Even as someone who isn’t particularly into sports, I totally understand the appeal for those who are. I’m married to a big sports fan, so I’ve been to my share of games, and the energy in the area is unmatched (and so are the snacks). When a game is against two big rivals, the excitement is palpable.
But here’s the thing: Dogs don’t really understand the concept of “rivalry.” So when two mascots from opposing college basketball teams — a Bulldog and a Husky — were at a game together this week, they instantly became besties. Don’t they know they’re competing against each other?!
@thebutlerblueRivals on the court, Besties off the court. @Jonathan the Husky . #dog #bulldog #husky #basketball #marchmaddness #uconn
On Wednesday, March 12, @thebutlerblue on TikTok shared a video that some college basketball fans might not have been expecting. Butler University’s mascot, Butler Blue, came face to face with the University of Connecticut’s mascot, Jonathan, on the court, and they were immediately pals.
“Best friended so hard we forgot we might play each other this week,” says the text in the video.
Backed by some very peaceful music from the Gilmore Girls soundtrack, these boys are very chill and seem like they’re happy just to be in each other’s presence. Their fans might each hope the other’s team loses, but these two are just here to have fun.
Blue and Jonathan are two hard working mascots
While I wish all sports teams had live mascots, many of them don’t — at least, not yet. But at the same time, that just means that the live mascots who do cheer their teams on are extra special, and that includes both Blue and Jonathan.
While repping Butler University, Butler Blue IV makes plenty of public appearances, both at the school’s sporting events and elsewhere. He’s also the subject of a children’s book called Good Boy, Blue! about the mascot’s first day on this very important job. Plus, there’s also the fact that he has more than 53,000 followers on TikTok… also very impressive.
Meanwhile, Jonathan the Husky is also a star, with over 15,000 followers of his own. According to UConn’s website, live mascots have been one of the school’s traditions for decades.
“From attending campus and community events, to bringing smiles to thousands of husky fans at sporting events and making appearances all across the country, Jonathan is one of the most recognized and photographed symbols of the Pride and Spirit of UConn!” said the site.
These dogs are bringing smiles to a lot more people than those who attend these college games. The internet is in love!
