This issue's "Gazette Pet" is a local celebrity. His American Kennel Club (AKC) registered name is Butler Blue II, but he is simply known as "Blue". Blue is the mascot for Butler University with their sports team the Butler Bulldogs. Let me tell you how I came to know of Blue and his guardian/caretakers, Michael and Tiffany Kaltenmark.

In July, I had my dad's Butler corduroy jacket framed to hang in my store. Dad was a 1932 grad. This jacket is fabulous with the whole back hand-embroidered with a blue Bulldog head. Also embroidered are the words "Butler/Indianapolis" around the head. I have his fraternity paddle hanging from the frame. I love it because it is my dad's, it's a dog (for a dog store) and it's Butler, which is just west down the street. Many area merchants give tribute to Butler with memorabilia on their walls (mine is arguably the coolest, in an antique frame). Of course, I brag about it to anyone who will listen to me. I have a lot of Butler staff and students who come in and they love and admire it. So, because of the jacket, one thing led to another and I told a staff member that I would like to do a story on Blue. Next thing I knew, Michael came in to share his story of this wonderful pet whose first day of service to the university was May 20, 2004, when he was only seven weeks old. Have you ever seen a baby Bulldog? Oh my gosh! Cute, cute!

Blue is a fawn and white English Bulldog weighing in at 60 pounds. He was born in March of 2004 and was donated to Butler University by Frank and Jeane King of Kong King Kennels in Lizton, Indiana. He comes from champion stock, having at least sixteen champs in his lineage, including his father and grandfather.

In the 1940s and 50s, there was Butler Mike and Butler Bill owned by fraternities. The official Butler Blue mascot program started in 2000 with Blue I. This Blue was a female whose caretaker accepted an opportunity in Bellingham, Washington. She was purchased from the university, retired and moved on. Michael, a 2002 graduate, who works as the Director of Annual Giving in the fund-raising department, volunteered to care for Blue II when he learned of the opportunity. Blue's veterinary care is donated by another Butler grad, class of 1992, Dr. Kurt Phillips of Woodland Animal Hospital in Carmel, IN. Other medical care is donated by Doctors Deborah and John Stephen of Indiana Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services.

Blue II is popular among the students. He is a working dog with a cushy job. He comes to the office nearly every day with Michael. He can be seen in classrooms and being walked by students. When Michael works out at the Health and Recreation Complex on campus, the students at the control desk watch Blue. He goes to sporting events, sometimes wearing his basketball jersey. Michael says he loves Hinkle Fieldhouse and gets excited when he knows he's going. He was spotted kicking off a fund-raising campaign wearing a spike collar with a bow tie.

Blue will be at this year's homecoming event, called Blue II's Family Fun Festival, which includes the eighth annual Bulldog Beauty Contest. Last year, there were 40 dogs registered (some were Bulldog wannabes). It is one of the best attended events at homecoming. There is a panel of five judges who might include the university president, class president, coaches or past alum. There will be contests for best dressed, best trick, meanest looking, best spirit, etc. There will be a blowup jumping zone and face painting for kids. Unfortunately, timing is everything and I only just met Michael to learn of this fun event. By the time this goes to press, it will all be said and done as homecoming is September 29th. It will have been sponsored by Ovid Butler Society, Woodland Animal Hospital, Monon Trail Pet Outfitters, Indiana Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Center and Three Dog Bakery. There's plenty of time to plan ahead for the ninth annual event.