A Sad Day for the Bulldog Nation

Uga VI passed away from congestive heart failure. I remember when he was introduced as Uga V's successor during the fall of my freshman year at Georgia. He was just 1 year old then....what a good dog. I realize that it is a bit ridiculous, but I have tears pooling up in my eyes. I know that there were 5 Ugas before him, but since he was there basically the whole time I was in school...and started his reign right when I started....I felt like he was mine. :) I hope the students are able to take part in his burial in the stadium if they wish....I'm not sure how they'll do it since it is summer.

Here is the article that has already been published about his death.

Uga VI dies

University of Georgia mascot passes away from heart failure

Tribune wire reports

3:35 PM CDT, June 28, 2008

Uga VI, the bulldog that represented the University of Georgia during two Southeastern Conference football championships, died from congestive heart failure at his home in Savannah, the dog's owner said Saturday.

At 65 pounds, Uga VI was the largest of the English bulldogs that have represented the school. University officials said the football team also had the winningest record under his nearly 10-year tenure at 87-27. Uga was known for stalking the sidelines in a shirt with a 'G' on it. During hot football games, Uga would sometimes take a break on a bag of ice.

"He was a good one," owner Frank W. "Sonny" Seiler said in a news release issued by the university. "What can I say? He had a marvelous record. He was a very strong and healthy dog. He was the biggest of all the dogs, and he had the biggest heart. It just played out."

Seiler said he noticed that the 9-year-old dog was breathing heavily at his home Friday night. He gave the dog a bath to cool him off and then headed to his veterinarian where he said the dog "died peacefully."

Uga VI became the school's mascot in 1999. He was the son of Uga V, the only college mascot to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. He was only 1-year-old when he replaced his father as the public face of the university's athletics.

Uga will be buried in a vault in the Southwest corner of Sanford Stadium, where the Bulldogs play their home games, with his predecessors. Private ceremonies are expected early next week.

A successor to Uga VI will be announced at a later date.

University of Georgia Athletic Director Damon Evans called it "a sad day for the entire Bulldog nation."

Exciting Day & My UGA Football Book

I've been up since about 4:00 am. My mind was racing with too many things I had to get done, remember to pack, etc. (and I needed a snack!) Today is June 6th, also known as the day of Grant and Carrie's rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, bridesmaid's luncheon, manicures/pedicures, and lots and lots of family and friends getting into Cartersville. I am sitting here, barefoot, in the dress I'm wearing to the luncheon, but have yet to do my hair or makeup. I've still got a little bit of time and needed to do a little work before things get too hectic.

Some of you may know how excited I was several months ago that I was asked to design a book on Georgia football! Well, I just sent in the files to go to press this morning. I'm pleased with the way it turned out and look forward to seeing the book in print. If you are in the GA area, keep your eyes peeled at your favorite bookstore! Here is a jpeg of the dustjacket. :)


I'm sure I'll be posting a lot more pictures of weekend events in the near future! Fun times!