RIP UGA VII

If you’re not a fan of college football, this story probably flew under your radar. Last week, the University of Georgia’s beloved bulldog mascot passed away at the young age of 4. UGA VII, was on the job for just two short seasons but touched the hearts of Georgia students, faculty, and fans. He led the Bulldogs to a 16-7 record while patrolling the sidelines.

UGA VII was much more than a symbol representing the school, he was also a beloved family pet and friend. His impact could be seen by the countless flowers and cards that were brought to the game in Athens on Saturday night. The University memorialized UGA prior to the game in a ceremony that touched the hearts of everyone in the stadium. They left his jersey and collar on his crate inside the stadium and will not replace him on the sidelines until next season. He was buried next to his father UGA VI in Sanford Stadium in a private ceremony prior to the game.

Having an English Bulldog patrolling the sidelines has been a tradition for decades at the University of Georgia. The responsibility for care has been at the hands of Sonny Seiller for the past 50 years. These bulldogs are treated like members of the team and are given a jersey made out of the same material the players wear and carries an official student ID card. They travel in style in a custom air conditioned dog house while sitting on a bag of ice to prevent heat stroke that bulldogs are prone to acquire. There is even a cheer that students sing in their honor called “Damn Good Dog!”.

As anyone who has lost a dog can attest to, it’s a difficult time that can bring an emotional pain that only a true friend could trigger. It was great though to see how many people one dog could touch in such a large community. Besides the outpouring of support on the campus and in the University of Georgia community, there have been numerous online memorials and tribute videos placed online.

In lieu of flowers and cards, the owners of UGA VII requested donations be made to the College of Veterinary Medicine in his honor.

Here is also a nice piece from OnlineAthens.com about UGA’s passing.

November 24, 2009