Breaking: Mascot-in-training named “J.J.” to join Jack the Bulldog

In two weeks, a four-month-old bulldog puppy named Jack Jr., or J.J., will join Jack the Bulldog as a Georgetown mascot-in-training. The puppy was a gift from bulldog breeders Janice and Marcus Hochstetler, the parents of two Georgetown students. In a University statement, Jack’s caretaker Rev. Christopher Steck, S.J., noted that J.J. has “the bulldog penchant for wrestling and already enjoys ripping boxes apart.”

“J.J. has a very mellow personality,” Steck said. “He likes to sit in laps and is curious about the sights and sounds of the world.”

On the afternoon of April 13, the University will hold an official welcome party for J.J. A website will allow students to track J.J.’s progress as he travels from his birthplace in California to the Hilltop. You can also check out this Facebook page for more photos and information about J.J. He’s also on Twitter.

J.J. will live with eight-year-old Jack in Steck’s New South residence, taking classes on box-eating and nap-taking. As he has since 2003, Jack the Bulldog will still appear at Georgetown games in the fall, while J.J. learns the ropes.

“Jack’s presence will provide important support to J.J., since the older dog is already comfortable with his life as a mascot at Georgetown,” Steck said. “J.J. will be looking for signals from Jack, and Jack’s enthusiasm in different environments will encourage J.J.’s own.”

J.J.’s arrival signals the beginning of a transition period from one mascot to another, as age begins to take a toll on our current mascot. Jack tore his ACL while jumping onto a couch earlier this year, and is expected to have surgery in April.

“We are extremely grateful for the Hochstetlers’ gift of a new bulldog puppy to the Georgetown community,” said University spokeswoman Stacy Kerr in a statement. “We are thrilled that J.J. will be joining Jack the Bulldog on campus.”

Photo: Georgetown University