Blue II was a good dog, but he was more than than just a dog. He was quite possibly the cutest mascot in college sports. He fulfilled his noble duty of representing the Butler University Bulldogs -- one of college basketball's best Cinderella stories -- with both dignity and aplomb. He also had more than 13,000 Twitter followers, showing that dogs, too, can be social-media superstars -- just like their feline foes.
Blue II died this weekend after complications brought on by heart disease. He was 9. Butler University announced the news in a Tuesday blog post penned by Blue II while he was still alive (or, more likely, by one of his human lackeys).
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Blue II may have left the world, but he hasn't left the Internet. In addition to his blog post, he leaves behind a beautiful farewell tweet, below, and the poignant retrospective YouTube montage, above.
How do I know that all dogs go to heaven? Because I'm there now. It's been a great ride. Thank you all, God bless @butleru, and #GoDawgs— Butler Blue II (@ButlerBlue2) September 3, 2013
In his farewell blog post, Blue II expressed his thanks, and looked back on a life well-lived. Here's a snippet:
"I owe a debt of gratitude to so many. I say thank you to everyone affiliated with Butler University, to my fans all over the world, my sponsors, my medical staff, my friends and most of all, my family. It’s been and honor and a privilege to serve as your mascot and THE Butler Bulldog.
I’ve done my best to leave my mark on the job and this great University. I hope that I’ve left this place better than I found it. Regardless, I have no regrets as I gave it my all."
His successor, Blue III, also posted this tweet to commemorate the dogs' special relationship:
It's been a difficult weekend, but grateful to have learned from the best, @ButlerBlue2. I'll miss you bro! http://t.co/F5hFtFhqi9— Butler Blue III (@ButlerBlue3) September 3, 2013
For its part, the Illinois State University's mascot posted this classy tribute:
My heart goes out to my buds @ButlerBlue3 @MSKaltenmark & all of @butleru on the passing of my dear friend @ButlerBlue2 Saturday— Reggie Redbird (@ReggieRedbird) September 4, 2013
There's a silver lining to this story, however: Butler University is currently in the process of raising money for a memorial and homage to its bulldog mascots past, present and future. Spurred in part by donations inspired by Blue II's death, the fund currently tops $25,000.
If you want to read more about Blues II and III, we profiled them back in January.
How will you remember Blue II? Tell us in the comments, below.
Homepage image: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images