Butler's Blue II hands off collar Saturday

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Butler University mascot, Blue II, will hand off his collar to Blue III Saturday at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

Blue II and Blue III will participate in Butler's first "Changing of the Collar" ceremony at the Men's Basketball Senior Day game against Xavier University.

Butler University has partnered with Reis Nichols Jewelers to fashion a new, custom collar to be used for the ceremony. The collar will feature Butler's seal, athletic logo, Blue logo, and mascot names.

"We are honored to be a part of this chapter in the University's history," said BJ Nichols of Reis-Nichols. "The custom emblems that will adorn Blue's collar were created on our state-of-the-art auto cad computer design program, and we've enjoyed having Trip come in for his 'fittings.'"

In addition to the special collar, a local artist will be unveiling a portrait of Blue II as a gift to Butler. The portrait will be unveiled at Saturday's game.

Butler has also planned a birthday party/ retirement party for Blue II on March 29. The event is open to the public and will take place at Atherton Union on Butler's campus.

"Blue II is in good health, but 8 years old is getting up there for an English bulldog," said Michael Kaltenmark, Butler's director of Web Marketing and Communications and handler of the live mascots. "Blue has served Butler so admirably all these years, and we want him to go out on top. Retirement will mean fewer appearances and less official business for Blue, but he will continue to come to campus on a regular basis and post on his various social media profiles."

Kaltenmark has been training Blue II's replacement, Blue III (nicknamed Trip) since Feb. of 2012. Trip came from the same breeder Butler used for Blue II.

VIDEO: Meet Trip

Kaltenmark got Blue II as a puppy nearly nine years ago. Since then, Blue II has proudly served as the University's mascot and has made a name for himself.

Blue II's Twitter , which is managed by Kaltenmark, has over 12,000 followers and is among the nation's Top 10 most influential accounts representing a college or university. Earlier this year, Blue II was recognized by the "Shorty Awards" for his social media presence.

PHOTOS: Blue II's Birthday Party

According to a release from Butler, Blue II became known as "America's Dog" in 2010 and 2011 when Butler men's basketball team played for the NCAA national championship. Traditionally, Butler basketball players touch him before before each game as they are being introduced.

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Butler officially announced Blue II's retirement in January .