pops thought it would be a good idea to bring me in to the office early and often. As a puppy I was introduced to many different situations in an effort to over stimulate me and to get me as socialized as possible.

All of that pretty much meant that I came into work everyday and I guess I never really stopped. I think I got too used to coming in and everybody else just got too attached. Makes for a pretty cool work environment, that’s for sure!

It blew my mind when my dad told me that most dogs have to stay at home all day, many of them in cages. Can you believe that?! And I thought I was bored. (That's me as a puppy in my cage...for effect.)

If you are out and about on campus, come on down and say hello. Don't be surprised if I'm sleeping or out doing something else, but chances are, I'll be around. Hope to see you sometime soon!

Best in Show

The American Kennel Club recently released the Top 10 dog breeds. As it turns out, the Bulldog is the 10th most popular breed in the U.S. (This is big news people, check out the Thurs., Jan. 17th edition of ESPN's Sports Center as they even did a story on it...featuring yours truly...and a few other famous bullies. That's my second time on Sports Center in a week!)

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/22670868/?GT1=10755&pg=11#tdy_Pets_breeds

(Google News Search)

I suppose it's nice to make the list, especially after a more than 70-year absence (last ranking 10th in 1935), but to get beat out by the Shih Tzu (No. 9)! C'mon! They can't be serious. I mean, just look at that thing. It's like a cat, a King Charles Spaniol and a mop got together and birthed this beast. Don't ask me which one actually gave birth to it.

I have a pair of cousin Shih Tzu's and I'm sure they'll never let me hear the end of this.

Anyway, if you're curious about the English Bulldog breed and our unique history, characteristics, etc., have a look here...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulldog

http://www.akc.org/breeds/bulldog/index.cfm

Did you know that the name of my breed was derived from our sole purpose...baiting bulls before they were sent to slaughter. It was thought that our baiting of bulls served to tenderize the bull meat, but it was also considered a form of "sport."

Thus, I consider my forefathers to be something of a cross between Russell Crowe as "Maximus" in Gladiator and Belmonte, the famous matador.


But, I suppose back then my owner might have been someone like Sam the Butcher from the Brady Bunch.

Oh well, I digress. After all these years, it's nice to be ranked again. I'd like to think I had a hand in that. Why not? How many Shih Tzu's you know with their own blog?!


P.S. This post has me thinking about my very own family tree/lineage. I'll share that with you sometime. Russell Crowe or not, I come from good stock and I've got the AKC paperwork to prove it.

Chuck Norris Had a Son and His Name is A.J. Graves

"Section 20, Row AA, Seat 4" writes, "Dear Blue, Why doesn't A.J. Graves like you?"

Dear, Sec. 20, Row AA, Seat 4, I assume you are referring to the fact that A.J. doesn't pet me during the announcement of starting lineups before home games.

Well, for those who haven't been keeping score at home, I'll back up and set the scene.

Since I arrived as mascot in 2004, I've started a few traditions of my own. Before basketball games, I make my way out to the court to greet the starters when the starting lineups are announced over the public address system.

From there, the players took it upon themselves to give me a pat on the head, and after all of the starters are announced, I run back across the court to the north Dawg Pound where Jake Skierkowski and members of the "Pound" are waiting for me with an oversized rawhide bone.

For the last year or two, every starting member of the basketball team makes a point to give me a pat on the head as they are introduced. Even new freshman starter Matt Howard caught on quickly. But for whatever reason, senior gaurd A.J. Graves has never shown me any love.

While it has never really bothered me, it sure seems to have the Butler faithful up in arms. Every game I attend, fans go on and on about how if A.J. would pet me, they'd feel better, or his shooting slump would end, yadda, yadda, yadda.

I guess people think I'm good luck. And I supposeI can't argue with them. Afterall, I was the one lucky English Bulldog in the world selected to be Butler University's mascot. I'd say that's pretty lucky.

I've had students tell me that giving me a pat before an exam brought them good results, and plenty of fans at the game say that their visit to Hinkle Fieldhouse isn't complete without seeing me.

In fact, there's one guy that swears by a game day good luck rub for me. His name is Arni Sribhen and while he's a Texas Tech grad, Arni is now a converted Bulldog fan and season ticket holder. Arni works with my dad in the IndyCar Series and if you follow viral internet campaigns, you may remember seeing Arni last summer in his role as the "Indy Insider." He's a pretty funny guy. You can watch his video blogs here: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=indycars

Anyway, Arni says, "Butler is 13-0 when I get to play with Blue at halftime. They are 16-1 when I’m in the house… (No halftime pet vs. Notre Dame, Indiana and Purdue at Conseco and SIU at Hinkle). "

Maybe the entire Bulldog squad is feeding off of my perceived "luck." Since my first season on the job in 2004-05 and on through January 12, 2008, in games that I have been in attendance the men's basketball team record is 41-7. Overall the men's basketball team is 78-36 since I first started.

Okay, I digress, back to Mr. Graves. Last year I was with my dad and we ran into graduated Bulldogs, Brandon Crone, Brian Ligon and A.J., at the HRC. Brandon and Brian gave me a warm welcome and some attention, but A.J. just kind of hung back.

Then, Brandon and Brian started to give A.J. a hard time about it, but he just played it cool and just said something like "it's not that I don't like Blue, I just don't really do dogs." That or said he just didn't want to pet me. I can't remember exactly anymore, but regardless, it doesn't matter. I respect that.

How can I not? I mean, after all A.J. has done to lead our team to victory, he could tease me with Milk Bones and I wouldn't care. We're talking about the same A.J. Graves that has a laundry list of achievements that makes the Mitchell Report look like a children's book.

If he doesn't want to pet me, then I'm not mad at it. Just keep doing what you're doing, A.J.! In the meantime, I think A.J.'s getting covered up enough by all of those double team defensive schemes from our foes in the Horizon League, so let's lay off of him a bit. Shall we?

And with all of that said, I'll leave you with this, courtesy of http://www.ajgravesfacts.com/...

"If A.J. Graves can't find a basketball he just dribbles a cow until it turns into a leather ball. "

Enough Room in this Town for Two Blue's?

I hate to bring up the Indianapolis Colts given that they probably don't need any more grief after their playoff loss to San Diego, but since they are all over the news right now, it's relevant, I suppose.

Now make no mistake, when I'm not fulfilling my Butler duties, I support Indy's other sports and teams, sans other universities and colleges, and I've been known to support the Colts. I enjoy watching their games at home with my parents. I have a Colts leash and collar that I wore to a Butler game prior to their AFC championship game last year. And, Tony Dungy and Bill Polian even paid a visit to Hinkle Fieldhouse last year. So they're cool in my book.


My only beef with the Colts are those play-off losses and that darned mascot, BLUE! (pictured right) Really, I've got no problem with BLUE, he's got nothing on me. In fact, (kids, if you're reading this, cover your eyes) it's just some guy in a blue Puff the Magic Dragon-looking suit. I'm the real deal...born with my suit. That's real fur, baby!

But it's that whole name thing that gets me. Afterall, the Colts' BLUE didn't come around until 2006! My predessor, Butler Blue I first came on the scene in 2000 and I arrived in 2004. It's a fake horse and their logo is a horeshoe, name him "Lucky" or something.

Colt's BLUE Info: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=community_dynamic&id=142

Oh well, it's not BLUE's fault. He probably didn't name himself, and I know I didn't name myself either. When Blue I was donated to the university by Frank and Jeane King of Kong King Kennel, Lizton, Ind., the university held a naming contest to come up with a name for the school's first "official" bulldog mascot.

The names most often submitted were "Blue," "Hinkle," "B.U." prn. "Boo," "Hampton," and "Victory." Over 350 submissions were made and "Butler Blue" was the top choice and announced at the Feb. 3, 2001 men's home basketball game.

Officially, Kristi Crofts Lowell, class of 1994 was credited with the winning name submission.

Thus, I'm Butler Blue II and someday, I'm sure we'll have Butler Blue III and so on. As Paul Harvey would say, "and now you know the rest of the story."

So, do I wish the Colts' front office would have been a little more original? Sure, but I can live with it. In fact, I think there's plenty of room in this town for two "Blues." Actually, we're elite company, that Colts' BLUE and I.

So BLUE, sorry about that loss yesterday. Enjoy your off-season on the farm with a warm stable and plenty of hay... and be ready for a prosperous 2008 in your new stadium and help bring another world championship back to OUR beloved city!

I'm Blue II.....................(wait for it)..............................(wait for it)......................................GOOD DAY!

Long Time Barker, First Time Poster

Well, I've done a lot of barking in my day, but never really had my own blog site, so bear with me. Well, actually, bear with my dad, he does all of my typing...that whole opposable thumbs thing gets me everytime.

Anyway, I've got a blog now and that means that I have a place all my own to speak my mind, tell stories, etc. Sure, you can find me elsewhere on the web at places like Myspace (www.myspace.com/butlerblue2), Facebook, IndyPaws.com, and Wikipedia, but here at http://www.butlerblue2.blogspot.com/, I can really share my thoughts and opinions.

I don't take life too seriously so I hope you'll find my blog humorous and even get a nice chuckle from time to time. Afterall, I'm a dog, so other than "going potty," treats/food, toys, and sharp objects, what else is there to take seriously?

As the official mascot of Butler University, I'm a privelaged pup. I guess you could say that I'm not your average dog as I get to witness and experience so much. From daily campus life to university events, I've seen and done quite a bit. Hopefully with this blog I'll be able to document much of it.

When I'm out and about I get asked a lot of the same questions. It's no big deal and as a university ambassador, I'm happy to answer them, but I thought I might use my first post to answer some of those FAQ's as well as some of the funniest questions I've ever been asked. Here it goes...

Q. How old are you?
A. I was born March 27, 2004...do the math. And no, the wrinkles give no indication of age.

Q. Are you a bulldog?
A. Are you a human? C'mon people! Yes, my dad was actually asked this question of me at a Butler basketball game. The best part was, this dude's sweatshirt said "Bulldogs" on it. Priceless. For the record, I'm a purebred ENGLISH Bulldog. Note the emphasis on "English" as there are such things as French and American Bulldogs. Knock-offs.

Q. Does he just stay at the university? Where does he live?
A. Yeah, my dad just shuts me in the office at 5 p.m. and wishes me luck for the next 15 hours. This is another one that cracks me up. Sure, I was donated to the university and selected as the mascot, but I have a family too. I live at the Kaltenmark residence and when I'm not working, I suppose I'm your typical pet. It's a good life.

Q. Since he's the mascot, does he get steaks? What does he eat?
A. Steaks! Are you kidding me?! Yeah, I've got St. Elmo's Steakhouse on speed dial. The fact is, I like people food just as much as the next dog, but us Bulldogs aren't known for our great digestive system. In fact, given my allergies and such, I'm on a special diet of dry dog food that's made primarily from fish. Those omega-3 fatty acids do wonders for the skin and coat. Thanks to City Dogs Grocery of Indianapolis, Ind. and Eagle Pack Pet Foods of South Bend, Ind. who work together to provide me with food throughout the year, I'm eating well and looking good.

Q. How did he learn those tricks?
A. I got a "Tricks for Dummies" book from Amazon.com and the rest was history. No, really, my mom taught me most of those. I'll do anything for food and I've got a mind like a steel trap, so if just show me what you want me to do, praise me and reward me, then I suppose I'll figure it out. My repitoire includes "hi-five," "roll over," "pout," "dead dog," and "speak."

Q.How much does he weigh? (He's fat!)
A. Stout or stocky, sure, but fat! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! I'm not fat! I weigh 60 lbs. I've weighed that much for about 3 years now so for all of you people that think I'm "bigger" than the last time you saw me, you're wrong and you should call your eye doctor. If you've ever seen a "fat" bulldog, you'll know it. Otherwise, I'm right where I should be. No diet needed. And remember, those female bulldogs are supposed to be smaller, so don't judge me against any of my female counterparts either.

And one time I got asked if the university put in an electric fence around the entire perimeter of campus. I guess that's conceivable, but seriously, if you've ever seen me, you know I'm going nowhere fast.

Okay, enough for now. If you want to know something, ask me. Otherwise, I'll just enlighten all of you as I go.

Until then, be sure to add my blog to your "favorites" and Go Dawgs!