The University of Georgia’s newest mascot, Uga VII, died suddenly Thursday afternoon of heart-related causes, said owner Frank W. “Sonny” Seiler in a release.
Uga VII was four years old and only in his second season as mascot.
“We are all in a state of shock,” said owner Seiler. “We had no warning whatsoever.”
In honor of the beloved mascot’s passing, the school will place a memorial wreath on Uga VII’s doghouse at this Saturday’s game against Kentucky. The house stands on the north side line of the field. There will be no live mascot at the game.
Uga VII, named "Loran's Best," made his sideline debut Aug. 30, 2008, at the season opener game against Georgia Southern.
“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.”
Georgia’s athletic director Damon Evans spoke for a community of Bulldog fans who will mourn the loss of the school’s latest mascot: “This is a very sad day for the Seiler family, but also for all Georgia people.
“Just as his ancestors, he had captured the hearts of college football fans everywhere in the country 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.”
Seiler said there were options available for Uga VII's replacement, but no final determination would be made until sometime next year.
Since 1956, the University of Georgia's mascot has come from a line of solid-white English bulldogs named Uga, owned by Sonny and Cecelia Seiler of Savannah.
The previous University of Georgia mascot, Uga VI, died June 27, 2008.
