Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Post-Dismissal, JJ Thrives in New Home

COURTESY JOHN STONER Off the Hilltop and out of the spotlight, former university live bulldog mascot Jack Jr. has matured into a well-adjusted 2-year-old, flourishing in a private home environment in the Washington, D.C. area.
COURTESY JOHN STONER
Off the Hilltop and out of the spotlight, former university live bulldog mascot Jack Jr. has matured into a well-adjusted 2-year-old, flourishing in a private home environment in the Washington, D.C. area.

Since his ignominious August 2013 dismissal from the position of live bulldog mascot, Jack Jr. has made a smooth transition into a private home in the Washington, D.C. area, while still maintaining his joie de vivre.

The university chose to remove the year-old puppy, who served as the university’s sixth bulldog mascot, after a settlement with parents whose child was bitten by J.J. in fall 2012, shortly after his arrival on campus. J.J. took over from the retiring Jack the Bulldog at the end of the 2012-2013 basketball season.

Fr. Christopher Steck, S.J., who cared for the puppy in New South Hall, received over 100 applications from families eager to adopt J.J. After 15 home visits, Steck picked the Stoner family, who live in the Washington, D.C. area.

John Stoner said that J.J. has become a much happier dog in a home environment.

COURTESY JOHN STONER
COURTESY JOHN STONER

“I know he loved being the mascot, but it was also kind of complicated for him,” Stoner said. “There were so many things that went on and it was really just a difficult thing and he’s adjusted really well.”

During the selection process last summer, Steck identified certain requirements for J.J.’s new home. These requirements included a family who had experience raising disciplined dogs, lived locally, had at least one adult who is at home regularly and did not have any dogs that would not get along with J.J. Students did not participate in the search process.

According to Stoner, J.J. is well-adjusted and well-loved in his new home, where he has lived for about a year.

“In a lot of ways the situation he was in when we adopted him was just unfortunate,” Stoner said. “He’s a rambunctious little boy. He’s two now but he’s very, very high-spirited. He really is a fun dog to be around. He’s very loyal. He’s got an incredible personality. He really is a funny little dog.”

A5_JJoutside_CourtesyJohnStoner
COURTESY JOHN STONER

Stoner, who has owned bulldogs previously, said that his family worked with J.J. to develop a method to minimize behavioral problems.

“He’s fallen into a routine,” Stoner said. “He has become so chill, so calm and fun to be around that the transition for him has been one where he feels really happy. I think he really loves being here with us.”

According to Stoner, J.J. has also become a bit of a local celebrity when on walks in the Georgetown area.

“People recognize him when we walk him,” Stoner said. “People always remark about him what a great-looking dog [he is] and they say, ‘Isn’t he cool?’ [He is] very gifted physically, quite powerful and quite strong. He is just absolutely so much fun to have around. He is just a very happy little boy and he has so much personality.”

John B. Carroll, J.J.’s replacement, arrived on campus last October, assuming the Jack the Bulldog mantle. The Bulldog Advisory Committee sought to create consistency in the new mascot’s training by cutting the Jack Crew, who care for the bulldog, from approximately 20 members to just six.

A5_JJonHalloween_CourtesyJohnStoner
COURTESY JOHN STONER

Steck said he occasionally visits J.J. and is pleased with his owners and home environment.

“His new parents adore him,” Steck, who remains the caretaker of the retired Jack, wrote in an email. “When I’ve visited him, he’s displayed the same energetic and affectionate personality; he doesn’t seem to have an off switch. … I am delighted that he has made the transition so smoothly.”
According to Steck, J.J.’s rambunctious personality has not faded, and he still maintains his puppy-like charm.

“He also still loves watching sports on TV — he watches the ball go back and forth, waiting for it to get in reach — it’s hilarious,” Steck wrote. “Like Jack Sr., he loves tearing apart boxes.  He is very smart, especially for a bulldog, and will try to get away with things if he can.”

Neve Schadler (COL ’15), the longest serving member of the Jack Crew and its former head, said that while she enjoyed working with J.J., she is happy that he is now in a good home.

“Having the honor of taking care of all three mascots has been a highlight of my Georgetown experience,” Schadler said. “I loved working with J.J. while he was the mascot-in-training and I am so glad that he is with a family that loves and cares for him.”

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