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Reuben the Bulldog supports veterans, Jacksonville art project during visit

Daily News - 11/9/2019

Nov. 9--While in Jacksonville Saturday to show his support for veterans, Reuben the Bulldog gave his approval to the new bulldog in town.

Reuben, who lives with his family in Wilmington, has gained social media fame with more than 125,000 YouTube subscribers and made debut public appearance at Jacksonville's Veterans Parade.

"We're excited to be here and happy to support our veterans in any way, shape or form," said Mike Melnotte, Reuben's human partner.

Reuben isn't military-connected like another famous bulldog, Marine mascot Chesty, but Melnotte said he might have a few Marine qualities.

"He's really a big chicken but he'll go after food and attention. From a determination standpoint, he's very much like a Marine," Melnotte joked.

During his ride in Saturday's Veterans Day Parade Reuben shared the spotlight with another bulldog: a statue of a bulldog dressed in Marine uniform.

The bulldog mascot will soon be installed at Jacksonville City Hall and is the first statue unveiled for the new Jacksonville Onslow Council for the Arts public art project.

"I think it is amazing," arts council Executive Director Noah White said of the statue as he boarded the float. "This is a good way to start publicizing this public art project and to build support for the many arts council programs as well."

Organizations and businesses can choose from a selection of bulldogs painted by area artists or request customized options, though business logos and promotions are not permitted.

The mascot statues range in price from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the size purchased. A portion of the proceeds will fund the Jacksonville-Onslow Council for the Arts Cultural Arts Scholarship.

Jacksonville High School art teacher Bernie Rosage Jr. has painted the first statue and is proud to see another public art opportunity in the community.

"I am excited that Jacksonville has started another chapter in their public art series," Rosage said. "I was fortunate enough to work with Jeremy Sams on the mural project and now the city sculpture series. I am honored to paint the first bulldog in the sculpture series. I feel the bulldog is a superb choice for our city mascot due to our ties to the Marine Corps. I look forward to seeing all the artistic bulldog creations to follow.

For more information about the bulldog project, visit jaxarts.com/mascots/

Melnotte said they were proud to be invited to participate in Jacksonville's Veterans Tribute weekend to honor area veterans and help share the news about the arts council's bulldog project.

While the Reuben the Bulldog YouTube channel has been a fun, family-friendly creative outlet for him, Melnotte said he and his wife, Carol, saw first-hand the support and graciousness of the military community.

When he posted on the YouTube that Reuben would be participating in the parade, they received gift packages from military families for Reuben, including blankets and challenge coins and a Marine Corps charm he wore on his collar.

"It was very special and it makes us think about how much the families give to support those who are serving," Melnotte said.

And before he headed off for his first parade, Reuben gave a sniff of approval to his bulldog buddy on board the float.

"I think he's a Chesty wanna-be," Melnotte said.

Reuben can be found on You Tube at youtube.com/channel/UCVaJefqDN0Ekmo1ctkS5Qgw

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Reporter Jannette Pippin can be reached at 910-382-2557 or Jannette.Pippin@JDNews.com.

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