(Newser)
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Louisiana Tech fans suffered anxiety and then heartbreak because of a negligent animal care worker who left their beloved mascot outside in 100-degree heat. The English bulldog, Tech XX, died of heat stroke, but the worker covered up the death, telling people that the dog had gone missing, reports the Shreveport Times. Over the following days, rewards were posted and dozens of people searched for the dog before the worker confessed. Not surprisingly, he no longer has a job.
The four-year-old bulldog, who had been the team's mascot since 2008, lived with the family of veterinarian Patrick Sexton. "We lost our symbol and our beloved mascot, but the Sextons lost a member of their family," said a spokesman for the university. "We’re grateful for the wonderful life and care they were able to give him the last four years." Because of their build, bulldogs are susceptible to heat stroke even in temperatures of 75 to 80 degrees, Yahoo Sports notes. Tech's predecessor, Tech IX, was retired after suffering heat stroke, though he survived.
