The Case of the Missing Mascot...Costumes.

If you live in or around the central Indiana area, then chances are by now you've heard the APB put out for the mising Butler University Bulldog mascot costumes. In addition to the University's own announcement, the local media outlets have latched on to the story as well and ever since, my parent's phones have been ringing off the hook with calls and texts asking if I've gone missing. Below is a look at some of the media coverage...

Indianapolis Star:

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080909/SPORTS0605/809090408



WTHR: http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=8970750&nav=9Tai
http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=8974236&nav=menu188_2

WISH: http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8974277&nav=menu35_5

Word on the street is Dave Smiley from the Smiley Morning Show, WZPL 99.5 is going to have my dad on air this Wednesday morning, Sept. 10, to discuss the matter and to clear up any misconceptions that I have gone missing.

Obviously, since I'm dictating this blog to my dad right now, I haven't gone missing, but the suits worn by my two-legged counterparts have seemingly walked off campus. So, the search is on for the specially designed suits.

I lent my support in an effort to quickly recover the costumes. In addition to offering my voice for the University announcement, I also threw in a bone as a part of the whopping $100 reward.

Seriously, $100 is all they could come up with? What is this, Bozo's Grand Prize Game? "You get a crisp $100 bill, a year's supply of Archway Cookies and a brand new 10-speed Schwinn bicycle." Seriously? I'm a dog and I realize that $100 and a bone leaves a little something to be desired.

It appears that AOL Sports agrees with my assesment: http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2008/09/09/butler-wants-its-bulldogs-back-cheaply/

Perhaps we really don't want them back? After all, they were getting a little rough around the edges and the smell that permeated the air around them wasn't exactly that of roses. Still, they are unique and a part of Butler's history so it would be nice to have them back.

The costumes are approx. nine years old, so they've lived a full life. My dad was one of the first to wear them as he was one of the men behind the mask when the university got them his sophomore year. Prior to that, my dad tells me they had a very old and crusty mascot costume that was actually designed by Disney.

Well, it looks like I'm going to be extra busy for a while since I'm the only mascot that Butler has at the moment. A new costume will take about 6-8 weeks to make and will cost well north of $10,000. Hopefully the university will act now so we can have the new costume by Homecoming on Oct. 25th.

Speaking of being extra busy, with all of the students back to campus and the classes in full swing, my social calendar has definitely picked up. Besides all of the additional love, attention and cat calls that I get when I go outside to take a walk or relieve myself, I have also been attending several receptions, social gatherings and athletic events. Last week I attended the first home volleyball game in a very hot and steamy Hinkle Fieldhouse and this weekend I will be hitting up the first home football game of the season as well.

In addition, to the game itself, Saturday will be a busy day for me. In the morning I'll be at Hinkle Fieldhouse to help kick off the Dick Lugar Run and to do a live TV appearance with WISH-TV. After that I'll hit up the annual Ovid Butler Society Gridiron Brunch which is a pre-game tailgate for OBS members. Then, once all of that is done, I'll run the undefeated Butler Bulldogs out to battle in the Butler Bowl to take on Franklin. By Saturday afternoon I'll be so exhausted that I will voluntarily be practicing my "dead dog" trick on the living room floor.

This past weekend my parents went off to Illinois for the final IndyCar Series race of the season, so of course I went to Wabash, Ind. to stay with my Grandma and Grandpa Kaltenmark. Staying at the grandparents is always fun b/c in addition to the extra attention, I also get to sleep in, go on walks and typically get plenty of ice cream. While I was there this time, my grandpa, the old college football player and long-time high school coach taught me some football fundamentals in preparation for Saturday and the rest of the season.

Granpa K. set up my teddy bear so that he was holding my football. Then he would set me up and taught me how to tackle through teddy to knock the ball loose. After that, he showed me how to pounce on the football to regain possession. I loved every second of it and I happen to think that I'm pretty good at it...like Bob Sanders (pictured below) good. My dad said that he'd try to get some video of it in the near future so you can see it for yourselves.

While my pops works to get my football prowess captured on film, this week we just have more video of me playing with my best friend, Kirby! That's right, Kirby has returned! You may remember that Kirby and his mom, Jessica Butler, had moved to Minnesota after Jessica graduated from Butler. Well, Kirby's mom has since joined the Indiana Pacers' staff and thus, Kirby has returned to Naptown!

As soon as he got in town, he stopped by campus to see me. Although, I think Kirby was more interested in checking out campus than playing with me, as you'll see in the video, but it's all good. I was just happy to have my friend back.

In Bulldog Beauty Contest news, we have 13 Bulldogs, one Boston Terrier and one Shih Tzu signed up so far for a total of 15 dogs. Last year we had over 60 dogs attend so we are well on our way. Susan Smith of City Dogs Grocery has been working with us and Eagle Pack Pet Foods to get some great participant prizes and giveaways all lined up as well. It shaping up to be a great event. Additional details are available in my previous blog post below. To sign up your dog, just email me at blue2@butler.edu.

Well, I think that's about all that I know for today. If there are any breaking developments in the case of the missing mascots, I'll be sure to post a new blog with additional details. Until then, keep your ear to the ground and if you stumble upon them, then notify the authorities!

Blue II

Summertime BLUEs

Summertime BLUEs was just a play on words. Get it? It’s summertime, my name is Blue, there’s the famous song “Summertime Blues,” and I needed a title for this thing. Anyway, my dad thought it was a good idea. Sometimes I just do things to humor him.

It’s not really the blues that I have, but just a bit of frustration. Why, you ask. (I’m assuming you would ask, anyway.) Well, it all stemmed from a stroll down the front hallway of my favorite campus building, Hinkle Fieldhouse.

If you’ve ever been to Hinkle Fieldhouse (and if you haven’t ever been, then you should make a point to do that some day) then you know that the hallways feature very large team pictures of the various sports, etc., for the given academic year. I’ve been fortunate to be featured in some of those pictures and I hope to be again soon as I’m always up for that sort of thing.

Well I noticed that this year’s cheerleading picture was up, but something about it was amiss. Front and center there happened to be a live English Bulldog, and while the face staring back shared a resemblance, it didn’t quite appear to be my likeness.

I couldn’t believe my eyes! If I had opposable thumbs, I would have given them a rub. Instead I stood their panting, speechless. I couldn’t even bark or muster a growl. I had to look back at my dad just to a.) confirm what I was seeing and b.) make sure I hadn’t been replaced!

But there it was and there it is, for all eyes to see for one whole year…another bulldog other than myself posing with the squad. It was “impermissibull,” “inexcusabull,” and “intolerabull!” How dare another bulldog try and impersonate the official mascot! I mean, the very thought of it sounds absurd.

But it happened and I’m not going to name any names or call anyone out. I just hope steps are taken so it doesn’t happen again. I mean, I know I sleep a lot and have a busy schedule, but university requests, including photo-ops, take priority and I’ll do whatever I can, within reason, to make myself available.

Sure, my feelings are hurt, but at the end of the day, something like this just makes Butler look silly. I mean, otherwise, what would be the point of even having me around in the first place? You think that the University of Georgia would allow me or any other English Bulldog to fill in for UGA? I don’t think so. It’s UGA, or nothing. Of course, we’re talking about the mascot that has an air conditioned dog house and a personal golf cart.

Regardless, you get the idea. Clip Art bulldogs and generics are for places like Brandywine Elementary School, no offense. Well, that and Ferris State University. Yeah, I said it.

Sure, technically Butler and I represent the entire breed, but I’m not willing to share duties or the spotlight unless it’s at Homecoming and we’re holding the Bulldog Beauty Contest. (Shameless plug for my dad…sign up now! October 25th. www.butler.edu/homecoming).

Believe it or not, this isn’t the first time that this has happened. The last two times our men’s basketball team has made it to the NCAA men’s basketball tournament Sweet 16, the Horizon League has created some really great posters (see below) in honor of the achievement and has even had them placed in USA Today! Unfortunately, they did not use Blue I or myself in those instances. Again, we’re available and images of our likeness are on file with the Office of University Relations.


They are actually really cool posters, I just wish myself and my predecessor would have been a part of them, but enough about all of that. After all, there’s nothing I can do about any of it now, so I’ve moved on with my summer and have been enjoying every bit of it.

I do apologize for not posting on the blog for some time, but my dad’s been busy and as you know, I’m at the mercy of his fingers. For my parents, there’s been work, home projects, parties, IndyCar races and camping. That means I’ve been busy with work, sleep, running around in the yard and frequent trips to Wabash, Ind. to stay with the grandparents.

A couple Saturday’s ago I even got the green light to play in the sprinkler! It was everything I remembered and more. I couldn’t get enough.

If you’ve checked out my YouTube site recently then you’ve probably already seen the videos, but if not, I’ve included one below.

Speaking of refreshing, beat the heat, activities, I also got to enjoy my very own popsicle the other day as well! Thanks to the Office of Admission and their BU 101 family picnic, I was not only able to take part in the festivities and meet our prospective students and families, but I also got to get in on the frozen treat cooler. I needed it as the temperatures were into the 90s that day. My dad picked out a purple popsicle and then arranged for a couple of ladies to feed it to me. I thought I had died and gone to a very warm heaven!

At Butler, besides bulldog imposters and hot picnics, it’s just been much of the usual. Random stuffed animal destruction (see below), naps, camp photo-ops (see below), appearances and trips to the HRC fill my days. It won’t be long now until all of the students return and campus really comes to life again. I’ve noticed many of the student athletes already on campus preparing for their seasons, including some of our newest members of the men’s basketball team. They’re looking pretty good!


Okay, that’s probably plenty for now, so wrap this up I’d like to give a shout-out to Napoleon, a fellow bulldog in Michigan who saved several kittens from drowning in a lake. You can read all about it here: http://www.kutv.com/content/news/topnews/story.aspx?content_id=18c2a21e-2294-4480-af61-c45fdd059ece. Nice work, Napoleon!

Would the real Blue II please stand up,

Blue II

Happy Birthday America!

Happy 232nd birthday America! Granted, you gained your independence from my ancestors (remember, I’m an English Bulldog), but I was born and raised in the States so I’m celebrating too!

At least during the day that is, as I got to spend the day at my grandma and grandpa Richards’ house in Wabash, Ind. I got to take several tractor rides and even help Grandpa Gregg take down some trees with a back hoe. I might have got a little carried away when I got excited and bit into a tree, got my teeth stuck and had to have my mom pry my jaw loose. Hey, it happens!

Unfortunately, come nightfall, I won’t be doing much celebrating…I’m not a very big fan of the whole fireworks thing. I’m just starting to get a little better at ignoring the thunderstorms, but fireworks are still a little much for me. All of that whistling, popping, cracking and booming just makes me want to hide. So that’s pretty much what I’ll do.


Unfortunately back home, the neighbors behind my house think its fun to light fireworks off year-round and especially all summer long. What’s the big deal? Light a wick, watch it go into the air, explode, make smoke and annoy your neighbors. That’s some high-brow leisure activity right there. At any rate, I’m sure there won’t be too many evenings I’ll be able to enjoy at home over the next week.

I also want to give a warm congratulations to my grandma and grandpa Kaltenmark today as July 4, 2008 marks their 43rd wedding anniversary!

As I take a look back at the week I am still mourning the death of Uga VI, official mascot of the University of Georgia. It sounds like not only was he Georgia’s winningest mascot, but a very likable fella as well. I’m sure he’ll be missed. My condolences to the university and the Seiler family.

Speaking of dogs in the news, did you hear about Trouble Helmsley? I’m trying to get a date with her as her owner, the late Leona Helmsley left Trouble a reported $12 million in her will! You read that correctly…she left her dog $12 million.

That’s not all, per the New York Times, “Her instructions, specified in a two-page ‘mission statement,’ are that the entire trust, valued at $5 billion to $8 billion and amounting to virtually all her estate, be used for the care and welfare of dogs, according to two people who have seen the document and who described it on condition of anonymity.”

I’m not too proud. I’ll take some of that cash. Throw some toward BU and the ButlerRising Campaign, as well as add my own touches, such as a new bulldog sculpture or statue outside of the renovated Butler Bowl, to welcome people to the bowl.

The piece would not just be a symbol of the university mascot, but also a tribute to those of us who have served as mascot. Additionally, it would be a place where we could store the remains (read: ashes) of Butler’s previous mascots. (I know, it’s morbid, but you gotta plan ahead.)

The rest of the cash I would use for a new “Blue Mobile” to transport me around town and to work, as well as a buy golf cart to haul me around campus, and the rest I would pocket for future use. I’d say all of that counts toward the “welfare of dogs.” Call me, Trouble! Hit me up!

Moving on, I am excited to report that I am featured on a new, larger-than-life, cut-out in the HRC. Pictured below, the HRC staff uses it to post information and news regarding the HRC and it’s programming. It’s definitely eye-catching so I think it serves the purpose.


On Wednesday I again got to pose for pictures with one of the music camps on campus. That was fun. I always enjoy meeting the kids and making their visit to Butler a memorable one.

Finally, I did get to try that watermelon. Mom and dad picked up a mini-watermelon at the store and cut it in half for me to enjoy. I found it to be just okay. I didn’t really get after it like they hoped I would. In the end I think it just gave me really bad gas for two days.

Well, that’s about it for me. I hope you all have a great 4th of July and before you go and light off fireworks for two solid hours listening to Neil Diamond’s “Coming to America” on repeat, think about your neighborhood dogs and maybe limit the fireworks to just 60 minutes and the Neil Diamond to just once every 45 minutes or so.

Blue II

An Eventful Close to Spring 2008

Well, when I last posted I was getting ready to head off with my mom to Wabash, Ind. for a little R&R in the country. It was just about everything I hoped it would be and more. Not only did I get to enjoy a one-dog pool party in my wading pool, but I also got to sample a little bit of cheeseburger and steak during a couple of grill outs that my grandma and grandpa Richards had. It was delicious!

The only thing I didn’t get to do was go boating when they went to Salamonie Reservoir one afternoon. Mom didn’t have my life jacket and besides, I probably would have been too hot anyway.

After that, my dad returned from Texas and we had ourselves a pretty interesting week. Of course, there was the usual dreaded thunderstorms that continued to roll through the Indianapolis area, but I also visited the girls basketball camp and took pictures with campers, went to the vet for x-rays on what was thought to be a broken toe, attended an event called Bullyfest, helped my parents celebrate their fifth anniversary and traveled back to Wabash for Father’s Day. Needless to say, last week was quite eventful!

Wednesday the 11th was when I stopped by the Women’s basketball team’s camp for pictures. I’ve been doing that camp every year since I was just a puppy so it’s just routine now. Here are a couple pictures from that appearance.

Also on Wednesday, I made some new friends with Hugo (4-month English Bulldog) and Frankie (1-year Daschund). They stopped by the office at the end of the work day so we went out on the campus mall and had a good time. Hugo and Frankie each have parents from the Butler class of 2008. I hope they come back to play again soon as we sure had a great time!

The next day, my dad and I were at home working in the yard, which is one of my favorite activities. I was helping him, and by helping I mean just running back and forth and around the yard at home like I own the place, because I do. Anyway, I must have done something to myself when I was getting all cocky out there because after I laid down to rest for a while, I got back up and found that I had a profound limp and was favoring my front right paw pretty significantly.

By the time my mom got home from work, I was in some serious pain and even fell while trying to walk. My dad just thought I had aggravated an old injury with one of my joints, but my mom (the physical therapist) noticed some swelling in my paw and quickly loaded me in the car and took me to Woodland Animal Hospital in Carmel, Ind.

Dr. Glore was able to see me and while my x-rays were negative, or virtually inconclusive, there was still a theory that I may have incurred a hairline fracture in my right front pinky paw. So I was sent home with pain meds and instructions to lay low and hit the ice pack every 40 minutes.

Below is a pathetic looking me, doped from pain pills with ice on my paw. Believe it or not, I was in so much pain that I left it alone.


All were worried because I typically not one to show much pain, let alone yelp or cry out, but I most certainly did when Dr. Glore was examining my paw. But, per usual, I made a quick recovery and by the next day, I was off of the pain pills and putting weight on all fours.

Nobody knows for sure what was actually going on, but there’s speculation that I might have stepped on a sharp rock or something and just suffered a deep bruise. Who knows?

By Saturday, my parents’ fifth wedding anniversary, I was back to my normal self, so my parents decided to take me to an event called Bullyfest which is held by the Bulldog Club of Indiana.

Basically it’s an excuse for local bulldog owners to get their bullies together in a warehouse, swap stories and learn various things from the demonstrations on how to show your bulldog in competition, obedience training, etc. But I enjoyed getting to see my first owners and breeders, Frank and Jeane King of Kong King Kennel. I couldn't help myself but to get excited when I saw them.

Since I am unable to compete in a professional dog show for reasons related to medical procedures (we’ll leave it at that), my parents are all hot on me becoming a “Canine Good Citizen” through the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program, which they learned about at Bullyfest. As if my role as mascot of a NCAA Division I institution isn’t good enough.

The AKC Canine Good Citizen program was created in 1989 to reward dogs who are well-behaved companions at home and in the community. Sounds simple enough, but there are 10 steps to completing the test and earning the accreditation. You can view them here. I know I can do it, so whatever, bring it on. I guess the cool part is, I get a sweet AKC dog tag that signifies my new status as a good citizen and I can add it to my resume.

I’ll let you know how the training goes and when and if this canine good citizen thing ever comes to fruition. Until then, I’ll be getting as much bad behavior in as possible. Just kidding, that’s not my style.

Sunday was Father's Day so we migrated back north to Wabash to visit both the Kaltenmark and Richards residences. I rather enjoyed it as the weather was warm, but not hot and I could be outside with all of the kids (my cousins). Here are a couple of videos from the day and there are more at BlueTube as well.

In case you didn’t know, today (June 20) is national “Take Your Dog to Work Day.” (Check out http://www.takeyourdog.com/) Of course, this doesn’t really apply to me as I go to work everyday (note the picture in the top right corner), but the irony is, my dad didn’t bring me to work today, Uncle Kyle did. My pops is at the Iowa Speedway preparing for the Iowa Corn Indy 250…the next IndyCar Series race which can be viewed on Sunday at 1 p.m. on ABC.

So if you didn’t take your dog to work today, make it up to them and spend some quality time with the old pooch this weekend…maybe take them on a long walk, slip them some people food or let them lift a leg on the flowers just one time.

I think that’s about all blogging that I have in me for today. I know I said I would get around to answering those great comments and questions that people leave me and I will do so soon. With everything going on, I just haven’t had a chance to get to it yet.

In the meantime, I want to leave you with a video that my Kaltenmark grandparents emailed me (yes, you can email me too at blue2@butler.edu). It’s video of an English Bulldog named Gus who likes to eat watermelon. Here's a link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBIuHJHlUzU

You can bet that I added watermelon to my parents’ grocery list! I’ve got to try it for myself!

Blue II

Ed Carpenter & Friends

First, a congratulations is in order for fellow Butler Bulldog, 2003 grad and IndyCar Series driver, Ed Carpenter for his fifth place finish in the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 driving for Vision Racing!

Ed had a great month after starting 10th (a best for him at Indy) and finishing fifth (also a best at Indy and matches his best IndyCar Series finish). He also picked up his first lead laps in an Indy car during the race. Ed also earned the AAA Safe Driver Award for his safe and clean driving all month long in the No. 20 Menards/Vision Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone machine.

Ed showed great determination during the race. After starting 10th, he dropped to 12th and then began his charge to the lead pack. He was running steadily between 4th and 6th when on his next to last pit stop, the car failed to engage into neutral and he stalled the engine coming into the pits. Ed’s crew ran a routine stop, got the car restarted and back into the race. However, he was relegated to 23rd.

Thanks to Ed’s grace under pressure, his perseverance, a great race strategy and some divine intervention, Ed was able to get back with the lead pack again and take fifth place on the day. It truly was a remarkable run for Ed and Vision Racing. Way to be a Bulldog out there, Ed!

Ed represented Butler well and we should be proud. His performance was the essence of The Butler Way.

Of course, I was cheering from Grandma and Grandpa Kaltenmark’s house in Wabash, Ind. where I will again cheer for him this weekend when he heads to The Milwaukee Mile (4 p.m. ET on ABC).

Yep, I’m headed north for the weekend again…my mom gets to join my dad for this race so that leaves me the odd dog out, thus, I needed a place to go and once again, my grandparents come to my aid.

I hope grandpa takes me to the hardware store again! That was fun.

Speaking of fun, I had the opportunity to make some new friends yesterday. Louis, a nearly two year-old basset hound came to campus to visit me and we went outside and had a great time. We were joined by Hoops, a year and a half year-old pit bull owned by former Butler guard, Mike Green (pictured).

Louis and Hoops did most of the running around while I observed, barked orders and guarded my bone, but it was still fun. Here’s a video of the adventure and a couple more can be found at BlueTube as well.

Running around on the campus mall with Louis and Hoops reminded me of the good old days with my best bud, Kirby. You may remember Kirby moved away to Minnesota with his mom, Jessica Butler, after she graduated earlier this month.

Well, Kirby’s aunt had taken some pictures of us playing before he left and I had received them the night before I met Louis. So I was glad to see Louis and Hoops because by that point I was really missing Kirby.

Below are the pictures that Kirby’s aunt took of us...

Well, I think that's about all I know for the time being. I've been loving this great spring weather and lush green grass. It's a great time to be a dog in Indiana!

Blue II

P.S. Do you know what Ed Carpenter and I have in common? We'll both be featured on a DVD from Butler that could be coming to a mailbox near you sometime very soon. If you receive the Butler Magazine or Butler materials, then chances are you'll bet getting this DVD. Be sure to pop it open and throw it in the DVD player and give it a view. I think you are really going to like it. I'll have more about this little project in the near future.

Checking in with the Parents

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am spending the weekend with my Grandma and Grandpa Kaltenmark in Wabash, Ind. You see, my parents get into this Indy 500 thing...in addition to working at Butler University, my dad also works on a part-time basis for Vision Racing, so he's really busy on race day and my mom, well, she's busy tailgating and watching the race, so that kind of leaves me out. That's okay, grandma and grandpa have come to my rescue once again.

I skipped town with the grandparents on Friday so I decided to check in yesterday and send my parents an email to let them know what I had been up to while in Wabash. My grandpa helped me get the message below all typed up and sent...


Dear Mom & Dad,

I just want you to know that things are fine here at Grandma’s house. These old folks don’t play with me as much as I would like, but they try to make me happy from time to time. I am not confined to the living room, but I spend most of my time there.

Grandpa took me to the hardware store this morning so I could meet Chris Kramer’s (Purdue University) grandpa. People there were really impressed with me. One lady walked in and said, “That’s the dog I see on TV all the time.” She called me a movie star. A teenaged girl who works there said I was so ugly that I was cute. I don’t know where she got the ugly part.

Grandma & Papa went to some senior open houses this afternoon. One of his football players asked Papa if he had baby-sat for me recently. Papa said that I was at his house at that very moment. I wonder if some of those football guys will come see me later. I liked going to their practices with grandpa back in the fall.

I have a new trick I like to pull on Grandpa. I acted like I need to go potty. When we get outside I head straight for his car. Grandma thinks I’m homesick and miss my Mommy.

By the way my barking gets an immediate response from people around here. It is easy to get their attention and get what ever I want.

Hope you’re enjoying your time at the track. I’ll be watching the race tomorrow in hopes I can see you.

I’ll be home Monday morning.

Love,

Blue

So as you can see, staying with the grandparents is definitely all it's cracked up to be...treats, attention, car rides and getting really spoiled. It's a nice break from the normal routine.

I hope you will join me in watching the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 today. It airs live on ABC at 1 p.m. (ET) and it should be a great show. Remember to cheer on our driver, Ed Carpenter, driver of the No. 20 Menards/Vision Racing car...it's bright yellow and easy to spot. He'll start 10th in his 5th Indy 500. Ed is a 2003 Butler grad and a good friend. Go Bulldog (Ed)!

Ladies and Gentlemen, START YOUR ENGINES!

Blue II

Remembering my First Day on the Job

So today is a special day...May 20, 2004 was the first day that I got to go to Butler Unviersity and my new home. Thus, four years ago today I spent my first day on the job as official mascot.

I remember it well...

My dad came out to Frank and Jeane King's house in Lizton, Ind., also the site of Kong King Kennel, to pick me up. But before we left, Frank glued my ears back and in place, which is as much about aesthetics as it is about keeping dire and dust mites from making my ears a permanent residence. I wimpered through much of that process, even though it didn't hurt at all.
After that, my dad loaded me into a crate in the car and I cried and carried on all the way from Lizton to Indianapolis. However, I'm ashamed to say that the first campus I stopped at wasn't Butler's, but the University of Indianapolis'! Can you believe that?! I thought for a little while that they were going to try and make a Greyhound out of me! In reality, we stopped at UIndy to see my new, adopted mother who was a graduate student in the physical therapy program there. She couldn't wait to see me!

After we stopped to see mom and her classmates, it was off to God's Country, also known as 46th and Sunset, or the beautiful campus of Butler University. Once at BU, I got to check out my new office and colleagues, but at that age (around 7 weeks), I mostly slept and tried to bite just about everything due to teething. Here's a picture of me on that day...


After spending the afternoon on campus at Butler, I headed to my new home to check out my new digs. By this point, my seat in the car had gone from crate to dad's lap. This trend of "working the system" would continue.

At my new home, I immediately began potty training, testing the limits, eating, playing trying out my crate, and of course, more sleeping.

Here's a picture of my mom and I on that first night home and a shot of my enjoying my crate.

I was pretty much just one big wrinkle back then! Thankfully, I didn't grow into all of them!

Come bedtime, my dad vowed that I would not sleep in the bed. so he put me in a my crate, by the bed, and on the floor. That lasted all of maybe one hour thanks to my persistence and crying, barking and whatnot. Needless to say, I've been sleeping in the bed ever since.

Fast forward to today and I'm still coming to campus nearly every day, riding shot gun in the car and sleeping in the bed. Life is good.

Speaking of today, I got things started with my dad and Kyle down in Greenwood, Ind. at Westwood Elementary School. Kyle's nephews, Hunter and Kaylor and neice Autumn go there and they invited us to come by and read a book to the school and hand out my book marks.

Yesterday I got to take part in a video shoot for the Office of Admission which was being shot by YOUniversity.tv Here are a couple of my own videos from that shoot...

Once the official video is up on YOUniversity.tv, I'll be sure to pass along a link.

Well, I'm looking forward to this weekend, and not just because of the holiday, but also because I get to spend it with my Grandma and Grandpa Kaltenmark up in Wabash, Ind. I'm sure it will be a great time...grandma will spoil me with attention, grandpa will take me on errands around town and I'll get to sleep in! I can't wait!

I hope you all have a great Memorial Day weekend. Be sure to tune into the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday to cheer on 2003 Butler graduate, Ed Carpenter, in the No. 20 Menards/Vision Racing machine.

Blue II

Jeremy Piven - The Next Addition to my Wall of Fame

You may remember back on January 30 I mentioned in my blog that I was so busy and booked with appearances that I might want to employ the services of a manager, and not just any manager, but the infamous Ari Gold of HBO’s Entourage.

Well, on Thursday of this past week, I did jus that as Ari Gold made a visit to Butler University.

I suppose that in a fictional world I would have made it happen and I might have even been on the next episode of Entourage; running around with Vince, Eric, Turtle and Drama.

But this is reality, and in the real world, the famed actor who plays Ari Gold, the Golden Globe winning Jeremy Piven, came to campus on Thursday in support of presidential candidate, Barack Obama.

If you are unfamiliar with Piven’s fast-talking and often vulgar mega agent role as Ari Gold in Entourage, then perhaps you may remember him from such movies as PCU, Old School, Black Hawk Down and Smokin’ Aces.

Jeremy spoke in the Reilly Room at Atherton Union and got in and out before I could catch him, but I was able to track him down out in the parking lot to “hug it out” and pose for a quick photo. He was very welcoming and was quite complimentary of me.

Of course, Jeremy’s no stranger to the English Bulldog, after all, he’s been spotted around Hollywood with a bulldog pup of his own and he attended Drake University…also the bulldogs.

A special thanks to Jeremy for posing for pictures and for being so cordial. I will get some pictures from the encounter uploaded on the blog very soon.

In case you missed it, Butler Bulldog and NCAA men’s college basketball all-star, Mike Green, was honored this past week with two national awards: the Chip Hilton Award and the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award.

Not to mention, Mike also played in the DiGiorno College All-Star Game at the Alamodome in San Antonio on Friday. In addition, fellow senior guard, A.J. Graves participated in the 20th Annual State Farm 3-Point Championship; making it to the semi-finals.

Congratulations to both of those guys…I’m going to miss you both next year. Hey Mike, now that you are done with Butler basketball, can I get a play date with your doggie, Miss Hoops Green?!

Sorry it has been a while since my last post. I have been busy making rounds with my on-call medical staff. I met with Butler grad, Dr. Kurt Phillips on Wednesday at Woodland Animal Hospital in Carmel, Ind. for a check-up on my ear infection. The infection is gone, but there’s still some bacteria in there so I got some special antibacterial wipes for that. I also got my nails trimmed while I was there.

On Thursday morning I got to visit Dr. Deborah Stephan at Indianapolis Veterinarian Specialists in Castleton. She took a look at my eyes and found that they were too dry so I got some ointment and drops for that.

It was great to go to the vet…I love it! I got lots of treats, love and great care. A special thanks to Dr. Phillips and Dr. Stephan, as always, for their great support of me and Butler!

This weekend has been a lot of fun for me. I got to go to Wabash, Ind. to stay with my Grandma and Grandpa Richards house for the occasion of my cousin Andrew’s birthday.

I got to ride the four-wheeler for a while which is one of my favorite things. It had been since last fall since I’d been on the four-wheeler and I was ready…so much so that when I heard it, I ran outside and even jumped up on it myself!

After my four-wheeler ride and went over to Andrew’s house where his Grandma and Grandpa Dinkins had their dog, Pete. I had never met Pete before, but we hit it off really well and played very hard.

Talk about a perfect weekend…the spoiling of grandparents, four-wheeler rides and play time with fellow four-legged friends. What’s not to like?!

I have another busy week ahead of me. Monday I have a H.S. Junior Preview Day with the Office of Admission and a video shoot for the ButlerRising Campaign. Tuesday I have a freshman recruitment party for the College of Education and a Rotary Club meeting down at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. On Wednesday and Thursday I will do my usual thing and on Friday, I have another early registration event.

I’ll keep the blog updated with the aforementioned fun this week. It should be a good time!

Blue II

Weekend Recap & Those Rankings

My apologies for not posting since last Thursday, but I must say, I had a great weekend...no time to post!

Friday evening after work, my mom and dad packed my blanket, my toys, and my food and we headed north to Wabash, Ind. (the first electrically lighted city) to stay the night at my Grandma and Grandpa Richards. We also got to see my Aunt Tonia, Aunt Teresa, Uncle Scott and my cousins Andrew and Alex.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to go visit my Grandma and Grandpa Kaltenmark in Wabash, though. They were in Ohio babysitting my cousin Ella and her doggies, Murphy and Bailey.

I always enjoy seeing family and I love going to my grandparents' house! We only stayed the night, but I got some good food, some good play time and caught up on some sleep too.

On Saturday afternoon we headed back to Indy so that my parents could get back in time to head to Chumley's to watch the Butler/Wisc. Green Bay game on the Horizon League Network. I don't understand why I had to stay home...I am the mascot for crying outloud!

My parents made it up to me and took me out to get a new bed, a new toy and the FURminator.

I know what you're thinking, "what the heck is the FURminator?" Well, it's a special deshedding tool. Whatever it is, I just like how it feels when they use it on me and my parents say it works really well, so everybody is happy.

My new bed is for the family room as I already have a nice bed in the living room. We used to watch TV and hang out as a family in the living room, but a couple of weeks ago my parents got a new TV for the family room so that's been the new hang out at home. Only, I protested the change by camping out by myself in the living room on my old bed (pictured).

So I think they felt obligated to get me another bed for the family room. Still with me? Anyway, the new bed (pictured) is cool and I like it. Now I am comfortable no matter what room we decide to reside.

Spoiled much? Yes. Happy dog? Absolutely!

As for the new toy, it's a latex cow looking thing. I can't get enough of it. I even took it to bed last night. I mainly enjoy squeaking it until my parents can't take it anymore. I love it.

So that was my weekend. Not too shabby if I do say so myself. Today was just another day in the office...lots of naps, some play time, couple trips to the HRC with my dad, and some visits from students.

There was some additional excitement around the office with the new NCAA men's basketball rankings coming out. The Butler Bulldogs moved up again in the standings this week coming in No. 9 in the Associated Press poll and No. 10 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches’ poll.

I know technically the rankings do not mean anything, but they speak volumes. The 9th place ranking is the highest ever for Butler and not only that, but we are ahead of three in-state rivals: IU (12th), Notre Dame (18th) and Purdue (23rd).

That's mighty Butler with just 3,900 undergraduate students in the top-10! Go Dawgs!

That puts me in some pretty elite company including Smoky the Volunteer, Jack the Bulldog (Hoya), Pouncer the Tiger, and Joe Bruin...just to name a few.

The name is Butler Blue II, boys, and the Bulldogs are playing for keeps. See ya next month!

Blue II