Last weekend, my veterinarian, good friend, and Butler University graduate, Dr. Kurt Phillips hosted a retirement party for me at his clinic in Carmel, Ind., Woodland Animal Hospital. (He also has a practice in downtown Indianapolis at the Mass Ave Animal Clinic.) It was a great event with the usual attributes, cake, balloons, picture-taking, but there was also a very poignant moment that took me by surprise, when Dr. Phillips presented me with a toast.

It was so touching and heart-felt, I asked if I could share his remarks on this blog for my fans to read. Certainly, it’s a piece that makes me feel good, but more importantly, I think it illustrates the commitment and care I have received from Dr. Phillips over the years. Enjoy the read.

Dr. Kurt Phillips ’92 – Woodland Animal Hospital/Mass Ave Animal Clinic – April 13, 2013

I’d like to welcome you all here today to celebrate with Blue II as he sails off into a restful and relaxing retirement after nine great years of service to Butler University as our official mascot.  I am so very happy to see all of you here today:  friends, colleagues, clients, patients, family and Butler fans and supporters.  It is an honor to play a small role in Butler’s mascot program and I am glad that you all came out today to support it and Blue II.

Nine years ago, I met Michael Kaltenmark and the new puppy that was slated to be the second official mascot for Butler.  I had reached out to the university 2 years prior to that when Blue I was on the scene and offered to be her veterinarian.  I had the most wonderful four years of my life attending Butler in the late 80’s/early 90’s and I wanted to give back to the University.  I figured this was the best way I knew how to do that.

I was so thankful when Kelli Walker, Blue I’s caretaker, called me back to say that she would be delighted to bring Blue I up to Carmel from campus for her veterinary care.  Blue I, as many of you know, was a cool dog, but her tenure at the University only lasted a few years.  When Kelli decided to move to the west coast, Blue I went with her and luckily, her breeders (Frank and Jeane King) were willing again to donate a second puppy to the University.  This is where Blue II, the dog we all know and love, came onto the scene.

From the start, this dog grabbed everyone’s attention and worked his way into our hearts.  My family has such fond memories of hanging with Blue II at football and basketball games and events such as the Bulldog Beauty Contest.  We remember the fun times having him in our home when Michael and Tiffany needed some time away.  We loved coming to campus and seeing him roam around with Michael; always enjoying the love and affection of student and visitors to campus alike.

Blue II has been so completely successful in becoming “America’s Dog” mainly because of his awesome good looks, his wonderful temperament and his winsome smile.  But in addition to these awesome qualities, Blue II has become everyone’s favorite mascot largely in part due to the amazing upbringing, training and love that he has been shown by the Kaltenmark family:  Michael, Tiffany and most recently: “Master Everett”.  Without this amazing family, Blue II would have turned out like any other college mascot:  a dog in a kennel only shown to the public during halftimes of major sporting events.  Instead, Blue II lives in a loving home with amazing people.  He goes to work everyday to Butler’s campus (a place that I consider home)  and he is surrounded by loving supporters every day, all day.

Blue II has attended countless sporting events from lacrosse games to soccer matches to being a mainstay at Hinkle fieldhouse for several  amazing seasons of Butler Basketball.  He has his own Facebook page and a Twitter account with more than 12,500 followers!!!!  He has appeared on national television numerous times and has been highlighted in countless newspapers throughout the years.  His popularity is mainly due to his personality and looks, but his dad, Michael has been integral in getting him this national recognition,  and oh yeah. . . two back to back runs to the Final Four by our men’s basketball team surely didn’t hurt!

Throughout these amazing nine years, I have been honored and blessed to be a part of this dog’s journey.  A deep friendship has developed between the Kaltenmark family and my own and for that I am eternally grateful to Blue II.  I am so very proud of the moniker, America’s Dog, that has been bestowed upon Blue II and he deserves it.  Blue II, not only our you “America’s Dog”, but I claim you as “my dog” as well.  You are a part of my family, the Woodland Family and the family of so many adults and children who love you so very much.

So, it is without further adieu, that I would like everyone to raise their glasses to America’s Dog.  May you sail off into retirement with the love and support of your family and friends, with your new buddy, Trip, at your side and a big rawhide bone to carry with you whereever you go.

To Blue II !!!!

Not much more to say to that, but thanks and cheers! Dr. Phillips, you’re the best!

Some dogs are deathly afraid of going to see the vet. I absolutely love going to see Dr. Phillips and his staff and now you can see why. Dr. Phillips always takes great care of me, so much so that I feel like I could keep on going as mascot. But it’s time to hang it up, so I’ll take my title as America’s Dog and enjoy watching Blue III (Trip) do all the work.

Cheers!