Newswise — Blue II, Butler University’s live mascot, is in the process of training a puppy protégé. Blue III, or “Trip,” as he will be called is making his Butler debut Feb. 18 at the men’s basketball ESPN BracketBuster game against Indiana State University at 2 p.m. in Hinkle Fieldhouse. Joining big brother Blue II at Hinkle to welcome Trip into the Butler family will be Butler’s original mascot, Butler Blue. Now, 11 years old, Blue is enjoying her retirement in Illinois with her owner Kelli Walker ’91, former Butler assistant director of Alumni and Parent Programs. Trip was born on Dec. 23, 2011 and weighed 13.5 oz. He comes from Frank and Jeane King of Kong King Kennel, the same breeders that gave Butler, Blue II, almost eight years ago. “Butler was not looking for its third mascot before Trip was born,” said Kaltenmark. Blue II is still in great health and has and will continue to be an active member of the Butler community. “Trip was essentially ‘a great opportunity’ for Butler. He was the only male in his litter and is a descendant of championship Bulldog, Ch. Cherokee Legend Rock.” Having Trip at Butler now means he will learn from the best (Blue II) and be fully prepared for the day when he officially takes the reins as the University’s “Top Dawg.” Until then, Blue II will continue to tweet, eat and nap around campus as usual. Like Blue II, Trip will receive the best in care and support from partners such as City Dogs Grocery, Don Hinds Ford, Good Dog Hotel & Spa, Holistic Select, Nike, Butler Bookstore, WellPet and Woodland Animal Hospital. He will join Blue II in the Kaltenmark household which includes Michael '02, director of Web Marketing and Communications, his wife Tiffany, and their son Everett.

You can learn more about Blue III by visiting his website.

About Butler UniversityChallenging and enabling students to meet their personal and professional goals has guided Butler University since 1855. Today, Butler is a nationally recognized comprehensive university that blends the liberal arts with first-rate pre-professional programs. It seeks to prepare each graduate not simply to make a living but to make a life of purpose, in which personal flourishing is intertwined with the welfare of others. Butler is known for its vibrant campus, superior academics and dedicated faculty. The University enrolls more than 4,600 undergraduate and graduate students in six academic colleges: Business, Communication, Education, Fine Arts, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Located just six miles from downtown Indianapolis, Butler’s urban setting affords students internship opportunities that provide excellent graduate school and career preparation Experts Guide: To find the ideal expert for your story, visit our Experts Guide.

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