Tech XX dies of heat stroke - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

RUSTON, La. (KNOE 8 News) - A well loved 4-year-old Louisiana Tech mascot is dead. The English bulldog known as "Tech XX" or "L. T" lost his life after a heat stroke. The dog's body is in the hands of one of his caretakers, Patrick Sexton.

Louisiana Tech is planning a memorial service that could take place as early as next week. But this tragic lost has some in the community with raised eyebrows.

"It is preventable. So, let's prevent it from ever happening again," Animal Activist Pam Miller said.

Miller is barking mad over the loss of 4-year-old dog.

"An investigation needs to be made on what the circumstances were for the dog to become that hot," Miller said.

The English bulldog served as the live mascot for the university in Ruston. A school spokesman sent out an e-mail with a message from Patrick Sexton, one of the dog's main caretakers. He says one his former workers at his animal health center about 4 miles away from campus, left "Tech XX" out in the blazing heat too long this past Sunday.

The bulldog then died of a heat stroke and the former worker tried to cover it up.

"With a bulldog, you can't miss the drooling, they're a wet mouth dog anyway, the large tongue, the heavy panting," Miller said.

In a previous interview with us, Sexton said "Tech XX" typically stretched his legs in a general open area, without shade. He also said the dog never liked to stay outside for a long time especially if it was a hot day.

An activist believes that's not such a great idea.

"You wouldn't put your child out there, so don't do that to your animal," Miller said.

The bulldog was first reported missing back on Sunday afternoon, after "Tech XX" allegedly went on a potty break. There were dozens of volunteers searching for him. There was even a $2,000 reward out for his safe return.