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EAST LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — For a decade, the fourth iteration of Zeke the Wonderdog not only caught frisbees but also caught the hearts of Michigan State fans before his death last week.
While the 11-year-old dog was famously known as “Zeke the Wonderdog” to Spartan fans, he was known as Buckshot to his owners Jim and Terri Foley. He had served the university community as the fourth iteration of the frisbee-catching mascot since 2016. Fans recognized him for his performances during football games and other sporting events.
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(Jim and Terri Foley)
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(Jim and Terri Foley)
Jim Foley has been training dogs for over 22 years and says Zeke is an ambassador of Michigan State spirit.
“Zeke is more than just a frisbee dog, he’s a tradition,” Foley said.
The past few weeks have been difficult for the Foley family. Jim says that Zeke had vet appointments in December, and everything came back clear. His sudden change in health due to a rare form of cancer came as a surprise.
“It was such a rare thing to have happen,” Foley said. “He went from being a healthy boy right to going downhill. It tore me up.”
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(Jim and Terri Foley)
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(Jim and Terri Foley)
The first wonder dog was known as Ezekiel, who made his debut in 1977. His owner, Gary Eisenberg was a student at MSU and competed with Zeke at a national disc-catching competition. Ezekiel routinely performed at Spartan football games until 1984.
In 2002, Foley revived the tradition with Zeke II. He had competed with his dog, Dexter, in auditions put on by the MSU Athletic Department. Zeke II performed from 2002-2005. The third Zeke, also known as Bou Cou, performed at games from 2007-2016.
Then came along Buckshot — Zeke IV.
“I knew him since he was 49 days old, and he was by my side all that time,” Foley said.
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(Jim and Terri Foley)
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(Jim and Terri Foley)
Foley and Zeke traveled from the east coast to the west and everywhere in between for Spartan games, NFL halftime shows and competitions.
“He meant everything in the world to me. He was my buddy. He will always be remembered for his joy, his happiness, and his love,” said Foley.
Generations of Spartan fans, alumni, and students have shown support for the Foley family. Foley says people have been sending messages and mailing flowers.
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(Jim and Terri Foley)
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(Jim and Terri Foley)
“I will never forget all the love and joy he brought to everybody,” Foley said. “I’m so grateful for the outpouring love from Spartan fans and family.”
The Foley’s say they hope frisbees keep flying and Zeke’s spirit is carried on.
“Never had any quit in him, he ran and lived. All dogs are going to die but Zeke he lived, he lived a life,” said Foley. “His spirit will never stop living, it’s a tradition that will go on.”
In a statement on Facebook, the Foley family said plans to introduce Zeke V are in the works as well as a memorial celebration for Zeke IV.
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