DES MOINES, Iowa — Beloved Drake University mascot Griff I has passed away at 11 years old, the university announced on Monday evening.
The bulldog, who spent years as the smushed face of the university, is being remembered for his ever-charming campus presence, "ability to rally and unite people" and accomplishments in and out of the champion dog show ring.
Griff I reigned over campus from 2015 in 2020, when he passed the torch on to his little brother and current mascot, Griff II. He was only the second live mascot in university history — and the first through the official live mascot program.
Griff II shared the following message on X, formerly known as Twitter:
"I said goodbye to my very best friend, the OG, today. We held him as he died, falling asleep to the words 'I love you,' 'I’m so proud of you,' and 'thank you for everything.' No words will ever fully express our love for him, but my hope is that he knew and FELT it every minute of every day. For me, the OG could do no wrong. I worshipped the ground he walked on."
He was preceded by first live mascot Porterhouse. All three bulldogs were part of the Bell family, led by associate marketing director and live mascot program manager Erin Bell.
“I have loved every minute of caring for Griff I,” Bell said. “He was an integral part of my family— and the heart of the Drake community—for eight years ... I will miss him terribly, as will so many others. It is not lost on me how fortunate I was to be the one holding his leash and taking him home at night. He was the best boy, and I couldn't have possibly loved him more."
Griff I is memorialized in bronze outside of Old Main on Drake's campus, and a commemorative plaque honoring the OG will be added to the aptly-named Bulldog Plaza in coming months.
The university asks students, faculty and Griff lovers alike to share their memories or leave a message for the Bell family on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #RememberingGriffI.