Butler Blue III, aka “Trip”

Butler Blue III

With Blue II growing older and becoming senior in the breed, the Kings identified the only male in the litter of five born Dec. 23, 2011, to become Butler Blue III.

Butler Blue III, also known as “Trip,” was born Dec. 23, 2011, in Lizton, Ind., by breeders Frank and Jeanne King, owners of Kong King Kennel. Weighing just 13.5 ounces at birth, Blue III is an AKC registered male English Bulldog like his predecessors. He is distinguished by his red brindle and white markings passed on by his parents, Sire, Ch. Exact Classic Comet, and Dam, Kongs Sarah.

Trip was made his debut before a sellout crowd in Hinkle Fieldhouse prior to a men’s basketball game on Feb. 18, 2012.

Also of note, Blue III is the great-grandson of Ch. Cherokee Legend Rock, one of the nation’s winningest and most decorated English Bulldogs of the last decade and of all time. Fitting lineage, since Blue III worked closely with Blue II to learn the true art of being “America’s Dog” on and off the campus of Butler University. Now a recognized AKC Canine Good Citizen, Blue III has assumed the primary role of official mascot for Butler University.

Aptly nicknamed “Trip” (short for Triple, since he is the third mascot in succession), this red brindled, AKC-registered English bulldog also resides with the Michael Kaltenmark ’02, Director of External Relations, and his wife Tiffany. In addition, Blue III enjoys great care and support from Bark Tutor, City Dogs Grocery, Don Hinds Ford, Good Dog Hotel & Spa, Holistic Select, Nike, WellPet, and Dr. Kurt Phillips’ 92 of Mass Ave Animal Clinic and Fountain Square Animal Clinic.

Trip retired from active duty at the age of 8 on May 31, 2020, and took on an active role of Mascot Emeritus. With Trip’s retirement, Michael Kaltenmark relinquished full-time handler duties after 16 years of duty. Kaltenmark will continue his role at the university as Director of External Relations.






Facts and Statistics






Personal




Professional





AKC Registered Name: Butler Blue III

Nickname: Trip (short for Triple)

Breed: English bulldog – male

Birthdate: Dec. 23, 2011

Weight: 65 lbs.

Fur Color: Red Brindle & White

Favorite Treats: Holistic Select snacks, Medi-Crunch, Hinkle Fieldhouse popcorn and bananas

Favorite Toys: Antlers, bones and balls

Favorite Activities: Butler Basketball games, campus events, rough-housing, cuddling and lying on the couch

Pet-Peeve: Being left at home

Best Tricks: High-five, crawl, speak and dead dog

Personal Motto: “Bulldogs Ever Do or Die!”
Occupation: Mascot Emeritus, Butler University

Dates of Service: February 18, 2012- May 31, 2020

First Day as Mascot: February 18, 2012

Tagline: The Beast of the Big East

Official Breeder: Kong King Kennel – Frank & Jean King, Lizton, Ind.

Official Vet: Dr. Kurt Phillips ’92 – City Way Animal Clinics, Indianapolis, Ind.

Official Food Sponsor: City Dogs Grocery – Indianapolis, Ind.

Official Food Provider: Holistic Select Brand by WellPet

Official Treat: Medi-Crunch

Official Groomer: Good Dog Hotel & Spa, Indianapolis, Ind.

Official Trainer: Bark Tutor School for Dogs – Meggan Talarico, Indianapolis, Ind.

Official Clothier: Nike

Miscellaneous Support: Follett Corporation (Butler Bookstore), Indianapolis, Ind.

Transportation:  “Blue Mobile” provided by Don Hinds Ford