DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) - A 9-month-old puppy is soon to take over as Drake University’s next live mascot.

Griff III takes over in May when Griff II retires . Griff II has been the school’s mascot for six years.

“We are grateful for the joy and friendship Griff II has brought to our campus and community, and I will personally miss him,” Drake President Marty Martin said in a statement. “Griff II set a high bar in his six years of service, but we’re confident he’s helped select a successor who will step into those big pawprints and carry on the proud tradition of bringing joy to Drake and Des Moines.”

Griff III was raised in the same family as Griff II. The two bulldogs are best friends, and live mascot program coordinator Erin Bell says Griff II will help with training during the pass

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