Mike Zarrilli, Getty Images
The purebred pup's death is attributed to heart-related causes and took everyone by surprise, including his owner, Frank "Sonny" Seiler. "We are all in a state of shock," Seiler said on the University's athletics Web site, georgiadogs.com. "We had no warning whatsoever."
This weekend, there will be no live mascot at the game. Rather, a wreath will hang on Uga's doghouse on the north sideline. The University doesn't expect to choose a replacement until next year.
Mike Zarrilli, Getty Images
Uga VII, whose given name was Loran's Best, took over for his father, Uga VI, who died of congestive heart failure. University officials have released statements about the sudden passing, including University of Georgia President Michael F. Adams, who said on the University's Web site, "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 first Uga was Hood's Ole Dan, who walked the sidelines from 1956-1967 and wore out countless jerseys, according to the University's Web site.
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rest in peace lorans best, uga vii, when you get to heaven, look god in the eye and say "how 'bout them dawgs" !!!!!
Just wanted to say I am sorry. I have been wanting an English bulldog so much. I know why they are so expensive, and believe me I would have one if I could afford to buy one. Be at rest my little friend...kisses....
We are Gator fan's , but we do have GA Bulls Dogs fan in family to and we are deeply sorry for the loose of UGA VII. we kow whats it like to lose a special friend. rest in peace, maybe you and our Dog springer will share a treat in Doggie Heaven.
No wonder we suck so bad this year, "dogs sick". - Well that and
a inconsistent defense with poor secondary covereage,and the seeming inability to make adjusments quickly . a quarterback that likes to choke under pressure. And a coach who is a very nice man, but kind of stoic who lacks the ability to produce a champion level sec football team even though we are chock full o talent. We are going to loose to tech this coming week to cap off one of the worst seasons in recent memory. that loss I personally find particularly embarrassing because of the high school triple option offense that they will run - so everyone in the stadium will know the play ahead of time but we will be unable to stop. It was hard to watch the absolute embarrassing meltdown against Kentucky last nite, who did a fine job with less talent. A meltdown that i might add was not the fault of Willie Martinez, everyone contributed from top down. We should probably just sweep this season under the rug, get a new dog, a new quarteback, and think long and hard about our leadership.
I am in no way a Georgia Bulldog's fan nor will I ever be but I have suffered their same greif as well in the recent past as one of the greatest teams in college football history the "TENNESSE VOLS" mascots died a few years back and it was a sad time for all "VOLUNTEER" fans, but as a fan of the best conference in all of college sports {the "SEC"} I do feel for their loss!! Gods speed to you UGA VII, rest in peace and tell Smoky I said hey!!!
I am not a Georgia Bulldogs fan, but I am sadden by this. I know Uga VII is in heaven and will have treat and be w/all of our animals that have gone before him.
I know they will replace him next year, but he will never be forgotten.
I will pray for the owners, fans and the UGA and their students over the lost of Uga VII. I am a USC Gamecocks fan. Peace be with you always.
This is VERY sad! Why on earth would someone breed a dog with heart failure? Its CONGENITAL!!!!!!! Also maybe they didnt know this father had heart failure until it was too late and they had already bred him, but that is still irresponsible. With Bulldogs being one of the most genetically unsound purebreds out there they should have run multiple test on but the sire and dam before breeding. Dog breeding makes me sick and should be regulated. This is still very sad, and I feel for his family and all the fans out there. Please breed responsibly and R.I.P. Uga VII!
I was thinking the same thing, especially when I saw the age of the dog. No one even seemed to notice this otherwise healthy dog died at age 3, as if it's a normal thing. Someone didn't care about these dogs, only their 5 minutes of fame.
How sad! Shame on AKC and their stupidity of micro-breeding to find what they feel is "perfection". Due to this, nowadays pure bred dogs are the most expensive (vet bills) one can own. They've bred a lot of breeds that do not even LOOK like their ancesters! Look at the collie ... collies FOREVER had heavy tipped ears, now they "train" their ears to look so weird it's abnormal. Look at German Shepards! They are related to the wolf, sure, but THEY never looked like they crouched all the time as AKC requires them to. They have tried to micro breed for so long, they have absolutely caused all sorts of genetic defects and problems in these beautiful breeds of dogs ... which totally includes the bulldog! Thankfully, there is another fast "upcoming" registration that is allowing purebred dogs to be what they are SUPPOSED to be! Annette Willis
Why so judgemental? If we quit breeding humans because of imperfections, would there be another generation? Heil Hitler!?
This is so sad. I remember the first UGA (he looked just like Dean Tate). He was a "Damn Good Dawg" and when he retired, there was a ceremony during halftime in the stadium and he was presented with his very own fire hydrant! My sympathy goes out to UGA VII;s family and team.
From a University of Pittsburgh alumni and Pitt Pather fan, my deepest sympathy to the Univ of Georgia. We lost our wonderful labrador - Scooter in January to cancer, who was also 4 years old. An early death of a loved dog is hard to take, and we still grieve for her.
Art Fox, Pittsburgh, PA.
Our President has stated that we as a nation we need to get away from organized sporting events and worry more about our fate as a nation. Plus not wasting oil and gas driving to these events or on vacations. Obviously all the neo con right-wingers ignore this; all of my Progressive acquaintances follow our Leader. Shame on you.
Gerald - How terribly inappropriate to post that here. This is an article about people being upset by the loss of a beloved mascot not a reason to spout out political statements. And, aside from anything political, sports are a part of our nations pasttime and one of the VERY FEW things that can bring complete strangers together.
As a pet owner and dog lover I understand the pain of losing a pet but please do NOT take this out of context Lorans Best was first and foremost an living breathing dog a pet a friend a family member his role was that of a mascot. I am sorry that such a devted friend and mascot has passed away. Rest In Peace Lorans Best. I am sure he will watch over the team. Thanks for all the happiness you brought to millions of people.
I live in the heart of Gator country, in Jacksonville, but have several neighbor's who live and breathe Bulldog blood. All we can do is wish them well, and Uga? We'll see you in heaven, on the OTHER sideline! lol
So sorry for your loss. I had an English bulldog years ago named ELI- yes, I live in New Haven, CT home of YALE! While Eli was not their mascot, he could have been. He lived to be 13 years old because he was exercised and fed a balanced diet and was NOT allowed to get fat like so many English Bulldog owners allow their dogs to do. Uga is in doggy heaven now with his relatives where I am sure he is performing right now!
My husband played football for the gators in the 60s, but one must always respect the passing of a beloved pet, mascot or not. I'll never get over the loss of my pets and hope there is a doggy heaven where we'll all meet some day.
My family are Florida Gators and (some) transplanted to Texas Longhorns...As animal lovers, members of PITA & totally involved with NCAA football ~ we feel your pain at all levels.. this news makes us extremely sad. Uga VII was still just a pup...but Georgia, your tradition goes on...welcome Uga VIII next season with open arms...Good Luck to ya'!
That bull dog is probably so high-bred that it has all sorts of problems, even such things as heart problems. They need to start over and get a different mascot and change the name of the team. Something like the Georgia Geodes. Then they could get a pet rock that would last for years. By the way, what do they do with the dead dog. Is he buried at a secret location?