Uga VI: one last time between the hedges on his way to heaven.

I know people may say this is kind of stupid to be sad over, but I was on the verge of tears when I heard that Uga VI, the beloved mascot at the University of Georgia, died this weekend. He was over 10 years old (bulldogs don't usually live beyond that), and he was a full 20 pounds heavier than his father, so his passing away of a heart attack shouldn't have been a surprise.

But it was. I don't know if another Uga has died while "in office", but I still remember when Uga V passed the reins down to his son. I still stop and pet bulldogs every time I see them on the street, and I came thisclose to adopting one myself before I was lucky enough to rescue Colonel Mustard. Alumni of UGA always take pride in our mascot. Uga V was the first mascot to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated (after being named "Best Mascot" in the "America's Best Jock Schools" issue) and was in the movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" (his daddy, Uga IV, was in the book), Uga VI was the first bulldog to wear a black jersey, and Uga III was the first and only animal ever allowed into the athletic club that awards the Heisman Trophy. He was escorting Herschel Walker, after all. Finally, Uga, as well as his Daddy and Grandpappys, are the only mascots that are buried at the stadium for which they served. Funeral is tomorrow.

Uga VI's reign started my junior year of college - I can't believe it's been almost ten years since then. It's kind of the latest of so many things that have disappeared and made Athens nearly unrecognizable to those that remember the Glory Days: things like Vince Dooley, Keg Parties, Blue Sky, the Grit, Alcohol on North Campus on Game Day, Bid Day Insanity...and now Uga VI. Uga VII's got some big pawprints to fill. I know he'll do it.

I feel awful for the Seiler family, as they've always emphasized that above all, Uga is a member of their family. They may get great parking spaces and mentions in books like "Midnight", but they put up with a lot of gawkers and picture seekers - all because of their dog. Now they have to grieve their family member in public. I hope they are getting through this as best they can.

Good night Uga, you were a damn good dog. Go getcha some gator meat up in heaven.