UGA VI (pronounced Uh-Guh 6) died yesterday.  As a Bulldog (as in the University of GA) fan, it is a sad passing of a magnificant mascot for my favorite college team.

I had the honor of petting his massive head and being baptized with the slobbery kiss that only a dog of his breed can give.  They are wrinkled, massive, short legged, stubby tailed dogs whose heart is bigger than their body, filled with love and fiercely devoted.  They will defend their humans against any foe and will give unconditional love.  What an honor to be called a Bulldog.

I was at the game when he made his debut. He was only one year old but seemed to know his destiny.  He would run onto the field with a bunch of college guys dressed in red and black as 96,000 people screamed his name and barked and carried on something fierce.  He would know the comfort of an air conditioned DawgHouse on the field and could be seen lying on a large bag of ice when the temperature became unbearable in Sanford Stadium.  He was loved not only by Sonny and Cecelia Seiler (his human owners), but by every one who claimed to be a BullDawg fan.

He will be laid to rest in the East end of Sanford Stadium beside the other five bulldogs who went before him.  He will have a bronze plaque declaring his devotion and service for the past nine years.  Tears will be shed.

Rest well, UGA VI, you've served us with pride.

Comments:

Smokey says goodbye

comment by grumpy on June 30, 2008 8:51 PM ()

A flower wreath was sent by the Arkansas Razorback mascot. Touching. Smoky is a classy guy to send regards.Thanks.

reply by mzscarlett on June 30, 2008 9:00 PM ()

comment by troutbend on June 30, 2008 5:13 PM ()

yes, they can be quite gassy at times. But their sweetness overcomes that! I've owned one in my life and she was quite a "Damn Good Dawg".

reply by mzscarlett on June 30, 2008 8:20 PM ()

So sorry about UGA 6, but it sounds as though he had a good, long life. I've read about all the Bulldog mascots that you have had down there. I think I read that the first one was a family pet who was sort of "discovered" in a UGA t-shirt. Is that right?

comment by catdancer on June 30, 2008 4:33 PM ()

Yes, and all UGA's are decended directly from the first one. Sonny and Cecilia Siler from Savannah are the owners. When not at Sanford Stadium wearing his special jersy and living in the air conditioned dawg house, they have all been just pets for the Siler family. UGA V was in the movie "Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil". UGA VI was featured on Sports Illustrated as the Mascot of the Year. The UGA dawgs have come from the same linage for 50 years. Wonderful dogs, wonderful pets.

reply by mzscarlett on June 30, 2008 8:23 PM ()

All of us GA fans are sad today.

comment by gapeach on June 29, 2008 3:12 PM ()

Yep. That was one big wonderful dawg.

reply by mzscarlett on June 29, 2008 7:59 PM ()

comment by texastar on June 29, 2008 1:47 PM ()

reply by mzscarlett on June 29, 2008 7:58 PM ()

comment by honeybugg on June 29, 2008 1:03 PM ()

On one of the plaques honoring a past UGA it says it all: Damn Good Dog.

reply by mzscarlett on June 29, 2008 1:28 PM ()