Butler University's opening is a dream job for dog lovers
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Butler Blue IV and Evan Krauss in February 2020. Photo: Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Butler University is seeking a new marketing assistant. Qualified applicants will have experience in social media strategy and content creation. And one more thing: They must love dogs.
Why it matters: Butler is hiring its next mascot handler — the person responsible for the university's beloved (and busy) bulldog.
Driving the news: The school announced in February that Butler Blue IV was retiring from public appearances, kicking off the search for its next live bulldog mascot.
- Evan Krauss, Blue IV's handler, said the retirement came earlier than anyone expected but was driven by the dog's behavior — signs that he was ready to live a slower, quieter life.
- That meant Krauss had a decision to make. Sign on for another 5-plus years of live mascot duty with the next dog or transition into a new role.
What they're saying: "This is a dream job in every sense of the word," Krauss said. "But that doesn't mean it's not hard."
- With a second child on the way, Krauss says he needs to make sure he's showing up for his family, and that means handing over the reins — or, in this case, the leash.
State of play: Krauss will continue working in the university's marketing department, overseeing the live mascot program and training the next handler.
- Finding the right person is critical, he told Axios.
- Not only are they a representative of the university — speaking on behalf of a very popular mascot in many cases — but they're also Blue's owner for the life of the dog.
- "You're doing a job, but you're also in charge of the livelihood of a living creature," he said.
Zoom in: Being Blue's handler means more than showing up to basketball games.
- The mascot program is part of the university's marketing department, not the athletic office.
- Aside from full days executing an important and valuable social media strategy for the school brand, Blue makes appearances in classrooms, at performances, public events, recruiting trips and even, as the schedule allows, private events such as weddings.
- "I always say, 'I don't have a busy schedule, Blue does,'" Krauss joked.
What's next: Hiring Blue V's handler. Applications are still open.
- Then comes the puppy. Krauss said the university is currently vetting Indiana-based bulldog breeders to look for those who share Butler's interest in promoting healthy breed standards.
- As for Blue IV, Krauss says he's doing well and will enjoy being a family dog.