Butler Blue III, aka “Trip”

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.