http://www.dandydon.com/Tribute_to_MikeVI.php
10/12/16 5:50 am CST
Good morning, Tiger Fans,
LSU’s beloved live Tiger mascot, the majestic Mike VI, has passed away after a valiant battle with cancer. I just want to say two things about that: First, thank you, Mike, for the joy you brought to millions in your nine years at LSU, and for the countless memories you etched upon Tiger fans’ hearts. You will be greatly missed. Second, the last two months have absolutely sucked. Since August 12, I’ve been through the death of two uncles, the flooding of my in-law’s home and my office, and the death of my dear father-in-law. In those same two months, LSU fired its coach of 11 years (it was time, but it still hurts), my wife’s grandmother had a heart attack (during the disastrous Wisconsin loss), and I threw my back out. (By the way, I had a cortisone shot yesterday and am feeling much better, thank you). Normally when things start unraveling like they have lately, I head to my favorite place on Earth where I can escape the madness of the world with a stroll on a winding creek bank in the deep, piney woods, fishing pole in hand. If my back continues to improve, I plan on doing just that early next week, but I digress. Back to Mike VI… As one of my readers put it, Mike embodied the courage and fight of LSU sports teams and was, without a question, the best college mascot in the country. Below is a touching video tribute to him, as well as the official press release from LSU’s Vet Center on Mike’s passing.
MIKE VI PASSES AWAY
BATON ROUGE – LSU’s live tiger mascot, Mike VI, passed away today, Oct. 11. Mike VI was born on July 23, 2005, and adopted by LSU in 2007. He was 11 years old at the time of his passing.
Mike was humanely euthanized in his night house by LSU’s Attending Veterinarian David Baker, DVM, Ph.D. He was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma in May 2016 and underwent stereotactic radiotherapy on June 1, 2016, at Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center. He entered hospice care in his night house on Oct. 10, 2016, so that his caretakers could observe him to ensure that he did not suffer.
There will not be a formal memorial service for Mike VI, but fans are encouraged to share their memories, stories and photos on social media using #MikeVI.
LSU has begun the search for a young, male tiger. As with Mikes IV, V and VI, LSU will seek to obtain a donated tiger from a rescue facility.
For more information on Mike’s cancer diagnosis and treatment, please go to www.lsu.edu/miketiger/news.php or visit his social media pages (facebook.com/MikeTigerVI and @MikeTigerVI).
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