Uga VII has arrived, named ‘Loran’s Best’

Sound the trumpets and roll out the red carpet. The new Uga has arrived and his name is “Loran’s Best.”

Uga VII was officially named Friday and will make his public debut before Saturday’s game against Georgia Southern. The dog, who is nearly 3 years old, will be escorted onto the field by the Seiler family, who has owned the continuous line of mascots since Uga I took up the mantle in 1956.

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University of Georgia

‘Loran’s Best,’ Uga VII, succeeds his father, Uga VI, as Georgia’s mascot.

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• Photos: Uga VII, other famous bulldogs
• More on UGA's mascot

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At 56-1/2 pounds, Uga VII succeeds his father, Uga VI, who died of heart failure in June. He is second only to Uga VI as the biggest mascot in the line.

Sonny Seiler, the dog’s owner, said “Loran’s Best” was one of three bulldogs considered for the gig. This bulldog won out because he had everything the Seilers were looking for.

“He had all the qualities physically,” Seiler said. “He had the demeanor. He’s the spitting image of his father.

“We think the fans will be pleased. A lot of them were expecting to see a little ball of fur, but we didn’t want to do that.”

Swann Seiler, Sonny’s daughter, said Uga VII likes to play with his toys, has a black kitty and loves his backyard.

“He’s already a family pet,” she said. “He’s what a bulldog should be. He’s a good dog.”

Swann said she thinks the new Uga is ready for his big debut in front of the Bulldog faithful.

“He did well on the car ride,” she said. “He knows something’s happening and we think he’s excited. He doesn’t mind being on a leash. He likes to be petted. If you pet him, he’ll raise his hand.”

Though they were only able to see a photograph, some Georgia fans can already sense the new Uga’s spirit.

“He looks a little bit more chipper than the other one,” LaRita Magby, 51, said.

Uga VII is named after longtime Georgia sideline reporter Loran Smith.

UgaVI, the winningest dog to date, died of heart failure in June. The Georgia football team compiled a record of 87 wins and 27 losses, captured the 2002 and 2005 SEC championships, and won seven of nine bowl games during Uga VI’s nine-year reign.

The first Uga, Hood’s Ole Dan, was named in 1956 and was given to Cecelia Seiler by a friend, Frank Heard of Columbus. After 10 years of service and a record of 53-48-6, Uga I was succeeded by his son, Ole Dan’s Uga. The Bulldogs went 42-16-3, won two SEC championships and played in five bowl games under Uga II’s watch.

Uga III closed out his six-year stint with a national championship and a record of 71-32-2. He retired on the 100th football game of his career and died weeks later.

Dubbed as the “Dog of the Decade,” Uga IV accompanied Herschel Walker to the Heisman Trophy ceremony and was given the highest honor available to UGA mascots — the Georgia varsity letter. During his eight-year career, the Bulldogs compiled a record of 77-27-4.

Uga V (65-39-1) took over for his father, Uga IV, in 1990, and graced the cover of the April 28, 1997 “Sports Illustrated,” which named him the nation’s best college mascot. He also appeared in Clint Eastwood’s “Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil.”