MSU's Beloved 'Zeke the Wonderdog' Dies at 10

The Foley family announces the passing of Buckshot, the golden Labrador who served as Zeke the Wonderdog IV for a decade.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Buckshot, the golden Labrador known as Zeke the Wonderdog IV, has died at the age of 10 after a battle with a rare cancer. Buckshot had served as the beloved MSU mascot and performance dog since 2016, continuing a decades-long tradition of Zeke the Wonderdog at Spartan sporting events and campus activities. The Foley family, who owned and cared for Buckshot, announced his passing on Facebook, sharing that he died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.

Why it matters

Zeke the Wonderdog has become an iconic Spartan tradition, entertaining crowds and serving as a symbol of school spirit for nearly 50 years. Buckshot's death marks the end of an era, as the Foley family prepares to introduce the fifth Zeke the Wonderdog to continue the legacy.

The details

Buckshot, also known as Zeke the Wonderdog IV, was a golden Labrador owned by the Foley family, who had also owned the previous two Zeke the Wonderdogs. Buckshot performed at numerous MSU sporting events and campus activities over the past decade, captivating crowds with his Frisbee-catching skills and enthusiastic presence. The Foley family announced Buckshot's passing in a Facebook post, sharing that he died on February 28th after a battle with a rare form of cancer.

  • Buckshot, or Zeke the Wonderdog IV, died on February 28, 2026.
  • Buckshot had served as Zeke the Wonderdog since 2016.

The players

Buckshot

Also known as Zeke the Wonderdog IV, Buckshot was a golden Labrador who served as the beloved MSU mascot and performance dog for the past decade.

Jim and Terri Foley

The Foley family owned and cared for Buckshot, as well as the previous two Zeke the Wonderdogs.

Michigan State University

The university has hosted the Zeke the Wonderdog tradition for nearly 50 years, with the performance dog serving as a beloved mascot and ambassador for the Spartan community.

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What they’re saying

“It is with heavy hearts that we share that Buckshot — known to the Michigan State community as Zeke the Wonderdog for the last decade — passed away peacefully this weekend surrounded by his family.”

— Jim and Terri Foley, Owners of Zeke the Wonderdog IV (Facebook)

“Thank God for the memories. He left a legacy of Spartan love.”

— Jim Foley, Owner of Zeke the Wonderdog IV (Lansing State Journal)

What’s next

The Foley family is planning a memorial celebration to honor Buckshot's legacy, and they have announced that the fifth Zeke the Wonderdog will be introduced in the near future to continue the beloved Spartan tradition.

The takeaway

Zeke the Wonderdog has become an iconic part of the Michigan State University community, and Buckshot's passing marks the end of an era for this beloved mascot and performance dog. However, the Foley family's commitment to the tradition ensures that a new Zeke the Wonderdog will soon carry on the legacy of joy, discipline, and Spartan spirit that Buckshot embodied.