T-Bone, the Pace mascot, placed second in the “Best Mascot” category in the Inaugural World Dog Awards on Jan. 15.

The World Dog Awards are an award show hosted by the CW Network to recognize star dogs, everyday dogs, and dogs that became famous through social media. Comedian George Lopez hosted with other celebrities making appearances such as Paris Hilton and Terrell Owens.

The Milwaukee Brewers’ acclaimed mascot Hank took home the Dog of the Year Award.

As a first time nominee, Pace tried their best to gain attention through social media.

“I am thrilled because whoever is the mascot works very hard to engage students,” Assistant Dean for Goldstein Academic Center Eileen Murphy said. “It is not an easy job and I don’t believe majority of students or people understand what goes into being a mascot.”

According to the Pace Athletics website, T-Bone went up against some tough competition, facing mascots from the University of Connecticut, Mississippi State, the University of Georgia, and the University of Tennessee.

At the collegiate level, T-Bone lost to the University of Tennessee’s mascot Junior Smokey (a Bluetick Coonhound).

“It’s something to be proud of. It means that our school has a lot of pride and cares about its mascot,” junior Brittani Muller said. “Not only were [teammates] all willing to actively follow the DOG awards, but the people inside the mascot gave it life, making us all want to follow its journey to receiving second place.”

Pace athletes and the athletics department are proud of the accomplishment and think T-Bone represents Pace and its pride well.

“I do think he represents the school well!” Muller said. “Although the mascot is usually just an athletics thing, he makes appearances at non-athletic events as well, showing that there’s more to a university than just their athletic standing.”

The ASPCA and the Pedigree Foundation aided the World Dog Awards.