MSU’s First Female Zeke the WonderDog Makes History

For the first time in program history, Zeke the WonderDog is female. She becomes the fifth Frisbee-catching dog to represent the Michigan State Spartans.

The History of MSU's Zeke the WonderDog

Ken Bayard YouTube Channel

Zeke the WonderDog has been a staple at Michigan State Spartans football games since the late 1970s. Over the past 49 years, five different Frisbee-catching dogs have performed under the Zeke the WonderDog name.

Ken Bayard YouTube Channel

The original Zeke the WonderDog was owned by a junior at Michigan State University who competed in disc-catching championships. When the Michigan State Spartans athletic department learned of the dog’s talent, they invited Zeke and his owner to perform at a Spartan football game, launching the tradition that continues today.

https://youtu.be/uLWvy-CBUrM?si=LDsxfbszrNA6oWjS

There have been a total of five Zeke the WonderDogs in total. In 1981, a chocolate Labrador named Keze entered a competition with more than 12,000 dogs and won the opportunity to perform that season. Tragically, Keze’s career at Michigan State University ended after the dog was struck by a vehicle.

There is now a new Zeke V and this one is making history.

Meet MSU’s New WonderDog, and She’s Making History

WOOD TV8 YouTube Channel

Zeke IV passed away on March 1, 2026, after serving the university for 10 years. Following his passing, MSU needed to select a successor, Zeke V. Fortunately, the dog's trainer already had a plan in place. The trainer had been working for seven years with a yellow Labrador named Cindy Lou, who was being prepared to take on the role.

WOOD TV8 YouTube Channel

According to WOOD-TV, handler Jim Foley trained the first female Zeke alongside Zeke IV and said she was ready from day one. In the upcoming football season, fans can look forward to seeing the first female Zeke the WonderDog catching frisbees on the MSU field.