Zeke the Wonderdog IV, the Michigan State University mascot and performance dog, died Saturday, Feb. 28, of cancer, his owners announced on Facebook.
Buckshot, a golden Labrador that had served as Michigan State University’s Zeke the Wonderdog since 2016, died Saturday with his loved ones nearby, owners Jim and Terri Foley announced in a Sunday, March 1, post. The Foley family also had been owners of Zeke the Wonderdogs II and III.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share that Buckshot — known to the Michigan State community as Zeke the Wonderdog for the last decade — passed away peacefully this weekend surrounded by his family,” the statement said.
Buckshot died after a battle with a rare cancer, Spartans Illustrated reported.
The performance dog role has become a beloved Spartan tradition across nearly five decades, providing an entertaining halftime show at MSU sporting events, and a mascot for the campus community.
The fifth Zeke the Wonderdog will soon be announced, the family said in the statement.
The Foleys added that a memorial celebration is being planned.
Here’s what to know about Zeke the Wonderdog.
When did Zeke the Wonderdog die?
Buckshot, or Zeke the Wonderdog IV, Michigan State University’s performance dog, died Feb. 28 of a rare cancer, according to the Foley family and Spartans Illustrated.
“The Michigan State community is mourning the loss of a Frisbee-catching star who energized countless athletic, community, and student events. More than a performer, Zeke IV was a symbol of Spartan spirit and a goodwill ambassador whose soaring catches and enthusiastic presence became a staple of game days and special occasions across campus,” according to the Foley family’s statement in a March 1 Facebook post.
Who was Zeke the Wonderdog IV?
Actually named Buckshot, Zeke was a golden Labrador dog that served as Zeke the Wonderdog IV since 2016, according to the Foley family. Buckshot was Jim and Terri Foley’s pet dog. He left a deep impact on their family and the MSU campus community, the Foley family said in the statement.
“Thank God for the memories,” Jim Foley said. “He left a legacy of Spartan love.”
The Foley family is asking the MSU community to donate to the MSU Student Food Bank in honor of Buckshot’s legacy.
What is Zeke the Wonderdog?
The Zeke the Wonderdog tradition dates back to 1977 at MSU, with four Labrador dogs having held the role over the decades, according to MSU. The dog performs during halftime at MSU sporting events, running across fields and catching Frisbees.
The original Zeke the Wonderdog, Ezekiel, was invited to perform at an MSU football game in 1977 following wins at national dog performance competitions, and became a mainstay at Spartan games. A Lansing State Journal reporter nicknamed him “Zeke the Wonderdog,” the LSJ reported previously.
The Foley family owned Zeke the Wonderdog II, III and IV. Zeke IV began his career at MSU during a 2016 men’s basketball game.
“More than a performer, Zeke IV was a symbol of Spartan spirit and a goodwill ambassador whose soaring catches and enthusiastic presence became a staple of game days and special occasions across campus,” the family said.
Who will be the next Zeke the Wonderdog?
Zeke V, MSU’s next Wonderdog performer, will be announced “in the near future,” the Foley family said in the statement.
“While the Spartan community grieves this loss, the Zeke the Wonderdog tradition will continue,” the family said. “In time, a new chapter will begin across Michigan State’s campus — built on the same joy, discipline, and love that defined Buckshot’s run as Zeke the Wonderdog.”
Lansing State Journal contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: MSU’s beloved ‘Zeke the Wonderdog’ dies. What family is saying
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
