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Uga VI interred at stadium

Associated Press
Originally published 02:11 p.m., July 1, 2008
Updated 02:11 p.m., July 1, 2008

ATHENS, Ga. — Uga VI, mascot for Georgia football teams that won six bowl games among 87 victories over a nine-year span, was interred at the university’s football stadium on Monday in a mausoleum with the remains of five predecessors.

Uga VI died from heart failure Friday in his hometown of Savannah. The body of the English bulldog, whose registered name was Uga V’s Whatchagot Loran, was flown to Athens along with his master’s family in the university plane.

The body was carried inside Uga’s kennel on the back of a golf cart across the field at Sanford Stadium on Monday afternoon accompanied by the song, “The Battle Hymn of the Bulldog Nation,” which is played before Georgia football games.

“There are probably some who think it odd to pay this much attention to an animal, a puppy, a dog,” university president Michael Adams told the gathering. “I would suggest to you that Uga is a very powerful symbol, symbolism of the tenacity and strength of the university, Uga VI, particularly.”

The Rev. Claude McBride of Athens, a Baptist preacher and former football team chaplain, offered words of gratitude and appreciation to the family of Savannah lawyer Frank “Sonny” Seiler, which has provided Georgia’s bulldog mascots since 1956. He then offered a prayer, which he ended with, “Sic ’em, Uga. Woof, woof! Amen.”

Dan Magill, long a part of the university’s athletic program as sports information director and tennis coach, recalled how the first Uga was chosen.

“We had an old brindle bulldog before that and he died. Coach (Wally) Butts told me to find another one,” Magill said.

“Sonny was working in the ticket office at the time and his wife happened to have a bulldog puppy, the grandson of our Rose Bowl dog. I went and saw it and thought it looked like a fine dog.”

After the ceremony, Seiler reminisced about the dog.

Uga VI was “by far the biggest” of the Ugas, Seiler said. “None of his wardrobe would fit. We had to make all new clothes. He was big, he was kind, and he had a great big heart, which finally played out. I never saw him get out of sorts.”

A successor will be announced at a later date, the Seiler family and the university’s athletic association announced.

© 2008, The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

       62 Comments

Posted by FLVol on July 1, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have seen enough articles about Georgia. Too bad about their dawg but who cares this is a TN site not a Georgia site.

Posted by auttat on July 1, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought UT buried a bunch of dawgs in Athens in '06.

Posted by Tenn_Dawg on July 1, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

auttat,

Yes they did....I saw it with my own eyes. Worse game I have ever attended.

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 1, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just heard that TDTN went over to the GA boards to laugh at their mut dropping dead and was thrown off their boards too. The guy has issues.

Posted by VOLS85 on July 1, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

...and then we covered the dawg's tomb in cement in 2007 at Neyland...

Posted by Col26Ca on July 1, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Been off for a while, what did TDTN do to get thrown off this site. I enjoyed in mostly stupid comments.

Posted by mtnsvol44 on July 1, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Question-how do you embalm a bulldog? If not embalmed how do they keep down the, er, odor?

Posted by ads on July 1, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Interred at the stadium ?!?!? Let me say this loud and clear: UGA VI was a dog.

Posted by BSweet on July 1, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Okay, I can agree with you all that this isn't really a sports story that needs to be on GVX, but despite that, it's sad. Uga was a beautiful dog and my heart goes out to the owner(s). Now I'm not quite PETA/vegan animal crazy, but I do consider myself a lover of animals. To me, there is something quite amazing about these animal mascots that represent such great sports history. Think of the significance of Smoky to us, well at least some of us. But on the flip side they are also someone's loving pet. Make all the jokes that you will, but I still think it's sad.

Posted by LanceR24 on July 1, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ya he was a dog but people have a freakin heart, this was somebody's dog that died. would you want anyone making fun of you about your dog dying? seriously if this was your dog or smokey you guys would not be acting this childish.

Posted by volnbig11land on July 1, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry to hear about their mascot as I know how much we care about Smokey.

On a different note, wonder how long it will take johnny to write one of his unbiased articles calling for richt's job:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/st...

Posted by Chartervol on July 1, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Uga is overrated.

Posted by brownsvillevol on July 1, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i remember all of my beloved dogs deaths and it saddens me to this day. he may have been an opposing teams mascott but he was still loved by many. my heatfelt sentiment goes out to them.

Posted by Tenn_Dawg on July 1, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Interred at the stadium ?!?!? Let me say this loud and clear: UGA VI was a dog."

All the UGAs have been buried in a memorial in the stadium so this was nothing new for this particular dog. I think Georgia is the only school that does this for its live mascots. Some may think that is wierd and some may think it is neat but that is the way they do it. I agree with most thought in that it is not really much of a news story but for some reason people from all over are drawn to that dog. As far as a dog goes he was a beautiful dog with a lot of personality. It beats having a guy run around in a very cheesy tree costume like Stanford. What can you say...down south we love our Bill of Rights, our beverages, our women, our pets and most importantly our football!!!

Posted by utchris2003 on July 1, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would take Smokey over UGA any day of the week.

Posted by VolPride_13 on July 1, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Man, we owned Georgia during that Dog's rein!!
Hopefully we will own the new one, lol!!!
Go Smokey!!

Posted by marinevol on July 1, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Uga was perhaps the most likeable representative of the University of Georgia, besides being the best looking and the smartest. He just never really recovered from that beat-down in Knoxville last year.

Posted by cjraney on July 1, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Anybody know what happens to our Smokeys when they can only bite Bammer players in doggie heaven?

I personally like the stadium burial.

Posted by volster on July 1, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Uga was supposedly tormented by flea infestation he contracted from the Georgia cheerleaders, leading many to conclude that his death was a blessing.

Posted by BigOrangeVol on July 1, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree BSweet! We've had a Smokey on our sidelines since 1953. I hurt for the Brooks and Hudson families with every one we've lost. It was terrible when Smokey VI died from the heat exhaustion he suffered at the '91 UCLA game. Big-hearted Smokey VIII battled nasal cancer for almost 2½ years beating his expected prognosis by a year and a half. As fans we really get attached to these animals and my favorites were Smokey III, Smokey VI and Smokey VIII.

Smokey: 10-10-1 record (47.6%).
Smokey II: 58-36-5 (58.6%) & 1 SEC Title.
Smokey III: 106-40-5 record (70.2%), 2 SEC Championships and a National Championship.
Smokey IV: 12-10-1 (52.2%).
Smokey V: 28-18-1 (59.6%).
Smokey VI: 67-24-6 (69.1%) & 3 SEC Championships.
Smokey VII: 27-9 (75%) Was doing great except for biting the same Tuba player in consecutive games. Maybe we should have gotten rid of the Tuba player instead!
Smokey VIII: 91-22 (80.5%), 2 Eastern Divisional Championships, 2 SEC Championships and a National Championship.
Smokey IX: 34-17 (66.6%), 2 Eastern Divisional Championships.

So laugh if you must but UGA is just as special to Georgia fans as Smokey is to us.
R.I.P. UGA VI.

Posted by smalltownsouthernman on July 1, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"He then offered a prayer, which he ended with, “Sic ’em, Uga. Woof, woof! Amen.”"

That is absolutely the stupidest thing I have ever read.

These Georgia people have such a complex because their history/traditions aren't cool or unique. There are a million schools called the freakin bulldogs.

Tennessee = The Hill, Rocky Top, Peyton Manning, running through the T, Neyland Stadium

Georgia = a bunch of idiots barking like an overweight dog that could NEVER tree a coon.

Posted by GoVol on July 1, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess he 'hunkered down' one too many times! Bulldog fans don't realize how stupid they really sound when they yell this during games...what idiots!

Posted by GoVol on July 1, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GenFrit/TDTN - we all know you are one in the same, so why try and make it look differently sometimes?

Gen Frit when on meds
TDTN when off meds

Posted by TommyJack on July 1, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GoVol: Really?

The dog was a dawg. Period.

Posted by ladivolfan on July 1, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First of all, shut up.
Second of all, volster, that was hilarious. Lastly, this dog was obedient and only wanted to please; my heart goes out to the owners.

Posted by BigOrangeVol on July 1, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

STSM, just because you don't know what the traditions are at other schools doesn't mean that they don't have any.

UGA: Uga; silver britches; Glory, Glory; G on the helmet; The Hedges; Redcoat Band; Sanford Stadium; The Chapel Bell; Herschel Walker; Larry Munson; Fran Tarkington; The Arch...
Ok, Uga couldn't tree a coon but I bet Smokey couldn't take down a bull or bear either. Smokey did lay the wood to Uga's behind 9 years in a row though.

Posted by cocacolakid on July 1, 2008 at 5:25 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by andefromtn on July 1, 2008 at 5:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was born in GA. I was raised and live in TN. I cheer for TN, then GA followed by other SEC teams. UGA was loved by thousands of people, he wasn't just a family pet, he was the pet of the University of GA and it's fans. I love Smokey and I love to see him howl during games and I would be sadden if something happend to him.

I actually like the fact that the KNS has news from all SEC schools. So easy up on the ugly comments. Go Vols, Go Dawgs.

Posted by volster on July 1, 2008 at 6:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Marine, I can agree with you that UGA was the best looking representative of the University of Georgia, and there is no doubt that he was the smartest representive of the University (maybe the entire state), but I never really thought he was that likeable. I mean all he ever did was sit there and drool, sort of like the Georgia football players.

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on July 1, 2008 at 6:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry that their dog died. I know I'd be inconsolable if mine died. Wasn't he the one that bit the Auburn player on the sideline? Now that is how a mascot dog is supposed to act!

On another note, where's the football news? I guess there just isn't any. I noticed that Aubrey Phillips got upgraded on Rivals from unrated to a 3 star since the last time I was on there. Now the only unrated player we have in our class is JerQuari Schofield, but I think his stock will rise once he goes to a few more camps.

Posted by volster on July 1, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cocacolakid, when you call people inbred, just remember there's a reason the movie "Deliverance" was filmed in Georgia. Sorry about your mangey dog.

Posted by marinevol on July 1, 2008 at 6:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volster, I don't thik Uga drooled as much as most Georia fans. He certainly seemed to understand the game better. I say he was likeable because he was the least obnoxious Georgia fan in the stadium.

Posted by cjraney on July 1, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Anyone know where our departed Smokeys go to rest?

Posted by volster on July 1, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well Marine, you make a good point. I guess we would have to apply the Georgia standard of likeability, whereby any absence of obnoxiousness renders one likeable.

Posted by supersmo18 on July 1, 2008 at 6:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok, so, I'm not one to always come in here and say something nice, especially about the likes of our rivals... BUT... despite all the attention Uga VI's getting, he was a huge part of that university. We'd all be doing the same thing when Smokey IX goes, and I GUARANTEE you we all ALREADY did it when Smokey VIII died as well. Yeah, all in all he was just a dog, but have some respect. Geez...

Posted by marinevol on July 1, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Exactly, volster. How many other Georgia fans do you know that had an absence of obnoxiousness (is that really a word)? This could very well be the end of an era.

Posted by volster on July 1, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No doubt about it, Marine. The last possibly likeable Georgia fan has died. UGA's death will also cause a sharp drop in the average IQ of Georgia fans.

Posted by marinevol on July 1, 2008 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

He will be missed. Gotta go, duty calls. Been fun chatting with you volster. Semper fi.

Posted by volster on July 1, 2008 at 6:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Semper fi, Marine. Take care.

Posted by KingsportVol on July 1, 2008 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't fret Vol Nation. The real dog is alive and well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czyfws...

Posted by IBleedOrange444 on July 1, 2008 at 7:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've got some good friends that are UGA fans. Just b/c they pull for the wrong team doesn't mean they have to s_ck as human beings... now Florida fans on the other hand!

Just kidding there 99gator.

Posted by billnewton on July 1, 2008 at 8:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

He was a dog - and a great mascot. I hope we all respect UGA VI for what he was --- and Smokey as well. Sorry, but dogs, not DAWGS rule. Life would not be the same without a dog - bulldog or blue-tick or whatever your fav breed is.

Posted by BigOrangeVol on July 1, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Semper Fi my foot... HooYah baby!
The Teams rule! :-)

Posted by orange4ever on July 1, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Munson can stick that hobnailed boot up UGA's butt!!!

Posted by murrayvol on July 1, 2008 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This removes all doubt that we've entered the Dog Days of Summer. Maybe he could NEVER tree a coon smalltownsouthernman but he could drool a river.

RIP Uga.:(

Posted by gavol2572 on July 1, 2008 at 10:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WAIT!!!! hold the phone.... Its Fulmer's fault. I'm certain of it!!

Posted by LadyVolsEighTimes on July 2, 2008 at 12:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hubby has a huge hog, named it Krispy Kreame, and is hoping to get CPF to pose with it this year.

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 2, 2008 at 6:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry Kingsport, but Snoop ain't the real dog. The recently departed UGA isn't the real dog either. Here you go.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5dSPK...

Posted by pdhuff on July 2, 2008 at 7:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LadyVolsEigTimes-12:29 a little early before UCLA to be invoking the near-sacred K Kreme or glazed isn't it?

Maybe not.

While living in Ga, the sales rep for our box supplier had one of the Seiler puppies. $1250.00 I believe or thereabouts. Could slobber really good, though. Also she had a lab that retrieved UPS packages from other houses. Great lady, former Ga Gym Dog.

All dogs go to heaven.

Posted by givehim6 on July 2, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I heard Uga had a heart attack because he knew smoky was going to kick he's butt again!

Posted by marc_ash on July 2, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tenn_dawg,

"It beats having a guy run around in a very cheesy tree costume like Stanford. What can you say...down south we love our Bill of Rights, our beverages, our women, our pets and most importantly our football!!!"

Hahahaha, a cheesy tree...thats funny!

I'll take UGA's mascot any day over a hick with a role of toilet paper and a Tide boxes on a stick.

Posted by marc_ash on July 2, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bigorangevol,

Your 4:40 post was very well said...but I'm not sure where you were going saying Smokey couldn't bring down a bull or a bear. Contrary to what the breed was originally used for, the only thing UGA could successfully bring down would be the bag of ice he flops on during games.

I get your points though...RIP bulldog.

Posted by marc_ash on July 2, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

volster,

My better half is a Georgia girl and fan through and through, so I've be "edum-u-cated" by her on countless occasions about Georgia tradition. One of the things that they do at GA is interactive things with UGA. They take him to (somewhere) on campus and fans get to meet him, have pictures, etc. Not sure if other schools do that, but I know that at GA, it is a very hallowed tradition. I think the owners actually bring him up every weekend.....AND, if memory serves me correctly...they live 4-5 hours away ( I THINK in Savannah).

UGA is important to the university and he is loved by many. You have to admit...the UGA that almost bit the Auburn player may arguably be the most famous mascot ever. That image is at least forever etched in the memories of SEC fans. Too bad that wasn't vs a florida player....I'd quite possibly have that as a screen saver if it were ha.

Posted by Raynoch on July 2, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Texas A&M buries their Reveilles behind one of the end zones. They actually have a scoreboard that can be viewed from the pet cemetary so the dead Reveilles can keep up with the game. Now that is over the top.

Posted by webbofconfusion on July 2, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Fulmer get a raise.... and everyone raises he!! about UGA.

God Bless all our fallen loved ones.

Now on to Fulmer!

Posted by volboy81 on July 2, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

there were people dressed in SUITS who attended this dogs "funeral" at their stadium. GET A LIFE!!!! Since Uga died, the world is a prettier place!

Posted by pdhuff on July 2, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UGA was smarter than 2/3's of the fans in Athens.

I heard he choked when he heard Phil got a raise.

Posted by ETorange on July 2, 2008 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dawg Gone,I look forward to the Michael Adams , UGA and the State of Georgia house and senate in this "new " investigation. My guess is that(1) UGA ran out of water ( Tennessee's fault ).(2)UGA couldn't get over the snub of not playing for a national championship in football ( Tennessee's fault )(3)Felt quilty over being "whipped" by a less "quality" bulldog ( Fresno State' fault ).(4)All the football taem going to jail in Athens.(5) Just not as "pretty" as Richt and said to heck with it.

Posted by hcjournals on July 3, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

UGA was great. I used to like Georgia fans until they beat us after we had a 9 game winning streak. The worst fans I've ever seen after a win. But UGA was cool. Smokey is still the best, especially when he howls on the field. Nothing better. Everybody have a great 4th of July!

Posted by yabadabadoo1026 on July 5, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

you redneck lowlifes rejoicing /finding it amusing the death of UGA are pathetic

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