Uga VII Has Unexpectedly Died
University of Georgia student Haley Baggerley with Uga VII in an undated photo. (Courtesy: Haley Baggerley)
ATHENS, GA (WUOG) – The University of Georgia’s famous bulldog mascot Uga VII passed away Thursday morning unexpectedly at home in Savannah.
The dog died of a heart-related causes, according to owner Frank W. “Sonny” Seiler in a press release posted Thursday evening on the University’s Web site.
“We are all in a state of shock,” said Seiler.“We had no warning whatsoever.”
There will be no live mascot at Georgia’s game on Saturday but a wreath will be placed on Uga VII’s doghouse on the north sideline.
Uga VII, named “Loran’s Best” after the Georgia Athletic Association’s Loran Smith, was four years old and was in the midst of serving as mascot for the Bulldawgs for his second season.
“He was 10-3 last year which is not bad for a ‘freshman,’” said Seiler.“Uga VII was not as active or mischievous as his father but more distinguished.He realized his role when he put his shirt on.He was well-behaved and always appreciated the significance of his role.”
“This is a very sad day for the Seiler family but also for all Georgia people,” said Damon Evans, UGA Director of Athletics.“Just as his ancestors, he had captured the hearts of college football fans everywhere as the country’s number one mascot.He had been truly embraced by all those who follow the Georgia Bulldogs across the country.We will miss him dearly.”
A replacement is not expected to be announced until next year.
Following news of Uga’s death, three UGA students made a Facebook event calling for “e entire Bulldog Nation to wear black to mourn the loss of our loyal friend” during Saturday night’s football game (a matchup against Kentucky to be carried on the ABC television network at 8 p.m. et).
As of late Thursday evening, over 850 students were registered as “confirmed guests” of the event, meaning they are pledging to wear black on Saturday.
“Our hearts go out to the Seilers and the entire Bulldog Nation at this unexpected loss,” stated University of Georgia President Michael F. Adams.“Uga VII was both a family pet and a symbol for millions of fans, and besides that he was just a sweet dog.We will miss him.”
The College of Veterinary Medicine is saddened by the sudden loss of our dear friend and mascot,” Uga VII,” said Dr. Sheila W. Allen, dean of the College, and Dr. R. Bruce Hollett, personal faculty veterinarian for Uga VII. “His playful personality and winning spirit will be missed by all of us at the veterinary college, and all of us at the University of Georgia. The Seilers are long-time friends of the University, and we share in their grief.”
Uga VII was originally introduced to the Athens community on August 30, 2008 during a game against Georgia Southern.
The Red and Black reports the 56 and one half pound dog was the second biggest mascot in the university’s history, only behind Uga VI.
UGA has posted multimedia links on its Web site of the mascot during the past two years.
Stay with WUOG.org/news and 90.5 FM for the latest on this breaking report.
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