By CANDACE MIERS

Contributing Editor

Tech XIX has caught on to the weight loss trend in America by going on his own diet.

Tech XIX, Tech's English Bulldog official mascot, has shed over 10 pounds since November at the request of his veterinarian.

"[Tech XIX] used to wheeze a lot, but now that he's lost some weight [the wheezing] is replaced with energy," Kent Mire, a sophomore biology major, said.

Dr. Jon Barker, Tech XIX's handler and an assistant professor of mechanical engineering, said Tech XIX was on his monthly visit to the vet to get his nails trimmed when Barker was informed that Tech was just a little bit heavier than he should be.

Tech XIX's food intake was cut in half.

"I wouldn't call it a diet really, we are just giving him a certain amount of his dog food," Barker said.

Barker said Tech is now at his target fighting weight of 55 pounds.

Tech XIX, used at Tech's sporting events and for other activities as a morale booster and a symbol of Tech pride, was not too sporting because of the extra pounds.

Barker said Tech has always been an active dog, just not always in public.

"People may not usually see how energetic of a dog he is because he tends to be overly professional at games," Barker said.

"At home, he is an extremely energetic and playful dog. He likes to play chase with my kids."

The American Kennel Club, considers Tech XIX a non-sporting dog, but he should be able to sport around campus better than he has in the recent past at his objective weight, McKinna Dartez, leader of the K-9 unit for the Bulldog Corps and a junior professional aviation major, said.

Dartez said, "[Losing weight] is good for his future because it is sure to add years to his life."

English Bulldogs were originally bred for use as sporting dogs in Great Britain hundreds of years ago.

The dogs, which weighed between 40 and 50 pounds, were used to bait bulls and bears in the 1500s.

But, when this sport went out of style, the bulldog became a dog to fight.

Its powerful jaws can lock together hold opposing dogs in place.

From fighting to families, the bulldog became what it is known for today, as a pet, because of its good disposition.

The bulldog's temperament has also led it to become Great Britain's mascot, as well as the mascot for the British navy.