Dak roams the Starkville campus as Bully XXII , MSU ’ s live English Bulldog mascot . Photo by Mississippi State Athletics / Mike Mattina
Bully XXII poses with his namesake , former MSU quarterback Dak Prescott , during Super Bulldog Weekend . Photo by Mississippi State Athletics / Mike Mattina
“ We got an English Bulldog from the Mississippi State lineage at the vet school . He was our first one and was named Sylvester after ( former head football coach ) Sylvester Croom ,” Bruce said . “ Then we got Belle nine years ago and she is the sister of the previous mascot , Jak .”
While the Martins immediately fell in love with Dak , Bruce said he was a little hesitant to become Dak ’ s owner because of the responsibilities and commitment involved with him being the university ’ s mascot .
Besides his insurance business , Bruce serves on the Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning , previously served on the Mississippi Community College Board for 12 years and is actively involved in the local community and MSU alumni activities . But , he said , “ Julie was totally on board .” To them , Dak being born two days early on Julie ’ s birthday was a sign he was meant to be a part of the family .
“ He came to us at six weeks , and we started immediately taking him to The Lofts at Mississippi State ,” she said . “ We go to a lot of events . We go to basketball , baseball and football games already , so we tried to carry him whenever we could to those places when he was young so he would get used to the crowds and the noise .”
When he was old enough , Dak began intensive training to prepare him to be a mascot . As a part of his fitness conditioning , he walked on an underwater treadmill to get him in shape physically . He learned hand signals , so he can follow commands in a crowded , noisy stadium . He learned how to remain calm during loud band performances or during fireworks displays . He was taught how to sit patiently during photo shoots .
He also eats a special healthy , balanced diet to maintain his proper weight , which doesn ’ t include a lot of doggie treats .
“ The first time we took him to a band hall practice , it was during COVID ,” Julie recalled . “ They all crammed into this one room with the doors open . The trainer had him right there and he never moved . He never flinched . He never barked . I was blown away , and the trainer looked at me , and she had tears in her eyes and she said , ‘ He is made for this .’”
Super Bulldog Weekend in March marked the transition of MSU mascots as Jak retired during halftime of the spring game with a “ passing of the harness ” and blessing ceremony for Dak to take over as mascot .
The Martins admit they are having to adjust to being in the spotlight with Dak , which at times can get a little www . meridianstar . com
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